Autologous tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) harvested directly from the infiltrate of a patient's tumor and treated with an inhibitor of the serine/threonine kinases Akt-1 and -2 (Akti-1/2) during ex vivo expansion, with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon reintroduction into the patient, the Akti-1/2-treated TILs recognize and kill cancer cells. Akt inhibition promotes the immunologic memory of the TILs and enhances their expansion, in vivo long-term persistence and antitumor activity.