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Valli D, Gruszka AM, Alcalay M. Has Drug Repurposing Fulfilled its Promise in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia? J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1892. [PMID: 32560371 PMCID: PMC7356362 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing is a method of drug discovery that consists of finding a new therapeutic context for an old drug. Compound identification arises from screening of large libraries of active compounds, through interrogating databases of cell line gene expression response upon treatment or by merging several types of information concerning disease-drug relationships. Although, there is a general consensus on the potential and advantages of this drug discovery modality, at the practical level to-date no non-anti-cancer repurposed compounds have been introduced into standard acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) management, albeit that preclinical validation yielded several candidates. The review presents the state-of-the-art drug repurposing approach in AML and poses the question of what has to be done in order to take a full advantage of it, both at the stage of screening design and later when progressing from the preclinical to the clinical phases of drug development. We argue that improvements are needed to model and read-out systems as well as to screening technologies, but also to more funding and trust in drug repurposing strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Valli
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20 139 Milan, Italy; (D.V.); (M.A.)
| | - Alicja M. Gruszka
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20 139 Milan, Italy; (D.V.); (M.A.)
| | - Myriam Alcalay
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20 139 Milan, Italy; (D.V.); (M.A.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20 122 Milan, Italy
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2
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Winer ES. Secondary Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Primary Challenge of Diagnosis and Treatment. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2020; 34:449-463. [PMID: 32089222 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML) is a complex diagnosis that includes AML caused by either an antecedent hematologic disease (AML-AHD) or from previous treatment with chemotherapy or radiation. This disease carries a poor prognosis and is historically chemorefractory; additionally, often patients are ineligible for standard chemotherapy because of advanced age and other comorbidities. The advances of molecular diagnostics and reclassification of World Health Organization criteria have aided in the categorization of this disease. This article describes the etiology and pathophysiology of sAML, and delves into past successful treatments as well as promising new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S Winer
- Adult Leukemia Program, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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3
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Crisci S, Amitrano F, Saggese M, Muto T, Sarno S, Mele S, Vitale P, Ronga G, Berretta M, Di Francia R. Overview of Current Targeted Anti-Cancer Drugs for Therapy in Onco-Hematology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55080414. [PMID: 31357735 PMCID: PMC6723645 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55080414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The upgraded knowledge of tumor biology and microenviroment provides information on differences in neoplastic and normal cells. Thus, the need to target these differences led to the development of novel molecules (targeted therapy) active against the neoplastic cells' inner workings. There are several types of targeted agents, including Small Molecules Inhibitors (SMIs), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), interfering RNA (iRNA) molecules and microRNA. In the clinical practice, these new medicines generate a multilayered step in pharmacokinetics (PK), which encompasses a broad individual PK variability, and unpredictable outcomes according to the pharmacogenetics (PG) profile of the patient (e.g., cytochrome P450 enzyme), and to patient characteristics such as adherence to treatment and environmental factors. This review focuses on the use of targeted agents in-human phase I/II/III clinical trials in cancer-hematology. Thus, it outlines the up-to-date anticancer drugs suitable for targeted therapies and the most recent finding in pharmacogenomics related to drug response. Besides, a summary assessment of the genotyping costs has been discussed. Targeted therapy seems to be an effective and less toxic therapeutic approach in onco-hematology. The identification of individual PG profile should be a new resource for oncologists to make treatment decisions for the patients to minimize the toxicity and or inefficacy of therapy. This could allow the clinicians to evaluate benefits and restrictions, regarding costs and applicability, of the most suitable pharmacological approach for performing a tailor-made therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Crisci
- Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione "G. Pascale" IRCCS, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Filomena Amitrano
- Gruppo Oncologico Ricercatori Italiano GORI ONLUS, Pordenone 33100, Italy
| | - Mariangela Saggese
- Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione "G. Pascale" IRCCS, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Tommaso Muto
- Hematology and Cellular Immunology (Clinical Biochemistry) A.O. dei Colli Monaldi Hospital, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Sabrina Sarno
- Anatomia Patologica, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione "G. Pascale" IRCCS, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Sara Mele
- Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione "G. Pascale" IRCCS, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Pasquale Vitale
- Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione "G. Pascale" IRCCS, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Ronga
- Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione "G. Pascale" IRCCS, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Berretta
- Department of Medical Oncology, CRO National Cancer Institute, Aviano (PN) 33081, Italy
| | - Raffaele Di Francia
- Italian Association of Pharmacogenomics and Molecular Diagnostics (IAPharmagen), Ancona 60125, Italy.
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Rahmé R, Adès L. An update on treatment of higher risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Expert Rev Hematol 2018; 12:61-70. [PMID: 30334467 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2018.1537777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal stem cell disorders mostly affecting the elderly. They are classified into lower and higher risk MDS according to prognostic scoring systems. In higher risk patients, treatments should aim to modify the disease course by avoiding progression to acute myeloid leukemia and, therefore, to improve survival. Areas covered: Stem cell transplantation remains the only curative treatment when feasible, but this concerns a small minority of patients. Treatment is principally based on hypomethylating agents (HMAs). Our understanding of MDS biology has led to the development of drugs targeting key cellular processes such as apoptosis or posttranslational protein changes, microenvironment-like immunotherapy, and gene mutations. Currently, new drugs are mainly being tested in combination with HMAs in several clinical trials. Expert commentary: Significant advances have been made in the field of MDS, especially in molecular typing, which are improving our ability to offer patients risk-adapted therapies. The current challenge in the management of higher risk MDS is to improve outcome by combining classical HMAs with novel drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramy Rahmé
- a Service Hématologie Séniors, Hôpital Saint Louis , Université Paris Diderot, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris , Paris , France
| | - Lionel Adès
- a Service Hématologie Séniors, Hôpital Saint Louis , Université Paris Diderot, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris , Paris , France
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5
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Shallis RM, Chokr N, Stahl M, Pine AB, Zeidan AM. Immunosuppressive therapy in myelodysplastic syndromes: a borrowed therapy in search of the right place. Expert Rev Hematol 2018; 11:715-726. [PMID: 30024293 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2018.1503049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) encompass a heterogenous collection of clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders defined by dysregulated hematopoiesis, peripheral cytopenias, and a risk of leukemic progression. Increasing data support the role of innate and adaptive immune pathways in the pathogenesis and disease course of MDS. The role of immunosuppressive therapy has an established role in the treatment of other hematologic diseases, such as aplastic anemia whose pathogenesis is postulated to reflect that of MDS with regards to many aspects of immune activation. Areas covered: This paper discusses the current understanding of immune dysregulation as it pertains to MDS, the clinical experience with immunosuppressive therapy in the management of MDS, as well as future prospects which will likely improve therapeutic options and outcomes for patients with MDS. Expert commentary: Though limited by paucity of high quality data, immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive therapies for the treatment of MDS have shown meaningful clinical activity in selected patients. Continued clarification of the immune pathways that are dysregulated in MDS and establishing predictors for clinical benefit of immunosuppressive therapy are vital to improve the use and outcomes with these therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory M Shallis
- a Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine , Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , USA
| | - Nora Chokr
- a Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine , Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , USA
| | - Maximilian Stahl
- a Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine , Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , USA
| | - Alexander B Pine
- a Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine , Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , USA
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- a Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine , Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , USA.,b Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center , Yale University , New Haven , USA
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Porta-Sánchez A, Gilbert C, Spears D, Amir E, Chan J, Nanthakumar K, Thavendiranathan P. Incidence, Diagnosis, and Management of QT Prolongation Induced by Cancer Therapies: A Systematic Review. J Am Heart Assoc 2017; 6:JAHA.117.007724. [PMID: 29217664 PMCID: PMC5779062 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.117.007724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background The cardiovascular complications of cancer therapeutics are the focus of the burgeoning field of cardio‐oncology. A common challenge in this field is the impact of cancer drugs on cardiac repolarization (ie, QT prolongation) and the potential risk for the life‐threatening arrhythmia torsades de pointes. Although QT prolongation is not a perfect marker of arrhythmia risk, this has become a primary safety metric among oncologists. Cardiologists caring for patients receiving cancer treatment should become familiar with the drugs associated with QT prolongation, its incidence, and appropriate management strategies to provide meaningful consultation in this complex clinical scenario. Methods and Results In this article, we performed a systematic review (using Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines) of commonly used cancer drugs to determine the incidence of QT prolongation and clinically relevant arrhythmias. We calculated summary estimates of the incidence of all and clinically relevant QT prolongation as well as arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. We then describe strategies to prevent, identify, and manage QT prolongation in patients receiving cancer therapy. We identified a total of 173 relevant publications. The weighted incidence of any corrected QT (QTc) prolongation in our systematic review in patients treated with conventional therapies (eg, anthracyclines) ranged from 0% to 22%, although QTc >500 ms, arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac death was extremely rare. The risk of QTc prolongation with targeted therapies (eg, small molecular tyrosine kinase inhibitors) ranged between 0% and 22.7% with severe prolongation (QTc >500 ms) reported in 0% to 5.2% of the patients. Arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death were rare. Conclusions Our systematic review demonstrates that there is variability in the incidence of QTc prolongation of various cancer drugs; however, the clinical consequence, as defined by arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death, remains rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreu Porta-Sánchez
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Electrophysiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cameron Gilbert
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Electrophysiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danna Spears
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Electrophysiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eitan Amir
- Division of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joyce Chan
- Department of Pharmacy, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kumaraswamy Nanthakumar
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Electrophysiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paaladinesh Thavendiranathan
- Division of Cardiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Ted Rogers Program in Cardiotoxicity Prevention and Department of Medical Imaging, University Health Network University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Andresen V, Gjertsen BT. Drug Repurposing for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Med (Lausanne) 2017; 4:211. [PMID: 29238707 PMCID: PMC5712546 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2017.00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by the accumulation of immature myeloid progenitor cells in the bone marrow, compromising of normal blood cell production and ultimately resulting in bone marrow failure. With a 20% overall survival rate at 5 years and 50% in the 18- to 65-year-old age group, new medicines are needed. It is proposed that development of repurposed drugs may be a part of the new therapy needed. AML is subdivided into recurrent molecular entities based on molecular genetics increasingly accessible for precision medicine. Novel therapy developments form a basis for novel multimodality therapy and include liposomal daunorubicin/cytarabine, broad or FLT3-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors, Bcl-2 family inhibitors, selective inhibitors of nuclear export, metabolic inhibitors, and demethylating agents. The use of non-transplant immunotherapy is in early development in AML with the exceptional re-approval of a toxin-conjugated anti-CD33. However, the full potential of small molecule inhibitors and modalities like immunological checkpoint inhibitors, immunostimulatory small molecules, and CAR-T cell therapy is unknown. Some novel therapeutics will certainly benefit AML patient subgroups; however, due to high cost, more affordable alternatives are needed globally. Also the heterogeneity of AML will likely demand a broader repertoire of therapeutic molecules. Drug repurposing or repositioning represent a source for potential therapeutics with well-known toxicity profiles and reasonable prices. This implies that biomarkers of response need to accompany the development of antileukemic therapies for sharply defined patient subgroups. We will illustrate repurposing in AML with selected examples and discuss some experimental and regulatory limitations that may obstruct this development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibeke Andresen
- Center for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Department of Clinical Science, Precision Oncology Research Group, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bjørn T. Gjertsen
- Center for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Department of Clinical Science, Precision Oncology Research Group, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Section, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Kamynina E, Lachenauer ER, DiRisio AC, Liebenthal RP, Field MS, Stover PJ. Arsenic trioxide targets MTHFD1 and SUMO-dependent nuclear de novo thymidylate biosynthesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E2319-E2326. [PMID: 28265077 PMCID: PMC5373342 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1619745114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Arsenic exposure increases risk for cancers and is teratogenic in animal models. Here we demonstrate that small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)- and folate-dependent nuclear de novo thymidylate (dTMP) biosynthesis is a sensitive target of arsenic trioxide (As2O3), leading to uracil misincorporation into DNA and genome instability. Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1 (MTHFD1) and serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) generate 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate for de novo dTMP biosynthesis and translocate to the nucleus during S-phase, where they form a multienzyme complex with thymidylate synthase (TYMS) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), as well as the components of the DNA replication machinery. As2O3 exposure increased MTHFD1 SUMOylation in cultured cells and in in vitro SUMOylation reactions, and increased MTHFD1 ubiquitination and MTHFD1 and SHMT1 degradation. As2O3 inhibited de novo dTMP biosynthesis in a dose-dependent manner, increased uracil levels in nuclear DNA, and increased genome instability. These results demonstrate that MTHFD1 and SHMT1, which are key enzymes providing one-carbon units for dTMP biosynthesis in the form of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate, are direct targets of As2O3-induced proteolytic degradation, providing a mechanism for arsenic in the etiology of cancer and developmental anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Kamynina
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Erica R Lachenauer
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
- Graduate Field of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Aislyn C DiRisio
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | | | - Martha S Field
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Patrick J Stover
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853;
- Graduate Field of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
- Graduate Field of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
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10
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Hua HY, Gao HQ, Sun AN, Cen JN, Wu LL. Arsenic trioxide and triptolide synergistically induce apoptosis in the SKM‑1 human myelodysplastic syndrome cell line. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:4180-4186. [PMID: 27665715 PMCID: PMC5101914 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Although certain combination therapies comprising arsenic trioxide (As2O3) with other agents exist for the treatment of several types of human cancer, few As2O3 combination therapies are clinically effective for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Triptolide (TL) may be an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of MDS. However, to date, there is no combination therapy for MDS with As2O3 and TL. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate this combination therapy on the apoptosis of MDS SKM-1 cells. The MDS SKM-1 cells were treated with As2O3, TL or the two in combination at various concentrations, or were mock-treated. Cell viability, cell apoptosis, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the expression of the cell apoptosis-associated genes, B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and caspase-3, were determined using an MTT assay, flow cytometric analysis of annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double-stained cells, flow cytometic analysis of intracellular 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescence and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, respectively. Combination index (CI) analysis was performed to determine whether effects were synergistic (CI<1). The combination treatment was found to synergistically inhibit MDS SKM-1 cell growth, induce cell apoptosis, increase ROS levels, upregulate the expression levels of Bax and caspase-3, and downregulate the mRNA expression of Bcl-2. In conclusion, the combination treatment of As2O3 and TL synergistically induced apoptosis in the MDS SKM-1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Ying Hua
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Hua-Qiang Gao
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214041, P.R. China
| | - Ai-Ning Sun
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Nong Cen
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Li-Li Wu
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
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Gill H, Leung AYH, Kwong YL. Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Implications on Targeted Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:440. [PMID: 27023522 PMCID: PMC4848896 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of heterogeneous clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders characterized by cytopenia, ineffective hematopoiesis, and progression to secondary acute myeloid leukemia in high-risk cases. Conventional prognostication relies on clinicopathological parameters supplemented by cytogenetic information. However, recent studies have shown that genetic aberrations also have critical impacts on treatment outcome. Moreover, these genetic alterations may themselves be a target for treatment. The mutation landscape in MDS is shaped by gene aberrations involved in DNA methylation (TET2, DNMT3A, IDH1/2), histone modification (ASXL1, EZH2), the RNA splicing machinery (SF3B1, SRSF2, ZRSR2, U2AF1/2), transcription (RUNX1, TP53, BCOR, PHF6, NCOR, CEBPA, GATA2), tyrosine kinase receptor signaling (JAK2, MPL, FLT3, GNAS, KIT), RAS pathways (KRAS, NRAS, CBL, NF1, PTPN11), DNA repair (ATM, BRCC3, DLRE1C, FANCL), and cohesion complexes (STAG2, CTCF, SMC1A, RAD21). A detailed understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to transformation is critical for designing single-agent or combinatorial approaches in target therapy of MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harinder Gill
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
| | | | - Yok-Lam Kwong
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
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Wu P, Liu L, Weng J, Geng S, Deng C, Lu Z, Luo C, Du X. The Synergistic Effects of Decitabine Combined with Arsenic Trioxide (ATO) in the Human Myelodysplastic Syndrome Cell Line SKM-1. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 2016; 32:412-417. [PMID: 27812249 DOI: 10.1007/s12288-015-0632-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), single-agent clinical effects remain unsatisfactory, and decitabine monotherapy is also associated with a relatively low rate of complete remission. To study the combined effects and mechanism of decitabine (DAC) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) on the human myelodysplastic cell line SKM-1,we used the MTS assay and CalcuSyn software to determine the cytotoxicity and potential synergistic effects, respectively. Furthermore, we determined apoptosis and measured the mRNA expression level of two genes that are considered main regulators of the apoptosis process. The results showed that DAC and/or ATO can inhibit the proliferation of SKM-1 cells and demonstrated significant synergy between the two agents (CI < 1). Additionally, combination of 2.5 μmol/L DAC and 5 μmol/L ATO led to a significantly higher apoptosis rate and more significantly decreased the Bcl2/Bax ratio than either compound alone (P < 0.001). Based on the observations of this study, we suggest that combined administration of these two drugs might be considered a novel therapeutic regimen for treating MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wu
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China.,Department of Hematology, Guangdong General Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan Er Road #106, Guangzhou, 510080 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong General Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan Er Road #106, Guangzhou, 510080 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Jianyu Weng
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong General Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan Er Road #106, Guangzhou, 510080 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Suxia Geng
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong General Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan Er Road #106, Guangzhou, 510080 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Chengxin Deng
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong General Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan Er Road #106, Guangzhou, 510080 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Zesheng Lu
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong General Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan Er Road #106, Guangzhou, 510080 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Chengwei Luo
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong General Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan Er Road #106, Guangzhou, 510080 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Du
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong General Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan Er Road #106, Guangzhou, 510080 Guangdong People's Republic of China
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Sanford D, Garcia-Manero G, Jorgensen J, Konoplev S, Pierce S, Cortes J, Kantarjian H, Ravandi F. CD33 is frequently expressed in cases of myelodysplastic syndrome and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia with elevated blast count. Leuk Lymphoma 2016; 57:1965-8. [PMID: 26726757 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2015.1122780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Sanford
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , Japan
| | - Guillermo Garcia-Manero
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , Japan
| | - Jeffrey Jorgensen
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , Japan
| | - Sergej Konoplev
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , Japan
| | - Sherry Pierce
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , Japan
| | - Jorge Cortes
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , Japan
| | - Hagop Kantarjian
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , Japan
| | - Farhad Ravandi
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , Japan
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Falchi L, Verstovsek S, Ravandi-Kashani F, Kantarjian HM. The evolution of arsenic in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia and other myeloid neoplasms: Moving toward an effective oral, outpatient therapy. Cancer 2015; 122:1160-8. [PMID: 26716387 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.29852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of arsenic derivatives has long been recognized and was recently rediscovered in modern literature. Early studies demonstrated impressive activity of this compound in patients with relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Over the last 2 decades, intravenous arsenic trioxide has been used successfully, both alone and in combination with other agents, for the treatment of APL and, with some success, of other myeloid neoplasms. Arsenic trioxide is currently part the standard of care for patients with APL. More recently, oral formulations of this compound have been developed and are entering clinical practice. In this review, the authors discuss the evolution of arsenic in the treatment of APL and other myeloid neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Falchi
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas
| | - Srdan Verstovsek
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas
| | - Farhad Ravandi-Kashani
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas
| | - Hagop M Kantarjian
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas
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Silverman LR, Greenberg P, Raza A, Olnes MJ, Holland JF, Reddy P, Maniar M, Wilhelm F. Clinical activity and safety of the dual pathway inhibitor rigosertib for higher risk myelodysplastic syndromes following DNA methyltransferase inhibitor therapy. Hematol Oncol 2015; 33:57-66. [PMID: 24777753 DOI: 10.1002/hon.2137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Rigosertib (ON 01910.Na) is an inhibitor of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase and polo-like kinase pathways that induces mitotic arrest and apoptosis in neoplastic cells, while sparing normal cells. Our purpose is to summarize the clinical activity and safety of intravenous (IV) rigosertib delivered by an external ambulatory infusion pump in patients with refractory anemia with excess blasts-1, -2, or, -t myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) following prior treatment with DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors. A total of 39 patients with MDS who fulfilled these criteria were enrolled in four phase 1-2 clinical trials of IV rigosertib. Thirty five (88%) had higher risk disease according to the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System. Median overall survival for this group of 39 patients was 35 weeks. Of 30 evaluable patients with follow-up bone marrow biopsies, 12 (40%) achieved complete (n = 5) or partial (n = 7) bone marrow blast responses. In addition, 15 patients achieved stabilization of bone marrow blasts. One patient with a complete bone marrow response also achieved a complete cytogenetic response. A second patient with stable bone marrow blasts achieved a partial cytogenetic response. Two of the responding patients and three patients with stable disease had hematological improvements. Rigosertib-induced bone marrow blast decreases and stability appeared to be predictive of prolonged survival. IV rigosertib had a favorable safety profile without significant myelosuppression. Most common drug-related toxicities included fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, dysuria, and hematuria. In summary, IV rigosertib is well tolerated and has clinical activity in patients with higher risk MDS following DNMT inhibitor treatment. A multinational pivotal phase 3 randomized clinical trial of rigosertib versus best supportive care for patients with MDS with excess blasts following prior treatment with DNMT inhibitors (ONTIME: ON 01910.Na Trial In Myelodysplastic SyndromE) has recently completed enrollment.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Anemia, Refractory, with Excess of Blasts/drug therapy
- Anemia, Refractory, with Excess of Blasts/enzymology
- Anemia, Refractory, with Excess of Blasts/pathology
- Bone Marrow/pathology
- Cell Cycle Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic/statistics & numerical data
- Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic/statistics & numerical data
- DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases/antagonists & inhibitors
- DNA Methylation/drug effects
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Enzyme Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Female
- Glycine/administration & dosage
- Glycine/adverse effects
- Glycine/analogs & derivatives
- Glycine/pharmacology
- Glycine/therapeutic use
- Humans
- Infusions, Intravenous
- Kaplan-Meier Estimate
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/enzymology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/drug therapy
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/enzymology
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/pathology
- Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Inhibitors
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Risk
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Sulfones/administration & dosage
- Sulfones/adverse effects
- Sulfones/pharmacology
- Sulfones/therapeutic use
- Polo-Like Kinase 1
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis R Silverman
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter Greenberg
- Dept. of Medicine (Hematology), Stanford University Cancer Center, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Azra Raza
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew J Olnes
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James F Holland
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Premkumar Reddy
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Zhao H, Sun G, Kong D, Zhang Y, Shi W, Zhao M, Hong L, Qiao Z. A phase II study of arsenic trioxide in patients with relapsed or refractory malignant lymphoma. Med Oncol 2015; 32:79. [PMID: 25698531 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-015-0526-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Limited data have been reported regarding the use of arsenic trioxide (ATO) in the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory malignant lymphoma; therefore, the present phase II study evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of ATO in such patients. A total of 35 patients were treated with ATO (0.25 mg/kg) infused for 1 h daily, 5 days a week, for a 6-week cycle. Patients were evaluated for the efficacy and toxicity of this regimen. The primary outcome evaluated was the overall response rate (ORR), including the complete and partial response rates. The secondary outcomes evaluated were the overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and toxicity. Tumor response data were obtained from all 35 enrolled patients. The ORR was 43%, including complete responses in four patients (11%) and partial responses in 11 patients (31%). The median duration of response was 16 weeks (range 11-23 weeks). The median OS was 79 weeks (range 14-171 weeks), and the median PFS was 55 weeks (range 14-135 weeks). Grade I or II hematological toxicities were the most commonly reported adverse events. The results of this study appear promising for the treatment of relapsed or refractory malignant lymphoma, with well-tolerated ATO toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 37 Yiyuan Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
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Ornstein MC, Mukherjee S, Sekeres MA. More is better: combination therapies for myelodysplastic syndromes. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2014; 28:22-31. [PMID: 25659727 DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogenous collection of clonal hematopoietic malignancies that exist as a subgroup of the myeloid neoplasms as classified by the World Health Organization (WHO). They are characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, subsequent cytopenias, transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and poor overall survival. There are currently three FDA-approved medications for MDS; lenalidomide, azacitidine, and decitabine. The role of these agents is to diminish the clinical impact of MDS and delay its progression to AML. However, despite known results with these monotherapies, recent clinical trials with a variety of combinations for MDS have demonstrated promising results. These trials include combinations of hypomethylating agents, histone deacetylase inhibitors, growth factors, and chemotherapy among others. In this paper we review the current literature on combination therapies in MDS, analyze on-going and concluded trials, and suggest future possibilities for combination strategies in MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe C Ornstein
- Leukemia Program, Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue, NA10, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
| | - Sudipto Mukherjee
- Leukemia Program, Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue, NA10, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
| | - Mikkael A Sekeres
- Leukemia Program, Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue, NA10, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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Retinoic acid synergizes ATO-mediated cytotoxicity by precluding Nrf2 activity in AML cells. Br J Cancer 2014; 111:874-82. [PMID: 25003661 PMCID: PMC4150280 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2014.380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Standard therapy for acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) includes retinoic acid (all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)), which promotes differentiation of promyelocytic blasts. Although co-administration of arsenic trioxide (ATO) with ATRA has emerged as an effective option to treat APL, the molecular basis of this effect remains unclear. Methods: Four leukaemia cancer human models (HL60, THP-1, NBR4 and NBR4-R2 cells) were treated either with ATO alone or ATO plus ATRA. Cancer cell survival was monitored by trypan blue exclusion and DEVDase activity assays. Gene and protein expression changes were assessed by RT-PCR and western blot. Results: ATO induced an antioxidant response characterised by Nrf2 nuclear translocation and enhanced transcription of downstream target genes (that is, HO-1, NQO1, GCLM, ferritin). In cells exposed to ATO plus ATRA, the Nrf2 nuclear translocation was prevented and cytotoxicity was enhanced. HO-1 overexpression reversed partially the cytotoxicity by ATRA-ATO in HL60 cells. The inhibitory effects of ATRA on ATO-mediated responses were not observed in either the ATRA-resistant NB4-R2 cells or in NB4 cells pre-incubated with the RARα antagonist Ro-41-52-53. Conclusions: The augmented cytotoxicity observed in leukaemia cells following combined ATO-ATRA treatment is likely due to inhibition of Nrf2 activity, thus explaining the efficacy of combined ATO-ATRA treatment in the APL therapy.
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Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes are clonal marrow stem-cell disorders, characterised by ineffective haemopoiesis leading to blood cytopenias, and by progression to acute myeloid leukaemia in a third of patients. 15% of cases occur after chemotherapy or radiotherapy for a previous cancer; the syndromes are most common in elderly people. The pathophysiology involves cytogenetic changes with or without gene mutations and widespread gene hypermethylation at advanced stages. Clinical manifestations result from cytopenias (anaemia, infection, and bleeding). Diagnosis is based on examination of blood and bone marrow showing blood cytopenias and hypercellular marrow with dysplasia, with or without excess of blasts. Prognosis depends largely on the marrow blast percentage, number and extent of cytopenias, and cytogenetic abnormalities. Treatment of patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, especially for anaemia, includes growth factors, lenalidomide, and transfusions. Treatment of higher-risk patients is with hypomethylating agents and, whenever possible, allogeneic stem-cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Adès
- Service d'hématologie, Hôpital St Louis (Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris) and Paris 7 University, Paris, France
| | - Raphael Itzykson
- Service d'hématologie, Hôpital St Louis (Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris) and Paris 7 University, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Fenaux
- Service d'hématologie, Hôpital St Louis (Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris) and Paris 7 University, Paris, France.
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Abstract
Until recently, the treatment of higher risk myelodysplastic syndrome was based on [1] Intensive chemotherapy using anthracycline-AraC combinations, leading to a lower complete remission rates and a shorter CR duration compared with de novo AML [2], low dose chemotherapy with limited CR rate mainly restricted to patients with normal karyotype. Azacitidine was the first drug to significantly improve survival in higher risk MDS, although it is not curative. Thus, the survival improvement obtained with azacitidine must be the starting point for combination studies, and for utilization of this drug in other situations (before allo SCT, or after chemotherapy or allo SCT as maintenance treatment).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Adès
- Service d'hématologie clinique, Hopital Avicenne (AP-HP), 125, rue de Stalingrad, 93009 Bobigny, France.
| | - Valeria Santini
- Hematology, AOU Careggi, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, Florence, Italy
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Abstract
Abstract
The treatment of symptomatic and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) spans several therapeutic goals and options. Key to the successful therapy of these heterogeneous diseases is careful characterization and diagnosis, including clinical, cytogenetic, biological, and molecular evaluation of individual patients. Any novel management strategy in MDS must be based on accepted and validated prognostic scoring systems, such as the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), and should take into account predictive parameters of response to the available therapeutic agents and individual comorbidities. For IPSS lower-risk MDS patients, several first-line options are available, including erythropoietic stimulating agents, lenalidomide, and immunosuppressive drugs. Sequential therapy is advisable whenever response is lost, and the activity of azacitidine and decitabine in first- or second-line therapy is relevant, especially in patients with symptomatic cytopenias and anemia. Hypomethylating agents have a central role in therapy of IPSS higher-risk MDS patients. These agents include azacitidine and decitabine, which allow treatment of very elderly and frail patients, resulting in hematological improvement and transfusion independency in roughly half, and for azacitidine a demonstrated significant prolongation of survival. Because hypomethylating agents are not curative, they are not satisfactory for younger MDS patients, for whom a transplantation strategy should be planned. Although hypomethylating agent therapy is used extensively, a growing number of MDS patients fail to respond or progress. The future challenge is not only to find treatment regimens that target the dysplastic clone(s) so that durable remissions are achieved (particularly in high-risk patients with short survival and/or increased leukemic transformation rates), but also to also identify active salvage regimens.
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Bejanyan N, Tiu RV, Raza A, Jankowska A, Kalaycio M, Advani A, Chan J, Saunthararajah Y, Mooney L, Maciejewski JP, Sekeres MA. A phase 2 trial of combination therapy with thalidomide, arsenic trioxide, dexamethasone, and ascorbic acid (TADA) in patients with overlap myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN) or primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Cancer 2012; 118:3968-76. [PMID: 22180010 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.26741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Revised: 10/16/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and overlap myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN) are clonal hematopoietic disorders that share similar clinical features and molecular abnormalities, such as the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) valine to phenylalanine mutation at codon 617 (V617F) and the tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) mutation. There are limited therapeutic options available for these diseases, and single agents have only modest efficacy. In this phase 2 study, the authors combined multiple active agents (thalidomide, arsenic trioxide, dexamethasone, and ascorbic acid [TADA]) to treat patients with these disorders. METHODS This multicenter trial was conducted from January 2005 to July 2007. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the efficacy of TADA therapy. Patients received the combination for one 12-week cycle followed by maintenance thalidomide for an additional 3 months. Response was assessed using International Working Group criteria. RESULTS Among 28 enrolled patients, the median age was 66.5 years; 15 patients had MDS/MPN-unclassifiable, 8 patients had chronic myelomonocytic leukemia type 1, and 5 patients had PMF. Approximately 60% of the patients had normal cytogenetics. The JAK2V617F mutation was detected in 5 of 14 tested patients, and TET2 mutations were detected in 2 of 8 tested patients. Almost half of the patients had splenomegaly. With a median on-study follow-up of 5.7 months, 21 patients (75%) completed the entire 12-week course of therapy, and 6 patients (29%) responded to TADA. With a median extended follow-up of 24.1 months for 15 evaluable patients, the median progression-free survival was 14.4 months, and the median overall survival was 21.4 months. CONCLUSIONS The TADA regimen yielded clinical responses in patients with PMF and MDS/MPN. To the authors' knowledge, this study represents the first trial targeting this patient population. The results indicated that it is reasonable to incorporate multiple novel agents in the treatment of these rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelli Bejanyan
- Leukemia Program, Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Ornstein MC, Sekeres MA. Combination strategies in myelodysplastic syndromes. Int J Hematol 2012; 95:26-33. [PMID: 22218883 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-011-0987-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) consist of an array of clonal hematological malignancies resulting from disorders of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells. MDS is associated with a poor overall prognosis and patients are categorized as higher risk and lower risk on the basis of the International Prognostic Scoring System. Currently, lenalidomide, azacitidine, and decitabine are the only three FDA-approved drugs for MDS. Traditional therapies for MDS involve the administration of single agents providing either supportive measures or disease-modifying effects directed to slowing progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and improving survival. Recently, however, there has been increasing evidence suggesting that the combination of drugs with different mechanisms of action offers substantial benefit in the form of diminished side effects, improved overall survival, and delayed progression to AML. Multiple studies indicate that when compared with traditional monotherapies, combining various medications with non-overlapping mechanisms of action and toxicities may result in significant benefit for patients with MDS. A variety of combination therapies with growth factors, DNA methytransferase inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and immunosuppressant treatments provide encouraging data indicating that the successful future of MDS treatment rests in the combination of multiple treatments modalities to achieve improved clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe C Ornstein
- Leukemia Program, Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, Desk R35, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Lombardo T, Cavaliere V, Costantino SN, Kornblihtt L, Alvarez EM, Blanco GA. Synergism between arsenite and proteasome inhibitor MG132 over cell death in myeloid leukaemic cells U937 and the induction of low levels of intracellular superoxide anion. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2011; 258:351-66. [PMID: 22178740 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2011.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Revised: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Increased oxygen species production has often been cited as a mechanism determining synergism on cell death and growth inhibition effects of arsenic-combined drugs. However the net effect of drug combination may not be easily anticipated solely from available knowledge of drug-induced death mechanisms. We evaluated the combined effect of sodium arsenite with the proteasome inhibitor MG132, and the anti-leukaemic agent CAPE, on growth-inhibition and cell death effect in acute myeloid leukaemic cells U937 and Burkitt's lymphoma-derived Raji cells, by the Chou-Talalay method. In addition we explored the association of cytotoxic effect of drugs with changes in intracellular superoxide anion (O₂⁻) levels. Our results showed that combined arsenite+MG132 produced low levels of O₂⁻ at 6h and 24h after exposure and were synergic on cell death induction in U937 cells over the whole dose range, although the combination was antagonistic on growth inhibition effect. Exposure to a constant non-cytotoxic dose of 80μM hydrogen peroxide together with arsenite+MG132 changed synergism on cell death to antagonism at all effect levels while increasing O₂⁻ levels. Arsenite+hydrogen peroxide also resulted in antagonism with increased O₂⁻ levels in U937 cells. In Raji cells, arsenite+MG132 also produced low levels of O₂⁻ at 6h and 24h but resulted in antagonism on cell death and growth inhibition. By contrast, the combination arsenite+CAPE showed high levels of O₂⁻ production at 6h and 24 h post exposure but resulted in antagonism over cell death and growth inhibition effects in U937 and Raji cells. We conclude that synergism between arsenite and MG132 in U937 cells is negatively associated to O₂⁻ levels at early time points after exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Lombardo
- Laboratorio de Immunotoxicologia (LaITO), IDEHU-CONICET, Hospital de Clínicas, José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Oncol 2011; 23:700-9. [PMID: 21993416 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0b013e32834d384a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Hütter ML, Schlenk RF. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin in non-acute promyelocytic acute myeloid leukemia. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2011; 11:1369-80. [PMID: 21810061 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2011.604630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) has been used in relapsed, refractory and newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) as a single agent and in combination with intensive chemotherapy. Results of recent Phase III trials have led to its withdrawal in the USA although a beneficial effect of GO in genetically defined AML subgroups was evident. AREAS COVERED This review examines the use of GO as a single agent or in combination with intensive chemotherapy in non-acute promyelocytic AML. The literature search was based on publications on GO indexed in the PubMed electronic database and selected meeting abstracts. GO has shown moderate activity as a single agent but promising activity in combination with intensive chemotherapy in refractory or relapsed AML. Relapsed AML defined molecularly by mutant nucleophosmin-1 without concurrent fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) internal tandem duplication seems to benefit most from GO. In newly diagnosed AML two up-front randomized Phase III trials evaluating GO in induction therapy failed to demonstrate an improvement in response and survival. Again, genetically defined subgroups may benefit. EXPERT OPINION Future challenges of personalized therapy in AML will be to integrate the signals from current subgroup analyses underlining the role of GO in genetically defined AML entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Luise Hütter
- University of Ulm, Department of Internal Medicine III, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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