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Singh SB. Discovery, synthesis, activities, structure-activity relationships, and clinical development of combretastatins and analogs as anticancer drugs. A comprehensive review. Nat Prod Rep 2024; 41:298-322. [PMID: 38009216 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00053b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Covering: 1982 to up to the end of 2022Bioassay guided purification of the extracts of Combretum caffrum led to the discovery of six series of combretastatins A-D with cytotoxic activities ranging from sub nM to >50 μM ED50's against a wide variety of cancer cell lines. Of these, cis-stilbenes combretastatins A-4 and A-1 were the most potent, exhibiting in vivo efficacy against a wide variety of tumor types in murine models. These antimitotic agents inhibited tubulin polymerization by reversibly binding to the colchicine binding sites. They inhibited tumor growth by a novel antivascular and antineogenesis mechanism in which they stopped blood flows to the blood vessels causing necrosis. Over 20 clinical trials of the phosphate prodrugs of combretastatin A-4 (CA4P) and A-1 (CA1P) showed objective and stable responses against many tumor types, with increased survival times of many patients along with the confirmed cure of certain patients inflicted with anaplastic thyroid cancers. Medicinal chemistry efforts led to the identification of three new leads (AVE8062, BNC105P, SCB01A) with improved in vitro and in vivo potency and an often-improved cellular spectrum. Unfortunately, these preclinical improvements did not translate clinically in any meaningful way. Objectively, CA4P remained the best compound and has garnered many Orphan drug designations by FDA. Clinical trials with tumor genetic mapping, particularly from previous responders, may help boost the success of these compounds in future studies. A comprehensive review of combretastatin series A-D, including bioassay guided discovery, total syntheses, and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, biological and mechanistic studies, and preclinical and clinical evaluations of the isolated combretastatins and analogs, along with the personal perspective of the author who originated this project, is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheo B Singh
- Charles A Dana Research Institute for Scientists Emeriti (RISE), Drew University, Madison, NJ 07940, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA.
- SBS Pharma Consulting LLC, Edison, NJ 08820, USA
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2
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Huo Z, Liu K, Zhang X, Liang Y, Sun X. Discovery of pyrimidine-bridged CA-4 CBSIs for the treatment of cervical cancer in combination with cisplatin with significantly reduced nephrotoxicity. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 235:114271. [PMID: 35339837 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A series of pyrimidine-bridged CA-4 derivatives (9a-u) targeting colchicine site were designed, synthesized and evaluated. Among them, the most potent compound 9j showed favorable anti-proliferative activities against a panel of cervical cancer cells (IC50 = 0.09-0.15 μM) and tubulin polymerization inhibitory activity (IC50 = 4.6 μM). Meanwhile, compound 9j exhibited superior anti-proliferative activity against cisplatin-resistant HeLa/DDP and SiHa/DDP cells than CA-4 and cisplatin. Particularly, the combination of 30 mg/kg 9j with 3 mg/kg cisplatin resulted in a 73% tumor suppression rate in HeLa xenograft model and reduced the renal dysfunction and injuries caused by high doses of cisplatin. Moreover, 9j was highly selective over the normal human proximal tubular cells (HK-2 cells, IC50 = 188 μM). Mechanism studies revealed that 9j could disrupt tubulin polymerization and vasculature, arrest the cell cycle at the G2/M phase, induce apoptosis, and suppress clonogenesis and migration in HeLa cells. Further druggability characterization in terms of pharmacokinetic profile, acute toxicity, and hERG inhibition confirmed 9j could serve as a promising and safe combination agent for cervical cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Huo
- Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Kunlin Liu
- Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yongxi Liang
- Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xun Sun
- Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; The Institutes of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.
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Liu L, O’Kelly D, Schuetze R, Carlson G, Zhou H, Trawick ML, Pinney KG, Mason RP. Non-Invasive Evaluation of Acute Effects of Tubulin Binding Agents: A Review of Imaging Vascular Disruption in Tumors. Molecules 2021; 26:2551. [PMID: 33925707 PMCID: PMC8125421 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor vasculature proliferates rapidly, generally lacks pericyte coverage, and is uniquely fragile making it an attractive therapeutic target. A subset of small-molecule tubulin binding agents cause disaggregation of the endothelial cytoskeleton leading to enhanced vascular permeability generating increased interstitial pressure. The resulting vascular collapse and ischemia cause downstream hypoxia, ultimately leading to cell death and necrosis. Thus, local damage generates massive amplification and tumor destruction. The tumor vasculature is readily accessed and potentially a common target irrespective of disease site in the body. Development of a therapeutic approach and particularly next generation agents benefits from effective non-invasive assays. Imaging technologies offer varying degrees of sophistication and ease of implementation. This review considers technological strengths and weaknesses with examples from our own laboratory. Methods reveal vascular extent and patency, as well as insights into tissue viability, proliferation and necrosis. Spatiotemporal resolution ranges from cellular microscopy to single slice tomography and full three-dimensional views of whole tumors and measurements can be sufficiently rapid to reveal acute changes or long-term outcomes. Since imaging is non-invasive, each tumor may serve as its own control making investigations particularly efficient and rigorous. The concept of tumor vascular disruption was proposed over 30 years ago and it remains an active area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (L.L.); (D.O.); (R.S.); (H.Z.)
| | - Devin O’Kelly
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (L.L.); (D.O.); (R.S.); (H.Z.)
| | - Regan Schuetze
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (L.L.); (D.O.); (R.S.); (H.Z.)
| | - Graham Carlson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA; (G.C.); (M.L.T.); (K.G.P.)
| | - Heling Zhou
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (L.L.); (D.O.); (R.S.); (H.Z.)
| | - Mary Lynn Trawick
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA; (G.C.); (M.L.T.); (K.G.P.)
| | - Kevin G. Pinney
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA; (G.C.); (M.L.T.); (K.G.P.)
| | - Ralph P. Mason
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (L.L.); (D.O.); (R.S.); (H.Z.)
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Abstract
Photochemical transformations of molecular building blocks have become an important and widely recognized research field in the past decade. Detailed and deep understanding of novel photochemical catalysts and reaction concepts with visible light as the energy source has enabled a broad application portfolio for synthetic organic chemistry. In parallel, continuous-flow chemistry and microreaction technology have become the basis for thinking and doing chemistry in a novel fashion with clear focus on improved process control for higher conversion and selectivity. As can be seen by the large number of scientific publications on flow photochemistry in the recent past, both research topics have found each other as exceptionally well-suited counterparts with high synergy by combining chemistry and technology. This review will give an overview on selected reaction classes, which represent important photochemical transformations in synthetic organic chemistry, and which benefit from mild and defined process conditions by the transfer from batch to continuous-flow mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H. Rehm
- Division Energy & Chemical Technology/Flow Chemistry GroupFraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMMCarl-Zeiss-Straße 18–2055129MainzGermany
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5
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Kim MY, Shin JY, Kim JO, Son KH, Kim YS, Jung CK, Kang JH. Anti-tumor efficacy of CKD-516 in combination with radiation in xenograft mouse model of lung squamous cell carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:1057. [PMID: 33143663 PMCID: PMC7607852 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07566-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxic tumors are known to be highly resistant to radiotherapy and cause poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. CKD-516, a novel vascular disrupting agent (VDA), mainly affects blood vessels in the central area of the tumor and blocks tubulin polymerization, thereby destroying the aberrant tumor vasculature with a rapid decrease in blood, resulting in rapid tumor cell death. Therefore, we evaluated the anti-tumor efficacy of CKD-516 in combination with irradiation (IR) and examined tumor necrosis, delayed tumor growth, and expression of proteins involved in hypoxia and angiogenesis in this study. METHODS A xenograft mouse model of lung squamous cell carcinoma was established, and the tumor was exposed to IR 5 days per week. CKD-516 was administered with two treatment schedules (day 1 or days 1 and 5) 1 h after IR. After treatment, tumor tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and pimonidazole. HIF-1α, Glut-1, VEGF, CD31, and Ki-67 expression levels were evaluated using immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS Short-term treatment with IR alone and CKD-516 + IR (d1) significantly reduced tumor volume (p = 0.006 and p = 0.048, respectively). Treatment with CKD-516 + IR (d1 and d1, 5) resulted in a marked reduction in the number of blood vessels (p < 0.005). More specifically, CKD-516 + IR (d1) caused the most extensive tumor necrosis, which resulted in a significantly large hypoxic area (p = 0.02) and decreased HIF-1α, Glut-1, VEGF, and Ki-67 expression. Long-term administration of CKD-516 + IR reduced tumor volume and delayed tumor growth. This combination also greatly reduced the number of blood vessels (p = 0.0006) and significantly enhanced tumor necrosis (p = 0.004). CKD-516 + IR significantly increased HIF-1α expression (p = 0.0047), but significantly reduced VEGF expression (p = 0.0046). CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data show that when used in combination, CKD-516 and IR can significantly enhance anti-tumor efficacy compared to monotherapy in lung cancer xenograft mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Young Kim
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Young Shin
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Oh Kim
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Hwa Son
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Sil Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Kwon Jung
- Department of Pathology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hyoung Kang
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, 222, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
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Hura N, Sawant AV, Kumari A, Guchhait SK, Panda D. Combretastatin-Inspired Heterocycles as Antitubulin Anticancer Agents. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:9754-9769. [PMID: 31459105 PMCID: PMC6644768 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b00996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Combretastatin (CA-4) and its analogues are undergoing several clinical trials for treating different types of tumors. In this work, the antiproliferative activity of a series of 2-aminoimidazole-carbonyl analogs of clinically relevant combretastatins A-4 (CA-4) and A-1 was evaluated using a cell-based assay. Among the compounds tested, C-13 and C-21 displayed strong antiproliferative activities against HeLa cells. C-13 inhibited the proliferation of lung carcinoma (A549) cells more potently than combretastatin A-4. C-13 also retarded the migration of A549 cells. Interestingly, C-13 displayed much stronger antiproliferative effects against breast carcinoma and skin melanoma cells compared to noncancerous breast epithelial and skin fibroblast cells. C-13 strongly disassembled cellular microtubules, perturbed the localization of EB1 protein, inhibited mitosis in cultured cells, and bound to tubulin at the colchicine site and inhibited the polymerization of reconstituted microtubules in vitro. C-13 treatment increased the level of reactive oxygen species and induced apoptosis via poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-cleavage in HeLa cells. The results revealed the importance of the 2-aminoimidazole-carbonyl motif as a double bond replacement in combretastatin and indicated a pharmacodynamically interesting pattern of H-bond acceptors/donors and requisite syn-templated aryls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Hura
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute
of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Avishkar V. Sawant
- Department
of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian
Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Anuradha Kumari
- Department
of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian
Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Sankar K. Guchhait
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute
of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Dulal Panda
- Department
of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian
Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
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El Bairi K, Amrani M, Afqir S. Starvation tactics using natural compounds for advanced cancers: pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy, and predictive biomarkers. Cancer Med 2018; 7:2221-2246. [PMID: 29732738 PMCID: PMC6010871 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The high mortality associated with oncological diseases is mostly due to tumors in advanced stages, and their management is a major challenge in modern oncology. Angiogenesis is a defined hallmark of cancer and predisposes to metastatic invasion and dissemination and is therefore an important druggable target for cancer drug discovery. Recently, because of drug resistance and poor prognosis, new anticancer drugs from natural sources targeting tumor vessels have attracted more attention and have been used in several randomized and controlled clinical trials as therapeutic options. Here, we outline and discuss potential natural compounds as salvage treatment for advanced cancers from recent and ongoing clinical trials and real-world studies. We also discuss predictive biomarkers for patients' selection to optimize the use of these potential anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid El Bairi
- Faculty of Medicine and PharmacyMohamed Ist UniversityOujdaMorocco
| | - Mariam Amrani
- Equipe de Recherche en Virologie et Onco‐biologieFaculty of MedicinePathology DepartmentNational Institute of OncologyUniversité Mohamed VRabatMorocco
| | - Said Afqir
- Department of Medical OncologyMohamed VI University HospitalOujdaMorocco
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8
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Bukhari SNA, Kumar GB, Revankar HM, Qin HL. Development of combretastatins as potent tubulin polymerization inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2017; 72:130-147. [PMID: 28460355 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The combretastatins are isolated from South African tree combretum caffrum kuntze. The lead compound combretastatin A-4 has displayed remarkable cytotoxic effect in a wide variety of preclinical tumor models and inhibits tubulin polymerization by interacting at colchicine binding site of microtubule. However, the structural simplicity of C A-4 is favorable for synthesis of various derivatives projected to induce rapid and selective vascular shutdown in tumors. Majority of the molecules have shown excellent antiproliferative activity and are able to inhibit tubulin polymerization as well as possible mechanisms of action have been investigated. In this review article, the synthesis and structure-activity relationships of C A-4 and immense number of its synthetic derivatives with various modifications on the A, B-rings, bridge carbons and their anti mitotic activities are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Nasir Abbas Bukhari
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 205 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Aljouf University, Aljouf, Sakaka 2014, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Gajjela Bharath Kumar
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 205 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hrishikesh Mohan Revankar
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 205 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hua-Li Qin
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 205 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Pérez-Pérez MJ, Priego EM, Bueno O, Martins MS, Canela MD, Liekens S. Blocking Blood Flow to Solid Tumors by Destabilizing Tubulin: An Approach to Targeting Tumor Growth. J Med Chem 2016; 59:8685-8711. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva-María Priego
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Oskía Bueno
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María-Dolores Canela
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Liekens
- Rega
Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Nepali K, Ojha R, Lee HY, Liou JP. Early investigational tubulin inhibitors as novel cancer therapeutics. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2016; 25:917-36. [PMID: 27186892 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2016.1189901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Microtubules represent one of the most logical and strategic molecular targets amongst the current targets for chemotherapy, alongside DNA. In the past decade, tubulin inhibitors as cancer therapeutics have been an area of focus due to the improved understanding and biological relevance of microtubules in cellular functions. Fueled by the objective of developing novel chemotherapeutics and with the aim of establishing the benefits of tubulin inhibition, several clinical trials have been conducted with others ongoing. AREA COVERED At present, the antitubulin development pipeline contains an armful of agents under clinical investigation. This review focuses on novel tubulin inhibitors as cancer therapeutics. The article covers the agents which have completed the phase II studies along with the agents demonstrating promising results in phase I studies. EXPERT OPINION Countless clinical trials evaluating the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of novel tubulin inhibitors highlights the scientific efforts being paid to establish their candidature as cancer therapeutics. Colchicine binding site inhibitors as vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) and new taxanes appear to be the most likely agents for future clinical interest. Numerous agents have demonstrated clinical benefits in terms of efficacy and survival in phase I and II studies. However conclusive benefits can only be ascertained on the basis of phase III studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunal Nepali
- a School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy , Taipei Medical University , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Ritu Ojha
- a School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy , Taipei Medical University , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Yun Lee
- a School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy , Taipei Medical University , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ping Liou
- a School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy , Taipei Medical University , Taipei , Taiwan
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Bothwell KD, Folaron M, Seshadri M. Preclinical Activity of the Vascular Disrupting Agent OXi4503 against Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2016; 8:cancers8010011. [PMID: 26751478 PMCID: PMC4728458 DOI: 10.3390/cancers8010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) represent a relatively distinct class of agents that target established blood vessels in tumors. In this study, we examined the preclinical activity of the second-generation VDA OXi4503 against human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Studies were performed in subcutaneous and orthotopic FaDu-luc HNSCC xenografts established in immunodeficient mice. In the subcutaneous model, bioluminescence imaging (BLI) along with tumor growth measurements was performed to assess tumor response to therapy. In mice bearing orthotopic tumors, a dual modality imaging approach based on BLI and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was utilized. Correlative histologic assessment of tumors was performed to validate imaging data. Dynamic BLI revealed a marked reduction in radiance within a few hours of OXi4503 administration compared to baseline levels. However, this reduction was transient with vascular recovery observed at 24 h post treatment. A single injection of OXi4503 (40 mg/kg) resulted in a significant (p < 0.01) tumor growth inhibition of subcutaneous FaDu-luc xenografts. MRI revealed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in volume of orthotopic tumors at 10 days post two doses of OXi4503 treatment. Corresponding histologic (H&E) sections of Oxi4503 treated tumors showed extensive areas of necrosis and hemorrhaging compared to untreated controls. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report, on the activity of Oxi4503 against HNSCC. These results demonstrate the potential of tumor-VDAs in head and neck cancer. Further examination of the antivascular and antitumor activity of Oxi4503 against HNSCC alone and in combination with chemotherapy and radiation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn D Bothwell
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA.
| | - Margaret Folaron
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
| | - Mukund Seshadri
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
- Department of Oral Medicine/Head and Neck Surgery, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
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Penthala NR, Madhukuri L, Thakkar S, Madadi NR, Lamture G, Eoff RL, Crooks PA. Synthesis and anti-cancer screening of novel heterocyclic-(2 H)-1,2,3-triazoles as potential anti-cancer agents. MEDCHEMCOMM 2015; 6:1535-1543. [PMID: 27066215 PMCID: PMC4821443 DOI: 10.1039/c5md00219b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
trans-Cyanocombretastatin A-4 (trans-CA-4) analogues have been structurally modified to afford their more stable CA-4-(2H)-1,2,3-triazole analogues. Fifteen novel, stable 4-heteroaryl-5-aryl-(2H)-1,2,3-triazole CA-4 analogues (8a-i, 9 and 11a-e) were evaluated for anti-cancer activity against a panel of 60 human cancer cell lines. These analogues displayed potent cytotoxic activity against both hematological and solid tumor cell lines with GI50 values in the low nanomolar range. The most potent compound, 8a, was a benzothiophen-2-yl analogue that incorporated a 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl moiety connected to the (2H)-1,2,3-triazole ring system. Compound 8a exhibited GI50 values of <10 nM against 80% of the cancer cell lines in the panel. Three triazole analogues, 8a, 8b and 8g, showed particularly potent growth inhibition against the triple negative Hs578T breast cancer cell line with GI50 values of 10.3 nM, 66.5 nM and 20.3 nM, respectively. Molecular docking studies suggest that these compounds bind to the same hydrophobic pocket at the interface of α- and β-tubulin that is occupied by colchicine and cis-CA-4, and are stabilized by Van der Waals' interactions with surrounding amino acid residues. Compound 8a was found to inhibit tubulin polymerization in vitro with an IC50 value of 1.7 µM. The potent cytotoxicity of these novel compounds and their inhibition of tubulin dynamics make these triazole analogues promising candidates for development as anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narsimha Reddy Penthala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Leena Madhukuri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205-7199, U.S.A
| | - Shraddha Thakkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Nikhil Reddy Madadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Gauri Lamture
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Robert L. Eoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205-7199, U.S.A
| | - Peter A. Crooks
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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Abstract
Vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) are an important class of compounds that exhibit selective activity against pre-existing tumor vasculature, causing rapid shutdown of the tumor blood flow and consequent necrosis of the tumor mass. The VDAs can be divided into flavonoid compounds, which are related to flavone acetic acid, and tubulin-binding agents. Tubulin-binding agents represent the largest group of VDAs and are characterized by different chemical structures, although most of them are derivatives of the lead compound combretastatin (CA-4). They demonstrated clinical activity, although recent findings have established that they have insufficient activity as single agents. Several resistance mechanisms occur, such as the resistance of the tumor rim cells, while promising results have been described in combination with other chemotherapeutics.
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Hori K, Akita H, Nonaka H, Sumiyoshi A, Taki Y. Prevention of cancer recurrence in tumor margins by stopping microcirculation in the tumor and tumor-host interface. Cancer Sci 2014; 105:1196-204. [PMID: 24981848 PMCID: PMC4462395 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Combretastatins interrupt blood flow of solid tumor vascular networks and lead to necrosis by blocking nutrients. However, tumors recover from tumor blood flow interruption-induced damage and develop viable rims. To investigate why cancer recurs and its prevention, we used a combretastatin derivative, Cderiv (=AC7700), and analyzed changes in tumor-host interface (T-HI) vessels, which were closest to cancer cells in the tumor margin after tumor vessel disruption, and the microenvironment surrounding them. Treatment with Cderiv (10 mg/kg) interrupted tumor blood flow in all regions of LY80 (a variant of Yoshida sarcoma) tumor, but not T-HI vessel blood flow. The same Cderiv dose given 72 h after 5 Gy irradiation stopped T-HI vessel blood flow and prevented cancer recurrence. Treatment in the reverse order, however, did not affect T-HI vessel blood flow. The greatest difference between the two treatments was the occurrence of gradual T-HI edema with the former. Severe T-HI edema compressed T-HI blood vessels, so that circulation stopped. Thus, the distance between a tumor margin and its nearest functioning host vessel became much larger, and the tumor marginal region became a microenvironment that lacked a nutritional supply. Cancer cells in tumor margins received nutrients through two circulation routes: tumor vessels and T-HI vessels. Our starvation methods, which involved treatment with Cderiv 72 h after 5 Gy irradiation, blocked both circulation routes and may have great potential as a clinical strategy to prevent cancer recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuyoshi Hori
- Division of Cancer Science, Department of Vascular Biology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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Kamal A, Kumar GB, Polepalli S, Shaik AB, Reddy VS, Reddy MK, Reddy CR, Mahesh R, Kapure JS, Jain N. Design and synthesis of aminostilbene-arylpropenones as tubulin polymerization inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2014; 9:2565-79. [PMID: 25146959 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201402256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A series of aminostilbene-arylpropenones were designed and synthesized by Michael addition and were investigated for their cytotoxic activity against various human cancer cell lines. Some of the investigated compounds exhibited significant antiproliferative activity against a panel of 60 human cancer cell lines of the US National Cancer Institute, with 50 % growth inhibition (GI50) values in the range from < 0.01 to 19.9 μM. One of the compounds showed a broad spectrum of antiproliferative efficacy on most of the cell lines, with a GI50 value of < 0.01 μM. All of the synthesized compounds displayed cytotoxicity against A549 (non-small-cell lung cancer), HeLa (cervical carcinoma), MCF-7 (breast cancer), and HCT116 (colon carcinoma) with 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 0.011 to 8.56 μM. A cell cycle assay revealed that these compounds arrested the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Two compounds exhibited strong inhibitory effects on tubulin assembly with IC50 values of 0.71 and 0.79 μM. Moreover, dot-blot analysis of cyclin B1 demonstrated that some of the congeners strongly induced cyclin B1 protein levels. Molecular docking studies indicated that these compounds occupy the colchicine binding site of tubulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Kamal
- Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology Hyderabad, 500 007 (India); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER), Hyderabad-500 037 (India).
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Bahleda R, Sessa C, Del Conte G, Gianni L, Capri G, Varga A, Oprea C, Daglish B, Hospitel M, Soria JC. Phase I clinical and pharmacokinetic study of ombrabulin (AVE8062) combined with cisplatin/docetaxel or carboplatin/paclitaxel in patients with advanced solid tumors. Invest New Drugs 2014; 32:1188-96. [PMID: 24898305 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-014-0119-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Preclinical evidence supports synergy between the vascular disrupting agent ombrabulin and various chemotherapy agents. Ombrabulin was combined with two standard taxane/platinum doublets in a phase I study to determine the recommended combination doses. METHODS Ombrabulin (30-min infusion, day 1 every 3 weeks) was escalated from 15.5 to 35 mg/m(2) with two chemotherapy doublets; OCD, 75 mg/m(2) cisplatin (C), day 1 (cohort 1) or day 2 (cohort 2) with 60/75 mg/m(2) docetaxel (D), day 2; and OCP, AUC5/6 carboplatin (C) and paclitaxel (P) 175 mg/m(2) (cohort 3) or 200 mg/m(2) (cohort 4), day 2. Safety, pharmacokinetics, and tumor response were evaluated. RESULTS Sixty-nine patients were treated (32 OCD, 37 OCP). Four had DLTs in cycle 1, two in cohort 1 (grade 4 febrile neutropenia, grade 4 pulmonary embolism) and one each in cohorts 2 (grade 3 ALT elevation) and 4 (grade 3 peripheral ischemia). Ombrabulin escalation in cohorts 2, 3 and 4 was halted at the highest planned dose (35 mg/m(2)). Asthenia, nausea, paresthesia, alopecia, vomiting, and stomatitis were common, as was grade 3-4 neutropenia. Ombrabulin clearance was high with a short terminal half-life and a medium volume of distribution. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed no clinically relevant drug interactions between the taxane-platinum doublet and ombrabulin or its active metabolite RPR258063, however docetaxel and carboplatin pharmacokinetics were slightly altered. One complete and 15 partial responses (10 OCD, 5 OCP; median duration 5.5 and 4.4 months, respectively) were reported. CONCLUSIONS The addition of ombrabulin to standard doses of cisplatin/docetaxel or carboplatin/paclitaxel proved feasible with manageable overlapping toxicities but appears to have limited impact on the efficacy of these doublets. Recommended combination doses are 35 mg/m(2) ombrabulin with 75 mg/m(2) cisplatin/75 mg/m(2) docetaxel or 200 mg/m(2) paclitaxel/AUC6 carboplatin, every 3 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rastislav Bahleda
- Drug Development Department (DITEP), University Paris Sud, Gustave Roussy, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
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Folaron M, Kalmuk J, Lockwood J, Frangou C, Vokes J, Turowski SG, Merzianu M, Rigual NR, Sullivan-Nasca M, Kuriakose MA, Hicks WL, Singh AK, Seshadri M. Vascular priming enhances chemotherapeutic efficacy against head and neck cancer. Oral Oncol 2013; 49:893-902. [PMID: 23890930 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2013.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The need to improve chemotherapeutic efficacy against head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) is well recognized. In this study, we investigated the potential of targeting the established tumor vasculature in combination with chemotherapy in head and neck cancer. METHODS Experimental studies were carried out in multiple human HNSCC xenograft models to examine the activity of the vascular disrupting agent (VDA) 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) in combination with chemotherapy. Multimodality imaging (magnetic resonance imaging, bioluminescence) in conjunction with drug delivery assessment (fluorescence microscopy), histopathology and microarray analysis was performed to characterize tumor response to therapy. Long-term treatment outcome was assessed using clinically-relevant end points of efficacy. RESULTS Pretreatment of tumors with VDA prior to administration of chemotherapy increased intratumoral drug delivery and treatment efficacy. Enhancement of therapeutic efficacy was dependent on the dose and duration of VDA treatment but was independent of the chemotherapeutic agent evaluated. Combination treatment resulted in increased tumor cell kill and improvement in progression-free survival and overall survival in both ectopic and orthotopic HNSCC models. CONCLUSION Our results show that preconditioning of the tumor microenvironment with an antivascular agent primes the tumor vasculature and results in enhancement of chemotherapeutic delivery and efficacy in vivo. Further investigation into the activity of antivascular agents in combination with chemotherapy against HNSCC is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Folaron
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - James Kalmuk
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Jaimee Lockwood
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Costakis Frangou
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Jordan Vokes
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Steven G Turowski
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Mihai Merzianu
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Nestor R Rigual
- Department of Head & Neck/Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Maureen Sullivan-Nasca
- Department of Dentistry & Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Moni A Kuriakose
- Department of Head & Neck/Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Wesley L Hicks
- Department of Head & Neck/Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Anurag K Singh
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Mukund Seshadri
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; Department of Head & Neck/Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; Department of Dentistry & Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
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Tubulin-interactive stilbene derivatives as anticancer agents. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2013; 18:368-97. [PMID: 23818224 PMCID: PMC6275897 DOI: 10.2478/s11658-013-0094-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are dynamic polymers that occur in eukaryotic cells and play important roles in cell division, motility, transport and signaling. They form during the process of polymerization of α- and β-tubulin dimers. Tubulin is a significant and heavily researched molecular target for anticancer drugs. Combretastatins are natural cis-stilbenes that exhibit cytotoxic properties in cultured cancer cells in vitro. Combretastatin A-4 (3′-hydroxy-3,4,4′, 5-tetramethoxy-cis-stilbene; CA-4) is a potent cytotoxic cis-stilbene that binds to β-tubulin at the colchicine-binding site and inhibits tubulin polymerization. The prodrug CA-4 phosphate is currently in clinical trials as a chemotherapeutic agent for cancer treatment. Numerous series of stilbene analogs have been studied in search of potent cytotoxic agents with the requisite tubulin-interactive properties. Microtubule-interfering agents include numerous CA-4 and transresveratrol analogs and other synthetic stilbene derivatives. Importantly, these agents are active in both tumor cells and immature endothelial cells of tumor blood vessels, where they inhibit the process of angiogenesis. Recently, computer-aided virtual screening was used to select potent tubulin-interactive compounds. This review covers the role of stilbene derivatives as a class of antitumor agents that act by targeting microtubule assembly dynamics. Additionally, we present the results of molecular modeling of their binding to specific sites on the α- and β-tubulin heterodimer. This has enabled the elucidation of the mechanism of stilbene cytotoxicity and is useful in the design of novel agents with improved anti-mitotic activity. Tubulin-interactive agents are believed to have the potential to play a significant role in the fight against cancer.
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