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Albers J, Friese-Hamim M, Clark A, Schadt O, Walter-Bausch G, Stroh C, Johne A, Karachaliou N, Blaukat A. The Preclinical Pharmacology of Tepotinib-A Highly Selective MET Inhibitor with Activity in Tumors Harboring MET Alterations. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:833-843. [PMID: 36999986 PMCID: PMC10320478 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
The mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) proto-oncogene encodes the MET receptor tyrosine kinase. MET aberrations drive tumorigenesis in several cancer types through a variety of molecular mechanisms, including MET mutations, gene amplification, rearrangement, and overexpression. Therefore, MET is a therapeutic target and the selective type Ib MET inhibitor, tepotinib, was designed to potently inhibit MET kinase activity. In vitro, tepotinib inhibits MET in a concentration-dependent manner irrespective of the mode of MET activation, and in vivo, tepotinib exhibits marked, dose-dependent antitumor activity in MET-dependent tumor models of various cancer indications. Tepotinib penetrates the blood-brain barrier and demonstrates strong antitumor activity in subcutaneous and orthotopic brain metastasis models, in-line with clinical activity observed in patients. MET amplification is an established mechanism of resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), and preclinical studies show that tepotinib in combination with EGFR TKIs can overcome this resistance. Tepotinib is currently approved for the treatment of adult patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer harboring MET exon 14 skipping alterations. This review focuses on the pharmacology of tepotinib in preclinical cancer models harboring MET alterations and demonstrates that strong adherence to the principles of the Pharmacological Audit Trail may result in a successful discovery and development of a precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Albers
- Research Unit Oncology, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Manja Friese-Hamim
- Corporate Animal Using Vendor and Vivarium Governance (SQ-AV), Corporate Sustainability, Quality, Trade Compliance (SQ), Animal Affairs (SQ-A), the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Anderson Clark
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, Massachusetts
| | - Oliver Schadt
- Global Medicinal Chemistry, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Gina Walter-Bausch
- Research Unit Oncology, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christopher Stroh
- Clinical Biomarkers and Companion Diagnostics, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Andreas Johne
- Global Clinical Development Unit, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Niki Karachaliou
- Global Clinical Development Unit, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Andree Blaukat
- Research Unit Oncology, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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2
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Wang C, Lu X. Targeting MET: Discovery of Small Molecule Inhibitors as Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Therapy. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37262349 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
MET has been considered as a promising drug target for the treatment of MET-dependent diseases, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Small molecule MET inhibitors with mainly three types of binding modes (Ia/Ib, II, and III) have been developed. In this Review, we provide an overview of the structural features, activation mechanism, and dysregulation pathway of MET and summarize progress on the development and discovery strategies utilized for MET inhibitors as well as mechanisms of acquired resistance to current approved inhibitors. The insights will accelerate discovery of new generation MET inhibitors to overcome clinical acquired resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofan Wang
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, #855 Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiaoyun Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, #855 Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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3
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Moosavi F, Giovannetti E, Peters GJ, Firuzi O. Combination of HGF/MET-targeting agents and other therapeutic strategies in cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 160:103234. [PMID: 33497758 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MET receptor has emerged as a druggable target across several human cancers. Agents targeting MET and its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) including small molecules such as crizotinib, tivantinib and cabozantinib or antibodies including rilotumumab and onartuzumab have proven their values in different tumors. Recently, capmatinib was approved for treatment of metastatic lung cancer with MET exon 14 skipping. In this review, we critically examine the current evidence on how HGF/MET combination therapies may take advantage of synergistic effects, overcome primary or acquired drug resistance, target tumor microenvironment, modulate drug metabolism or tackle pharmacokinetic issues. Preclinical and clinical studies on the combination of HGF/MET-targeted agents with conventional chemotherapeutics or molecularly targeted treatments (including EGFR, VEGFR, HER2, RAF/MEK, and PI3K/Akt targeting agents) and also the value of biomarkers are examined. Our deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying successful pharmacological combinations is crucial to find the best personalized treatment regimens for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Moosavi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Omidreza Firuzi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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4
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Abstract
The genetic alterations in cancer cells are tightly linked to signaling pathway dysregulation. Ras is a key molecule that controls several tumorigenesis-related processes, and mutations in RAS genes often lead to unbiased intensification of signaling networks that fuel cancer progression. In this article, we review recent studies that describe mutant Ras-regulated signaling routes and their cross-talk. In addition to the two main Ras-driven signaling pathways, i.e., the RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, we have also collected emerging data showing the importance of Ras in other signaling pathways, including the RAC/PAK, RalGDS/Ral, and PKC/PLC signaling pathways. Moreover, microRNA-regulated Ras-associated signaling pathways are also discussed to highlight the importance of Ras regulation in cancer. Finally, emerging data show that the signal alterations in specific cell types, such as cancer stem cells, could promote cancer development. Therefore, we also cover the up-to-date findings related to Ras-regulated signal transduction in cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Takács
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gyöngyi Kudlik
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anita Kurilla
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bálint Szeder
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Buday
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Semmelweis University Medical School, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Virag Vas
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
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5
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Huang X, Li E, Shen H, Wang X, Tang T, Zhang X, Xu J, Tang Z, Guo C, Bai X, Liang T. Targeting the HGF/MET Axis in Cancer Therapy: Challenges in Resistance and Opportunities for Improvement. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:152. [PMID: 32435640 PMCID: PMC7218174 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Among hundreds of thousands of signal receptors contributing to oncogenic activation, tumorigenesis, and metastasis, the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor - also called tyrosine kinase MET - is a promising target in cancer therapy as its axis is involved in several different cancer types. It is also associated with poor outcomes and is involved in the development of therapeutic resistance. Several HGF/MET-neutralizing antibodies and MET kinase-specific small molecule inhibitors have been developed, resulting in some context-dependent progress in multiple cancer treatments. Nevertheless, the concomitant therapeutic resistance largely inhibits the translation of such targeted drug candidates into clinical application. Until now, numerous studies have been performed to understand the molecular, cellular, and upstream mechanisms that regulate HGF/MET-targeted drug resistance, further explore novel strategies to reduce the occurrence of resistance, and improve therapeutic efficacy after resistance. Intriguingly, emerging evidence has revealed that, in addition to its conventional function as an oncogene, the HGF/MET axis stands at the crossroads of tumor autophagy, immunity, and microenvironment. Based on current progress, this review summarizes the current challenges and simultaneously proposes future opportunities for HGF/MET targeting for therapeutic cancer interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Enliang Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hang Shen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xun Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tianyu Tang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhen Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zengwei Tang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengxiang Guo
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueli Bai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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6
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Muñoz-Maldonado C, Zimmer Y, Medová M. A Comparative Analysis of Individual RAS Mutations in Cancer Biology. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1088. [PMID: 31681616 PMCID: PMC6813200 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In human cells, three closely related RAS genes, termed HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS, encode four highly homologous proteins. RAS proteins are small GTPases involved in a broad spectrum of key molecular and cellular activities, including proliferation and survival among others. Gain-of-function missense mutations, mostly located at codons 12, 13, and 61, constitutively activate RAS proteins and can be detected in various types of human cancers. KRAS is the most frequently mutated, followed by NRAS and HRAS. However, each isoform exhibits distinctive mutation frequency at each codon, supporting the hypothesis that different RAS mutants may lead to distinct biologic manifestations. This review is focused on the differences in signaling and phenotype, as well as on transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics profiles related to individual RAS-mutated variants. Additionally, association of these mutants with particular targeted outcomes and rare mutations at additional RAS codons are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Muñoz-Maldonado
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.,Radiation Oncology, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yitzhak Zimmer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.,Radiation Oncology, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michaela Medová
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.,Radiation Oncology, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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7
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Verteporfin-induced lysosomal compartment dysregulation potentiates the effect of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:749. [PMID: 31582741 PMCID: PMC6776510 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1989-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Lysosomal sequestration of anti-cancer compounds reduces drug availability at intracellular target sites, thereby limiting drug-sensitivity and inducing chemoresistance. For hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sorafenib (SF) is the first line systemic treatment, as well as a simultaneous activator of autophagy-induced drug resistance. The purpose of this study is to elucidate how combination therapy with the FDA-approved photosensitizer verteporfin (VP) can potentiate the antitumor effect of SF, overcoming its acquired resistance mechanisms. HCC cell lines and patient-derived in vitro and in vivo preclinical models were used to identify the molecular mechanism of action of VP alone and in combination with SF. We demonstrate that SF is lysosomotropic and increases the total number of lysosomes in HCC cells and patient-derived xenograft model. Contrary to the effect on lysosomal stability by SF, VP is not only sequestered in lysosomes, but induces lysosomal pH alkalinization, lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and tumor-selective proteotoxicity. In combination, VP-induced LMP potentiates the antitumor effect of SF, further decreasing tumor proliferation and progression in HCC cell lines and patient-derived samples in vitro and in vivo. Our data suggest that combination of lysosome-targeting compounds, such as VP, in combination with already approved chemotherapeutic agents could open a new avenue to overcome chemo-insensitivity caused by passive lysosomal sequestration of anti-cancer drugs in the context of HCC.
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8
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Riedel R, Michels S, Heydt C, Siemanowski J, Kobe C, Bunck A, Schäfer S, Fischer RN, Scheffler M, Abdulla DS, Nogová L, Koleczko S, Merkelbach-Bruse S, Büttner R, Wolf J. Acquired KRAS mutation and loss of low-level MET amplification after durable response to crizotinib in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma. Lung Cancer 2019; 133:20-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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9
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Antitumor Activity of DFX117 by Dual Inhibition of c-Met and PI3Kα in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050627. [PMID: 31060329 PMCID: PMC6562471 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met signaling pathway caused by gene amplification or mutation plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Therefore, c-Met is considered as an attractive target for cancer therapy and c-Met inhibitors have been developed with great interests. However, cancers treated with c-Met inhibitors inevitably develop resistance commonly caused by the activation of PI3K/Akt signal transduction pathway. Therefore, the combination of c-Met and PI3Kα inhibitors showed synergistic activities, especially, in c-Met hyperactivated and PIK3CA-mutated cells. In our previous study, we rationally designed and synthesized DFX117(6-(5-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonamido)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)-N-(2-morpholinoethyl) imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-carboxamide) as a novel PI3Kα selective inhibitor. Herein, the antitumor activity and underlying mechanisms of DFX117 against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells were evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo animal models. Concurrent targeted c-Met and PI3Kα by DFX117 dose-dependent inhibited the cell growth of H1975 cells (PIK3CA mutation and c-Met amplification) and A549 cells (KRAS mutation). DFX117 subsequently induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. These data highlight the significant potential of DFX117 as a feasible and efficacious agent for the treatment of NSCLC patients.
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10
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Castiglione R, Alidousty C, Holz B, Wagener S, Baar T, Heydt C, Binot E, Zupp S, Kron A, Wolf J, Merkelbach-Bruse S, Reinhardt HC, Buettner R, Schultheis AM. Comparison of the genomic background of MET-altered carcinomas of the lung: biological differences and analogies. Mod Pathol 2019; 32:627-638. [PMID: 30459450 PMCID: PMC6760650 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-018-0182-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although non-small-cell lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, the molecular characterization and classification of its genetic alterations has drastically changed treatment options and overall survival within the last few decades. In particular, tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting specific molecular alterations, among other MET, have greatly improved the prognosis of non-small-cell lung cancer patients. Here, we compare the genomic background of a subset of non-small-cell lung cancer cases harboring either a MET high-level amplification (n = 24) or a MET exon 14 skipping mutation (n = 26), using next-generatison sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and Nanostring nCounter® technology. We demonstrate that the MET-amplified cohort shows a higher genetic instability, compared with the mutant cohort (p < 0.001). Furthermore, MET mutations occur at high allele frequency and in the presence of co-occurring TP53 mutations (n = 7), as well as MDM2 (n = 7), CDK4 (n = 6), and HMGA2 (n = 5) co-amplifications. No other potential driver mutation has been detected. Conversely, in the MET-amplified group, we identify co-occurring pathogenic NRAS and KRAS mutations (n = 5) and a significantly higher number of TP53 mutations, compared with the MET-mutant cohort (p = 0.048). Of note, MET amplifications occur more frequently as subclonal events. Interestingly, despite the significantly (p = 0.00103) older age at diagnosis of stage IIIb/IV of MET-mutant patients (median 77 years), compared with MET high-level amplified patients (median 69 years), MET-mutant patients with advanced-stage tumors showed a significantly better prognosis at 12 months (p = 0.04). In conclusion, the two groups of MET genetic alterations differ, both clinically and genetically: our data strongly suggest that MET exon 14 skipping mutations represent an early driver mutation. In opposition, MET amplifications occur usually in the background of other strong genetic events and therefore MET amplifications should be interpreted in the context of each tumor's genetic background, rather than as an isolated driver event, especially when considering MET-specific treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Castiglione
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Else Kröner Forschungskolleg Clonal Evolution in Cancer, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Barbara Holz
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Svenja Wagener
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Till Baar
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Carina Heydt
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elke Binot
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Susann Zupp
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna Kron
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jürgen Wolf
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Hans Christian Reinhardt
- Else Kröner Forschungskolleg Clonal Evolution in Cancer, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Reinhard Buettner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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11
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Karginova O, Weekley CM, Raoul A, Alsayed A, Wu T, Lee SSY, He C, Olopade OI. Inhibition of Copper Transport Induces Apoptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells and Suppresses Tumor Angiogenesis. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:873-885. [PMID: 30824611 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-0667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of advanced breast cancer remains challenging. Copper and some of the copper-dependent proteins are emerging therapeutic targets because they are essential for cell proliferation and survival, and have been shown to stimulate angiogenesis and metastasis. Here, we show that DCAC50, a recently developed small-molecule inhibitor of the intracellular copper chaperones, ATOX1 and CCS, reduces cell proliferation and elevates oxidative stress, triggering apoptosis in a panel of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Inhibition of ATOX1 activity with DCAC50 disrupts copper homeostasis, leading to increased copper levels, altered spatial copper redistribution, and accumulation of ATP7B to the cellular perinuclear region. The extent and impact of this disruption to copper homeostasis vary across cell lines and correlate with cellular baseline copper and glutathione levels. Ultimately, treatment with DCAC50 attenuates tumor growth and suppresses angiogenesis in a xenograft mouse model, and prevents endothelial cell network formation in vitro Co-treatment with paclitaxel and DCAC50 enhances cytotoxicity in TNBC and results in favorable dose reduction of both drugs. These data demonstrate that inhibition of intracellular copper transport targets tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment, and is a promising approach to treat breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Karginova
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Claire M Weekley
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Akila Raoul
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alhareth Alsayed
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Steve Seung-Young Lee
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Olufunmilayo I Olopade
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois. .,Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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12
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Xiao N, Tang YT, Li ZS, Cao R, Wang R, Zou JM, Pei J. Performance of probe polymerization-conjunction-agarose gel electrophoresis in the rapid detection of KRAS gene mutation. Genet Mol Biol 2018; 41:555-561. [PMID: 30080912 PMCID: PMC6136376 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2017-0197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to develop a simple and rapid method to detect KRAS gene mutations for conventional clinical applications under laboratory conditions. The genotype of mutation sites was determined based on the occurrence of target bands in the corresponding lanes of the reaction tubes through polymerization-conjunction of the probes, probe purification and amplification, and agarose gel electrophoresis. Circulating DNA samples were obtained from the plasma of 72 patients with lung cancer, which were identified based on six mutation sites (G12S, G12R, G12C, G12D, G12A, and G12V) of codon 12 of the KRAS gene. The detection results were compared with direct sequencing data. The proposed detection method is characterized by simple operation, high specificity, and high sensitivity (2%). This method can detect the mutations of three samples at G12S, G12R, and G12A. In the direct sequencing spectra of these samples, the genotype could not be determined due to the lack of evident sequencing peaks that correspond to the basic group of mutations. In conclusion, a simple and rapid method was established based on probe polymerization-conjunction-agarose gel electrophoresis for detecting KRAS gene mutations. This method can be applied to the conventional mutation detection of inhomogeneous samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Xiao
- Medical College of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Yi-Tong Tang
- Medical College of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Zhi-Shan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Rui Cao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Dongguan, Dongguan, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Jiu-Ming Zou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Jiao Pei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
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13
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Bockorny B, Rusan M, Chen W, Liao RG, Li Y, Piccioni F, Wang J, Tan L, Thorner AR, Li T, Zhang Y, Miao C, Ovesen T, Shapiro GI, Kwiatkowski DJ, Gray NS, Meyerson M, Hammerman PS, Bass AJ. RAS-MAPK Reactivation Facilitates Acquired Resistance in FGFR1-Amplified Lung Cancer and Underlies a Rationale for Upfront FGFR-MEK Blockade. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:1526-1539. [PMID: 29654068 PMCID: PMC6030474 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The FGFR kinases are promising therapeutic targets in multiple cancer types, including lung and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and bladder cancer. Although several FGFR kinase inhibitors have entered clinical trials, single-agent clinical efficacy has been modest and resistance invariably occurs. We therefore conducted a genome-wide functional screen to characterize mechanisms of resistance to FGFR inhibition in a FGFR1-dependent lung cancer cellular model. Our screen identified known resistance drivers, such as MET, and additional novel resistance mediators including members of the neurotrophin receptor pathway (NTRK), the TAM family of tyrosine kinases (TYRO3, MERTK, AXL), and MAPK pathway, which were further validated in additional FGFR-dependent models. In an orthogonal approach, we generated a large panel of resistant clones by chronic exposure to FGFR inhibitors in FGFR1- and FGFR3-dependent cellular models and characterized gene expression profiles employing the L1000 platform. Notably, resistant clones had enrichment for NTRK and MAPK signaling pathways. Novel mediators of resistance to FGFR inhibition were found to compensate for FGFR loss in part through reactivation of MAPK pathway. Intriguingly, coinhibition of FGFR and specific receptor tyrosine kinases identified in our screen was not sufficient to suppress ERK activity or to prevent resistance to FGFR inhibition, suggesting a redundant reactivation of RAS-MAPK pathway. Dual blockade of FGFR and MEK, however, proved to be a more powerful approach in preventing resistance across diverse FGFR dependencies and may represent a therapeutic opportunity to achieve durable responses to FGFR inhibition in FGFR-dependent cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(7); 1526-39. ©2018 AACR.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Humans
- Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase 1/genetics
- Mice
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases/genetics
- Mutation
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1/genetics
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3/genetics
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Bockorny
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Maria Rusan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Wankun Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rachel G Liao
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Yvonne Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Federica Piccioni
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Tan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aaron R Thorner
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tianxia Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yanxi Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Changhong Miao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Therese Ovesen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Geoffrey I Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David J Kwiatkowski
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew Meyerson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Peter S Hammerman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Adam J Bass
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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14
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Identification of a MET-eIF4G1 translational regulation axis that controls HIF-1α levels under hypoxia. Oncogene 2018; 37:4181-4196. [DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0256-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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15
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Kim HJ, Kang SK, Kwon WS, Kim TS, Jeong I, Jeung HC, Kragh M, Horak ID, Chung HC, Rha SY. Forty-nine gastric cancer cell lines with integrative genomic profiling for development of c-MET inhibitor. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:151-159. [PMID: 29435981 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinase MET (c-MET) has received considerable attention as a potential target for gastric cancer (GC) therapy and a number of c-MET inhibitors have been developed. For successful drug development, proper preclinical studies especially using patient derived cancer cell lines are very important. We profiled MET and MET-related characteristics in 49 GC cell lines to utilize them as models in preclinical studies of GC. Forty-nine cell lines were analyzed for genetic, biological, and molecular status to characterize MET and MET-related molecules. Four c-MET inhibitors were tested to elucidate the dependency on MET pathway in the 49 GC cell lines. Six of 49 cell lines were MET amplified with overexpression of c-MET and p-MET. The variants of MET were not associated with c-MET expression or amplification. Hs746T showed an exon 14 deletion in conjunction with MET amplification. The cell lines were divided into 6 MET amplified, 2 c-MET overexpressed, 2 hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) overexpressed, and 39 MET-negative subgroups. Except tivantinib, the c-MET inhibitors showed higher inhibition (%) in MET amplified than in MET nonamplified cell lines that MET amplified cell lines showed MET pathway dependency. However, the c-MET overexpressed and HGF overexpressed cell lines showed moderate dependency on MET pathway. Well-characterized cell lines are very important in studying drug development. Our 49 GC cell lines had various characteristics of MET and MET-related molecules and MET pathway dependency. These provide a promising platform for development of various RTK inhibitors including c-MET inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jeong Kim
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Kyoung Kang
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Sun Kwon
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Soo Kim
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Inhye Jeong
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hei-Cheul Jeung
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Hyun Cheol Chung
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Young Rha
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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16
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Zilberg C, Lee MW, Yu B, Ashford B, Kraitsek S, Ranson M, Shannon K, Cowley M, Iyer NG, Palme CE, Ch'ng S, Low THH, O'Toole S, Clark JR, Gupta R. Analysis of clinically relevant somatic mutations in high-risk head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Mod Pathol 2018; 31:275-287. [PMID: 28984303 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2017.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is the second most prevalent malignancy, most frequently occurring in the head and neck (head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma). Treatment of locally advanced or metastatic disease is associated with functional morbidity and disfigurement. Underlying genetic mechanisms are poorly understood. Targeted sequencing of 48 clinically relevant genes was performed on DNA extracted from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded high-risk primary head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas that remained non-metastatic at minimum follow-up of 24 months. Associations of somatic mutations with clinicopathologic characteristics were evaluated and compared with those described in the literature for metastatic disease. Alterations in 44 cancer-associated genes were identified. TP53 was mutated in 100% of cases; APC, ATM, ERBB4, GNAQ, KIT, RB1 and ABL1 were altered in 60% of cases. FGFR2 mutations (40%) were exclusively seen in patients with perineural invasion. MLH1 mutations were exclusively seen in the two younger patients (<45 years). Lower incidences of NOTCH1 mutations were observed compared with that described in metastatic head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the literature. Somatic mutations susceptible to EGFR inhibitors, and other small molecular targeted therapeutics were seen in 60% of cases. This study provides insights into somatic mutations in non-metastatic, high-risk head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and identifies potential therapeutic targets. Alterations in FGFR2 and NOTCH1 may have roles in local and distant disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Zilberg
- Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Bing Yu
- Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Medical Genomics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bruce Ashford
- Illawarra and Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD), Wollongong, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), Wollongong, Australia
| | - Spiridoula Kraitsek
- Department of Medical Genomics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marie Ranson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), Wollongong, Australia.,Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation (CONCERT), Liverpool, Australia
| | - Kerwin Shannon
- The Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Cowley
- Kinghorn Cancer Centre and Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - N Gopalakrishna Iyer
- Singhealth/Duke-NUS Head and Neck Center, National Cancer Center Singapore (NCCS), Singapore
| | - Carsten E Palme
- Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,The Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sydney Ch'ng
- Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,The Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tsu-Hui Hubert Low
- Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,The Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sandra O'Toole
- Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jonathan R Clark
- Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,The Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ruta Gupta
- Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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17
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Poulsen TT, Grandal MM, Skartved NJØ, Hald R, Alifrangis L, Koefoed K, Lindsted T, Fröhlich C, Pollmann SE, Eriksen KW, Dahlman A, Jacobsen HJ, Bouquin T, Pedersen MW, Horak ID, Lantto J, Kragh M. Sym015: A Highly Efficacious Antibody Mixture against MET-Amplified Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:5923-5935. [PMID: 28679766 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-0782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase MET is associated with poor clinical outcome in certain cancers. To target MET more effectively, we developed an antagonistic antibody mixture, Sym015, consisting of two humanized mAbs directed against nonoverlapping epitopes of MET.Experimental Design/Results: We screened a large panel of well-annotated human cancer cell lines and identified a subset with highly elevated MET expression. In particular, cell lines of lung cancer and gastric cancer origin demonstrated high MET expression and activation, and Sym015 triggered degradation of MET and significantly inhibited growth of these cell lines. Next, we tested Sym015 in patient- and cell line-derived xenograft models with high MET expression and/or MET exon 14 skipping alterations, and in models harboring MET amplification as a mechanism of resistance to EGFR-targeting agents. Sym015 effectively inhibited tumor growth in all these models and was superior to an analogue of emibetuzumab, a monoclonal IgG4 antibody against MET currently in clinical development. Sym015 also induced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro, suggesting that secondary effector functions contribute to the efficacy of Sym015.Retrospectively, all responsive, high MET-expressing models were scored as highly MET-amplified by in situ hybridization, pointing to MET amplification as a predictive biomarker for efficacy. Preclinical toxicology studies in monkeys showed that Sym015 was well tolerated, with a pharmacokinetic profile supporting administration of Sym015 every second or third week in humans.Conclusions: The preclinical efficacy and safety data provide a clear rationale for the ongoing clinical studies of Sym015 in patients with MET-amplified tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 23(19); 5923-35. ©2017 AACR.
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18
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Nisa L, Häfliger P, Poliaková M, Giger R, Francica P, Aebersold DM, Charles RP, Zimmer Y, Medová M. PIK3CA hotspot mutations differentially impact responses to MET targeting in MET-driven and non-driven preclinical cancer models. Mol Cancer 2017; 16:93. [PMID: 28532501 PMCID: PMC5441085 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-017-0660-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The MET receptor tyrosine kinase represents a promising target in cancer. PIK3CA activating mutations are common in several tumor types and can potentially confer resistance to anti-receptor tyrosine kinase therapy. Methods MET and/or PI3K pathway inhibition was assessed in NIH3T3 cells harboring MET-activating point mutation with or without ectopic expression of PIK3CAE545K and PIK3CAH1047R, as well as in MET-expressing head and neck cancer cells with endogenous PIK3CA mutations. Endpoints included PI3K pathway activation, cell proliferation, colony-forming ability, cell death, wound-healing, and an in vivo model. Results PIK3CAE545K and PIK3CAH1047R confer resistance to MET inhibition in MET-driven models. PIK3CAH1047R was more potent than PIK3CAE545K at inducing resistance in PI3K pathway activation, cell proliferation, colony-forming ability, induction of cell death and wound-healing upon MET inhibition. Resistance to MET inhibition could be synergistically overcome by co-targeting PI3K. Furthermore, combined MET/PI3K inhibition led to enhanced anti-tumor activity in vivo in tumors harboring PIK3CAH1047R. In head and neck cancer cells the combination of MET/PI3K inhibitors led to more-than-additive effects. Conclusions PIK3CA mutations can lead to resistance to MET inhibition, supporting future clinical evaluation of combinations of PI3K and MET inhibitors in common scenarios of malignant neoplasms featuring aberrant MET expression and PIK3CA mutations. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12943-017-0660-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lluís Nisa
- Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland. .,Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Pascal Häfliger
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michaela Poliaková
- Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roland Giger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Paola Francica
- Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Matthias Aebersold
- Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roch-Philippe Charles
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yitzhak Zimmer
- Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michaela Medová
- Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
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19
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Chiba M, Togashi Y, Tomida S, Mizuuchi H, Nakamura Y, Banno E, Hayashi H, Terashima M, De Velasco MA, Sakai K, Fujita Y, Mitsudomi T, Nishio K. MEK inhibitors against MET-amplified non-small cell lung cancer. Int J Oncol 2016; 49:2236-2244. [PMID: 27748834 PMCID: PMC5118002 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) including EGFR, ALK, and MET have been identified as therapeutic targets in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Among the downstream pathways of RTKs, the MAPK pathway is particularly important for cancer cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. In this study, the effects of MEK inhibitors (trametinib and PD0325901) in several NSCLC cell lines with driver gene alterations, especially RTK genes, were tested in vitro using an MTT assay, and a wide range of sensitivities was found. In particular, all the EGFR-mutated cell lines were resistant to MEK inhibitors, whereas all the MET-amplified cell lines were sensitive. A bioinformatics technique and western blot analyses showed that the PI3K/AKT pathway is more activated in EGFR-mutated NSCLC than in MET-amplified NSCLC, and a PI3K inhibitor enhanced the sensitivity to trametinib in the EGFR-mutated cell lines, suggesting that this pathway is associated with resistance to MEK inhibitors. Although the HCC827 cell line (EGFR mutation) was resistant to MEK inhibitors, the HCC827CNXR cell line, whose driver gene shifts from EGFR to MET, exhibited enhanced sensitivity to MEK inhibitors, indicating the biological importance of the MAPK pathway for MET-amplified NCSLC. Furthermore, a synergistic effect of crizotinib (a MET inhibitor) and trametinib was observed in MET-amplified NCLC cell lines. Our findings indicate that the MAPK pathway is biologically important for MET-amplified NSCLC and strongly encourage the development of combination therapy with a MET inhibitor and a MEK inhibitor against MET-amplified NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Chiba
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Yosuke Togashi
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, EPOC, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
| | - Shuta Tomida
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mizuuchi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kitakyushu Municipal Medical Center, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 802-0077, Japan
| | - Yu Nakamura
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Eri Banno
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Hayashi
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Masato Terashima
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Marco A. De Velasco
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Kazuko Sakai
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Fujita
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mitsudomi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Kazuto Nishio
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
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20
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Saisana M, Griffin SM, May FE. Importance of the type I insulin-like growth factor receptor in HER2, FGFR2 and MET-unamplified gastric cancer with and without Ras pathway activation. Oncotarget 2016; 7:54445-54462. [PMID: 27437872 PMCID: PMC5342354 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Amplification of seven oncogenes: HER2, EGFR, FGFR1, FGFR2, MET, KRAS and IGF1R has been identified in gastric cancer. The first five are targeted therapeutically in patients with HER2-positivity, FGFR2- or MET-amplification but the majority of patients are triple-negative and require alternative strategies. Our aim was to evaluate the importance of the IGF1R tyrosine kinase in triple-negative gastric cancer with and without oncogenic KRAS, BRAF or PI3K3CA mutations. Cell lines and metastatic tumor cells isolated from patients expressed IGF1R, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) activated the PI3-kinase/Akt and Ras/Raf/MAP-kinase pathways. IGF-1 protected triple-negative cells from caspase-dependent apoptosis and anoikis. Protection was mediated via the PI3-kinase/Akt pathway. Remarkably, IGF-1-dependent cell survival was greater in patient samples. IGF-1 stimulated triple-negative gastric cancer cell growth was prevented by IGF1R knockdown and Ras/Raf/MAP-kinase pathway inhibition. The importance of the receptor in cell line and metastatic tumor cell growth in serum-containing medium was demonstrated by knockdown and pharmacological inhibition with figitumumab. The proportions of cells in S-phase and mitotic-phase, and Ras/Raf/MAP-kinase pathway activity, were reduced concomitantly. KRAS-addicted and BRAF-impaired gastric cancer cells were particularly susceptible. In conclusion, IGF1R and the IGF signal transduction pathway merit consideration as potential therapeutic targets in patients with triple-negative gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Saisana
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - S. Michael Griffin
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Northern Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Felicity E.B. May
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle University Institute for Ageing, Department of Pathology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Leiser D, Medová M, Mikami K, Nisa L, Stroka D, Blaukat A, Bladt F, Aebersold DM, Zimmer Y. KRAS and HRAS mutations confer resistance to MET targeting in preclinical models of MET-expressing tumor cells. Mol Oncol 2015; 9:1434-46. [PMID: 25933688 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2015.04.001] [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: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The MET receptor tyrosine kinase is often deregulated in human cancers and several MET inhibitors are evaluated in clinical trials. Similarly to EGFR, MET signals through the RAS-RAF-ERK/MAPK pathway which plays key roles in cell proliferation and survival. Mutations of genes encoding for RAS proteins, particularly in KRAS, are commonly found in various tumors and are associated with constitutive activation of the MAPK pathway. It was shown for EGFR, that KRAS mutations render upstream EGFR inhibition ineffective in EGFR-positive colorectal cancers. Currently, there are no clinical studies evaluating MET inhibition impairment due to RAS mutations. To test the impact of RAS mutations on MET targeting, we generated tumor cells responsive to the MET inhibitor EMD1214063 that express KRAS G12V, G12D, G13D and HRAS G12V variants. We demonstrate that these MAPK-activating RAS mutations differentially interfere with MET-mediated biological effects of MET inhibition. We report increased residual ERK1/2 phosphorylation indicating that the downstream pathway remains active in presence of MET inhibition. Consequently, RAS variants counteracted MET inhibition-induced morphological changes as well as anti-proliferative and anchorage-independent growth effects. The effect of RAS mutants was reversed when MET inhibition was combined with MEK inhibitors AZD6244 and UO126. In an in vivo mouse xenograft model, MET-driven tumors harboring mutated RAS displayed resistance to MET inhibition. Taken together, our results demonstrate for the first time in details the role of KRAS and HRAS mutations in resistance to MET inhibition and suggest targeting both MET and MEK as an effective strategy when both oncogenic drivers are expressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Leiser
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michaela Medová
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kei Mikami
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lluís Nisa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Deborah Stroka
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andree Blaukat
- Merck Serono an Affiliate of Merck Serono Research & Development, Merck KGaA, 64271 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Friedhelm Bladt
- Merck Serono an Affiliate of Merck Serono Research & Development, Merck KGaA, 64271 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Daniel M Aebersold
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yitzhak Zimmer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland.
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