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Li L, Lin Z, Yuan J, Li P, Wang Q, Cho N, Wang Y, Lin Z. The neuroprotective mechanisms of naringenin: Inhibition of apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT pathway after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116941. [PMID: 37480970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Naringenin (NGN) is a widely distributed flavonoid with potent antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Neuroprotective agents play a crucial role in the treatment of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). It has shown potential therapeutic effects for neurological disorders. However, its efficacy on HIE is yet to be investigated. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of naringenin and its underlying molecular mechanisms in reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, and improving brain outcomes following HIE. Additionally, the study aims to identify the potential targets, mechanisms, and functions of naringenin using network pharmacology analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Neonatal mice were exposed to the hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) model to determine brain water content, and brain tissue was subjected to hematoxylin and eosin (HE), immunohistochemistry (IHC), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and Nissl staining to investigate its neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, the neonatal mouse primary neuron oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in vitro. The protein levels were characterized by Western Blot, and mRNA levels were evaluated by a real-time quantitative PCR detecting system (qPCR). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mitochondrial fluorescent staining were used to observe mitochondrial morphology. Neuronal nuclei (NeuN) and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) were detected by Immunofluorescence (IF). Finally, network pharmacology was employed to determine the common target of naringenin and HIE. The core genes were obtained via protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) analysis and molecular docking was examined, and the mechanism of action was explored through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Additionally, small interfering RNA (siRNA) was constructed for verification. RESULTS Naringenin has a neuroprotective effect in HIBD by modulating Vegfa expression and activating the PI3K/AKT pathway to inhibit apoptosis. Furthermore, molecular docking results suggest that Vegfa is a potential binding target of naringenin, and silencing Vegfa partially reverses the pharmacological effects of NGN. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that naringenin demonstrates potential clinical application for treating HIE as a novel neuroprotective agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Li
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Perinatal Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang Province, China; Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Zhen Lin
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junhui Yuan
- Wenling Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Xiabao Road, Chengdong Street of Wenling City, Zhejiang Province, 317500, China
| | - Pingping Li
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Perinatal Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Perinatal Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Namki Cho
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea.
| | - Yi Wang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Zhenlang Lin
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Perinatal Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China.
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2
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Wang L, Liu WQ, Broussy S, Han B, Fang H. Recent advances of anti-angiogenic inhibitors targeting VEGF/VEGFR axis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1307860. [PMID: 38239196 PMCID: PMC10794590 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1307860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) and their downstream signaling pathways are promising targets in anti-angiogenic therapy. They constitute a crucial system to regulate physiological and pathological angiogenesis. In the last 20 years, many anti-angiogenic drugs have been developed based on VEGF/VEGFR system to treat diverse cancers and retinopathies, and new drugs with improved properties continue to emerge at a fast rate. They consist of different molecular structures and characteristics, which enable them to inhibit the interaction of VEGF/VEGFR, to inhibit the activity of VEGFR tyrosine kinase (TK), or to inhibit VEGFR downstream signaling. In this paper, we reviewed the development of marketed anti-angiogenic drugs involved in the VEGF/VEGFR axis, as well as some important drug candidates in clinical trials. We discuss their mode of action, their clinical benefits, and the current challenges that will need to be addressed by the next-generation of anti-angiogenic drugs. We focus on the molecular structures and characteristics of each drug, including those approved only in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wang-Qing Liu
- CiTCoM, CNRS, INSERM, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Bingnan Han
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongming Fang
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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3
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Cao Y, Sun C, Huo G, Wang H, Wu Y, Wang F, Liu S, Zhai S, Zhang X, Zhao H, Hu M, Gu W, Yang Y, Wang S, Liang C, Lyu J, Lu T, Wang Y, Xie L, Fan C. Novel hKDR mouse model depicts the antiangiogenesis and apoptosis-promoting effects of neutralizing antibodies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. Cancer Sci 2022; 114:115-128. [PMID: 36114822 PMCID: PMC9807522 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2)/KDR plays a critical role in tumor growth, diffusion, and invasion. The amino acid sequence homology of KDR between mouse and human in the VEGF ligand-binding domain was low, thus the WT mice could not be used to evaluate Abs against human KDR, and the lack of a suitable mouse model hindered both basic research and drug developments. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique, we successfully inserted different fragments of the human KDR coding sequence into the chromosomal mouse Kdr exon 4 locus to obtain an hKDR humanized mouse that can be used to evaluate the marketed Ab ramucirumab. In addition, the humanized mAb VEGFR-HK19 was developed, and a series of comparative assays with ramucirumab as the benchmark revealed that VEGFR-HK19 has higher affinity and superior antiproliferation activity. Moreover, VEGFR-HK19 selectively inhibited tumor growth in the hKDR mouse model but not in WT mice. The most important binding epitopes of VEGFR2-HK19 are D257, L313, and T315, located in the VEGF binding region. Therefore, the VEGFR2-HK19 Ab inhibits tumor growth by blocking VEGF-induced angiogenesis, inflammation, and promoting apoptosis. To our best knowledge, this novel humanized KDR mouse fills the gaps both in an animal model and the suitable in vivo evaluation method for developing antiangiogenesis therapies in the future, and the newly established humanized Ab is expected to be a drug candidate possibly benefitting tumor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Cao
- Division of Animal Model Research, National Rodent Laboratory Animal Resources Center, Institute for Laboratory Animal ResourcesNational Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)BeijingChina
| | - Chunyun Sun
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein and AntibodySinocelltech LtdBeijingChina
| | - Guitao Huo
- National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Institute for Food and Drug Safety EvaluationNational Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)BeijingChina
| | - Huiyu Wang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein and AntibodySinocelltech LtdBeijingChina
| | - Yong Wu
- Division of Animal Model Research, National Rodent Laboratory Animal Resources Center, Institute for Laboratory Animal ResourcesNational Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)BeijingChina
| | - Fei Wang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein and AntibodySinocelltech LtdBeijingChina
| | - Susu Liu
- Division of Animal Model Research, National Rodent Laboratory Animal Resources Center, Institute for Laboratory Animal ResourcesNational Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)BeijingChina
| | - Shijie Zhai
- Division of Animal Model Research, National Rodent Laboratory Animal Resources Center, Institute for Laboratory Animal ResourcesNational Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)BeijingChina
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein and AntibodySinocelltech LtdBeijingChina
| | - Haoyang Zhao
- Division of Animal Model Research, National Rodent Laboratory Animal Resources Center, Institute for Laboratory Animal ResourcesNational Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)BeijingChina
| | - Meiling Hu
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein and AntibodySinocelltech LtdBeijingChina
| | - Wenda Gu
- Division of Animal Model Research, National Rodent Laboratory Animal Resources Center, Institute for Laboratory Animal ResourcesNational Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)BeijingChina
| | - Yanwei Yang
- National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Institute for Food and Drug Safety EvaluationNational Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)BeijingChina
| | - Sanlong Wang
- National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Institute for Food and Drug Safety EvaluationNational Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)BeijingChina
| | - Chunnan Liang
- Division of Animal Model Research, National Rodent Laboratory Animal Resources Center, Institute for Laboratory Animal ResourcesNational Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)BeijingChina
| | - Jianjun Lyu
- Division of Animal Model Research, National Rodent Laboratory Animal Resources Center, Institute for Laboratory Animal ResourcesNational Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)BeijingChina
| | - Tiangong Lu
- School of Life SciencesBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Youchun Wang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product ControlNational Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)BeijingChina
| | - Liangzhi Xie
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein and AntibodySinocelltech LtdBeijingChina,Beijing Key Laboratory of Monoclonal Antibody Research and DevelopmentSino Biological Inc.BeijingChina,Cell Culture Engineering CenterChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Changfa Fan
- Division of Animal Model Research, National Rodent Laboratory Animal Resources Center, Institute for Laboratory Animal ResourcesNational Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)BeijingChina
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Wu Q, Qian W, Sun X, Jiang S. Small-molecule inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and more: FDA-approved novel therapeutic drugs for solid tumors from 1991 to 2021. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:143. [PMID: 36209184 PMCID: PMC9548212 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01362-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has always been a forerunner in drug evaluation and supervision. Over the past 31 years, 1050 drugs (excluding vaccines, cell-based therapies, and gene therapy products) have been approved as new molecular entities (NMEs) or biologics license applications (BLAs). A total of 228 of these 1050 drugs were identified as cancer therapeutics or cancer-related drugs, and 120 of them were classified as therapeutic drugs for solid tumors according to their initial indications. These drugs have evolved from small molecules with broad-spectrum antitumor properties in the early stage to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and antibody‒drug conjugates (ADCs) with a more precise targeting effect during the most recent decade. These drugs have extended indications for other malignancies, constituting a cancer treatment system for monotherapy or combined therapy. However, the available targets are still mainly limited to receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), restricting the development of antitumor drugs. In this review, these 120 drugs are summarized and classified according to the initial indications, characteristics, or functions. Additionally, RTK-targeted therapies and immune checkpoint-based immunotherapies are also discussed. Our analysis of existing challenges and potential opportunities in drug development may advance solid tumor treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wu
- School of Medical Imaging, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053 Zhejiang China
| | - Wei Qian
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang China
| | - Xiaoli Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003 Zhejiang China
| | - Shaojie Jiang
- School of Medical Imaging, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053 Zhejiang China
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Depetris RS, Lu D, Polonskaya Z, Zhang Z, Luna X, Tankard A, Kolahi P, Drummond M, Williams C, Ebert MCCJC, Patel JP, Poyurovsky MV. Functional antibody characterization via direct structural analysis and information-driven protein-protein docking. Proteins 2021; 90:919-935. [PMID: 34773424 PMCID: PMC9544432 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Detailed description of the mechanism of action of the therapeutic antibodies is essential for the functional characterization and future optimization of potential clinical agents. We recently developed KD035, a fully human antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). KD035 blocked VEGF‐A, and VEGF‐C‐mediated VEGFR2 activation, as demonstrated by the in vitro binding and competition assays and functional cellular assays. Here, we report a computational model of the complex between the variable fragment of KD035 (KD035(Fv)) and the domains 2 and 3 of the extracellular portion of VEGFR2 (VEGFR2(D2‐3)). Our modeling was guided by a priori experimental information including the X‐ray structures of KD035 and related antibodies, binding assays, target domain mapping and comparison of KD035 affinity for VEGFR2 from different species. The accuracy of the model was assessed by molecular dynamics simulations, and subsequently validated by mutagenesis and binding analysis. Importantly, the steps followed during the generation of this model can set a precedent for future in silico efforts aimed at the accurate description of the antibody–antigen and more broadly protein–protein complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Lu
- Kadmon Corporation, LLC, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Zhikai Zhang
- Kadmon Corporation, LLC, New York, New York, USA
| | - Xenia Luna
- Kadmon Corporation, LLC, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Pegah Kolahi
- Kadmon Corporation, LLC, New York, New York, USA
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Lanitis E, Kosti P, Ronet C, Cribioli E, Rota G, Spill A, Reichenbach P, Zoete V, Dangaj Laniti D, Coukos G, Irving M. VEGFR-2 redirected CAR-T cells are functionally impaired by soluble VEGF-A competition for receptor binding. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-002151. [PMID: 34389616 PMCID: PMC8365827 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells has emerged as a potent immunotherapy against some hematological malignancies but not yet for epithelial-derived solid tumors. One critical issue is the paucity of broadly expressed solid tumor antigens (TAs), and another is the presence of suppressive mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that can impair CAR-T cell homing, extravasation and effector functions. TAs expressed by endothelial cells of the tumor vasculature are of clinical interest for CAR therapy because of their genomic stability and accessibility to circulating T cells, as well as their expression across multiple tumor types. In this study, we sought to explore limitations to the efficacy of second-generation (2G) murine CAR-T cells redirected against the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) with the well-characterized single-chain variable fragment DC101. Methods Primary murine T cells were retrovirally transduced to express a 2G anti-VEGFR-2-CAR, and the in vitro binding to VEGFR-2, as well as reactivity against TA-expressing cells, was evaluated in the absence versus presence of exogenous VEGF-A. The CAR-T cells were further tested in vivo for tumor control alone and in combination with anti-VEGF-A antibody. Finally, we performed ex vivo phenotypic analyses of tumor-infiltrating CAR-T cells for the two treatment groups. Results In line with previous reports, we observed poor control of B16 melanoma by the 2G anti-VEGFR-2 CAR-T cells as a monotherapy. We further showed that VEGFR-2 is not downregulated by B16 melanoma tumors post treatment, but that its soluble ligand VEGF-A is upregulated and furthermore competes in vitro with the CAR-T cells for binding to VEGFR-2. This competition resulted in impaired CAR-T cell adhesion and effector function in vitro that could be restored in the presence of anti-VEGF-A antibody. Finally, we demonstrated that coadministration of anti-VEGF-A antibody in vivo promoted CAR-T cell persistence and tumor control and was associated with reduced frequencies of PD-1+ Ki67- and LAG-3+ Ki67- CAR-T cells in the TME. Conclusions This study represents the first example of impaired function of a vasculature-targeted CAR by an angiogenic ligand and rationalizes the use of combinatorial therapies that target the tumor vasculature and augment CAR-T cell effector function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evripidis Lanitis
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Paris Kosti
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Catherine Ronet
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Elisabetta Cribioli
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Giorgia Rota
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Aodrenn Spill
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Reichenbach
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Zoete
- Computer-aided Molecular Engineering Group, Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Denarda Dangaj Laniti
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - George Coukos
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Melita Irving
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
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Novy Z, Janousek J, Barta P, Petrik M, Hajduch M, Trejtnar F. Preclinical evaluation of anti-VEGFR2 monoclonal antibody ramucirumab labelled with zirconium-89 for tumour imaging. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2021; 64:262-270. [PMID: 33818828 DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.3909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The key factors participating in angiogenesis include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFRs), particularly VEGFR2. Angiogenesis suppression comprises the blocking of the VEGFR2 binding site by the monoclonal antibody ramucirumab (RAM). Our study focused on RAM radiolabelling with zirconium-89 along with subsequent in vitro and in vivo biological evaluation. RAM was conjugated with the bifunctional chelator p-SCN-Bn-deferoxamine (DFO) and subsequently radiolabelled with [89 Zr]Zr-oxalate. The binding affinity of [89 Zr]Zr-DFO-RAM to VEGFR2 was tested in vitro on prostate (PC-3) and ovary adenocarcinoma (SK-OV-3) cell lines. The positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging and ex vivo biodistribution experiments were performed in PC-3 and SK-OV-3 xenografted mice. The in vitro experiments revealed the preserved binding affinity of [89 Zr]Zr-DFO-RAM to VEGFR2. The obtained ex vivo biodistribution data showed the uptake in PC-3 and SK-OV-3 tumours at about 8.7 ± 0.2 and 12.1 ± 1.6%ID/g, respectively. The tumour-to-muscle ratio for 1, 3 and 6 days post injection was 3.9, 5.5 and 5.12 for PC-3 and 6.0, 8.0 and 8.82 for SK-OV-3 tumours, respectively. PET/CT images showed high radioactivity accumulation in the tumours starting already on the first day after tracer administration. The obtained results proved the potency of [89 Zr]Zr-DFO-RAM to target and image VEGFR2-positive tumours in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zbynek Novy
- Palacky University Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Janousek
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Department of Pharmacognosy, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Barta
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Department of Biophysics and Physical Chemistry, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Milos Petrik
- Palacky University Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marian Hajduch
- Palacky University Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Trejtnar
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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Winters AC, Bedier F, Saab S. Management of Side Effects of Systemic Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Guide for the Hepatologist. Clin Liver Dis 2020; 24:755-769. [PMID: 33012457 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Historically, systemic treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma was limited to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib. With the recent approval of several new agents the armamentarium of treatment options available to providers and patients has expanded. Although these promising advances offer hope for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, they also present new and challenging adverse effects that threaten to limit their efficacy. Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors introduce immune-related adverse events, which may affect a wide array of organ systems. With prompt recognition, however, common side effects of systemic therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma are predictable, manageable, and many improve with appropriate intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam C Winters
- Pfleger Liver Institute, 200 Medical Plaza Driveway, Suite 214, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Fatima Bedier
- Pfleger Liver Institute, 200 Medical Plaza Driveway, Suite 214, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sammy Saab
- Pfleger Liver Institute, 200 Medical Plaza Driveway, Suite 214, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Yang YM, Hong P, Xu WW, He QY, Li B. Advances in targeted therapy for esophageal cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:229. [PMID: 33028804 PMCID: PMC7542465 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00323-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most lethal cancers in the world, and its morbidity and mortality rates rank among the top ten in China. Currently, surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the primary clinical treatments for esophageal cancer. However, outcomes are still unsatisfactory due to the limited efficacy and severe adverse effects of conventional treatments. As a new type of approach, targeted therapies have been confirmed to play an important role in the treatment of esophageal cancer; these include cetuximab and bevacizumab, which target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), respectively. In addition, other drugs targeting surface antigens and signaling pathways or acting on immune checkpoints have been continuously developed. For example, trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a first-line treatment of HER-2-positive cancer. Moreover, the PD-L1 inhibitor pembrolizumab has been approved as a highly efficient drug for patients with PD-L1-positive or advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). These novel drugs can be used alone or in combination with other treatment strategies to further improve the treatment efficacy and prognosis of cancer patients. Nevertheless, adverse events, optimal dosages and effective combinations still need further investigation. In this review, we expound an outline of the latest advances in targeted therapies of esophageal cancer and the mechanisms of relevant drugs, discuss their efficacy and safety, and provide a clinical rationale for precision medicine in esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ming Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Hong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen Wen Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Qing-Yu He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Bin Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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N-GlyDE: a two-stage N-linked glycosylation site prediction incorporating gapped dipeptides and pattern-based encoding. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15975. [PMID: 31685900 PMCID: PMC6828726 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52341-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
N-linked glycosylation is one of the predominant post-translational modifications involved in a number of biological functions. Since experimental characterization of glycosites is challenging, glycosite prediction is crucial. Several predictors have been made available and report high performance. Most of them evaluate their performance at every asparagine in protein sequences, not confined to asparagine in the N-X-S/T sequon. In this paper, we present N-GlyDE, a two-stage prediction tool trained on rigorously-constructed non-redundant datasets to predict N-linked glycosites in the human proteome. The first stage uses a protein similarity voting algorithm trained on both glycoproteins and non-glycoproteins to predict a score for a protein to improve glycosite prediction. The second stage uses a support vector machine to predict N-linked glycosites by utilizing features of gapped dipeptides, pattern-based predicted surface accessibility, and predicted secondary structure. N-GlyDE's final predictions are derived from a weight adjustment of the second-stage prediction results based on the first-stage prediction score. Evaluated on N-X-S/T sequons of an independent dataset comprised of 53 glycoproteins and 33 non-glycoproteins, N-GlyDE achieves an accuracy and MCC of 0.740 and 0.499, respectively, outperforming the compared tools. The N-GlyDE web server is available at http://bioapp.iis.sinica.edu.tw/N-GlyDE/ .
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11
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Lu RM, Chiu CY, Liu IJ, Chang YL, Liu YJ, Wu HC. Novel human Ab against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 shows therapeutic potential for leukemia and prostate cancer. Cancer Sci 2019; 110:3773-3787. [PMID: 31578782 PMCID: PMC6890446 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is highly expressed in tumor‐associated endothelial cells, where it modulates tumor‐promoting angiogenesis, and it is also found on the surface of tumor cells. Currently, there are no Ab therapeutics targeting VEGFR2 approved for the treatment of prostate cancer or leukemia. Therefore, development of novel efficacious anti‐VEGFR2 Abs will benefit cancer patients. We used the Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology human Ab library and affinity maturation to develop a fully human Ab, anti‐VEGFR2‐AF, which shows excellent VEGFR2 binding activity. Anti‐VEGFR2‐AF bound Ig‐like domain 3 of VEGFR2 extracellular region to disrupt the interaction between VEGF‐A and VEGFR2, neutralizing downstream signaling of the receptor. Moreover, anti‐VEGFR2‐AF inhibited capillary structure formation and exerted Ab‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity in vitro. We found that VEGFR2 is expressed in PC‐3 human prostate cancer cell line and associated with malignancy and metastasis of human prostate cancer. In a PC‐3 xenograft mouse model, treatment with anti‐VEGFR2‐AF repressed tumor growth and angiogenesis as effectively and safely as US FDA‐approved anti‐VEGFR2 therapeutic, ramucirumab. We also report for the first time that addition of anti‐VEGFR2 Ab can enhance the efficacy of docetaxel in the treatment of a prostate cancer mouse model. In HL‐60 human leukemia‐xenografted mice, anti‐VEGFR2‐AF showed better efficacy than ramucirumab with prolonged survival and reduced metastasis of leukemia cells to ovaries and lymph nodes. Our findings suggest that anti‐VEGFR2‐AF has strong potential as a cancer therapy that could directly target VEGFR2‐expressing tumor cells in addition to its anti‐angiogenic action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruei-Min Lu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Yi Chiu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Ju Liu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ling Chang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yaw-Jen Liu
- Research and Development Center, United Biopharma Inc., Hsinshu, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chung Wu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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12
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De Rosa L, Di Stasi R, D'Andrea LD. Pro-angiogenic peptides in biomedicine. Arch Biochem Biophys 2018; 660:72-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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13
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Vassilakopoulou M, Harada K, Ajani JA. Ramucirumab for the treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2018.1500689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vassilakopoulou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Group Hospitalier Sud Ile de France, Melun, France
| | - Kazuto Harada
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jaffer A Ajani
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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14
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Petyaev IM, Alekseev KP, Tsibezov VV, Kostina LV, Kozlov AY, Kyle NH, Bashmakov YK. Structural Organization of 6B9 Molecule, a Monoclonal Antibody Against Lycopene. Monoclon Antib Immunodiagn Immunother 2017; 36:259-263. [PMID: 29267147 DOI: 10.1089/mab.2017.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Full cDNA and corresponding amino acid (AA) sequences of 6B9 monoclonal antibody (mAb) against lycopene was obtained using Step-Out RACE technology. Variable (V) and constant (C) regions were identified. The light chain of 6B9 contained 238 AA IgM with the highest level of identity (0.93) to both the anti-VEGF receptor antibody and anti-collagen type II FAb CIIC1. The heavy chain was composed of 634 AA with a high identity (0.9) to the Ig mu chain C region. Potential posttranslational modification regions in both chains were identified alongside with disulfide bond sites. The obtained information can be used for making chimeric constructs containing 6B9 mAb (or its fragments) and lycopene, a powerful carotenoid with antioxidant as well as antiproliferating properties, which can be implemented in the treatment of an aggressive form of prostate cancer and possibly other malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan M Petyaev
- 1 Lycotec Ltd. , Granta Park Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Konstantin P Alekseev
- 2 Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology , Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valeriy V Tsibezov
- 2 Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology , Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ludmila V Kostina
- 2 Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology , Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Y Kozlov
- 2 Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology , Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nigel H Kyle
- 1 Lycotec Ltd. , Granta Park Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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15
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VEGFR2 targeted antibody fused with MICA stimulates NKG2D mediated immunosurveillance and exhibits potent anti-tumor activity against breast cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 7:16445-61. [PMID: 26909862 PMCID: PMC4941327 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Binding of MHC class I-related chain molecules A and B (MICA/B) to the natural killer (NK) cell receptor NK group 2, member D (NKG2D) is thought critical for activating NK-mediated immunosurveillance. Angiogenesis is important for tumor growth and interfering with angiogenesis using the fully human IgG1 anti-VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2) antibody (mAb04) can be effective in treating malignancy. In an effort to make mAb04 more effective we have generated a novel antibody fusion protein (mAb04-MICA) consisting of mAb04 and MICA. We found that mAb04-MICA maintained the anti-angiogenic and antineoplastic activities of mAb04, and also enhanced immunosurveillance activated by the NKG2D pathway. Moreover, in human breast tumor-bearing nude mice, mAb04-MICA demonstrated superior anti-tumor efficacy compared to combination therapy of mAb04 + Docetaxel or Avastin + Docetaxel, highlighting the immunostimulatory effect of MICA. In conclusion, mAb04-MICA provided new inspiration for anti-tumor treatment and had prospects for clinical application.
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16
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Contribution of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 sialylation to the process of angiogenesis. Oncogene 2017; 36:6531-6541. [PMID: 28783175 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) is the main pro-angiogenic receptor expressed by endothelial cells (ECs). Using surface plasmon resonance, immunoprecipitation, enzymatic digestion, immunofluorescence and cross-linking experiments with specific sugar-binding lectins, we demonstrated that VEGFR2 bears both α,1-fucose and α(2,6)-linked sialic acid (NeuAc). However, only the latter is required for VEGF binding to VEGFR2 and consequent VEGF-dependent VEGFR2 activation and motogenic response in ECs. Notably, downregulation of β-galactoside α(2,6)-sialyltransferase expression by short hairpin RNA transduction inhibits VEGFR2 α(2,6) sialylation that is paralleled by an increase of β-galactoside α(2,3)-sialyltransferase expression. This results in an ex-novo α(2,3)-NeuAc sialylation of the receptor that functionally replaces the lacking α(2,6)-NeuAc, thus allowing VEGF/VEGFR2 interaction. In keeping with the role of VEGFR2 sialylation in angiogenesis, the α(2,6)-NeuAc-binding lectin Sambucus nigra (SNA) prevents VEGF-dependent VEGFR2 autophosphorylation and EC motility, proliferation and motogenesis. In addition, SNA exerts a VEGF-antagonist activity in tridimensional angiogenesis models in vitro and in the chick-embryo chorioallantoic membrane neovascularization assay and mouse matrigel plug assay in vivo. In conclusion, VEGFR2-associated NeuAc plays an important role in modulating VEGF/VEGFR2 interaction, EC pro-angiogenic activation and neovessel formation. VEGFR2 sialylation may represent a target for the treatment of angiogenesis-dependent diseases.
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17
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Elimova E, Lin Q, Song S, Ajani JA. Current status of ramucirumab in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Future Oncol 2017; 13:1585-1592. [PMID: 28436242 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2016-0556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Outcomes of patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEAC) remain poor despite recent advances. The standard of care in the management of this disease had not changed much over the past decade. In the first line, a platinum containing doublet/triplet is used, while in <20% of patients with human epithelial growth factor receptor type 2 overexpressing GEACs, trasuzumab can provide a modest advantage. Until recently, no standard second-line regimens existed; however, the results of the REGARD and RAINBOW trials led to the approval of ramucirumab in the second-line setting. From these trials it is clear that paclitaxel and ramucirumab should be used if possible. The placement of ramucirumab may become less clear as the data from immune oncology trials in GEAC emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Elimova
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Medical oncology, Biostatistics, Gastroenterology, Radiation Oncology, Thoracic Oncology, Clinical Pharmacy, Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd (FC10.3022), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University of Toronto, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Quan Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Medical oncology, Biostatistics, Gastroenterology, Radiation Oncology, Thoracic Oncology, Clinical Pharmacy, Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd (FC10.3022), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shumei Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Medical oncology, Biostatistics, Gastroenterology, Radiation Oncology, Thoracic Oncology, Clinical Pharmacy, Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd (FC10.3022), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jaffer A Ajani
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Medical oncology, Biostatistics, Gastroenterology, Radiation Oncology, Thoracic Oncology, Clinical Pharmacy, Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd (FC10.3022), Houston, TX 77030, USA
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18
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Cobo M, Gutiérrez V, Villatoro R, Trigo JM, Ramos I, López O, Ruiz M, Godoy A, López I, Arroyo M. Spotlight on ramucirumab in the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer: design, development, and clinical activity. LUNG CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2017; 8:57-66. [PMID: 28744168 PMCID: PMC5513829 DOI: 10.2147/lctt.s118996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and receptor is a therapeutic target because of the importance of this pathway in carcinogenesis. This pathway regulates and promotes angiogenesis as well as increases endothelial cell proliferation, permeability, and cancer survival. Ramucirumab is a new fully human monoclonal antibody that targets the VEGF receptor-2, an important key receptor implicated in angiogenesis. Ramucirumab has been approved for the treatment of second-line advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in combination with the chemotherapy agent docetaxel. This was based on the result of the randomized trial REVEL of 1,253 patients with metastatic NSCLC previously treated with a platinum-based combination therapy. The authors observed a significant improvement in overall survival (OS) with an acceptable toxicities profile. In this study, patients were randomized to receive ramucirumab plus docetaxel or placebo with docetaxel. The combination of docetaxel and ramucirumab showed an improved OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.75, 0.98). Median OS was 10.5 months in the ramucirumab arm versus 9.1 months in the placebo arm. Regarding side effects, the toxicity described on the ramucirumab arm were principally diarrhea, fatigue, and neutropenia. The most common (5%) adverse reactions of grade 3 and 4 in the ramucirumab arm were fatigue, neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, leukopenia, and hypertension. Adding ramucirumab to docetaxel improves QoL of patients, and does not impair symptoms or functioning. There are currently several trials in progress evaluating the effects of ramucirumab in combination with other drugs in patients with advanced NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Cobo
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Málaga Regional y Virgen de la Victoria, IBIMA
| | - Vanesa Gutiérrez
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Málaga Regional y Virgen de la Victoria, IBIMA
| | - Rosa Villatoro
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Costa del Sol, Marbella, IBIMA
| | - Jose Manuel Trigo
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Málaga Regional y Virgen de la Victoria, IBIMA
| | - Inmaculada Ramos
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Málaga Regional y Virgen de la Victoria, IBIMA
| | - Omar López
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Málaga Regional y Virgen de la Victoria, IBIMA
| | - María Ruiz
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Málaga Regional y Virgen de la Victoria, IBIMA
| | - Ana Godoy
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Málaga Regional y Virgen de la Victoria, IBIMA
| | - Irene López
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Málaga Regional y Virgen de la Victoria, IBIMA
| | - Macarena Arroyo
- Pneumology Department, Hospital Universitario Málaga Regional, IBIMA, Málaga, Spain
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19
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In vivo evaluation of a novel format of a bivalent HER3-targeting and albumin-binding therapeutic affibody construct. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43118. [PMID: 28230065 PMCID: PMC5322329 DOI: 10.1038/srep43118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) is involved in resistance to several therapies for malignant tumours. Currently, several anti-HER3 monoclonal antibodies are under clinical development. We introduce an alternative approach to HER3-targeted therapy based on engineered scaffold proteins, i.e. affibody molecules. We designed a small construct (22.5 kDa, denoted 3A3), consisting of two high-affinity anti-HER3 affibody molecules flanking an albumin-binding domain ABD, which was introduced for prolonged residence in circulation. In vitro, 3A3 efficiently inhibited growth of HER3-expressing BxPC-3 cells. Biodistribution in mice was measured using 3A3 that was site-specifically labelled with 111In via a DOTA chelator. The residence time of 111In-DOTA-3A3 in blood was extended when compared with the monomeric affibody molecule. 111In-DOTA-3A3 accumulated specifically in HER3-expressing BxPC-3 xenografts in mice. However, 111In-DOTA-3A3 cleared more rapidly from blood than a size-matched control construct 111In-DOTA-TAT, most likely due to sequestering of 3A3 by mErbB3, the murine counterpart of HER3. Repeated dosing and increase of injected protein dose decreased uptake of 111In-DOTA-3A3 in mErbB3-expressing tissues. Encouragingly, growth of BxPC-3 xenografts in mice was delayed in an experimental (pilot-scale) therapy study using 3A3. We conclude that the 3A3 affibody format seems promising for treatment of HER3-overexpressing tumours.
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20
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Chiavenna SM, Jaworski JP, Vendrell A. State of the art in anti-cancer mAbs. J Biomed Sci 2017; 24:15. [PMID: 28219375 PMCID: PMC5319201 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-016-0311-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Following Milstein’s discovery, the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) became a basic tool for biomedical science. In cancer field, since the first mAb was approved by the FDA a great improvement took place making of them a therapeutic option for many cancer types in the current clinical practice. Today, mAbs are being developed to target different molecules with different mechanisms of action and its target potential is unlimited. However, this huge and fast growing new field needs to be organized to better understand the treatment options we have to confront different cancer diseases. Current cancer targeted immunotherapies aim to achieve different goals like the regulation of osteoclast function, the delivery of cytotoxic drugs into tumor cells and the blockade of oncogenic pathways, neo-angiogenesis and immune checkpoints. Here, we reviewed the most relevant therapeutic mAbs for solid tumors available in current clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Chiavenna
- Ferrer Advanced Biotherapeutics, Ferrer Internacional, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - J P Jaworski
- Institute of Virology, CICVyA, INTA - CONICET, Castelar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A Vendrell
- Faculty of Medicine, CEFYBO - CONICET/University of Buenos Aires, C.A.B.A., Argentina
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21
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Glypican-3 Targeting Immunotoxins for the Treatment of Liver Cancer. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8100274. [PMID: 27669301 PMCID: PMC5086635 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8100274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer, yet no effective therapeutics exist. This review provides an overview of the recent development of recombinant immunotoxins for the treatment of glypican-3 (GPC3) expressing HCC. GPC3 is a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan that is overexpressed in HCC, but is absent from normal adult human tissues. Treatment of HCC with anti-GPC3 immunotoxins represents a new therapeutic option. Using phage display and hybridoma technologies, three high affinity antibodies (HN3, HS20 and YP7) have been generated against GPC3. Two of these antibodies (HN3 and HS20) have demonstrated the ability to inhibit Wnt/Yap signaling, leading to a reduction in liver cancer cell proliferation. By combining the HN3 antibody capable of inhibiting Wnt/Yap signaling with the protein synthesis inhibitory domain of the Pseudomonas exotoxin, a recombinant immunotoxin that exhibits a dual inhibitory mechanism was generated. This immunotoxin was found to be highly effective in the treatment of human HCCs in mouse xenograft models. Engineering of the toxin fragment to reduce the level of immunogenicity is currently being explored. The development of immunotoxins provides opportunities for novel liver cancer therapies.
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22
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Tiwari P. Ramucirumab: Boon or bane. J Egypt Natl Canc Inst 2016; 28:133-40. [PMID: 27025409 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnci.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ramucirumab is the recent addition to the list of monoclonal antibodies being tried in various malignancies. It has been approved in non-small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer after progression of one or more lines of therapies in the advanced setting. Though randomized trials have shown benefit, cost effectiveness is questionable. Moreover, the benefits shown are marginal, putting a question mark over its clinical usage. This review summarizes the latest evidence on ramucirumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Tiwari
- Department of Medical Oncology, DR. B.R.A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
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23
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Falcon BL, Chintharlapalli S, Uhlik MT, Pytowski B. Antagonist antibodies to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) as anti-angiogenic agents. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 164:204-25. [PMID: 27288725 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Interaction of numerous signaling pathways in endothelial and mesangial cells results in exquisite control of the process of physiological angiogenesis, with a central role played by vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) and its cognate ligands. However, deregulated angiogenesis participates in numerous pathological processes. Excessive activation of VEGFR-2 has been found to mediate tissue-damaging vascular changes as well as the induction of blood vessel expansion to support the growth of solid tumors. Consequently, therapeutic intervention aimed at inhibiting the VEGFR-2 pathway has become a mainstay of treatment in cancer and retinal diseases. In this review, we introduce the concepts of physiological and pathological angiogenesis, the crucial role played by the VEGFR-2 pathway in these processes, and the various inhibitors of its activity that have entered the clinical practice. We primarily focus on the development of ramucirumab, the antagonist monoclonal antibody (mAb) that inhibits VEGFR-2 and has recently been approved for use in patients with gastric, colorectal, and lung cancers. We examine in-depth the pre-clinical studies using DC101, the mAb to mouse VEGFR-2, which provided a conceptual foundation for the role of VEGFR-2 in physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Finally, we discuss further clinical development of ramucirumab and the future of targeting the VEGF pathway for the treatment of cancer.
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24
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Cooper MR, Binkowski C, Hartung J, Towle J. Profile of ramucirumab in the treatment of metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2016; 9:1953-60. [PMID: 27110124 PMCID: PMC4831593 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s80239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction between vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor is an important therapeutic target due to the importance of this pathway in carcinogenesis. In particular, this pathway promotes and regulates angiogenesis as well as increases endothelial cell proliferation, permeability, and survival. Ramucirumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, the key receptor implicated in angiogenesis. Currently, ramucirumab is approved for the second-line treatment of metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in combination with docetaxel. In a Phase III clinical trial, ramucirumab was shown to improve the overall survival in patients with disease progression, despite platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC. This review describes the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and dynamics, adverse event profile, and the clinical activity of ramucirumab observed in Phase II and III trials in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryann R Cooper
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy - Worcester/Manchester, MCPHS University, Manchester, NH, USA
| | - Chelsea Binkowski
- School of Pharmacy - Boston, MCPHS University, Boston, MA, USA; North America Medical Affairs, Sanofi Oncology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jessica Hartung
- School of Pharmacy - Boston, MCPHS University, Boston, MA, USA; Global Medical Affairs, Sanofi Oncology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Towle
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy - Worcester/Manchester, MCPHS University, Manchester, NH, USA
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25
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Gambardella V, Tarazona N, Cejalvo JM, Roselló S, Cervantes A. Clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ramucirumab in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2016; 12:449-56. [PMID: 26895445 DOI: 10.1517/17425255.2016.1156084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. The prognosis of colorectal cancer patients still remains dismal and half of them will develop metastatic disease. Angiogenesis plays an essential role in colorectal tumorigenesis, and the VEGF pathway is one of the targets that has been validated up to now. The use of antiangiogenics along with chemotherapy has become an accepted standard for colorectal cancer. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the efficacy and safety profile of ramucirumab, a fully human immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody against the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), for the treatment of second-line metastatic colorectal cancer upon progression to first-line chemotherapy including anti-angiogenics. EXPERT OPINION Ramucirumab in combination with chemotherapy represents a valid option in second-line treatment of advanced colorectal cancer patients, who progressed on previous bevacizumab-based combinations. This agent demonstrates a similar benefit in terms of overall survival to other angiogenesis inhibitors (bevacizumab and ziv-aflibercept) used in this setting.
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MESH Headings
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/administration & dosage
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/pharmacokinetics
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacokinetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
- Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic
- Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic
- Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic
- Colorectal Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Humans
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
- Ramucirumab
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gambardella
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, University of Valencia , Valencia , Spain
| | - Noelia Tarazona
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, University of Valencia , Valencia , Spain
| | - Juan Miguel Cejalvo
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, University of Valencia , Valencia , Spain
| | - Susana Roselló
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, University of Valencia , Valencia , Spain
| | - Andrés Cervantes
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, University of Valencia , Valencia , Spain
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26
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Haji-Ghassemi O, Müller-Loennies S, Rodriguez T, Brade L, Grimmecke HD, Brade H, Evans SV. The Combining Sites of Anti-lipid A Antibodies Reveal a Widely Utilized Motif Specific for Negatively Charged Groups. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:10104-18. [PMID: 26933033 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.712448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide dispersed in the blood by Gram-negative bacteria can be a potent inducer of septic shock. One research focus has been based on antibody sequestration of lipid A (the endotoxic principle of LPS); however, none have been successfully developed into a clinical treatment. Comparison of a panel of anti-lipid A antibodies reveals highly specific antibodies produced through distinct germ line precursors. The structures of antigen-binding fragments for two homologous mAbs specific for lipid A, S55-3 and S55-5, have been determined both in complex with lipid A disaccharide backbone and unliganded. These high resolution structures reveal a conserved positively charged pocket formed within the complementarity determining region H2 loops that binds the terminal phosphates of lipid A. Significantly, this motif occurs in unrelated antibodies where it mediates binding to negatively charged moieties through a range of epitopes, including phosphorylated peptides used in diagnostics and therapeutics. S55-3 and S55-5 have combining sites distinct from anti-lipid A antibodies previously described (as a result of their separate germ line origin), which are nevertheless complementary both in shape and charge to the antigen. S55-3 and S55-5 display similar avidity toward lipid A despite possessing a number of different amino acid residues in their combining sites. Binding of lipid A occurs independent of the acyl chains, although the GlcN-O6 attachment point for the core oligosaccharide is buried in the combining site, which explains their inability to recognize LPS. Despite their lack of therapeutic potential, the observed motif may have significant immunological implications as a tool for engineering recombinant antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Haji-Ghassemi
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 3P6, Canada and
| | - Sven Müller-Loennies
- the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz-Center for Medicine and Biosciences, Parkallee 22, Borstel D-23845, Germany
| | - Teresa Rodriguez
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 3P6, Canada and
| | - Lore Brade
- the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz-Center for Medicine and Biosciences, Parkallee 22, Borstel D-23845, Germany
| | - Hans-Dieter Grimmecke
- the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz-Center for Medicine and Biosciences, Parkallee 22, Borstel D-23845, Germany
| | - Helmut Brade
- the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz-Center for Medicine and Biosciences, Parkallee 22, Borstel D-23845, Germany
| | - Stephen V Evans
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 3P6, Canada and
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Young K, Smyth E, Chau I. Ramucirumab for advanced gastric cancer or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2015; 8:373-83. [PMID: 26557893 PMCID: PMC4622287 DOI: 10.1177/1756283x15592586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ramucirumab, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody directed against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, is the first targeted agent to have demonstrated an improvement in survival, as a single agent or in combination, in a molecularly unselected population in gastro-oesophageal cancer. Now that second-line treatment is routinely considered for patients with advanced gastro-oesophageal cancer, ramucirumab, with its favourable toxicity profile compared with cytotoxic treatment, provides a valuable additional treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Young
- Royal Marsden Hospital, Gastrointestinal Oncology Unit, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Elizabeth Smyth
- Royal Marsden Hospital, Gastrointestinal Oncology Unit, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Ian Chau
- Royal Marsden Hospital, Gastrointestinal Oncology Unit, Down’s Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5PT, UK
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Shimodaira Y, Elimova E, Wadhwa R, Shiozaki H, Charalampakis N, Planjery V, Blum MA, Esteralla JS, Rogers JE, Song S, Ajani JA. Ramucirumab for the treatment of gastroesophageal cancers. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015; 3:737-746. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2015.1040390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Hofheinz RD, Lorenzen S. Ramucirumab as second-line treatment for patients with metastatic esophagogastric adenocarcinoma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2015; 15:607-14. [PMID: 26035718 DOI: 10.1586/14737140.2015.1052412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Ramucirumab is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the extracellular domain of the VEGF receptor 2. It prevents ligand binding to VEGF receptor 2 and receptor-mediated pathway activation in endothelial cells. After promising Phase I trial results in a variety of tumor types, two pivotal placebo-controlled Phase III trials conducted in patients with pretreated metastatic esophagogastric adenocarcinoma demonstrated significant clinical activity regarding the prolongation of overall survival both as monotherapy (REGARD study) and in combination with paclitaxel (RAINBOW study). Currently, ramucirumab is being investigated in the first-line treatment of esophagogastric adenocarcinoma in combination with capecitabine and cisplatin in a Phase III trial (RAINFALL).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf-Dieter Hofheinz
- University Hospital Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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30
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Abstract
Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer globally and represents the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality. Early detection, aggressive surgical resection, and postoperative adjuvant therapy have led to survival improvement for early-stage gastric cancer, particularly in Asian countries. Unfortunately, advanced gastric cancer continues to pose a formidable challenge with few gains being reported recently. Trastuzumab was the first targeted agent to be approved for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer in 2010. The failure of the AVAGAST trial was a setback for antiangiogenic therapy for this disease. Ramucirumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to VEGF-R2 and prevents its activation. The recent REGARD trial was a randomized phase III trial of ramucirumab vs. placebo for patients with advanced, pretreated gastric cancer that met its primary endpoint of increased overall survival. The toxicity of ramucirumab was modest in this setting, with an increased risk of grade 3 or higher hypertension (8% vs. 3%, with ramucirumab and placebo, respectively). The subsequent RAINBOW trial of paclitaxel plus ramucirumab vs. paclitaxel plus placebo for advanced pretreated gastric cancer confirmed the survival advantage of this antiangiogenic agent in gastric cancer. Ramucirumab is the first FDA-approved therapy for advanced gastric cancer after prior chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milind Javle
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Elizabeth C Smyth
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Chau
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Ramucirumab (Cyramza™ [US]), a fully human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody that inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), has been developed by Eli Lilly (formerly ImClone Systems) for the treatment of cancer. Ramucirumab has received its first global approval in the US for use as monotherapy in the treatment of advanced or metastatic gastric cancer or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma in patients who experience disease progression on or after fluoropyrimidine- or platinum-containing chemotherapy. Ramucirumab is the first treatment to be approved by the US FDA for this setting. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of ramucirumab leading to this first approval for the treatment of gastric cancer and gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
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Wadhwa R, Elimova E, Shiozaki H, Sudo K, Blum MA, Estrella JS, Chen Q, Song S, Ajani JA. Anti-angiogenic agent ramucirumab: meaningful or marginal? Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2014; 14:367-79. [PMID: 24605771 DOI: 10.1586/14737140.2014.896207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Ramucirumab (IMC-1121B) targets VEGFR-2. Ramucirumab is being investigated in many malignancies including gastric cancer. The Phase III trial in patients with advanced breast cancer failed to improve the primary end point The REGARD trial, a Phase III study, in patients with advanced gastric cancer in the second line setting, had a marginal improvement in overall survival but did not achieve the expected hazard ratio target (of 0.69) and the median duration of therapy with ramucirumab was meager 8 weeks (only 2 weeks longer than the placebo's). Other notable agents in the second line setting are docetaxel and irinotecan. Preliminary results of the RAINBOW trial suggest that ramucirumab may be providing more than marginal advantage. In this review, we briefly summarize the process of angiogenesis and address the emerging cost-benefit issues that surround all newly developed agents including ramucirumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roopma Wadhwa
- Department of GI Medical Oncology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd (FC10.3022), Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Jiao Y, Legge FS, Zeng X, Treutlein HR, Zeng J. Antibody recognition of Shiga toxins (Stxs): computational identification of the epitopes of Stx2 subunit A to the antibodies 11E10 and S2C4. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88191. [PMID: 24516609 PMCID: PMC3917601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently developed a new method to predict the epitopes of the antigens that are
recognized by a specific antibody. In this work, we applied the method to identify the epitopes of
the Shiga toxin (Stx2 subunit A) that were bound by two specific antibodies 11E10 and S2C4. The
predicted epitopes of Stx2 binding to the antibody 11E10 resembles the recognition surface
constructed by the regions of Stx2 identified experimentally. For the S2C4, our results indicate
that the antibody recognizes the Stx2 at two different regions on the protein surface. The first
region (residues 246-254: ARSVRAVNE) is similar to the recognition region of the 11E10, while the
second region is formed by two epitopes. The second region is particularly significant because it
includes the amino acid sequence region that is diverse between Stx2 and other Stx (residues
176-188: QREFRQALSETAPV). This new recognition region is believed to play an important role in the
experimentally observed selectivity of S2C4 to the Stx2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Jiao
- Institute of Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial
Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology,
Ministry Health, Nanjing, China
| | - Fiona S. Legge
- Computist Bio-Nanotech, Small Technology Clusters,
Scoresby, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xiaoyan Zeng
- Institute of Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial
Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology,
Ministry Health, Nanjing, China
| | - Herbert R. Treutlein
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash
University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Computist Bio-Nanotech, Small Technology Clusters,
Scoresby, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (HRT); (JZ)
| | - Jun Zeng
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash
University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Computist Bio-Nanotech, Small Technology Clusters,
Scoresby, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (HRT); (JZ)
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Smyth EC, Tarazona N, Chau I. Ramucirumab: targeting angiogenesis in the treatment of gastric cancer. Immunotherapy 2014; 6:1177-86. [PMID: 25496333 DOI: 10.2217/imt.14.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastroesophageal cancer is responsible for over 1 million deaths annually worldwide; for patients with advanced disease treatment options are limited. Angiogenesis is an attractive therapeutic target that has been successfully exploited in other cancers. Ramucirumab, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody targeting VEGFR-2 has demonstrated efficacy as a single agent and in combination with paclitaxel in two large randomized trials (REGARD and RAINBOW) for the treatment of advanced previously treated gastroesophageal cancer. In combination with paclitaxel chemotherapy ramucirumab treated patients demonstrated increased rates of neutropenia, and ramucirumab is also associated with hypertension consistent with other antiangiogenic agents. Ramucirumab has been US FDA approved for patients with advanced gastroesophageal cancer who have progressed during or after treatment with fluoropyrimidine- or platinum-containing chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Smyth
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Royal Marsden Hospital, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5PT, UK
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Liguigli W, Tomasello G, Toppo L, Ratti M, Passalacqua R. Ramucirumab for metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer: results and implications of the REGARD trial. Future Oncol 2014; 10:1549-57. [PMID: 25145426 DOI: 10.2217/fon.14.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a highly aggressive disease. In metastatic setting, median overall survival, even with modern chemotherapy regimens, generally does not exceed 1 year and toxicity is a major concern. Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in cancer development and progression, and VEGF is one of the most important mediators of this process. Ramucirumab, an anti-VEGFR-2 antibody, has been recently evaluated in the large Phase III REGARD trial, demonstrating a significant survival benefit in second-line treatment of patients with advanced gastric or gastro-eosophageal junction adenocarcinoma. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, treatment with ramucirumab was associated with very few toxic effects. This article will review the main findings of the REGARD trial and discuss their potential impact on future treatment of metastatic gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Liguigli
- Oncology Division, Istituti Ospitalieri di Cremona, Cremona, Italy
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36
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Aprile G, Bonotto M, Ongaro E, Pozzo C, Giuliani F. Critical appraisal of ramucirumab (IMC-1121B) for cancer treatment: from benchside to clinical use. Drugs 2013; 73:2003-15. [PMID: 24277700 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-013-0154-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Although antiangiogenic treatments have produced milestone advances in the treatment of several diseases, and have significantly extended the median survival of cancer patients, these agents share some weaknesses, including a limited impact on the overall cure rate, a fleeting effect because of redundant pathways or early appearance of resistance mechanisms, and the lack of predictive factors for treatment selection. Recent data suggest that antibodies targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor axis exert their activity through the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 phosphorylation, which has a pivotal role in the neoangiogenic process. Ramucirumab, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody specifically directed against the extracellular domain of the receptor, administered intravenously every 2 or 3 weeks, is emerging as a novel antiangiogenic opportunity. Starting with preclinical data and early clinical results, this concise review focuses on the development of the novel compound across multiple cancers (including gastrointestinal malignancies, breast cancer, lung carcinoma, and genitourinary tumors), and presents available data from randomized phase II and phase III trials. REGARD was the first phase III study to report on the efficacy of single-agent ramucirumab in patients with advanced cancer. Many other ongoing phase III trials are testing the efficacy of this interesting antiangiogenic compound as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy in different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Aprile
- Department of Medical Oncology, University and General Hospital, Piazzale S Maria della Misericordia, 33100, Udine, Italy,
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ramucirumab (IMC-1121B) is a fully humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody, targeting the extracellular domain of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Numerous Phase I - II trials in various malignancies have shown promising clinical antitumor efficacy and tolerability. Most recently, the large Phase III REGARD trial evaluated ramucirumab in patients with refractory metastatic gastric cancer. Patients receiving ramucirumab experienced a median overall survival of 5.2 months compared to 3.8 months on placebo. AREAS COVERED The purpose of this article is to review the preclinical motivation for VEGFR2-targeted therapies and survey recent data from clinical trials involving ramucirumab, as well as highlight ongoing studies. EXPERT OPINION Rational multi-target approaches to angiogenesis are needed to overcome resistance mechanisms. Predictive angiogenic biomarkers are also needed to optimize patient selection for novel anti-angiogenic agents.
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38
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Ding G, Chen X, Zhu J, Feng Z. A murine-human chimeric IgG antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 inhibits angiogenesis in vitro. Cytotechnology 2013; 66:395-411. [PMID: 23881538 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-013-9587-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) has been reported to play an important role in angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. A murine anti-VEGFR2 mAb (A8H1) has been established in a previous study. To reduce the incompatibility of the murine mAb for human use, the chimeric anti-VEGFR2-IgG was developed by genetic recombination of the variable regions of the A8H1 antibody and the constant regions of human IgG, and was expressed in Sp2/0 cells transfected with the two recombinant vectors containing the heavy chain and the light chain regions. After screening, clone 2F12 was selected and was found to stably secrete the murine-human chimeric anti-VEGFR2-IgG (coded 2F12). This chimeric IgG maintained the specificity and the affinity of the parental murine antibody against VEGFR2, and effectively identified VEGFR2 expressed on the surface of HUVECs and BEL-7402 cells. Furthermore, the 2F12 antibody demonstrated inhibition of angiogenesis in vitro, such as proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation of HUVECs. This murine-human chimeric IgG may be considered for further development as an anti-angiogenesis and anti-tumor agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guipeng Ding
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of Ministry of Health, Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
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Wadhwa R, Taketa T, Sudo K, Blum-Murphy M, Ajani JA. Ramucirumab: a novel antiangiogenic agent. Future Oncol 2013; 9:789-95. [PMID: 23718298 DOI: 10.2217/fon.13.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ramucirumab (IMC-1121B) is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to VEGFR2 and can inhibit angiogenesis, a quintessential mechanism for promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Several antiangiogenesis agents are already approved for cancer therapy; however, ramucirumab's selectivity for VEGFR2 makes it interesting. The selectivity of an agent can improve safety and efficacy. This article describes the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, safety and clinical trial results of ramucirumab with particular emphasis on gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roopma Wadhwa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 426, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Rajagopalan M, Balasubramanian S, Ramaswamy A, Mathur PP. Pharmacophore based 3D-QSAR modeling and free energy analysis of VEGFR-2 inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2012; 28:1236-46. [PMID: 23061928 DOI: 10.3109/14756366.2012.729826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
VEGFR-2, a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor is responsible for angiogenesis and has been an attractive target in treating cancers. The inhibition mechanism of structurally diverse urea derivatives, reported as VEGFR-2 inhibitors, was explored by pharmacophore modeling, QSAR, and molecular dynamics based free energy analysis.The pharmacophore hypothesis AADRR, resulted in a highly significant atom based 3D-QSAR model (r(2) = 0.94 and q(2) = 0.84). Binding free energy analysis of the docked complexes of highly active and inactive compounds, after 7 ns MD simulation, revealed the importance of van der Waals interaction in VEGFR-2 inhibition. The decomposition of binding free energy on a per residue basis disclosed that the residues in hinge region and hydrophobic pocket play a role in discriminating the active and inactive inhibitors. Thus, the present study proposes a pharmacophore hypothesis representing the identified interactions pattern and its further application as a template in screening databases to identify novel VEGFR-2 inhibitor scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthukumaran Rajagopalan
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University , R.V. Nagar, Kalapet, Puducherry , India
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Zhang Y, Zhao J, Du YJ. Progress in understanding the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor and digestive tumors. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2011; 19:2703-2708. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v19.i26.2703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Digestive tumors account for a large portion of human malignancies, and their incidence and mortality are on the rise. Neovascularization plays a critical role in the metastasis of tumors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the best characterized angiogenic regulators. There is close relationship between VEGF and tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. VEGF has become a research hot for diagnosis, targeted therapy and prognosis of tumors. The purpose of this review is to review the recent progress in understanding the relationship between VEGF and digestive tumors.
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