1
|
Gatz SA, Harttrampf AC, Brard C, Bautista F, André N, Abbou S, Rubino J, Rondof W, Deloger M, Rübsam M, Marshall LV, Hübschmann D, Nebchi S, Aerts I, Thebaud E, De Carli E, Defachelles AS, Paoletti X, Godin R, Miah K, Mortimer PGS, Vassal G, Geoerger B. Phase I/II Study of the WEE1 Inhibitor Adavosertib (AZD1775) in Combination with Carboplatin in Children with Advanced Malignancies: Arm C of the AcSé-ESMART Trial. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:741-753. [PMID: 38051741 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-2959] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE AcSé-ESMART Arm C aimed to define the recommended dose and activity of the WEE1 inhibitor adavosertib in combination with carboplatin in children and young adults with molecularly enriched recurrent/refractory malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS Adavosertib was administered orally, twice every day on Days 1 to 3 and carboplatin intravenously on Day 1 of a 21-day cycle, starting at 100 mg/m2/dose and AUC 5, respectively. Patients were enriched for molecular alterations in cell cycle and/or homologous recombination (HR). RESULTS Twenty patients (median age: 14.0 years; range: 3.4-23.5) were included; 18 received 69 treatment cycles. Dose-limiting toxicities were prolonged grade 4 neutropenia and grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia requiring transfusions, leading to two de-escalations to adavosertib 75 mg/m2/dose and carboplatin AUC 4; no recommended phase II dose was defined. Main treatment-related toxicities were hematologic and gastrointestinal. Adavosertib exposure in children was equivalent to that in adults; both doses achieved the cell kill target. Overall response rate was 11% (95% confidence interval, 0.0-25.6) with partial responses in 2 patients with neuroblastoma. One patient with medulloblastoma experienced unconfirmed partial response and 5 patients had stable disease beyond four cycles. Seven of these eight patients with clinical benefit had alterations in HR, replication stress, and/or RAS pathway genes with or without TP53 alterations, whereas TP53 pathway alterations alone (8/10) or no relevant alterations (2/10) were present in the 10 patients without benefit. CONCLUSIONS Adavosertib-carboplatin combination exhibited significant hematologic toxicity. Activity signals and identified potential biomarkers suggest further studies with less hematotoxic DNA-damaging therapy in molecularly enriched pediatric cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne A Gatz
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham; Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anne C Harttrampf
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, INSERM U1015, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Caroline Brard
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Biostatistics and Epidemiology Unit, INSERM U1018, CESP, Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, Villejuif, France
| | - Francisco Bautista
- Hospital Niño Jesús, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicolas André
- Hôpital de la Timone, AP-HM, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Marseille, France
- UMR INSERM 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix Marseille Université U105, Marseille, Cancer Research Center (CRCM), Marseille, France
| | - Samuel Abbou
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Villejuif, France
| | - Jonathan Rubino
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Clinical Research Direction, Villejuif, France
| | - Windy Rondof
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, INSERM U1015, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Bioinformatics platform, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Marc Deloger
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Bioinformatics platform, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Marc Rübsam
- Computational Oncology Group, Molecular Precision Oncology Program, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center
| | - Lynley V Marshall
- Royal Marsden Hospital & The Institute of Cancer Research, Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology Drug Development Unit, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Hübschmann
- Computational Oncology Group, Molecular Precision Oncology Program, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center
- Pattern Recognition and Digital Medicine Group, Heidelberg Institute for Stem cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM); German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Souad Nebchi
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, INSERM U1015, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Isabelle Aerts
- Institut Curie, SIREDO Oncology Center (Care, Innovation and research for children and AYA with cancer), PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Estelle Thebaud
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Nantes, France
| | - Emilie De Carli
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Angers, France
| | | | - Xavier Paoletti
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Biostatistics and Epidemiology Unit, INSERM U1018, CESP, Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, Villejuif, France
| | - Robert Godin
- AstraZeneca Oncology External R&D, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Kowser Miah
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | | | - Gilles Vassal
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Clinical Research Direction, Villejuif, France
| | - Birgit Geoerger
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, INSERM U1015, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang Z, Li W, Li F, Xiao R. An update of predictive biomarkers related to WEE1 inhibition in cancer therapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:13. [PMID: 38231277 PMCID: PMC10794259 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05527-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE WEE1 is a crucial kinase involved in the regulation of G2/M checkpoint within the cell cycle. This article aims to comprehensively review the existing knowledge on the implication of WEE1 as a therapeutic target in tumor progression and drug resistance. Furthermore, we summarize the current predictive biomarkers employed to treat cancer with WEE1 inhibitors. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted to analyze the association between WEE1 inhibition and cancer progression, including tumor advancement and drug resistance. Special attention was paid to the identification and utilization of predictive biomarkers related to therapeutic response to WEE1 inhibitors. RESULTS The review highlights the intricate involvement of WEE1 in tumor progression and drug resistance. It synthesizes the current knowledge on predictive biomarkers employed in WEE1 inhibitor treatments, offering insights into their prognostic significance. Notably, the article elucidates the potential for precision medicine by understanding these biomarkers in the context of tumor treatment outcomes. CONCLUSION WEE1 plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and is a promising therapeutic target. Distinguishing patients that would benefit from WEE1 inhibition will be a major direction of future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zizhuo Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenting Li
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuxia Li
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Rourou Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mill CP, Fiskus W, Das K, Davis JA, Birdwell CE, Kadia TM, DiNardo CD, Daver N, Takahashi K, Sasaki K, McGeehan GM, Ruan X, Su X, Loghavi S, Kantarjian H, Bhalla KN. Causal linkage of presence of mutant NPM1 to efficacy of novel therapeutic agents against AML cells with mutant NPM1. Leukemia 2023:10.1038/s41375-023-01882-4. [PMID: 36977823 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01882-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
In AML with NPM1 mutation causing cytoplasmic dislocation of NPM1, treatments with Menin inhibitor (MI) and standard AML chemotherapy yield complete remissions. However, the causal and mechanistic linkage of mtNPM1 to the efficacy of these agents has not been definitively established. Utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 editing to knockout (KO) or knock-in a copy of mtNPM1 in AML cells, present studies demonstrate that KO of mtNPM1 from AML cells abrogates sensitivity to MI, selinexor (exportin-1 inhibitor), and cytarabine. Conversely, the knock-in of a copy of mtNPM1 markedly sensitized AML cells to treatment with MI or cytarabine. Following AML therapy, most elderly patients with AML with mtNPM1 and co-mutations in FLT3 suffer AML relapse with poor outcomes, creating a need for novel effective therapies. Utilizing the RNA-Seq signature of CRISPR-edited AML cells with mtNPM1 KO, we interrogated the LINCS1000-CMap data set and found several pan-HDAC inhibitors and a WEE1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor among the top expression mimickers (EMs). Additionally, treatment with adavosertib (WEE1 inhibitor) or panobinostat (pan-HDAC inhibitor) exhibited synergistic in vitro lethal activity with MI against AML cells with mtNPM1. Treatment with adavosertib or panobinostat also reduced AML burden and improved survival in AML xenograft models sensitive or resistant to MI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Mill
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Warren Fiskus
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kaberi Das
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - John A Davis
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Tapan M Kadia
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Courtney D DiNardo
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Naval Daver
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Koichi Takahashi
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Koji Sasaki
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Xinjia Ruan
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoping Su
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sanam Loghavi
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hagop Kantarjian
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kapil N Bhalla
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
Upon DNA damage, complex transduction cascades are unleashed to locate, recognise and repair affected lesions. The process triggers a pause in the cell cycle until the damage is resolved. Even under physiologic conditions, this deliberate interruption of cell division is essential to ensure orderly DNA replication and chromosomal segregation. WEE1 is an established regulatory protein in this vast fidelity-monitoring machinery. Its involvement in the DNA damage response and cell cycle has been a subject of study for decades. Emerging studies have also implicated WEE1 directly and indirectly in other cellular functions, including chromatin remodelling and immune response. The expanding role of WEE1 in pathophysiology is matched by the keen surge of interest in developing WEE1-targeted therapeutic agents. This review summarises WEE1 involvement in the cell cycle checkpoints, epigenetic modification and immune signalling, as well as the current state of WEE1 inhibitors in cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
|
5
|
Diehl JN, Klomp JE, Snare KR, Hibshman PS, Blake DR, Kaiser ZD, Gilbert TSK, Baldelli E, Pierobon M, Papke B, Yang R, Hodge RG, Rashid NU, Petricoin EF, Herring LE, Graves LM, Cox AD, Der CJ. The KRAS-regulated kinome identifies WEE1 and ERK coinhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy in KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancer. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101335. [PMID: 34688654 PMCID: PMC8591367 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic KRAS drives cancer growth by activating diverse signaling networks, not all of which have been fully delineated. We set out to establish a system-wide profile of the KRAS-regulated kinase signaling network (kinome) in KRAS-mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We knocked down KRAS expression in a panel of six cell lines and then applied multiplexed inhibitor bead/MS to monitor changes in kinase activity and/or expression. We hypothesized that depletion of KRAS would result in downregulation of kinases required for KRAS-mediated transformation and in upregulation of other kinases that could potentially compensate for the deleterious consequences of the loss of KRAS. We identified 15 upregulated and 13 downregulated kinases in common across the panel of cell lines. In agreement with our hypothesis, all 15 of the upregulated kinases have established roles as cancer drivers (e.g., SRC, TGF-β1, ILK), and pharmacological inhibition of one of these upregulated kinases, DDR1, suppressed PDAC growth. Interestingly, 11 of the 13 downregulated kinases have established driver roles in cell cycle progression, particularly in mitosis (e.g., WEE1, Aurora A, PLK1). Consistent with a crucial role for the downregulated kinases in promoting KRAS-driven proliferation, we found that pharmacological inhibition of WEE1 also suppressed PDAC growth. The unexpected paradoxical activation of ERK upon WEE1 inhibition led us to inhibit both WEE1 and ERK concurrently, which caused further potent growth suppression and enhanced apoptotic death compared with WEE1 inhibition alone. We conclude that system-wide delineation of the KRAS-regulated kinome can identify potential therapeutic targets for KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Nathaniel Diehl
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer E Klomp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kayla R Snare
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Priya S Hibshman
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Devon R Blake
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zane D Kaiser
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas S K Gilbert
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elisa Baldelli
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Mariaelena Pierobon
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Björn Papke
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Runying Yang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Richard G Hodge
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Naim U Rashid
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emanuel F Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Laura E Herring
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lee M Graves
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Adrienne D Cox
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Channing J Der
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Targeting Wee1 kinase as a therapeutic approach in Hematological Malignancies. DNA Repair (Amst) 2021; 107:103203. [PMID: 34390915 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2021.103203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Hematologic malignancies include various diseases that develop from hematopoietic stem cells of bone marrow or lymphatic organs. Currently, conventional DNA-damage-based chemotherapy drugs are approved as standard therapeutic regimens for these malignancies. Although many improvements have been made, patients with relapsed or refractory hematological malignancies have a poor prognosis. Therefore, novel and practical therapeutic approaches are required for the treatment of these diseases. Interestingly several studies have shown that targeting Wee1 kinase in the Hematological malignancies, including AML, ALL, CML, CLL, DLBCL, BL, MCL, etc., can be an effective therapeutic strategy. It plays an essential role in regulating the cell cycle process by abrogating the G2-M cell-cycle checkpoint, which provides time for DNA damage repair before mitotic entry. Consistently, Wee1 overexpression is observed in various Hematological malignancies. Also, in healthy normal cells, repairing DNA damages occurs due to G1-S checkpoint function; however, in the cancer cells, which have an impaired G1-S checkpoint, the damaged DNA repair process depends on the G2-M checkpoint function. Thus, Wee1 inhibition could be a promising target in the presence of DNA damage in order to potentiate multiple therapeutic drugs. This review summarized the potentials and challenges of Wee1 inhibition combined with other therapies as a novel effective therapeutic strategy in Hematological malignancies.
Collapse
|
7
|
Targeted Therapies for Pancreatic Cancer: Overview of Current Treatments and New Opportunities for Personalized Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040799. [PMID: 33672917 PMCID: PMC7918504 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the only treatment option for most pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients. Currently, the median overall survival of patients with advanced disease rarely exceeds 1 year. The complex network of pancreatic cancer composed of immune cells, endothelial cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts confers intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity with distinct proliferative and metastatic propensity. This heterogeneity can explain why tumors do not behave uniformly and are able to escape therapy. The advance in technology of whole-genome sequencing has now provided the possibility of identifying every somatic mutation, copy-number change, and structural variant in a given cancer, giving rise to personalized targeted therapies. In this review, we provide an overview of the current and emerging treatment strategies in pancreatic cancer. By highlighting new paradigms in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treatment, we hope to stimulate new thoughts for clinical trials aimed at improving patient outcomes.
Collapse
|
8
|
Ghelli Luserna di Rorà A, Cerchione C, Martinelli G, Simonetti G. A WEE1 family business: regulation of mitosis, cancer progression, and therapeutic target. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:126. [PMID: 32958072 PMCID: PMC7507691 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00959-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The inhibition of the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway in the treatment of cancer has recently gained interest, and different DDR inhibitors have been developed. Among them, the most promising ones target the WEE1 kinase family, which has a crucial role in cell cycle regulation and DNA damage identification and repair in both nonmalignant and cancer cells. This review recapitulates and discusses the most recent findings on the biological function of WEE1/PKMYT1 during the cell cycle and in the DNA damage repair, with a focus on their dual role as tumor suppressors in nonmalignant cells and pseudo-oncogenes in cancer cells. We here report the available data on the molecular and functional alterations of WEE1/PKMYT1 kinases in both hematological and solid tumors. Moreover, we summarize the preclinical information on 36 chemo/radiotherapy agents, and in particular their effect on cell cycle checkpoints and on the cellular WEE1/PKMYT1-dependent response. Finally, this review outlines the most important pre-clinical and clinical data available on the efficacy of WEE1/PKMYT1 inhibitors in monotherapy and in combination with chemo/radiotherapy agents or with other selective inhibitors currently used or under evaluation for the treatment of cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ghelli Luserna di Rorà
- Biosciences Laboratory (Onco-hematology Unit), Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Claudio Cerchione
- Biosciences Laboratory (Onco-hematology Unit), Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinelli
- Biosciences Laboratory (Onco-hematology Unit), Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Giorgia Simonetti
- Biosciences Laboratory (Onco-hematology Unit), Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang K, Oak AS, Slominski RM, Brożyna AA, Slominski AT. Current Molecular Markers of Melanoma and Treatment Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103535. [PMID: 32429485 PMCID: PMC7278971 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a deadly skin cancer that becomes especially difficult to treat after it metastasizes. Timely identification of melanoma is critical for effective therapy, but histopathologic diagnosis can frequently pose a significant challenge to this goal. Therefore, auxiliary diagnostic tools are imperative to facilitating prompt recognition of malignant lesions. Melanoma develops as result of a number of genetic mutations, with UV radiation often acting as a mutagenic risk factor. Novel methods of genetic testing have improved detection of these molecular alterations, which subsequently revealed important information for diagnosis and prognosis. Rapid detection of genetic alterations is also significant for choosing appropriate treatment and developing targeted therapies for melanoma. This review will delve into the understanding of various mutations and the implications they may pose for clinical decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Yang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (K.Y.); (A.S.O.)
| | - Allen S.W. Oak
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (K.Y.); (A.S.O.)
| | - Radomir M. Slominski
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Anna A. Brożyna
- Department of Human Biology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | - Andrzej T. Slominski
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (K.Y.); (A.S.O.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Chemoprevention Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Veteran Administration Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wu HZ, Xiao JQ, Xiao SS, Cheng Y. KRAS: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Cancer Treatment. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:2081-2097. [PMID: 31486755 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190905164144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancer. The developments of many cancers depend on sustained expression and signaling of KRAS, which makes KRAS a high-priority therapeutic target. Scientists have not successfully developed drugs that target KRAS, although efforts have been made last three decades. In this review, we highlight the emerging experimental strategies of impairing KRAS membrane localization and the direct targeting of KRAS. We also conclude the combinatorial therapies and RNA interference technology for the treatment of KRAS mutant cancers. Moreover, the virtual screening approach to discover novel KRAS inhibitors and synthetic lethality interactors of KRAS are discussed in detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Zhou Wu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jia-Qi Xiao
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Song-Shu Xiao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Combining ERBB family and MET inhibitors is an effective therapeutic strategy in cutaneous malignant melanoma independent of BRAF/NRAS mutation status. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:663. [PMID: 31506424 PMCID: PMC6737096 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1875-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Current treatment modalities for disseminated cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) improve survival; however, relapses are common. A number of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) including EGFR and MET have been reported to be involved in CMM metastasis and in the development of resistance to therapy, targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK pathway). IHC analysis showed that patients with higher MET protein expression had a significantly shorter overall survival. In addition, silencing of MET caused an upregulation of EGFR and p-AKT, which was abrogated by concomitant silencing of MET and EGFR in CMM cells resistant to MAPK-targeting drugs. We therefore explored novel treatment strategies using clinically approved drugs afatinib (ERBB family inhibitor) and crizotinib (MET inhibitor), to simultaneously block MET and ERBB family RTKs. The effects of the combination were assessed in cell culture and spheroid models using established CMM and patient-derived short-term cell lines, and an in vivo xenograft mouse model. The combination had a synergistic effect, promoting cell death, concomitant with a potent downregulation of migratory and invasive capacity independent of their BRAF/NRAS mutational status. Furthermore, the combination attenuated tumor growth rate, as ascertained by the significant reduction of Ki67 expression and induced DNA damage in vivo. Importantly, this combination therapy had minimal therapy-related toxicity in mice. Lastly, the cell cycle G2 checkpoint kinase WEE1 and the RTK IGF1R, non-canonical targets, were altered upon exposure to the combination. Knockdown of WEE1 abrogated the combination-mediated effects on cell migration and proliferation in BRAF mutant BRAF inhibitor-sensitive cells, whereas WEE1 silencing alone inhibited cell migration in NRAS mutant cells. In summary, our results show that afatinib and crizotinib in combination is a promising alternative targeted therapy option for CMM patients, irrespective of BRAF/NRAS mutational status, as well as for cases where resistance has developed towards BRAF inhibitors.
Collapse
|
12
|
Bi S, Wei Q, Zhao Z, Chen L, Wang C, Xie S. Wee1 Inhibitor AZD1775 Effectively Inhibits the Malignant Phenotypes of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vitro and In Vivo. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:864. [PMID: 31427973 PMCID: PMC6688135 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common malignant diagnosed cancer with increasing incidence rate and few treatment options. As a specific small-molecule inhibitor of the Wee1 tyrosine kinase, AZD1775 has previously shown potent antitumor effect on multiple types of cancer in various preclinical studies and clinical trials. However, the expression of Wee1 and the role of AZD1775 in ESCC remain unclear. In the present study, we found that the expression of Wee1 was much higher in ESCC cell lines and clinical samples than that of the corresponding controls. In addition, we demonstrated that AZD1775 exhibited strong inhibitory effect against Wee1 kinase in both tested ESCC cells at nanomolar concentrations. Moreover, AZD1775 effectively suppressed ESCC cell growth and triggered apoptosis via the mitochondrial-dependent signaling pathway. AZD1775 also diminished cell migration and invasion as well as the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Interestingly, knockdown of Wee1 displayed a similar inhibitory effect of AZD1775 on ESCC cells. In addition, there was a synergism between AZD1775 and 5-fluorouracil or cisplatin in inducing cell death. More importantly, the in vivo experiments also demonstrated that AZD1775 potently inhibited ESCC cell growth and metastasis. In summary, our data suggest that the Wee1 inhibitor AZD1775 may be a potential therapeutic agent and warrants a clinical trial for patients with ESCC, even those with metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuning Bi
- Institute of Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Qiuren Wei
- Institute of Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Zhijun Zhao
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Luohe Medical College, Luohe, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Institute of Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Chaojie Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Songqiang Xie
- Institute of Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Brattås MK, Reikvam H, Tvedt THA, Bruserud Ø. Precision medicine for TP53-mutated acute myeloid leukemia. EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2019.1644164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Håkon Reikvam
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Section for Hematology, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Øystein Bruserud
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Section for Hematology, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Weisberg E, Meng C, Case AE, Sattler M, Tiv HL, Gokhale PC, Buhrlage SJ, Liu X, Yang J, Wang J, Gray N, Stone RM, Adamia S, Dubreuil P, Letard S, Griffin JD. Comparison of effects of midostaurin, crenolanib, quizartinib, gilteritinib, sorafenib and BLU-285 on oncogenic mutants of KIT, CBL and FLT3 in haematological malignancies. Br J Haematol 2019; 187:488-501. [PMID: 31309543 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in two type-3 receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), KIT and FLT3, are common in both acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and systemic mastocytosis (SM) and lead to hyperactivation of key signalling pathways. A large number of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been developed that target either FLT3 or KIT and significant clinical benefit has been demonstrated in multiple clinical trials. Given the structural similarity of FLT3 and KIT, it is not surprising that some of these TKIs inhibit both of these receptors. This is typified by midostaurin, which has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for mutant FLT3-positive AML and for KIT D816V-positive SM. Here, we compare the in vitro activities of the clinically available FLT3 and KIT inhibitors with those of midostaurin against a panel of cells expressing a variety of oncogenic FLT3 or KIT receptors, including wild-type (wt) FLT3, FLT3-internal tandem duplication (ITD), FLT3 D835Y, the resistance mutant FLT3-ITD+ F691L, KIT D816V, and KIT N822K. We also examined the effects of these inhibitors in vitro and in vivo on cells expressing mutations in c-CBL found in AML that result in hypersensitization of RTKs, such as FLT3 and KIT. The results show a wide spectrum of activity of these various mutations to these clinically available TKIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Weisberg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chengcheng Meng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abigail E Case
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martin Sattler
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hong L Tiv
- Experimental Therapeutics Core and Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Prafulla C Gokhale
- Experimental Therapeutics Core and Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara J Buhrlage
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaoxi Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nathanael Gray
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard M Stone
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sophia Adamia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrice Dubreuil
- CRCM, [Signalling, Haematopoiesis and Mechanism of Oncogenesis, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer], Inserm, U1068; Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Sebastien Letard
- CRCM, [Signalling, Haematopoiesis and Mechanism of Oncogenesis, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer], Inserm, U1068; Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - James D Griffin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pilié PG, Jonasch E. SET-ing the stage for PI3Kβ inhibitor sensitivity in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Oncotarget 2019; 10:1540-1541. [PMID: 30899419 PMCID: PMC6422188 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick G Pilié
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eric Jonasch
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cho H, Shin I, Ju E, Choi S, Hur W, Kim H, Hong E, Kim ND, Choi HG, Gray NS, Sim T. First SAR Study for Overriding NRAS Mutant Driven Acute Myeloid Leukemia. J Med Chem 2018; 61:8353-8373. [PMID: 30153003 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
GNF-7, a multitargeted kinase inhibitor, served as a dual kinase inhibitor of ACK1 and GCK, which provided a novel therapeutic strategy for overriding AML expressing NRAS mutation. This SAR study with GNF-7 derivatives, designed to target NRAS mutant-driven AML, led to identification of the extremely potent inhibitors, 10d, 10g, and 11i, which possess single-digit nanomolar inhibitory activity against both ACK1 and GCK. These substances strongly suppress proliferation of mutant NRAS expressing AML cells via apoptosis and AKT/mTOR signaling blockade. Compound 11i is superior to GNF-7 in terms of kinase inhibitory activity, cellular activity, and differential cytotoxicity. Moreover, 10k possessing a favorable mouse pharmacokinetic profile prolonged life-span of Ba/F3-NRAS-G12D injected mice and significantly delayed tumor growth of OCI-AML3 xenograft model without causing the prominent level of toxicity found with GNF-7. Taken together, this study provides insight into the design of novel ACK1 and GCK dual inhibitors for overriding NRAS mutant-driven AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Cho
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology , Korea University , 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu , Seoul 02841 , Republic of Korea
| | - Injae Shin
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology , Korea University , 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu , Seoul 02841 , Republic of Korea
| | - Eunhye Ju
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology , Korea University , 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu , Seoul 02841 , Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghye Choi
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology , Korea University , 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu , Seoul 02841 , Republic of Korea
| | - Wooyoung Hur
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center , Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) , 5 Hwarangro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu , Seoul 02792 , Republic of Korea
| | - Haelee Kim
- Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation , 2387 dalgubeol-daero, Suseong-gu , Daegu 42019 , Republic of Korea
| | - Eunmi Hong
- Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation , 2387 dalgubeol-daero, Suseong-gu , Daegu 42019 , Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Doo Kim
- Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation , 2387 dalgubeol-daero, Suseong-gu , Daegu 42019 , Republic of Korea.,NDBio Therapeutics Inc. , 32 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu , Incheon 21984 , Republic of Korea
| | - Hwan Geun Choi
- Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation , 2387 dalgubeol-daero, Suseong-gu , Daegu 42019 , Republic of Korea
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology , Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston , Massachusetts 02215 , United States.,Department of Biological Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology , Harvard Medical School , Boston , Massachusetts 02115 , United States
| | - Taebo Sim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology , Korea University , 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu , Seoul 02841 , Republic of Korea.,Chemical Kinomics Research Center , Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) , 5 Hwarangro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu , Seoul 02792 , Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
|
18
|
Brandsma I, Fleuren ED, Williamson CT, Lord CJ. Directing the use of DDR kinase inhibitors in cancer treatment. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:1341-1355. [PMID: 28984489 PMCID: PMC6157710 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1389895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Defects in the DNA damage response (DDR) drive the development of cancer by fostering DNA mutation but also provide cancer-specific vulnerabilities that can be exploited therapeutically. The recent approval of three different PARP inhibitors for the treatment of ovarian cancer provides the impetus for further developing targeted inhibitors of many of the kinases involved in the DDR, including inhibitors of ATR, ATM, CHEK1, CHEK2, DNAPK and WEE1. Areas covered: We summarise the current stage of development of these novel DDR kinase inhibitors, and describe which predictive biomarkers might be exploited to direct their clinical use. Expert opinion: Novel DDR inhibitors present promising candidates in cancer treatment and have the potential to elicit synthetic lethal effects. In order to fully exploit their potential and maximize their utility, identifying highly penetrant predictive biomarkers of single agent and combinatorial DDR inhibitor sensitivity are critical. Identifying the optimal drug combination regimens that could used with DDR inhibitors is also a key objective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inger Brandsma
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Emmy D.G. Fleuren
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Chris T. Williamson
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Christopher J. Lord
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dovey OM, Cooper JL, Mupo A, Grove CS, Lynn C, Conte N, Andrews RM, Pacharne S, Tzelepis K, Vijayabaskar MS, Green P, Rad R, Arends M, Wright P, Yusa K, Bradley A, Varela I, Vassiliou GS. Molecular synergy underlies the co-occurrence patterns and phenotype of NPM1-mutant acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2017; 130:1911-1922. [PMID: 28835438 PMCID: PMC5672315 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-01-760595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
NPM1 mutations define the commonest subgroup of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and frequently co-occur with FLT3 internal tandem duplications (ITD) or, less commonly, NRAS or KRAS mutations. Co-occurrence of mutant NPM1 with FLT3-ITD carries a significantly worse prognosis than NPM1-RAS combinations. To understand the molecular basis of these observations, we compare the effects of the 2 combinations on hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis in knock-in mice. Early effects of these mutations on hematopoiesis show that compound Npm1cA/+;NrasG12D/+ or Npm1cA;Flt3ITD share a number of features: Hox gene overexpression, enhanced self-renewal, expansion of hematopoietic progenitors, and myeloid differentiation bias. However, Npm1cA;Flt3ITD mutants displayed significantly higher peripheral leukocyte counts, early depletion of common lymphoid progenitors, and a monocytic bias in comparison with the granulocytic bias in Npm1cA/+;NrasG12D/+ mutants. Underlying this was a striking molecular synergy manifested as a dramatically altered gene expression profile in Npm1cA;Flt3ITD , but not Npm1cA/+;NrasG12D/+ , progenitors compared with wild-type. Both double-mutant models developed high-penetrance AML, although latency was significantly longer with Npm1cA/+;NrasG12D/+ During AML evolution, both models acquired additional copies of the mutant Flt3 or Nras alleles, but only Npm1cA/+;NrasG12D/+ mice showed acquisition of other human AML mutations, including IDH1 R132Q. We also find, using primary Cas9-expressing AMLs, that Hoxa genes and selected interactors or downstream targets are required for survival of both types of double-mutant AML. Our results show that molecular complementarity underlies the higher frequency and significantly worse prognosis associated with NPM1c/FLT3-ITD vs NPM1/NRAS-G12D-mutant AML and functionally confirm the role of HOXA genes in NPM1c-driven AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver M Dovey
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan L Cooper
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Annalisa Mupo
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Carolyn S Grove
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
- PathWest Division of Clinical Pathology, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Claire Lynn
- Leukemia and Stem Cell Biology Group, Division of Cancer Studies, Department of Haematological Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nathalie Conte
- Sample Phenotype Ontology Team, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Robert M Andrews
- Institute of Translation, Innovation, Methodology, and Engagement, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Suruchi Pacharne
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Konstantinos Tzelepis
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - M S Vijayabaskar
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Green
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Roland Rad
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mark Arends
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Penny Wright
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom; and
| | - Kosuke Yusa
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Allan Bradley
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ignacio Varela
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - George S Vassiliou
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom; and
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Carrassa L, Damia G. DNA damage response inhibitors: Mechanisms and potential applications in cancer therapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2017; 60:139-151. [PMID: 28961555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2017.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade the unravelling of the molecular mechanisms of the DNA damage response pathways and of the genomic landscape of human tumors have paved the road to new therapeutic approaches in oncology. It is now clear that tumors harbour defects in different DNA damage response steps, mainly signalling and repair, rendering them more dependent on the remaining pathways. We here focus on the proteins ATM, ATR, CHK1 and WEE1, reviewing their roles in the DNA damage response and as targets in cancer therapy. In the last decade specific inhibitors of these proteins have been designed, and their potential antineoplastic activity has been explored both in monotherapy strategies against tumors with specific defects (synthetic lethality approach) and in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapeutic or molecular targeted agents. The preclinical and clinical evidence of antitumor activity of these inhibitors emanating from these research efforts will be critically reviewed. Lastly, the potential therapeutic feasibility of combining together such inhibitors with the aim to target particular subsets of tumors will be also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Carrassa
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milan, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Damia
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hai J, Liu S, Bufe L, Do K, Chen T, Wang X, Ng C, Li S, Tsao MS, Shapiro GI, Wong KK. Synergy of WEE1 and mTOR Inhibition in Mutant KRAS-Driven Lung Cancers. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:6993-7005. [PMID: 28821559 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose:KRAS-activating mutations are the most common oncogenic driver in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but efforts to directly target mutant KRAS have proved a formidable challenge. Therefore, multitargeted therapy may offer a plausible strategy to effectively treat KRAS-driven NSCLCs. Here, we evaluate the efficacy and mechanistic rationale for combining mTOR and WEE1 inhibition as a potential therapy for lung cancers harboring KRAS mutations.Experimental Design: We investigated the synergistic effect of combining mTOR and WEE1 inhibitors on cell viability, apoptosis, and DNA damage repair response using a panel of human KRAS-mutant and wild type NSCLC cell lines and patient-derived xenograft cell lines. Murine autochthonous and human transplant models were used to test the therapeutic efficacy and pharmacodynamic effects of dual treatment.Results: We demonstrate that combined inhibition of mTOR and WEE1 induced potent synergistic cytotoxic effects selectively in KRAS-mutant NSCLC cell lines, delayed human tumor xenograft growth and caused tumor regression in a murine lung adenocarcinoma model. Mechanistically, we show that inhibition of mTOR potentiates WEE1 inhibition by abrogating compensatory activation of DNA repair, exacerbating DNA damage in KRAS-mutant NSCLC, and that this effect is due in part to reduction in cyclin D1.Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that compromised DNA repair underlies the observed potent synergy of WEE1 and mTOR inhibition and support clinical evaluation of this dual therapy for patients with KRAS-mutant lung cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 23(22); 6993-7005. ©2017 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Hai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shengwu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren Bufe
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Khanh Do
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Xiaoen Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christine Ng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ming-Sound Tsao
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Geoffrey I Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kwok-Kin Wong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts. .,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sen T, Tong P, Diao L, Li L, Fan Y, Hoff J, Heymach JV, Wang J, Byers LA. Targeting AXL and mTOR Pathway Overcomes Primary and Acquired Resistance to WEE1 Inhibition in Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:6239-6253. [PMID: 28698200 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Drugs targeting DNA repair and cell-cycle checkpoints have emerged as promising therapies for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Among these, the WEE1 inhibitor AZD1775 has shown clinical activity in a subset of SCLC patients, but resistance is common. Understanding primary and acquired resistance mechanisms will be critical for developing effective WEE1 inhibitor combinations.Experimental Design: AZD1775 sensitivity in SCLC cell lines was correlated with baseline expression level of 200 total or phosphorylated proteins measured by reverse-phase protein array (RPPA) to identify predictive markers of primary resistance. We further established AZD1775 acquired resistance models to identify mechanism of acquired resistance. Combination regimens were tested to overcome primary and acquired resistance to AZD1775 in in vitro and in vivo SCLC models.Results: High-throughput proteomic profiling demonstrate that SCLC models with primary resistance to AZD1775 express high levels of AXL and phosphorylated S6 and that WEE1/AXL or WEE1/mTOR inhibitor combinations overcome resistance in vitro and in vivo Furthermore, AXL, independently and via mTOR, activates the ERK pathway, leading to recruitment and activation of another G2-checkpoint protein, CHK1. AZD1775 acquired resistance models demonstrated upregulation of AXL, pS6, and MET, and resistance was overcome with the addition of AXL (TP0903), dual-AXL/MET (cabozantinib), or mTOR (RAD001) inhibitors.Conclusions: AXL promotes resistance to WEE1 inhibition via downstream mTOR signaling and resulting activation of a parallel DNA damage repair pathway, CHK1. These findings suggest rational combinations to enhance the clinical efficacy of AZD1775, which is currently in clinical trials for SCLC and other malignancies. Clin Cancer Res; 23(20); 6239-53. ©2017 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Triparna Sen
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Pan Tong
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lixia Diao
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lerong Li
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Youhong Fan
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jennifer Hoff
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - John V Heymach
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lauren Averett Byers
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ku BM, Bae YH, Koh J, Sun JM, Lee SH, Ahn JS, Park K, Ahn MJ. Mutational status of TP53 defines the efficacy of Wee1 inhibitor AZD1775 in KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:67526-67537. [PMID: 28978051 PMCID: PMC5620191 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS is frequently mutated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, direct targeting of KRAS has proven to be challenging, and inhibition of KRAS effectors has resulted in limited clinical efficacy. Wee1 kinase is an important regulator of the G2 checkpoint and is overexpressed in various cancers. Inhibition of Wee1 exerts anticancer effects as a monotherapy or in combination with DNA-damaging agents when cancer cells harbor TP53 mutations. However, its role in KRAS-mutant NSCLC, especially as a single agent, has not been explored. Here, we investigate the anticancer potential of Wee1 inhibitor AZD1775 as a monotherapy and uncover a possible cellular context underlying sensitivity to AZD1775. Our data show that treatment with AZD1775 significantly inhibited cell survival, growth, and proliferation of TP53-mutant (TP53MUT) compared to TP53 wild-type (TP53WT) in KRAS-mutant (KRASMUT) NSCLC cells. In KRASMUT/TP53MUT cells, AZD1775 treatment led to DNA damage, a decrease of survival signaling, and cell death by apoptosis. Interestingly, cell death through apoptosis was found to be heavily dependent on specific cellular genetic context, rather than inhibition of Wee1 kinase activity alone. In addition, AZD1775 treatment was well tolerated and displayed single-agent efficacy in a mouse xenograft model. This study provides rationale for inhibiting Wee1 using AZD1775 as a potential anticancer therapy against the TP53MUT subgroup of KRASMUT NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Mi Ku
- Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeon-Hee Bae
- Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jiae Koh
- Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Mu Sun
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Se-Hoon Lee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Seok Ahn
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Keunchil Park
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myung-Ju Ahn
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Boespflug A, Caramel J, Dalle S, Thomas L. Treatment of NRAS-mutated advanced or metastatic melanoma: rationale, current trials and evidence to date. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2017; 9:481-492. [PMID: 28717400 PMCID: PMC5502949 DOI: 10.1177/1758834017708160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The disease course of BRAF (v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1)-mutant melanoma has been drastically improved by the arrival of targeted therapies. NRAS (neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog)-mutated melanoma represents 15–25% of all metastatic melanoma patients. It currently does not have an approved targeted therapy. Metastatic patients receive immune-based therapies as first-line treatments, then cytotoxic chemotherapy like carboplatin/paclitaxel (C/P), dacarbazine (DTIC) or temozolomide (TMZ) as a second-line treatment. We will review current preclinical and clinical developments in NRAS-mutated melanoma, and analyze ongoing clinical trials that are evaluating the benefit of different targeted and immune-based therapies, either tested as single agents or in combination, in NRAS-mutant melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Caramel
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon-1 University, INSERM1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| | | | - Luc Thomas
- Service de Dermatologie, CH Lyon Sud, 165 Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495 Pierre Bénite, Cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AML therapy remains very challenging despite our increased understanding of its molecular heterogeneity. Outcomes with chemotherapy and targeted therapy remain poor. Targeting cell cycle regulators might complement chemotherapy and targeted therapy and help in improving outcomes. Areas covered: Here we cover the pre-clinical and clinical data for both for cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) and cell-cycle checkpoint inhibitors. While CDK inhibition can inhibit proliferation, checkpoint inhibitors can facilitate cell cycle progression in presence of DNA damage and can induce mitotic catastrophe. Expert opinion: Though the preclinical data for cell cycle inhibitors in AML is compelling, the clinical translation so far has proven to be challenging. This is a reflection of the complexity of both, AML and cell cycle regulators. However, early introduction of cell-cycle active agents in combination with chemotherapy or targeted agents, identifying right sequence of use and identifying right biomarkers might pave the way into successful clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Abou Zahr
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Gautam Borthakur
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ge XC, Wu F, Li WT, Zhu XJ, Liu JW, Wang BL. Upregulation of WEE1 is a potential prognostic biomarker for patients with colorectal cancer. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:4341-4348. [PMID: 28599436 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.5984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
WEE1 is a serine/threonine protein kinase that inactivates cell division cycle 2 and is therefore a critical cell cycle regulator. Increased WEE1 expression has been observed in numerous types of human malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma and melanoma. WEE1 inhibition also results in evident anti-tumor effects in several human tumor cells including colon cancer cells, suggesting WEE1 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer. However, the expression pattern of WEE1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. In the present study, WEE1 mRNA expression in 43 cases of CRC tissues matched with adjacent normal tissues was determined by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated that WEE1 mRNA expression was significantly increased in CRC tissues and that this upregulation correlated significantly with hepatic metastasis, distant metastasis and high tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage of CRC. Additionally, WEE1 protein in 102 CRC tissue samples was detected by immunohistochemistry, and positive staining of WEE1 was identified in more than half of patients with CRC. WEE1 staining scores were also observed to be associated with distant metastasis and high TNM stage of CRC. In addition, patients with CRC with high WEE1 staining score (2+ or 3+) exhibited either poorer overall survival or poorer disease-free survival compared with those with low WEE1 staining score (0 or 1+). The multivariable Cox model also identified a high WEE1 staining score as well as high TNM stage to be independent prognostic factors for CRC. In conclusion, WEE1 upregulation is associated with a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis of CRC, suggesting WEE1 as a potential prognostic biomarker for CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chuan Ge
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510220, P.R. China
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510220, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510220, P.R. China
| | - Xuan-Jin Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510220, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Wei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510220, P.R. China
| | - Bai-Lin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510220, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled tumour cell proliferation resulting from aberrant activity of various cell cycle proteins. Therefore, cell cycle regulators are considered attractive targets in cancer therapy. Intriguingly, animal models demonstrate that some of these proteins are not essential for proliferation of non-transformed cells and development of most tissues. By contrast, many cancers are uniquely dependent on these proteins and hence are selectively sensitive to their inhibition. After decades of research on the physiological functions of cell cycle proteins and their relevance for cancer, this knowledge recently translated into the first approved cancer therapeutic targeting of a direct regulator of the cell cycle. In this Review, we focus on proteins that directly regulate cell cycle progression (such as cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs)), as well as checkpoint kinases, Aurora kinases and Polo-like kinases (PLKs). We discuss the role of cell cycle proteins in cancer, the rationale for targeting them in cancer treatment and results of clinical trials, as well as the future therapeutic potential of various cell cycle inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Otto
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Piotr Sicinski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Leijen S, van Geel RM, Pavlick AC, Tibes R, Rosen L, Razak ARA, Lam R, Demuth T, Rose S, Lee MA, Freshwater T, Shumway S, Liang LW, Oza AM, Schellens JH, Shapiro GI. Phase I Study Evaluating WEE1 Inhibitor AZD1775 As Monotherapy and in Combination With Gemcitabine, Cisplatin, or Carboplatin in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors. J Clin Oncol 2016; 34:4371-4380. [PMID: 27601554 PMCID: PMC7845944 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2016.67.5991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose AZD1775 is a WEE1 kinase inhibitor targeting G2 checkpoint control, preferentially sensitizing TP53-deficient tumor cells to DNA damage. This phase I study evaluated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of oral AZD1775 as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy in patients with refractory solid tumors. Patients and Methods In part 1, patients received a single dose of AZD1775 followed by 14 days of observation. In part 2, patients received AZD1775 as a single dose (part 2A) or as five twice per day doses or two once per day doses (part 2B) in combination with one of the following chemotherapy agents: gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2), cisplatin (75 mg/m2), or carboplatin (area under the curve, 5 mg/mL⋅min). Skin biopsies were collected for pharmacodynamic assessments. TP53 status was determined retrospectively in archival tumor tissue. Results Two hundred two patients were enrolled onto the study, including nine patients in part 1, 43 in part 2A (including eight rollover patients from part 1), and 158 in part 2B. AZD1775 monotherapy given as single dose was well tolerated, and the maximum-tolerated dose was not reached. In the combination regimens, the most common adverse events consisted of fatigue, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and hematologic toxicity. The maximum-tolerated doses and biologically effective doses were established for each combination. Target engagement, as a predefined 50% pCDK1 reduction in surrogate tissue, was observed in combination with cisplatin and carboplatin. Of 176 patients evaluable for efficacy, 94 (53%) had stable disease as best response, and 17 (10%) achieved a partial response. The response rate in TP53-mutated patients (n = 19) was 21% compared with 12% in TP53 wild-type patients (n = 33). Conclusion AZD1775 was safe and tolerable as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapy at doses associated with target engagement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Leijen
- Suzanne Leijen, Robin M.J.M. van Geel, and Jan H.M. Schellens, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Jan H.M. Schellens, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Anna C. Pavlick, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY; Lee Rosen, University of California Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA; Raymond Lam, Shelonitda Rose, Mark A. Lee, Tomoko Freshwater, and Stuart Shumway, Merck, Kenilworth, NJ; Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Albiruni R. Abdul Razak and Amit M. Oza, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Raoul Tibes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg; Tim Demuth, Sandoz AG, Holzkirchen, Germany; and Li Wen Liang, Merck Sharp & Dohme R&D, Beijing, China
| | - Robin M.J.M. van Geel
- Suzanne Leijen, Robin M.J.M. van Geel, and Jan H.M. Schellens, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Jan H.M. Schellens, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Anna C. Pavlick, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY; Lee Rosen, University of California Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA; Raymond Lam, Shelonitda Rose, Mark A. Lee, Tomoko Freshwater, and Stuart Shumway, Merck, Kenilworth, NJ; Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Albiruni R. Abdul Razak and Amit M. Oza, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Raoul Tibes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg; Tim Demuth, Sandoz AG, Holzkirchen, Germany; and Li Wen Liang, Merck Sharp & Dohme R&D, Beijing, China
| | - Anna C. Pavlick
- Suzanne Leijen, Robin M.J.M. van Geel, and Jan H.M. Schellens, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Jan H.M. Schellens, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Anna C. Pavlick, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY; Lee Rosen, University of California Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA; Raymond Lam, Shelonitda Rose, Mark A. Lee, Tomoko Freshwater, and Stuart Shumway, Merck, Kenilworth, NJ; Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Albiruni R. Abdul Razak and Amit M. Oza, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Raoul Tibes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg; Tim Demuth, Sandoz AG, Holzkirchen, Germany; and Li Wen Liang, Merck Sharp & Dohme R&D, Beijing, China
| | - Raoul Tibes
- Suzanne Leijen, Robin M.J.M. van Geel, and Jan H.M. Schellens, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Jan H.M. Schellens, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Anna C. Pavlick, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY; Lee Rosen, University of California Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA; Raymond Lam, Shelonitda Rose, Mark A. Lee, Tomoko Freshwater, and Stuart Shumway, Merck, Kenilworth, NJ; Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Albiruni R. Abdul Razak and Amit M. Oza, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Raoul Tibes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg; Tim Demuth, Sandoz AG, Holzkirchen, Germany; and Li Wen Liang, Merck Sharp & Dohme R&D, Beijing, China
| | - Lee Rosen
- Suzanne Leijen, Robin M.J.M. van Geel, and Jan H.M. Schellens, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Jan H.M. Schellens, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Anna C. Pavlick, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY; Lee Rosen, University of California Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA; Raymond Lam, Shelonitda Rose, Mark A. Lee, Tomoko Freshwater, and Stuart Shumway, Merck, Kenilworth, NJ; Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Albiruni R. Abdul Razak and Amit M. Oza, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Raoul Tibes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg; Tim Demuth, Sandoz AG, Holzkirchen, Germany; and Li Wen Liang, Merck Sharp & Dohme R&D, Beijing, China
| | - Albiruni R. Abdul Razak
- Suzanne Leijen, Robin M.J.M. van Geel, and Jan H.M. Schellens, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Jan H.M. Schellens, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Anna C. Pavlick, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY; Lee Rosen, University of California Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA; Raymond Lam, Shelonitda Rose, Mark A. Lee, Tomoko Freshwater, and Stuart Shumway, Merck, Kenilworth, NJ; Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Albiruni R. Abdul Razak and Amit M. Oza, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Raoul Tibes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg; Tim Demuth, Sandoz AG, Holzkirchen, Germany; and Li Wen Liang, Merck Sharp & Dohme R&D, Beijing, China
| | - Raymond Lam
- Suzanne Leijen, Robin M.J.M. van Geel, and Jan H.M. Schellens, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Jan H.M. Schellens, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Anna C. Pavlick, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY; Lee Rosen, University of California Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA; Raymond Lam, Shelonitda Rose, Mark A. Lee, Tomoko Freshwater, and Stuart Shumway, Merck, Kenilworth, NJ; Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Albiruni R. Abdul Razak and Amit M. Oza, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Raoul Tibes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg; Tim Demuth, Sandoz AG, Holzkirchen, Germany; and Li Wen Liang, Merck Sharp & Dohme R&D, Beijing, China
| | - Tim Demuth
- Suzanne Leijen, Robin M.J.M. van Geel, and Jan H.M. Schellens, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Jan H.M. Schellens, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Anna C. Pavlick, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY; Lee Rosen, University of California Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA; Raymond Lam, Shelonitda Rose, Mark A. Lee, Tomoko Freshwater, and Stuart Shumway, Merck, Kenilworth, NJ; Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Albiruni R. Abdul Razak and Amit M. Oza, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Raoul Tibes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg; Tim Demuth, Sandoz AG, Holzkirchen, Germany; and Li Wen Liang, Merck Sharp & Dohme R&D, Beijing, China
| | - Shelonitda Rose
- Suzanne Leijen, Robin M.J.M. van Geel, and Jan H.M. Schellens, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Jan H.M. Schellens, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Anna C. Pavlick, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY; Lee Rosen, University of California Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA; Raymond Lam, Shelonitda Rose, Mark A. Lee, Tomoko Freshwater, and Stuart Shumway, Merck, Kenilworth, NJ; Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Albiruni R. Abdul Razak and Amit M. Oza, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Raoul Tibes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg; Tim Demuth, Sandoz AG, Holzkirchen, Germany; and Li Wen Liang, Merck Sharp & Dohme R&D, Beijing, China
| | - Mark A. Lee
- Suzanne Leijen, Robin M.J.M. van Geel, and Jan H.M. Schellens, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Jan H.M. Schellens, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Anna C. Pavlick, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY; Lee Rosen, University of California Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA; Raymond Lam, Shelonitda Rose, Mark A. Lee, Tomoko Freshwater, and Stuart Shumway, Merck, Kenilworth, NJ; Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Albiruni R. Abdul Razak and Amit M. Oza, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Raoul Tibes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg; Tim Demuth, Sandoz AG, Holzkirchen, Germany; and Li Wen Liang, Merck Sharp & Dohme R&D, Beijing, China
| | - Tomoko Freshwater
- Suzanne Leijen, Robin M.J.M. van Geel, and Jan H.M. Schellens, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Jan H.M. Schellens, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Anna C. Pavlick, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY; Lee Rosen, University of California Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA; Raymond Lam, Shelonitda Rose, Mark A. Lee, Tomoko Freshwater, and Stuart Shumway, Merck, Kenilworth, NJ; Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Albiruni R. Abdul Razak and Amit M. Oza, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Raoul Tibes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg; Tim Demuth, Sandoz AG, Holzkirchen, Germany; and Li Wen Liang, Merck Sharp & Dohme R&D, Beijing, China
| | - Stuart Shumway
- Suzanne Leijen, Robin M.J.M. van Geel, and Jan H.M. Schellens, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Jan H.M. Schellens, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Anna C. Pavlick, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY; Lee Rosen, University of California Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA; Raymond Lam, Shelonitda Rose, Mark A. Lee, Tomoko Freshwater, and Stuart Shumway, Merck, Kenilworth, NJ; Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Albiruni R. Abdul Razak and Amit M. Oza, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Raoul Tibes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg; Tim Demuth, Sandoz AG, Holzkirchen, Germany; and Li Wen Liang, Merck Sharp & Dohme R&D, Beijing, China
| | - Li Wen Liang
- Suzanne Leijen, Robin M.J.M. van Geel, and Jan H.M. Schellens, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Jan H.M. Schellens, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Anna C. Pavlick, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY; Lee Rosen, University of California Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA; Raymond Lam, Shelonitda Rose, Mark A. Lee, Tomoko Freshwater, and Stuart Shumway, Merck, Kenilworth, NJ; Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Albiruni R. Abdul Razak and Amit M. Oza, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Raoul Tibes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg; Tim Demuth, Sandoz AG, Holzkirchen, Germany; and Li Wen Liang, Merck Sharp & Dohme R&D, Beijing, China
| | - Amit M. Oza
- Suzanne Leijen, Robin M.J.M. van Geel, and Jan H.M. Schellens, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Jan H.M. Schellens, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Anna C. Pavlick, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY; Lee Rosen, University of California Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA; Raymond Lam, Shelonitda Rose, Mark A. Lee, Tomoko Freshwater, and Stuart Shumway, Merck, Kenilworth, NJ; Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Albiruni R. Abdul Razak and Amit M. Oza, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Raoul Tibes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg; Tim Demuth, Sandoz AG, Holzkirchen, Germany; and Li Wen Liang, Merck Sharp & Dohme R&D, Beijing, China
| | - Jan H.M. Schellens
- Suzanne Leijen, Robin M.J.M. van Geel, and Jan H.M. Schellens, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Jan H.M. Schellens, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Anna C. Pavlick, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY; Lee Rosen, University of California Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA; Raymond Lam, Shelonitda Rose, Mark A. Lee, Tomoko Freshwater, and Stuart Shumway, Merck, Kenilworth, NJ; Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Albiruni R. Abdul Razak and Amit M. Oza, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Raoul Tibes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg; Tim Demuth, Sandoz AG, Holzkirchen, Germany; and Li Wen Liang, Merck Sharp & Dohme R&D, Beijing, China
| | - Geoffrey I. Shapiro
- Suzanne Leijen, Robin M.J.M. van Geel, and Jan H.M. Schellens, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Jan H.M. Schellens, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Anna C. Pavlick, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY; Lee Rosen, University of California Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA; Raymond Lam, Shelonitda Rose, Mark A. Lee, Tomoko Freshwater, and Stuart Shumway, Merck, Kenilworth, NJ; Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Albiruni R. Abdul Razak and Amit M. Oza, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Raoul Tibes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg; Tim Demuth, Sandoz AG, Holzkirchen, Germany; and Li Wen Liang, Merck Sharp & Dohme R&D, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Jonker PKC, van Dam GM, Oosting SF, Kruijff S, Fehrmann RSN. Identification of novel therapeutic targets in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma using functional genomic mRNA-profiling: Paving the way for new avenues? Surgery 2016; 161:202-211. [PMID: 27865593 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2016.06.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, anaplastic thyroid carcinoma has a very poor prognosis and there is an unmet need for new therapeutic options. Therefore, this study aims to identify upregulated genes in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma with known drug interactions that could serve as new therapeutic targets. METHODS Publicly available microarray expression profiles of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and normal thyroid tissue were collected. FGmRNA-profiling was applied, which is a recently developed method that enhances the ability to capture the downstream effects of genomic alterations on gene expression levels. Next, a comparison between FGmRNA-profiles of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and normal thyroid samples was performed. Significantly upregulated genes in ATC were prioritized based on: 1) known interaction with antineoplastic drugs, 2) current drug development status in human, and 3) association with biologic pathways known to be involved in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma carcinogenesis. RESULTS In the study, 25 anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and 80 normal thyroid samples were included for FGmRNA-profiling. Class comparison identified 301 significantly upregulated genes. Following prioritization, MTOR, MET, WEE1, PSMD1, MERTK, FGFR3, RARG, and ESR2 were identified as potential therapeutic targets. CONCLUSION We prioritized 8 potential therapeutic druggable targets in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Ultimately, inhibition of these therapeutic targets might improve patient outcome in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma by reducing locoregional disease and distant metastases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pascal K C Jonker
- Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gooitzen M van Dam
- Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Intensive Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoukje F Oosting
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Schelto Kruijff
- Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rudolf S N Fehrmann
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Gregorić T, Sedić M, Grbčić P, Tomljenović Paravić A, Kraljević Pavelić S, Cetina M, Vianello R, Raić-Malić S. Novel pyrimidine-2,4-dione-1,2,3-triazole and furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2-one-1,2,3-triazole hybrids as potential anti-cancer agents: Synthesis, computational and X-ray analysis and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 125:1247-1267. [PMID: 27875779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Regioselective 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole tethered pyrimidine-2,4-dione derivatives (5-23) were successfully prepared by the copper(I)-catalyzed click chemistry. While known palladium/copper-cocatalyzed method based on Sonogashira cross-coupling followed by the intramolecular 5-endo-dig ring closure generated novel 6-alkylfuro[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2-one-1,2,3-triazole hybrids (24b-37b), a small library of their 5-alkylethynyl analogs (24a-37a) was synthesized and described for the first time by tandem terminal alkyne dimerization and subsequent 5-endo-trig cyclization, which was additionally corroborated with computational and X-ray crystal structure analyses. The nature of substituents on alkynes and thereof homocoupled 1,3-diynes predominantly influenced the ratio of the formed products in both pathways. In vitro antiproliferative activity of prepared compounds evaluated on five human cancer cell lines revealed that N,N-1,3-bis-(1,2,3-triazole)-5-bromouracil (5-7) and 5,6-disubstituted furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2-one-1,2,3-triazole 34a hybrids exhibited the most pronounced cytostatic acitivities against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells with higher potencies than the reference drug 5-fluorouracil. Cytostatic effect of pyrimidine-2,4-dione-1,2,3-triazole hybrid 7 in HepG2 cells could be attributed to the Wee-1 kinase inhibition and abolishment of sphingolipid signaling mediated by acid ceramidase and sphingosine kinase 1. Importantly, this compound proved to be a non-mitochondrial toxicant, which makes it a promising candidate for further lead optimization and development of a new and more efficient agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomislav Gregorić
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Department of Organic Chemistry, Marulićev Trg 20, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirela Sedić
- University of Rijeka, Department of Biotechnology, Radmile Matejčić 2, HR-51000 Rijeka, Croatia; University of Rijeka, Centre for High-throughput Technologies, Radmile Matejčić 2, HR-51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Petra Grbčić
- University of Rijeka, Department of Biotechnology, Radmile Matejčić 2, HR-51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Sandra Kraljević Pavelić
- University of Rijeka, Department of Biotechnology, Radmile Matejčić 2, HR-51000 Rijeka, Croatia; University of Rijeka, Centre for High-throughput Technologies, Radmile Matejčić 2, HR-51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Mario Cetina
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Textile Technology, Department of Applied Chemistry, Prilaz Baruna Filipovića 28a, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Robert Vianello
- Computational Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Group, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Silvana Raić-Malić
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Department of Organic Chemistry, Marulićev Trg 20, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Langdon CG, Wiedemann N, Held MA, Mamillapalli R, Iyidogan P, Theodosakis N, Platt JT, Levy F, Vuagniaux G, Wang S, Bosenberg MW, Stern DF. SMAC mimetic Debio 1143 synergizes with taxanes, topoisomerase inhibitors and bromodomain inhibitors to impede growth of lung adenocarcinoma cells. Oncotarget 2016; 6:37410-25. [PMID: 26485762 PMCID: PMC4741938 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting anti-apoptotic proteins can sensitize tumor cells to conventional chemotherapies or other targeted agents. Antagonizing the Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs) with mimetics of the pro-apoptotic protein SMAC is one such approach. We used sensitization compound screening to uncover possible agents with the potential to further sensitize lung adenocarcinoma cells to the SMAC mimetic Debio 1143. Several compounds in combination with Debio 1143, including taxanes, topoisomerase inhibitors, and bromodomain inhibitors, super-additively inhibited growth and clonogenicity of lung adenocarcinoma cells. Co-treatment with Debio 1143 and the bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 suppresses the expression of c-IAP1, c-IAP2, and XIAP. Non-canonical NF-κB signaling is also activated following Debio 1143 treatment, and Debio 1143 induces the formation of the ripoptosome in Debio 1143-sensitive cell lines. Sensitivity to Debio 1143 and JQ1 co-treatment was associated with baseline caspase-8 expression. In vivo treatment of lung adenocarcinoma xenografts with Debio 1143 in combination with JQ1 or docetaxel reduced tumor volume more than either single agent alone. As Debio 1143-containing combinations effectively inhibited both in vitro and in vivo growth of lung adenocarcinoma cells, these data provide a rationale for Debio 1143 combinations currently being evaluated in ongoing clinical trials and suggest potential utility of other combinations identified here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casey G Langdon
- Department of Pathology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Matthew A Held
- Department of Pathology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Ramanaiah Mamillapalli
- Department of Pathology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Pinar Iyidogan
- Department of Pathology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nicholas Theodosakis
- Department of Pathology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - James T Platt
- Department of Pathology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Breast Medical Oncology Group, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Shaomeng Wang
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Marcus W Bosenberg
- Department of Pathology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Departments of Dermatology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David F Stern
- Department of Pathology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Li Y, Saini P, Sriraman A, Dobbelstein M. Mdm2 inhibition confers protection of p53-proficient cells from the cytotoxic effects of Wee1 inhibitors. Oncotarget 2016; 6:32339-52. [PMID: 26431163 PMCID: PMC4741697 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological inhibition of the cell cycle regulatory kinase Wee1 represents a promising strategy to eliminate cancer cells. Wee1 inhibitors cooperate with chemotherapeutics, e. g. nucleoside analogues, pushing malignant cells from S phase towards premature mitosis and death. However, considerable toxicities are observed in preclinical and clinical trials. A high proportion of tumor cells can be distinguished from all other cells of a patient's body by inactivating mutations in the tumor suppressor p53. Here we set out to develop an approach for the selective protection of p53-proficient cells against the cytotoxic effects of Wee1 inhibitors. We pretreated such cells with Nutlin-3a, a prototype inhibitor of the p53-antagonist Mdm2. The resulting transient cell cycle arrest effectively increased the survival of cells that were subsequently treated with combinations of the Wee1 inhibitor MK-1775 and/or the nucleoside analogue gemcitabine. In this constellation, Nutlin-3a reduced caspase activation and diminished the phosphorylation of Histone 2AX, an indicator of the DNA damage response. Both effects were strictly dependent on the presence of p53. Moreover, Nutlin pre-treatment reduced the fraction of cells that were undergoing premature mitosis in response to Wee1 inhibition. We conclude that the pre-activation of p53 through Mdm2 antagonists serves as a viable option to selectively protect p53-proficient cells against the cytotoxic effects of Wee1 inhibitors, especially when combined with a nucleoside analogue. Thus, Mdm2 antagonists might prove useful to avoid unwanted side effects of Wee1 inhibitors. On the other hand, when a tumor contains wild type p53, care should be taken not to induce its activity before applying Wee1 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yizhu Li
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Göttingen Centre of Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Faculty of Medicine, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Priyanka Saini
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Göttingen Centre of Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Faculty of Medicine, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anusha Sriraman
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Göttingen Centre of Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Faculty of Medicine, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Dobbelstein
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Göttingen Centre of Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Faculty of Medicine, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Jiang C, Song T, Li J, Ao F, Gong X, Lu Y, Zhang C, Chen L, Liu Y, He H, Huang O. RAS Promotes Proliferation and Resistances to Apoptosis in Meningioma. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:779-787. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9763-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
34
|
O'Neil J, Benita Y, Feldman I, Chenard M, Roberts B, Liu Y, Li J, Kral A, Lejnine S, Loboda A, Arthur W, Cristescu R, Haines BB, Winter C, Zhang T, Bloecher A, Shumway SD. An Unbiased Oncology Compound Screen to Identify Novel Combination Strategies. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:1155-62. [PMID: 26983881 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Combination drug therapy is a widely used paradigm for managing numerous human malignancies. In cancer treatment, additive and/or synergistic drug combinations can convert weakly efficacious monotherapies into regimens that produce robust antitumor activity. This can be explained in part through pathway interdependencies that are critical for cancer cell proliferation and survival. However, identification of the various interdependencies is difficult due to the complex molecular circuitry that underlies tumor development and progression. Here, we present a high-throughput platform that allows for an unbiased identification of synergistic and efficacious drug combinations. In a screen of 22,737 experiments of 583 doublet combinations in 39 diverse cancer cell lines using a 4 by 4 dosing regimen, both well-known and novel synergistic and efficacious combinations were identified. Here, we present an example of one such novel combination, a Wee1 inhibitor (AZD1775) and an mTOR inhibitor (ridaforolimus), and demonstrate that the combination potently and synergistically inhibits cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo This approach has identified novel combinations that would be difficult to reliably predict based purely on our current understanding of cancer cell biology. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(6); 1155-62. ©2016 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yair Benita
- Merck Research Laboratories, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Igor Feldman
- Merck Research Laboratories, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Yaping Liu
- Merck Research Laboratories, North Wales, Pennsylvania
| | - Jing Li
- Merck Research Laboratories, North Wales, Pennsylvania
| | - Astrid Kral
- Merck Research Laboratories, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Jenkins RW, Sullivan RJ. NRAS mutant melanoma: an overview for the clinician for melanoma management. Melanoma Manag 2016; 3:47-59. [PMID: 30190872 PMCID: PMC6097550 DOI: 10.2217/mmt.15.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and the incidence continues to rise in the United States and worldwide. Activating mutations in RAS oncogenes are found in roughly a third of all human cancers. Mutations in NRAS occur in approximately a fifth of cutaneous melanomas and are associated with aggressive clinical behavior. Cells harboring oncogenic NRAS mutations exhibit activation of multiple signaling cascades, including PI3K/Akt, MEK-ERK and RAL, which collectively stimulate cancer growth. While strategies to target N-Ras itself have proven ineffective, targeting one or more N-Ras effector pathways has shown promise in preclinical models. Despite promising preclinical data, current therapies for NRAS mutant melanoma remain limited. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies for BRAF mutant melanoma are transforming the treatment of metastatic melanoma, but the ideal treatment for NRAS mutant melanoma remains unknown. Improved understanding of NRAS mutant melanoma and relevant N-Ras effector signaling modules will be essential to develop new treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan J Sullivan
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ford JB, Baturin D, Burleson TM, Van Linden AA, Kim YM, Porter CC. AZD1775 sensitizes T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells to cytarabine by promoting apoptosis over DNA repair. Oncotarget 2015; 6:28001-10. [PMID: 26334102 PMCID: PMC4695040 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
While some children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have excellent prognoses, the prognosis for adults and children with T cell ALL is more guarded. Treatment for T-ALL is heavily dependent upon antimetabolite chemotherapeutics, including cytarabine. Targeted inhibition of WEE1 with AZD1775 has emerged as a strategy to sensitize cancer cells to cytarabine and other chemotherapeutics. We sought to determine if this strategy would be effective for T-ALL with clinically relevant anti-leukemia agents. We found that AZD1775 sensitizes T-ALL cells to several traditional anti-leukemia agents, acting synergistically with cytarabine by enhancing DNA damage and apoptosis. In addition to increased phosphorylation of H2AX at serine 139 (γH2AX), AZD1775 led to increased phosphorylation of H2AX at tyrosine 142, a signaling event associated with promotion of apoptosis over DNA repair. In a xenograft model of T-ALL, the addition of AZD1775 to cytarabine slowed leukemia progression and prolonged survival. Inhibition of WEE1 with AZD1775 sensitizes T-ALL to several anti-leukemia agents, particularly cytarabine and that mechanistically, AZD1775 promotes apoptosis over DNA repair in cells treated with cytarabine. These data support the development of clinical trials including AZD1775 in combination with conventional chemotherapy for acute leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James B. Ford
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Dmitry Baturin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Tamara M. Burleson
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Annemie A. Van Linden
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Yong-Mi Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Christopher C. Porter
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Do K, Wilsker D, Ji J, Zlott J, Freshwater T, Kinders RJ, Collins J, Chen AP, Doroshow JH, Kummar S. Phase I Study of Single-Agent AZD1775 (MK-1775), a Wee1 Kinase Inhibitor, in Patients With Refractory Solid Tumors. J Clin Oncol 2015; 33:3409-15. [PMID: 25964244 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2014.60.4009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Wee1 tyrosine kinase phosphorylates and inactivates cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) 1/2 in response to DNA damage. AZD1775 is a first-in-class inhibitor of Wee1 kinase with single-agent antitumor activity in preclinical models. We conducted a phase I study of single-agent AZD1775 in adult patients with refractory solid tumors to determine its maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, and modulation of phosphorylated Tyr15-Cdk (pY15-Cdk) and phosphorylated histone H2AX (γH2AX) levels in paired tumor biopsies. PATIENTS AND METHODS AZD1775 was administered orally twice per day over 2.5 days per week for up to 2 weeks per 21-day cycle (3 + 3 design). At the MTD, paired tumor biopsies were obtained at baseline and after the fifth dose to determine pY15-Cdk and γH2AX levels. Six patients with BRCA-mutant solid tumors were also enrolled at the MTD. RESULTS Twenty-five patients were enrolled. The MTD was established as 225 mg twice per day orally over 2.5 days per week for 2 weeks per 21-day cycle. Confirmed partial responses were observed in two patients carrying BRCA mutations: one with head and neck cancer and one with ovarian cancer. Common toxicities were myelosuppression and diarrhea. Dose-limiting toxicities were supraventricular tachyarrhythmia and myelosuppression. Accumulation of drug (t1/2 approximately 11 hours) was observed. Reduction in pY15-Cdk levels (two of five paired biopsies) and increases in γH2AX levels (three of five paired biopsies) were demonstrated. CONCLUSION This is the first report of AZD1775 single-agent activity in patients carrying BRCA mutations. Proof-of-mechanism was demonstrated by target modulation and DNA damage response in paired tumor biopsies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khanh Do
- Khanh Do, Jennifer Zlott, Jerry Collins, Alice P. Chen, James H. Doroshow, and Shivaani Kummar, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Deborah Wilsker, Jiuping Ji, and Robert J. Kinders, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD; and Tomoko Freshwater, Merck Research Laboratories-Oncology, Boston, MA
| | - Deborah Wilsker
- Khanh Do, Jennifer Zlott, Jerry Collins, Alice P. Chen, James H. Doroshow, and Shivaani Kummar, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Deborah Wilsker, Jiuping Ji, and Robert J. Kinders, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD; and Tomoko Freshwater, Merck Research Laboratories-Oncology, Boston, MA
| | - Jiuping Ji
- Khanh Do, Jennifer Zlott, Jerry Collins, Alice P. Chen, James H. Doroshow, and Shivaani Kummar, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Deborah Wilsker, Jiuping Ji, and Robert J. Kinders, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD; and Tomoko Freshwater, Merck Research Laboratories-Oncology, Boston, MA
| | - Jennifer Zlott
- Khanh Do, Jennifer Zlott, Jerry Collins, Alice P. Chen, James H. Doroshow, and Shivaani Kummar, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Deborah Wilsker, Jiuping Ji, and Robert J. Kinders, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD; and Tomoko Freshwater, Merck Research Laboratories-Oncology, Boston, MA
| | - Tomoko Freshwater
- Khanh Do, Jennifer Zlott, Jerry Collins, Alice P. Chen, James H. Doroshow, and Shivaani Kummar, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Deborah Wilsker, Jiuping Ji, and Robert J. Kinders, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD; and Tomoko Freshwater, Merck Research Laboratories-Oncology, Boston, MA
| | - Robert J Kinders
- Khanh Do, Jennifer Zlott, Jerry Collins, Alice P. Chen, James H. Doroshow, and Shivaani Kummar, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Deborah Wilsker, Jiuping Ji, and Robert J. Kinders, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD; and Tomoko Freshwater, Merck Research Laboratories-Oncology, Boston, MA
| | - Jerry Collins
- Khanh Do, Jennifer Zlott, Jerry Collins, Alice P. Chen, James H. Doroshow, and Shivaani Kummar, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Deborah Wilsker, Jiuping Ji, and Robert J. Kinders, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD; and Tomoko Freshwater, Merck Research Laboratories-Oncology, Boston, MA
| | - Alice P Chen
- Khanh Do, Jennifer Zlott, Jerry Collins, Alice P. Chen, James H. Doroshow, and Shivaani Kummar, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Deborah Wilsker, Jiuping Ji, and Robert J. Kinders, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD; and Tomoko Freshwater, Merck Research Laboratories-Oncology, Boston, MA
| | - James H Doroshow
- Khanh Do, Jennifer Zlott, Jerry Collins, Alice P. Chen, James H. Doroshow, and Shivaani Kummar, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Deborah Wilsker, Jiuping Ji, and Robert J. Kinders, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD; and Tomoko Freshwater, Merck Research Laboratories-Oncology, Boston, MA
| | - Shivaani Kummar
- Khanh Do, Jennifer Zlott, Jerry Collins, Alice P. Chen, James H. Doroshow, and Shivaani Kummar, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Deborah Wilsker, Jiuping Ji, and Robert J. Kinders, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD; and Tomoko Freshwater, Merck Research Laboratories-Oncology, Boston, MA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Bose P, Grant S. Rational Combinations of Targeted Agents in AML. J Clin Med 2015; 4:634-664. [PMID: 26113989 PMCID: PMC4470160 DOI: 10.3390/jcm4040634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite modest improvements in survival over the last several decades, the treatment of AML continues to present a formidable challenge. Most patients are elderly, and these individuals, as well as those with secondary, therapy-related, or relapsed/refractory AML, are particularly difficult to treat, owing to both aggressive disease biology and the high toxicity of current chemotherapeutic regimens. It has become increasingly apparent in recent years that coordinated interruption of cooperative survival signaling pathways in malignant cells is necessary for optimal therapeutic results. The modest efficacy of monotherapy with both cytotoxic and targeted agents in AML testifies to this. As the complex biology of AML continues to be elucidated, many “synthetic lethal” strategies involving rational combinations of targeted agents have been developed. Unfortunately, relatively few of these have been tested clinically, although there is growing interest in this area. In this article, the preclinical and, where available, clinical data on some of the most promising rational combinations of targeted agents in AML are summarized. While new molecules should continue to be combined with conventional genotoxic drugs of proven efficacy, there is perhaps a need to rethink traditional philosophies of clinical trial development and regulatory approval with a focus on mechanism-based, synergistic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prithviraj Bose
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Massey Cancer Center Center, 1201 E Marshall St, MMEC 11-213, P.O. Box 980070, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Steven Grant
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Human and Molecular Genetics and the Institute for Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Massey Cancer Center, 401 College St, P.O. Box 980035, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-804-828-5211; Fax: +1-804-628-5920
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Aleem E, Arceci RJ. Targeting cell cycle regulators in hematologic malignancies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2015; 3:16. [PMID: 25914884 PMCID: PMC4390903 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2015.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematologic malignancies represent the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer in economically developed countries. In hematologic malignancies normal hematopoiesis is interrupted by uncontrolled growth of a genetically altered stem or progenitor cell (HSPC) that maintains its ability of self-renewal. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) not only regulate the mammalian cell cycle, but also influence other vital cellular processes, such as stem cell renewal, differentiation, transcription, epigenetic regulation, apoptosis, and DNA repair. Chromosomal translocations, amplification, overexpression and altered CDK activities have been described in different types of human cancer, which have made them attractive targets for pharmacological inhibition. Mouse models deficient for one or more CDKs have significantly contributed to our current understanding of the physiological functions of CDKs, as well as their roles in human cancer. The present review focuses on selected cell cycle kinases with recent emerging key functions in hematopoiesis and in hematopoietic malignancies, such as CDK6 and its role in MLL-rearranged leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia, CDK1 and its regulator WEE-1 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and cyclin C/CDK8/CDK19 complexes in T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia. The knowledge gained from gene knockout experiments in mice of these kinases is also summarized. An overview of compounds targeting these kinases, which are currently in clinical development in various solid tumors and hematopoietic malignances, is presented. These include the CDK4/CDK6 inhibitors (palbociclib, LEE011, LY2835219), pan-CDK inhibitors that target CDK1 (dinaciclib, flavopiridol, AT7519, TG02, P276-00, terampeprocol and RGB 286638) as well as the WEE-1 kinase inhibitor, MK-1775. The advantage of combination therapy of cell cycle inhibitors with conventional chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of AML, such as cytarabine, is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eiman Aleem
- Department of Child Health, The Ronald A. Matricaria Institute of Molecular Medicine at Phoenix Children's Hospital, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix Phoenix, AZ, USA ; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Robert J Arceci
- Department of Child Health, The Ronald A. Matricaria Institute of Molecular Medicine at Phoenix Children's Hospital, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix Phoenix, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Syljuåsen RG, Hasvold G, Hauge S, Helland Å. Targeting lung cancer through inhibition of checkpoint kinases. Front Genet 2015; 6:70. [PMID: 25774168 PMCID: PMC4343027 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors of checkpoint kinases ATR, Chk1, and Wee1 are currently being tested in preclinical and clinical trials. Here, we review the basic principles behind the use of such inhibitors as anticancer agents, and particularly discuss their potential for treatment of lung cancer. As lung cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, new treatment strategies are highly needed. We discuss how checkpoint kinase inhibition in principle can lead to selective killing of lung cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissues. Several features of lung cancer may potentially be exploited for targeting through inhibition of checkpoint kinases, including mutated p53, low ERCC1 levels, amplified Myc, tumor hypoxia and presence of lung cancer stem cells. Synergistic effects have also been reported between inhibitors of ATR/Chk1/Wee1 and conventional lung cancer treatments, such as gemcitabine, cisplatin, or radiation. Altogether, inhibitors of ATR, Chk1, and Wee1 are emerging as new cancer treatment agents, likely to be useful in lung cancer treatment. However, as lung tumors are very diverse, the inhibitors are unlikely to be effective in all patients, and more work is needed to determine how such inhibitors can be utilized in the most optimal ways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Randi G Syljuåsen
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital , Oslo, Norway
| | - Grete Hasvold
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital , Oslo, Norway
| | - Sissel Hauge
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital , Oslo, Norway
| | - Åslaug Helland
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital , Oslo, Norway ; Department of Oncology, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital , Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Richer AL, Friel JM, Carson VM, Inge LJ, Whitsett TG. Genomic profiling toward precision medicine in non-small cell lung cancer: getting beyond EGFR. PHARMACOGENOMICS & PERSONALIZED MEDICINE 2015; 8:63-79. [PMID: 25897257 PMCID: PMC4397718 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s52845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The application of next-generation genomic technologies has offered a more comprehensive look at the mutational landscape across the different subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A number of recurrent mutations such as TP53, KRAS, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been identified in NSCLC. While targeted therapeutic successes have been demonstrated in the therapeutic targeting of EGFR and ALK, the majority of NSCLC tumors do not harbor these genomic events. This review looks at the current treatment paradigms for lung adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, examining genomic aberrations that dictate therapy selection, as well as novel therapeutic strategies for tumors harboring mutations in KRAS, TP53, and LKB1 which, to date, have been considered “undruggable”. A more thorough understanding of the molecular alterations that govern NSCLC tumorigenesis, aided by next-generation sequencing, will lead to targeted therapeutic options expected to dramatically reduce the high mortality rate observed in lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Richer
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jacqueline M Friel
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Vashti M Carson
- Cancer and Cell Biology Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Landon J Inge
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Timothy G Whitsett
- Cancer and Cell Biology Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
WEE1 is a validated target of the microRNA miR-17-92 cluster in leukemia. Cancer Genet 2015; 208:279-87. [PMID: 25732734 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2015.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Revised: 01/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are short single-stranded RNAs that regulate target gene expression by binding to complementary sites in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of their mRNA targets. The polycistronic miR-17-92 cluster, which encodes miR-17, miR-18a, miR-19a, miR-20a, miR-19b, and miR-92a, was previously shown to be overexpressed in multiple types of cancer. In this study, target gene prediction algorithms were used to predict potential targets of the miR-17-92 cluster. WEE1, a kinase that inhibits cell cycle progression, was identified as a possible target of five of the six miRNAs in the cluster. Luciferase reporter assays were used to determine that miR-17, miR-20a, and miR-18a specifically target nucleotides 465-487 of the 3' UTR of WEE1, whereas miR-19a and miR-19b exert control on WEE1 by targeting nucleotides 1069-1091. A negative correlation was determined between endogenous miR-17 or miR-19a expression and endogenous WEE1 protein expression in the same panel of cell lines. We conclude that WEE1 is a valid target of the miR-17-92 cluster in leukemia.
Collapse
|
43
|
A regimen combining the Wee1 inhibitor AZD1775 with HDAC inhibitors targets human acute myeloid leukemia cells harboring various genetic mutations. Leukemia 2014; 29:807-18. [PMID: 25283841 PMCID: PMC4387110 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2014.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
AZD1775 targets the cell cycle checkpoint kinase Wee1 and potentiates genotoxic agent cytotoxicity through p53-dependent or -independent mechanisms. Here, we report that AZD1775 interacted synergistically with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs e.g., Vorinostat), which interrupt the DNA damage response (DDR), to kill p53-wild type or -deficient as well as FLT3-ITD leukemia cells in association with pronounced Wee1 inhibition and diminished cdc2/Cdk1 Y15 phosphorylation. Similarly, Wee1 shRNA knock-down significantly sensitized cells to HDACIs. While AZD1775 induced Chk1 activation, reflected by markedly increased Chk1 S296/S317/S345 phosphorylation leading to inhibitory T14 phosphorylation of cdc2/Cdk1, these compensatory responses were sharply abrogated by HDACIs. This was accompanied by premature mitotic entry, multiple mitotic abnormalities, and accumulation of early S-phase cells displaying increased newly replicated DNA, culminating in robust DNA damage and apoptosis. The regimen was active against patient-derived AML cells harboring either wild type or mutant p53, and various NGS-defined mutations. Primitive CD34+/CD123+/CD38− populations enriched for leukemia-initiating progenitors, but not normal CD34+ hematopoietic cells, were highly susceptible to this regimen. Finally, combining AZD1775 with Vorinostat in AML murine xenografts significantly reduced tumor burden and prolonged animal survival. A strategy combining Wee1 with HDACI inhibition warrants further investigation in AML with poor prognostic genetic aberrations.
Collapse
|
44
|
Beyond BRAF: where next for melanoma therapy? Br J Cancer 2014; 112:217-26. [PMID: 25180764 PMCID: PMC4453440 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2014.476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Revised: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, melanoma has become a poster-child for the development of oncogene-directed targeted therapies. This approach, which has been exemplified by the development of small-molecule BRAF inhibitors and the BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination for BRAF-mutant melanoma, has brought new hope to patients. Despite these successes, treatment failure seems near inevitable in the majority of cases—even in individuals treated with the BRAF/MEK inhibitor doublet. In the current review, we discuss the future of combination strategies for patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma as well as the emerging therapeutic options for patients with NRAS-mutant and BRAF/NRAS-wild-type melanoma. We also outline some of the newest developments in the in-depth personalisation of therapy that should allow melanoma treatment to continue shaping the field precision cancer medicine.
Collapse
|