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Hoferkova E, Seda V, Kadakova S, Verner J, Loja T, Matulova K, Skuhrova Francova H, Ondrouskova E, Filip D, Blavet N, Boudny M, Mladonicka Pavlasova G, Vecera J, Ondrisova L, Pavelkova P, Hlavac K, Kostalova L, Michaelou A, Pospisilova S, Dorazilova J, Chochola V, Jaros J, Doubek M, Jarosova M, Hampl A, Vojtova L, Kren L, Mayer J, Mraz M. Stromal cells engineered to express T cell factors induce robust CLL cell proliferation in vitro and in PDX co-transplantations allowing the identification of RAF inhibitors as anti-proliferative drugs. Leukemia 2024:10.1038/s41375-024-02284-w. [PMID: 38877102 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02284-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Several in vitro models have been developed to mimic chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) proliferation in immune niches; however, they typically do not induce robust proliferation. We prepared a novel model based on mimicking T-cell signals in vitro and in patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Six supportive cell lines were prepared by engineering HS5 stromal cells with stable expression of human CD40L, IL4, IL21, and their combinations. Co-culture with HS5 expressing CD40L and IL4 in combination led to mild CLL cell proliferation (median 7% at day 7), while the HS5 expressing CD40L, IL4, and IL21 led to unprecedented proliferation rate (median 44%). The co-cultures mimicked the gene expression fingerprint of lymph node CLL cells (MYC, NFκB, and E2F signatures) and revealed novel vulnerabilities in CLL-T-cell-induced proliferation. Drug testing in co-cultures revealed for the first time that pan-RAF inhibitors fully block CLL proliferation. The co-culture model can be downscaled to five microliter volume for large drug screening purposes or upscaled to CLL PDXs by HS5-CD40L-IL4 ± IL21 co-transplantation. Co-transplanting NSG mice with purified CLL cells and HS5-CD40L-IL4 or HS5-CD40L-IL4-IL21 cells on collagen-based scaffold led to 47% or 82% engraftment efficacy, respectively, with ~20% of PDXs being clonally related to CLL, potentially overcoming the need to co-transplant autologous T-cells in PDXs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hoferkova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vaclav Seda
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sona Kadakova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Verner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Loja
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kvetoslava Matulova
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Skuhrova Francova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Ondrouskova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Filip
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nicolas Blavet
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Boudny
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Josef Vecera
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Laura Ondrisova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Pavelkova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Krystof Hlavac
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Kostalova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Androniki Michaelou
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sarka Pospisilova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Dorazilova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vaclav Chochola
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Jaros
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Doubek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Jarosova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ales Hampl
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucy Vojtova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Leos Kren
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Mayer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Mraz
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
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2
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Jestrabek H, Kohlhas V, Hallek M, Nguyen PH. Impact of leukemia-associated macrophages on the progression and therapy response of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leuk Res 2024; 143:107531. [PMID: 38851084 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2024.107531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The treatment landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has advanced remarkably over the past decade. The advent and approval of the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib and BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax, as well as monoclonal anti-CD20 antibodies rituximab and obinutuzumab, have resulted in deep remissions and substantially improved survival outcomes for patients. However, CLL remains a complex disease with many patients still experiencing relapse and unsatisfactory treatment responses. CLL cells are highly dependent on their pro-leukemic tumor microenvironment (TME), which comprises different cellular and soluble factors. A large body of evidence suggests that CLL-associated macrophages shaped by leukemic cells play a pivotal role in maintaining CLL cell survival. In this review, we summarize the pro-survival interactions between CLL cells and macrophages, as well as the impact of the current first-line treatment agents, including ibrutinib, venetoclax, and CD20 antibodies on leukemia-associated macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Jestrabek
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, Cologne 50931, Germany; Mildred Scheel School of Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne 50931, Germany
| | - Viktoria Kohlhas
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, Cologne 50931, Germany
| | - Michael Hallek
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, Cologne 50931, Germany; Mildred Scheel School of Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne 50931, Germany
| | - Phuong-Hien Nguyen
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, Cologne 50931, Germany.
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3
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Del Giudice I, Della Starza I, De Falco F, Gaidano G, Sportoletti P. Monitoring Response and Resistance to Treatment in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2049. [PMID: 38893168 PMCID: PMC11171231 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16112049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The recent evolution in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) targeted therapies led to a progressive change in the way clinicians manage the goals of treatment and evaluate the response to treatment in respect to the paradigm of the chemoimmunotherapy era. Continuous therapies with BTK inhibitors achieve prolonged and sustained control of the disease. On the other hand, venetoclax and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies or, more recently, ibrutinib plus venetoclax combinations, given for a fixed duration, achieve undetectable measurable residual disease (uMRD) in the vast majority of patients. On these grounds, a time-limited MRD-driven strategy, a previously unexplored scenario in CLL, is being attempted. On the other side of the spectrum, novel genetic and non-genetic mechanisms of resistance to targeted treatments are emerging. Here we review the response assessment criteria, the evolution and clinical application of MRD analysis and the mechanisms of resistance according to the novel treatment strategies within clinical trials. The extent to which this novel evidence will translate in the real-life management of CLL patients remains an open issue to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Del Giudice
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Irene Della Starza
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- AIL Roma, ODV, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Filomena De Falco
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology and Center for Hemato-Oncological Research, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Gaidano
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Paolo Sportoletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology and Center for Hemato-Oncological Research, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy;
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4
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Liu J, Li S, Wang Q, Feng Y, Xing H, Yang X, Guo Y, Guo Y, Sun H, Liu X, Yang S, Mei Z, Zhu Y, Cheng Z, Chen S, Xu M, Zhang W, Wan N, Wang J, Ma Y, Zhang S, Luan X, Xu A, Li L, Wang H, Yang X, Hong Y, Xue H, Yuan X, Hu N, Song X, Wang Z, Liu X, Wang L, Liu Y. Sonrotoclax overcomes BCL2 G101V mutation-induced venetoclax resistance in preclinical models of hematologic malignancy. Blood 2024; 143:1825-1836. [PMID: 38211332 PMCID: PMC11076911 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023019706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Venetoclax, the first-generation inhibitor of the apoptosis regulator B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), disrupts the interaction between BCL2 and proapoptotic proteins, promoting the apoptosis in malignant cells. Venetoclax is the mainstay of therapy for relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia and is under investigation in multiple clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers. Although venetoclax treatment can result in high rates of durable remission, relapse has been widely observed, indicating the emergence of drug resistance. The G101V mutation in BCL2 is frequently observed in patients who relapsed treated with venetoclax and sufficient to confer resistance to venetoclax by interfering with compound binding. Therefore, the development of next-generation BCL2 inhibitors to overcome drug resistance is urgently needed. In this study, we discovered that sonrotoclax, a potent and selective BCL2 inhibitor, demonstrates stronger cytotoxic activity in various hematologic cancer cells and more profound tumor growth inhibition in multiple hematologic tumor models than venetoclax. Notably, sonrotoclax effectively inhibits venetoclax-resistant BCL2 variants, such as G101V. The crystal structures of wild-type BCL2/BCL2 G101V in complex with sonrotoclax revealed that sonrotoclax adopts a novel binding mode within the P2 pocket of BCL2 and could explain why sonrotoclax maintains stronger potency than venetoclax against the G101V mutant. In summary, sonrotoclax emerges as a potential second-generation BCL2 inhibitor for the treatment of hematologic malignancies with the potential to overcome BCL2 mutation-induced venetoclax resistance. Sonrotoclax is currently under investigation in multiple clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuyang Liu
- Department of Molecular Science, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuran Li
- Department of Pharmacology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Discovery Biology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingcai Feng
- Department of Molecular Science, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haimei Xing
- Department of Discovery Biology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuefei Yang
- Department of Discovery Biology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Guo
- Department of Molecular Science, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunhang Guo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanzi Sun
- Department of Molecular Science, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxin Liu
- Department of Molecular Science, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shasha Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhu Mei
- Department of Discovery Biology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yutong Zhu
- Department of Discovery Biology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhen Cheng
- Department of Discovery Biology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuaishuai Chen
- Department of Discovery Biology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Molecular Science, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Department of Translational Science, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nanyan Wan
- Department of Translational Science, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanwen Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xudong Luan
- Department of Discovery Biology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Aiying Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Translational Science, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Department of Translational Science, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaolong Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Hong
- Department of Molecular Science, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hai Xue
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Yuan
- Department of Discovery Biology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nan Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaomin Song
- Department of Pharmacology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuesong Liu
- Department of Discovery Biology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lai Wang
- Research and Clinical Development, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Liu
- Department of Molecular Science, BeiGene (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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5
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Goergen E, Al-Sawaf O. The prognostic significance of genomic complexity in patients with CLL. Leuk Lymphoma 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38593054 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2024.2333448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Chromosomal aberrations are a common feature of cancer and can fuel cancer progression and treatment resistance. In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the presence of multiple chromosomal aberrations is commonly referred to as "genomic complexity" or "complex karyotype"- (CKT). In the context of chemo- and chemoimmunotherapy, genomic complexity is associated with poor response to treatment and short survival, while some targeted therapies are able to mitigate its adverse prognostic impact. This article reviews currently available data and literature on the role of genomic complexity in CLL. The currently established tools to measure genomic complexity in patients with CLL are summarized and their strengths and weaknesses for routine diagnostics are evaluated. Moreover, possible definitions of CKT as an indicator for genomic complexity are discussed. Finally, data on the impact of CKT on clinical outcomes of patients with CLL are reviewed and the implications for patient stratification are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellinor Goergen
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Othman Al-Sawaf
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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6
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Sud A, Parry EM, Wu CJ. The molecular map of CLL and Richter's syndrome. Semin Hematol 2024; 61:73-82. [PMID: 38368146 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Clonal expansion of B-cells, from the early stages of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis through to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and then in some cases to Richter's syndrome (RS) provides a comprehensive model of cancer evolution, notable for the marked morphological transformation and distinct clinical phenotypes. High-throughput sequencing of large cohorts of patients and single-cell studies have generated a molecular map of CLL and more recently, of RS, yielding fundamental insights into these diseases and of clonal evolution. A selection of CLL driver genes have been functionally interrogated to yield novel insights into the biology of CLL. Such findings have the potential to impact patient care through risk stratification, treatment selection and drug discovery. However, this molecular map remains incomplete, with extant questions concerning the origin of the B-cell clone, the role of the TME, inter- and intra-compartmental heterogeneity and of therapeutic resistance mechanisms. Through the application of multi-modal single-cell technologies across tissues, disease states and clinical contexts, these questions can now be addressed with the answers holding great promise of generating translatable knowledge to improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Sud
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA; Department of Immuno-Oncology, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Erin M Parry
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA.
| | - Catherine J Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
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7
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Ahn IE, Davids MS. Therapeutic targeting of apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Semin Hematol 2024; 61:109-118. [PMID: 38538512 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2024.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic targeting of apoptosis with small molecule B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibition with venetoclax is highly efficacious in CLL, leading to sustained deep responses, particularly among patients with treatment-naïve disease with favorable prognostic markers. Patients with unfavorable genetic characteristics such as TP53 aberration and unmutated IGHV may also derive durable benefits, but their remission duration after time-limited venetoclax-containing combination therapy is shorter, particularly in patients with relapsed/refractory disease. Emerging data indicate that the context of disease progression after initial treatment with venetoclax may define the success of re-treatment with venetoclax. Specifically, continuous venetoclax exposure may select for resistant disease due to genetic mechanisms such as BCL2 mutations and functional resistance mechanisms such as hyperphosphorylation of BCL-2 family proteins, which decrease the affinity of venetoclax binding to the target or lead to increased MCL-1 dependence and concomitant decrease in BCL-2 dependence. These patients may be best served by switching to a different class of targeted agents at the time of progression. In contrast, relapsed CLL that arises while being off therapy after a period of time-limited venetoclax-based regimens maintains sensitivity to re-treatment with venetoclax for the majority of patients. Novel strategies related to therapeutic targeting of apoptosis include next-generation BCL-2 inhibitors with improved potency and pharmacokinetic profiles, direct targeting of anti-apoptotic BH3 family proteins beyond BCL-2 such as MCL-1, and indirect targeting of MCL-1 through mechanisms such as small molecule cyclin-dependent kinase 9 inhibitors.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- Sulfonamides/therapeutic use
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Inhye E Ahn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Matthew S Davids
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA.
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8
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Ikhlef L, Yassine M, Chandouri B, Rivière L, Naves T, Dmytruk N, Gachard N, Jauberteau MO, Gallet PF. Targeting the NTSR2/TrkB oncogenic pathway in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6084. [PMID: 38480783 PMCID: PMC10937676 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56663-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Current therapies that target the B-cell receptor pathway or the inhibition of anti-apoptotic proteins do not prevent the progressive forms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), have low long-term efficacy and are subject to therapeutic resistance. Deciphering the mechanisms of leukemic cell survival and searching for new specific targets therefore remain major challenges to improve the management of this disease. It was evidenced that NTSR2 (neurotensin receptor 2), through the recruitment of TRKB (tropomyosin related kinase B), induces survival pathways in leukemic B cells. We have investigated the therapeutic potential of this protein complex as a new target. The binding domain of NTSR2 and TRKB was identified and a peptide targeting the latter was designed. The peptide binds TRKB and efficiently decreases the interaction of the two proteins. It is also effectively internalized by CLL-B cells in which it notably affects Src family kinase signaling and anti-apoptotic proteins levels. It demonstrated a cytotoxic effect both in vitro on the MEC-1 cell line and ex vivo on a cohort of 30 CLL patients. Altogether, these results underline the therapeutic potential of the NTSR2/TRKB protein complex as a target in CLL and open new perspectives for the development of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Ikhlef
- UMR INSERM 1308, CAPTuR, University of Limoges, 2 rue du Docteur Marcland, 87025, Limoges, France
| | - May Yassine
- UMR INSERM 1308, CAPTuR, University of Limoges, 2 rue du Docteur Marcland, 87025, Limoges, France
| | - Boutaîna Chandouri
- UMR INSERM 1308, CAPTuR, University of Limoges, 2 rue du Docteur Marcland, 87025, Limoges, France
| | - Léa Rivière
- UMR INSERM 1308, CAPTuR, University of Limoges, 2 rue du Docteur Marcland, 87025, Limoges, France
| | - Thomas Naves
- UMR INSERM 1308, CAPTuR, University of Limoges, 2 rue du Docteur Marcland, 87025, Limoges, France
| | - Natalya Dmytruk
- Department of Clinical Hematology, University Hospital of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Nathalie Gachard
- Hematology Laboratory, UMR CNRS7276/INSERM 1262, University Hospital of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Marie-Odile Jauberteau
- UMR INSERM 1308, CAPTuR, University of Limoges, 2 rue du Docteur Marcland, 87025, Limoges, France
- Immunology Laboratory, University Hospital of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Paul-François Gallet
- UMR INSERM 1308, CAPTuR, University of Limoges, 2 rue du Docteur Marcland, 87025, Limoges, France.
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9
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George J, Maas L, Abedpour N, Cartolano M, Kaiser L, Fischer RN, Scheel AH, Weber JP, Hellmich M, Bosco G, Volz C, Mueller C, Dahmen I, John F, Alves CP, Werr L, Panse JP, Kirschner M, Engel-Riedel W, Jürgens J, Stoelben E, Brockmann M, Grau S, Sebastian M, Stratmann JA, Kern J, Hummel HD, Hegedüs B, Schuler M, Plönes T, Aigner C, Elter T, Toepelt K, Ko YD, Kurz S, Grohé C, Serke M, Höpker K, Hagmeyer L, Doerr F, Hekmath K, Strapatsas J, Kambartel KO, Chakupurakal G, Busch A, Bauernfeind FG, Griesinger F, Luers A, Dirks W, Wiewrodt R, Luecke A, Rodermann E, Diel A, Hagen V, Severin K, Ullrich RT, Reinhardt HC, Quaas A, Bogus M, Courts C, Nürnberg P, Becker K, Achter V, Büttner R, Wolf J, Peifer M, Thomas RK. Evolutionary trajectories of small cell lung cancer under therapy. Nature 2024; 627:880-889. [PMID: 38480884 PMCID: PMC10972747 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07177-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The evolutionary processes that underlie the marked sensitivity of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) to chemotherapy and rapid relapse are unknown1-3. Here we determined tumour phylogenies at diagnosis and throughout chemotherapy and immunotherapy by multiregion sequencing of 160 tumours from 65 patients. Treatment-naive SCLC exhibited clonal homogeneity at distinct tumour sites, whereas first-line platinum-based chemotherapy led to a burst in genomic intratumour heterogeneity and spatial clonal diversity. We observed branched evolution and a shift to ancestral clones underlying tumour relapse. Effective radio- or immunotherapy induced a re-expansion of founder clones with acquired genomic damage from first-line chemotherapy. Whereas TP53 and RB1 alterations were exclusively part of the common ancestor, MYC family amplifications were frequently not constituents of the founder clone. At relapse, emerging subclonal mutations affected key genes associated with SCLC biology, and tumours harbouring clonal CREBBP/EP300 alterations underwent genome duplications. Gene-damaging TP53 alterations and co-alterations of TP53 missense mutations with TP73, CREBBP/EP300 or FMN2 were significantly associated with shorter disease relapse following chemotherapy. In summary, we uncover key processes of the genomic evolution of SCLC under therapy, identify the common ancestor as the source of clonal diversity at relapse and show central genomic patterns associated with sensitivity and resistance to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie George
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Lukas Maas
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nima Abedpour
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cancer Research Centre Cologne Essen, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maria Cartolano
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Centre for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Laura Kaiser
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rieke N Fischer
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Lung Cancer Group Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas H Scheel
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan-Philipp Weber
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Lung Cancer Group Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Hellmich
- Institute of Medical Statistics, and Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Graziella Bosco
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Caroline Volz
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Centre for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian Mueller
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ilona Dahmen
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Felix John
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Lung Cancer Group Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cleidson Padua Alves
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lisa Werr
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens Peter Panse
- Department of Haematology, Oncology, Haemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Centre for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf, Aachen, Germany
| | - Martin Kirschner
- Department of Haematology, Oncology, Haemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Centre for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf, Aachen, Germany
| | - Walburga Engel-Riedel
- Department of Pneumology, City of Cologne Municipal Hospitals, Lung Hospital Cologne Merheim, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jessica Jürgens
- Department of Pneumology, City of Cologne Municipal Hospitals, Lung Hospital Cologne Merheim, Cologne, Germany
| | - Erich Stoelben
- Thoraxclinic Cologne, Thoracic Surgery, St. Hildegardis-Krankenhaus, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Brockmann
- Department of Pathology, City of Cologne Municipal Hospitals, Witten/Herdecke University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stefan Grau
- Department of General Neurosurgery, Centre of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- University Medicine Marburg - Campus Fulda, Department of Neurosurgery, Fulda, Germany
| | - Martin Sebastian
- Department of Medicine II, Haematology/Oncology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- DKFZ, German Cancer Research Centre, German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan A Stratmann
- Department of Medicine II, Haematology/Oncology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jens Kern
- Klinikum Würzburg Mitte - Missioklinik site, Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Horst-Dieter Hummel
- Translational Oncology/Early Clinical Trial Unit, Comprehensive Cancer Centre Mainfranken, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Balazs Hegedüs
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Medicine Essen - Ruhrlandklinik, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Schuler
- DKFZ, German Cancer Research Centre, German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Centre Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Till Plönes
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Centre Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of General, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Clemens Aigner
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Medicine Essen - Ruhrlandklinik, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Elter
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Karin Toepelt
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Sylke Kurz
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Evangelische Lungenklinik, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Grohé
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Evangelische Lungenklinik, Berlin, Germany
| | - Monika Serke
- DGD Lungenklinik Hemer, Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Oncology, Hemer, Germany
| | - Katja Höpker
- Clinic III for Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lars Hagmeyer
- Clinic of Pneumology and Allergology, Centre for Sleep Medicine and Respiratory Care, Bethanien Hospital Solingen, Solingen, Germany
| | - Fabian Doerr
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Medicine Essen - Ruhrlandklinik, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Khosro Hekmath
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Judith Strapatsas
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Duesseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Annette Busch
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Haematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, Centre for Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Franz-Georg Bauernfeind
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Haematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, Centre for Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank Griesinger
- Pius-Hospital Oldenburg, Department of Haematology and Oncology, University Department Internal Medicine-Oncology, University Medicine Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Anne Luers
- Pius-Hospital Oldenburg, Department of Haematology and Oncology, University Department Internal Medicine-Oncology, University Medicine Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Dirks
- Pius-Hospital Oldenburg, Department of Haematology and Oncology, University Department Internal Medicine-Oncology, University Medicine Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Wiewrodt
- Pulmonary Division, Department of Medicine A, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Luecke
- Pulmonary Division, Department of Medicine A, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Ernst Rodermann
- Onkologie Rheinsieg, Praxisnetzwerk Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Troisdorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Diel
- Onkologie Rheinsieg, Praxisnetzwerk Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Troisdorf, Germany
| | - Volker Hagen
- Clinic II for Internal Medicine, St.-Johannes-Hospital Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Kai Severin
- Haematologie und Onkologie Köln MV-Zentrum, Cologne, Germany
| | - Roland T Ullrich
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Centre for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hans Christian Reinhardt
- Department of Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- West German Cancer Centre, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Magdalena Bogus
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cornelius Courts
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Nürnberg
- Cologne Centre for Genomics, West German Genome Centre, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kerstin Becker
- Cologne Centre for Genomics, West German Genome Centre, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Viktor Achter
- Computing Centre, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Reinhard Büttner
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jürgen Wolf
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Lung Cancer Group Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Peifer
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- Centre for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Roman K Thomas
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- DKFZ, German Cancer Research Centre, German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany.
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10
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Zygmunciak P, Robak T, Puła B. Treatment of Double-Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia-An Unmet Clinical Need. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1589. [PMID: 38338868 PMCID: PMC10855898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent years have seen significant improvement in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) management. Targeting B-cell lymphoma (BCL-2) and Bruton's kinase (BTK) have become the main strategies to restrain CLL activity. These agents are generally well tolerated, but the discontinuation of these therapies happens due to resistance, adverse effects, and Richter's transformation. A growing population of patients who have previously used both BTK inhibitors and BCL2 suffer from the constriction of the following regimens. This review explores the resistance mechanisms for both ibrutinib and venetoclax. Moreover, we present innovative approaches evaluated for treating double-refractory CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Zygmunciak
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (P.Z.); (B.P.)
| | - Tadeusz Robak
- Department of Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, 93-510 Lodz, Poland
- Department of General Hematology, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, 93-510 Lodz, Poland
| | - Bartosz Puła
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (P.Z.); (B.P.)
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11
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Rodríguez-Medina C, Stuckey R, Bilbao-Sieyro C, Gómez-Casares MT. Biomarkers of Response to Venetoclax Therapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1421. [PMID: 38338698 PMCID: PMC10855565 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent progress in the use of massive sequencing technologies has greatly enhanced our understanding of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) pathology. This knowledge has in turn driven the development of targeted therapies, such as venetoclax, a BCL-2 inhibitor approved for use in combination with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine for the treatment of newly diagnosed adult patients with AML who are not eligible for intensive chemotherapy. However, a significant number of AML patients still face the challenge of disease relapse. In this review, we will explore biomarkers that may predict disease progression in patients receiving venetoclax-based therapy, considering both clinical factors and genetic changes. Despite the many advances, we conclude that the identification of molecular profiles for AML patients who will respond optimally to venetoclax therapy remains an unmet clinical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Rodríguez-Medina
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, 35019 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (C.R.-M.); (R.S.); (C.B.-S.)
| | - Ruth Stuckey
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, 35019 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (C.R.-M.); (R.S.); (C.B.-S.)
| | - Cristina Bilbao-Sieyro
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, 35019 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (C.R.-M.); (R.S.); (C.B.-S.)
- Morphology Department, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - María Teresa Gómez-Casares
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, 35019 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (C.R.-M.); (R.S.); (C.B.-S.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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12
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Navrkalova V, Plevova K, Radova L, Porc J, Pal K, Malcikova J, Pavlova S, Doubek M, Panovska A, Kotaskova J, Pospisilova S. Integrative NGS testing reveals clonal dynamics of adverse genomic defects contributing to a natural progression in treatment-naïve CLL patients. Br J Haematol 2024; 204:240-249. [PMID: 38062779 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19191] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Large-scale next-generation sequencing (NGS) studies revealed extensive genetic heterogeneity, driving a highly variable clinical course of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). The evolution of subclonal populations contributes to diverse therapy responses and disease refractoriness. Besides, the dynamics and impact of subpopulations before therapy initiation are not well understood. We examined changes in genomic defects in serial samples of 100 untreated CLL patients, spanning from indolent to aggressive disease. A comprehensive NGS panel LYNX, which provides targeted mutational analysis and genome-wide chromosomal defect assessment, was employed. We observed dynamic changes in the composition and/or proportion of genomic aberrations in most patients (62%). Clonal evolution of gene variants prevailed over the chromosomal alterations. Unsupervised clustering based on aberration dynamics revealed four groups of patients with different clinical behaviour. An adverse cluster was associated with fast progression and early therapy need, characterized by the expansion of TP53 defects, ATM mutations, and 18p- alongside dynamic SF3B1 mutations. Our results show that clonal evolution is active even without therapy pressure and that repeated genetic testing can be clinically relevant during long-term patient monitoring. Moreover, integrative NGS testing contributes to the consolidated evaluation of results and accurate assessment of individual patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Navrkalova
- Department of Internal Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Center of Molecular Medicine, CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karla Plevova
- Department of Internal Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Center of Molecular Medicine, CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Radova
- Center of Molecular Medicine, CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Porc
- Center of Molecular Medicine, CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karol Pal
- Center of Molecular Medicine, CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Malcikova
- Department of Internal Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Center of Molecular Medicine, CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sarka Pavlova
- Department of Internal Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Center of Molecular Medicine, CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Doubek
- Department of Internal Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Center of Molecular Medicine, CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Panovska
- Department of Internal Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Kotaskova
- Department of Internal Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Center of Molecular Medicine, CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sarka Pospisilova
- Department of Internal Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Center of Molecular Medicine, CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
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13
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Teierle SM, Huang Y, Kittai AS, Bhat SA, Grever M, Rogers KA, Zhao W, Jones D, Byrd JC, Avenarius MR, Heerema NA, Woyach JA, Miller CR. Characteristics and outcomes of patients with CLL and CDKN2A/B deletion by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Blood Adv 2023; 7:7239-7242. [PMID: 37851900 PMCID: PMC10698542 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Teierle
- Division of Hematology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Ying Huang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Adam S. Kittai
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Seema A. Bhat
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Michael Grever
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Kerry A. Rogers
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Weiqiang Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Daniel Jones
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - John C. Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | | | - Nyla A. Heerema
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Jennifer A. Woyach
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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14
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Reyes A, Siddiqi T. Targeting BCL2 pathways in CLL: a story of resistance and ingenuity. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:828-837. [PMID: 38263980 PMCID: PMC10804389 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is common amongst leukemic malignancies, prompting dedicated investigation throughout the years. Over the last decade, the treatment for CLL has significantly advanced with agents targeting B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), Bruton's tyrosine kinase, and CD20. Single agents or combinations of these targets have proven efficacy. Unfortunately, resistance to one or multiple of the new treatment targets develops. Our review investigates various mechanisms of resistance to BCL2 inhibitors, including mutations in BCL2, alterations in the Bcl protein pathway, epigenetic modifications, genetic heterogeneity, Richter transformation, and alterations in oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, the review will discuss potential avenues to overcome this resistance with novel agents such as bispecific antibodies, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) degraders, non-covalent BTK inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor T (CART).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Reyes
- Hematology & Oncology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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15
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Abrisqueta P, Nadeu F, Bosch-Schips J, Iacoboni G, Serna A, Cabirta A, Yáñez L, Quintanilla-Martínez L, Bosch F. From genetics to therapy: Unraveling the complexities of Richter transformation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 120:102619. [PMID: 37660626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Richter transformation (RT) refers to the progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the most prevalent leukemia among adults, into a highly aggressive lymphoproliferative disorder, primarily a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. This is a severe complication that continues to be a therapeutic challenge and remains an unmet medical need. Over the last five years, significant advances have occurred in uncovering the biological processes leading to the RT, refining criteria for properly diagnose RT from other entities, and exploring new therapeutic options beyond the ineffective chemotherapy. This review summarizes current knowledge in RT, including recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of RT, in the classification of RT, and in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for this grave complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau Abrisqueta
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Experimental Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Ferran Nadeu
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jan Bosch-Schips
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gloria Iacoboni
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Experimental Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Angel Serna
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Experimental Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Alba Cabirta
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Experimental Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Lucrecia Yáñez
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - Leticia Quintanilla-Martínez
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, Tübingen University Hospital and Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Francesc Bosch
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Experimental Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
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16
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Ecker V, Brandmeier L, Stumpf M, Giansanti P, Moreira AV, Pfeuffer L, Fens MHAM, Lu J, Kuster B, Engleitner T, Heidegger S, Rad R, Ringshausen I, Zenz T, Wendtner CM, Müschen M, Jellusova J, Ruland J, Buchner M. Negative feedback regulation of MAPK signaling is an important driver of chronic lymphocytic leukemia progression. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113017. [PMID: 37792532 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite available targeted treatments for the disease, drug-resistant chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) poses a clinical challenge. The objective of this study is to examine whether the dual-specific phosphatases DUSP1 and DUSP6 are required to negatively regulate mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and thus counterbalance excessive MAPK activity. We show that high expression of DUSP6 in CLL correlates with poor clinical prognosis. Importantly, genetic deletion of the inhibitory phosphatase DUSP1 or DUSP6 and blocking DUSP1/6 function using a small-molecule inhibitor reduces CLL cell survival in vitro and in vivo. Using global phospho-proteome approaches, we observe acute activation of MAPK signaling by DUSP1/6 inhibition. This promotes accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and, thereby, DNA damage and apoptotic cell death in CLL cells. Finally, we observe that DUSP1/6 inhibition is particularly effective against treatment-resistant CLL and therefore suggest transient DUSP1/6 inhibition as a promising treatment concept to eliminate drug-resistant CLL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Ecker
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa Brandmeier
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Martina Stumpf
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Piero Giansanti
- TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Freising, Bavaria, Germany; Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry at the University hospital rechts der Isar (BayBioMS@MRI), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aida Varela Moreira
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa Pfeuffer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Marcel H A M Fens
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Junyan Lu
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Kuster
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Freising, Bavaria, Germany; Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry at the University hospital rechts der Isar (BayBioMS@MRI), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Engleitner
- TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Heidegger
- TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; Department of Medicine III, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Roland Rad
- TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany; Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Ingo Ringshausen
- Wellcome Trust/MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and Department of Haematology, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Thorsten Zenz
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Clemens-Martin Wendtner
- Munich Clinic Schwabing, Academic Teaching Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Müschen
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Julia Jellusova
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Jürgen Ruland
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maike Buchner
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany.
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17
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Khalsa JK, Cha J, Utro F, Naeem A, Murali I, Kuang Y, Vasquez K, Li L, Tyekucheva S, Fernandes SM, Veronese L, Guieze R, Sasi BK, Wang Z, Machado JH, Bai H, Alasfour M, Rhrissorrakrai K, Levovitz C, Danysh BP, Slowik K, Jacobs RA, Davids MS, Paweletz CP, Leshchiner I, Parida L, Getz G, Brown JR. Genetic events associated with venetoclax resistance in CLL identified by whole-exome sequencing of patient samples. Blood 2023; 142:421-433. [PMID: 37146250 PMCID: PMC10447490 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016600] [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: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although BCL2 mutations are reported as later occurring events leading to venetoclax resistance, many other mechanisms of progression have been reported though remain poorly understood. Here, we analyze longitudinal tumor samples from 11 patients with disease progression while receiving venetoclax to characterize the clonal evolution of resistance. All patients tested showed increased in vitro resistance to venetoclax at the posttreatment time point. We found the previously described acquired BCL2-G101V mutation in only 4 of 11 patients, with 2 patients showing a very low variant allele fraction (0.03%-4.68%). Whole-exome sequencing revealed acquired loss(8p) in 4 of 11 patients, of which 2 patients also had gain (1q21.2-21.3) in the same cells affecting the MCL1 gene. In vitro experiments showed that CLL cells from the 4 patients with loss(8p) were more resistant to venetoclax than cells from those without it, with the cells from 2 patients also carrying gain (1q21.2-21.3) showing increased sensitivity to MCL1 inhibition. Progression samples with gain (1q21.2-21.3) were more susceptible to the combination of MCL1 inhibitor and venetoclax. Differential gene expression analysis comparing bulk RNA sequencing data from pretreatment and progression time points of all patients showed upregulation of proliferation, B-cell receptor (BCR), and NF-κB gene sets including MAPK genes. Cells from progression time points demonstrated upregulation of surface immunoglobulin M and higher pERK levels compared with those from the preprogression time point, suggesting an upregulation of BCR signaling that activates the MAPK pathway. Overall, our data suggest several mechanisms of acquired resistance to venetoclax in CLL that could pave the way for rationally designed combination treatments for patients with venetoclax-resistant CLL.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Exome Sequencing
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasneet Kaur Khalsa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Justin Cha
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Aishath Naeem
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Ishwarya Murali
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Yanan Kuang
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Kevin Vasquez
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Liang Li
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Svitlana Tyekucheva
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Stacey M. Fernandes
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Lauren Veronese
- Service de Cytogénétique Médicale, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- EA7453 CHELTER, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Romain Guieze
- EA7453 CHELTER, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Service d’Hématologie clinique et thérapie cellulaire, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Binu Kandathilparambil Sasi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Zixu Wang
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - John-Hanson Machado
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Harrison Bai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Maryam Alasfour
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Brian P. Danysh
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Kara Slowik
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Raquel A. Jacobs
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Matthew S. Davids
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Cloud P. Paweletz
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Gad Getz
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jennifer R. Brown
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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18
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Maher N, Mouhssine S, Matti BF, Alwan AF, Gaidano G. Treatment Refractoriness in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Old and New Molecular Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10374. [PMID: 37373521 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in adults. Despite its indolent clinical course, therapy refractoriness and disease progression still represent an unmet clinical need. Before the advent of pathway inhibitors, chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) was the commonest option for CLL treatment and is still widely used in areas with limited access to pathway inhibitors. Several biomarkers of refractoriness to CIT have been highlighted, including the unmutated status of immunoglobulin heavy chain variable genes and genetic lesions of TP53, BIRC3 and NOTCH1. In order to overcome resistance to CIT, targeted pathway inhibitors have become the standard of care for the treatment of CLL, with practice-changing results obtained through the inhibitors of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) and BCL2. However, several acquired genetic lesions causing resistance to covalent and noncovalent BTK inhibitors have been reported, including point mutations of both BTK (e.g., C481S and L528W) and PLCG2 (e.g., R665W). Multiple mechanisms are involved in resistance to the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax, including point mutations that impair drug binding, the upregulation of BCL2-related anti-apoptotic family members, and microenvironmental alterations. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cells have been tested for CLL treatment, obtaining conflicting results. Potential refractoriness biomarkers to immunotherapy were identified, including abnormal levels of circulating IL-10 and IL-6 and the reduced presence of CD27+CD45RO- CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawar Maher
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Samir Mouhssine
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Bassam Francis Matti
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Center, Baghdad 00964, Iraq
| | - Alaa Fadhil Alwan
- Department of Clinical Hematology, The National Center of Hematology, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad 10015, Iraq
| | - Gianluca Gaidano
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, 28100 Novara, Italy
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19
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Al-Sawaf O, Zhang C, Jin HY, Robrecht S, Choi Y, Balasubramanian S, Kotak A, Chang YM, Fink AM, Tausch E, Schneider C, Ritgen M, Kreuzer KA, Chyla B, Paulson JN, Pallasch CP, Frenzel LP, Peifer M, Eichhorst B, Stilgenbauer S, Jiang Y, Hallek M, Fischer K. Transcriptomic profiles and 5-year results from the randomized CLL14 study of venetoclax plus obinutuzumab versus chlorambucil plus obinutuzumab in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2147. [PMID: 37072421 PMCID: PMC10113251 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37648-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Data on long-term outcomes and biological drivers associated with depth of remission after BCL2 inhibition by venetoclax in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are limited. In this open-label parallel-group phase-3 study, 432 patients with previously untreated CLL were randomized (1:1) to receive either 1-year venetoclax-obinutuzumab (Ven-Obi, 216 patients) or chlorambucil-Obi (Clb-Obi, 216 patients) therapy (NCT02242942). The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS); secondary endpoints included minimal residual disease (MRD) and overall survival. RNA sequencing of CD19-enriched blood was conducted for exploratory post-hoc analyses. After a median follow-up of 65.4 months, PFS is significantly superior for Ven-Obi compared to Clb-Obi (Hazard ratio [HR] 0.35 [95% CI 0.26-0.46], p < 0.0001). At 5 years after randomization, the estimated PFS rate is 62.6% after Ven-Obi and 27.0% after Clb-Obi. In both arms, MRD status at the end of therapy is associated with longer PFS. MRD + ( ≥ 10-4) status is associated with increased expression of multi-drug resistance gene ABCB1 (MDR1), whereas MRD6 (< 10-6) is associated with BCL2L11 (BIM) expression. Inflammatory response pathways are enriched in MRD+ patient solely in the Ven-Obi arm. These data indicate sustained long-term efficacy of fixed-duration Ven-Obi in patients with previously untreated CLL. The distinct transcriptomic profile of MRD+ status suggests possible biological vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Othman Al-Sawaf
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany.
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK.
- Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
| | - Can Zhang
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Sandra Robrecht
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yoonha Choi
- Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Alex Kotak
- Roche Products Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | | | - Anna Maria Fink
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eugen Tausch
- Department III of Internal Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Ritgen
- Department II of Internal Medicine, University of Schleswig Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Karl-Anton Kreuzer
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Christian P Pallasch
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lukas P Frenzel
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Peifer
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Translational Genomics, Cologne, Germany
| | - Barbara Eichhorst
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Michael Hallek
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Kirsten Fischer
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany.
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20
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Andreescu M, Berbec N, Tanase AD. Assessment of Impact of Human Leukocyte Antigen-Type and Cytokine-Type Responses on Outcomes after Targeted Therapy Currently Used to Treat Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12072731. [PMID: 37048814 PMCID: PMC10094967 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor growth and metastasis are reliant on intricate interactions between the host immune system and various counter-regulatory immune escape mechanisms employed by the tumor. Tumors can resist immune surveillance by modifying the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules, which results in the impaired presentation of tumor-associated antigens, subsequently evading detection and destruction by the immune system. The management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is based on symptom severity and includes various types of targeted therapies, including rituximab, obinutuzumab, ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, zanubrutinib, idelalisib, and venetoclax. These therapies rely on the recognition of specific peptides presented by HLAs on the surface of tumor cells by T cells, leading to an immune response. HLA class I molecules are found in most human cell types and interact with T-cell receptors (TCRs) to activate T cells, which play a vital role in inducing adaptive immune responses. However, tumor cells may evade T-cell attack by downregulating HLA expression, limiting the efficacy of HLA-dependent immunotherapy. The prognosis of CLL largely depends on the presence or absence of genetic abnormalities, such as del(17p), TP53 point mutations, and IGHV somatic hypermutation status. These oral targeted therapies alone or in combination with anti-CD20 antibodies have replaced chemoimmunotherapy as the primary treatment for CLL. In this review, we summarize the current clinical evidence on the impact of HLA- and cytokine-type responses on outcomes after targeted therapies currently used to treat CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Andreescu
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University of Bucharest, 040051 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Berbec
- Department of Hematology, Coltea Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Bucharest, 040051 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Daniela Tanase
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Bucharest, 040051 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Fundeni Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
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21
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Kotmayer L, László T, Mikala G, Kiss R, Lévay L, Hegyi LL, Gróf S, Nagy T, Barna G, Farkas P, Weisinger J, Nagy Z, Balogh A, Masszi T, Demeter J, Sulák A, Kohl Z, Alizadeh H, Egyed M, Pettendi P, Gergely L, Plander M, Pauker Z, Masszi A, Matolcsy A, Szász R, Bödör C, Alpár D. Landscape of BCL2 Resistance Mutations in a Real-World Cohort of Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treated with Venetoclax. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065802. [PMID: 36982875 PMCID: PMC10058128 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The oral, highly selective Bcl2 inhibitor venetoclax has substantially improved the therapeutic landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Despite the remarkable response rates in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease, acquired resistance is the leading cause of treatment failure, with somatic BCL2 mutations being the predominant genetic drivers underpinning venetoclax resistance. To assess the correlation between disease progression and the most common BCL2 mutations G101V and D103Y, sensitive (10−4) screening for the most common BCL2 mutations G101V and D103Y was performed in 67 R/R CLL patients during venetoclax single-agent or venetoclax–rituximab combination therapy. With a median follow-up time of 23 months, BCL2 G101V and D103Y were detected in 10.4% (7/67) and 11.9% (8/67) of the cases, respectively, with four patients harboring both resistance mutations. Ten out of eleven patients carrying BCL2 G101V and/or D103Y experienced relapse during the follow-up period, representing 43.5% of the cases (10/23) showing clinical signs of disease progression. All BCL2 G101V or D103Y variants were detected in patients receiving venetoclax as a continuous single-agent treatment while these mutations were not observed during or after fixed-duration venetoclax therapy. Targeted ultra-deep sequencing of BCL2 uncovered three additional variants in four patient samples obtained at relapse, suggesting convergent evolution and implying a cooperating role of BCL2 mutations in driving venetoclax resistance. This cohort is the largest R/R CLL patient population reported to date in which BCL2 resistance mutations were investigated. Our study demonstrates the feasibility and clinical value of sensitive screening for BCL2 resistance mutations in R/R CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Kotmayer
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás László
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Mikala
- South-Pest Central Hospital, National Institute of Hematology and Infectology, 1097 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Richárd Kiss
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Luca Lévay
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lajos László Hegyi
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Stefánia Gróf
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tibor Nagy
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gábor Barna
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Farkas
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Júlia Weisinger
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Nagy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Balogh
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Masszi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Demeter
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Sulák
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology Center, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Kohl
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Centre, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Hussain Alizadeh
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Centre, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Miklós Egyed
- Kaposi Mór University Teaching Hospital of County Somogy, 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Piroska Pettendi
- Hetényi Géza Hospital, Clinic of County Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, 5000 Szolnok, Hungary
| | - Lajos Gergely
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Márk Plander
- Markusovszky University Teaching Hospital, 9700 Szombathely, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Pauker
- Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County Hospital and University Teaching Hospital, 3515 Miskolc, Hungary
| | - András Masszi
- National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Matolcsy
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Solna, Sweden
| | - Róbert Szász
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Csaba Bödör
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (D.A.); Tel.: +36-1-459-1500 (C.B. & D.A)
| | - Donát Alpár
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (D.A.); Tel.: +36-1-459-1500 (C.B. & D.A)
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22
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Paul P, Stüssi G, Bruscaggin A, Rossi D. Genetics and epigenetics of CLL. Leuk Lymphoma 2023; 64:551-563. [PMID: 36503384 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2022.2153359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has a heterogeneous biological behavior, which is highly influenced by its immunogenetic, epigenetic, and genomic properties. The remarkably variable clinical course of the disease has been associated with genetic features such as chromosomal abnormalities, the presence of either high or low numbers of somatic hypermutations (SHM) in the variable region of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus (IGHV), and somatic mutations of several specific driver genes. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have provided a comprehensive characterization of the genomic and epigenomic landscape in CLL, elucidating important underlying mechanisms of the disease's biology. The scope of this review is to summarize the most recent discoveries about novel genetic and epigenetic alterations, discussing their impact on clinical outcomes and response to currently available therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamella Paul
- Department of Hematology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Georg Stüssi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Alessio Bruscaggin
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Oncology of Southern Switzerland, Institute of Oncology Research, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Davide Rossi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Oncology of Southern Switzerland, Institute of Oncology Research, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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23
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Rosswog C, Fassunke J, Ernst A, Schömig-Markiefka B, Merkelbach-Bruse S, Bartenhagen C, Cartolano M, Ackermann S, Theissen J, Blattner-Johnson M, Jones B, Schramm K, Altmüller J, Nürnberg P, Ortmann M, Berthold F, Peifer M, Büttner R, Westermann F, Schulte JH, Simon T, Hero B, Fischer M. Genomic ALK alterations in primary and relapsed neuroblastoma. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:1559-1571. [PMID: 36807339 PMCID: PMC10070426 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02208-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic alterations of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene (ALK) occur recurrently in neuroblastoma, a pediatric malignancy of the sympathetic nervous system. However, information on their development over time has remained sparse. METHODS ALK alterations were assessed in neuroblastomas at diagnosis and/or relapse from a total of 943 patients, covering all stages of disease. Longitudinal information on diagnostic and relapsed samples from individual patients was available in 101 and 102 cases for mutation and amplification status, respectively. RESULTS At diagnosis, ALK point mutations occurred in 10.5% of all cases, with highest frequencies in stage 4 patients <18 months. At relapse, ALK alteration frequency increased by 70%, both in high-risk and non-high-risk cases. The increase was most likely due to de novo mutations, frequently leading to R1275Q substitutions, which are sensitive to pharmacological ALK inhibition. By contrast, the frequency of ALK amplifications did not change over the course of the disease. ALK amplifications, but not mutations, were associated with poor patient outcome. CONCLUSIONS The considerably increased frequency of ALK mutations at relapse and their high prevalence in young stage 4 patients suggest surveying the genomic ALK status regularly in these patient cohorts, and to evaluate ALK-targeted treatment also in intermediate-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Rosswog
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Else Kröner Forschungskolleg Clonal Evolution in Cancer, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jana Fassunke
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Angela Ernst
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Christoph Bartenhagen
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maria Cartolano
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sandra Ackermann
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jessica Theissen
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mirjam Blattner-Johnson
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Pediatric Glioma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Barbara Jones
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Pediatric Glioma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Schramm
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Pediatric Glioma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Janine Altmüller
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Core Facility Genomics, Berlin, Germany.,Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Nürnberg
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Monika Ortmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Frank Berthold
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Peifer
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Translational Genomics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Reinhard Büttner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Frank Westermann
- Division Neuroblastoma Genomics, B087, German Cancer Research Center and Hopp Children´s Cancer Center at the NCT (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes H Schulte
- Department of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, Charité University Medical Centre Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thorsten Simon
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Barbara Hero
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. .,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. .,Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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24
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Edelmann J, Malcikova J, Riches JC. Opinion: What defines high-risk CLL in the post-chemoimmunotherapy era? Front Oncol 2023; 13:1106579. [PMID: 36845738 PMCID: PMC9948015 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1106579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Edelmann
- ClinSciNet - The Clinician Scientist Network, Münsingen, Germany,*Correspondence: Jennifer Edelmann,
| | - Jitka Malcikova
- Department of Internal Medicine – Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia,Center of Molecular Medicine, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - John C. Riches
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom,Department of Haemato-Oncology, Barts Health NHS Trust, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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25
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Concurrent Inhibition of Akt and ERK Using TIC-10 Can Overcome Venetoclax Resistance in Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020510. [PMID: 36672458 PMCID: PMC9856512 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax, a BCL-2 inhibitor, has proven to be effective in several hematological malignancies, including mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). However, development of venetoclax resistance is inevitable and understanding its underlying molecular mechanisms can optimize treatment response. We performed a thorough genetic, epigenetic and transcriptomic analysis of venetoclax-sensitive and resistant MCL cell lines, also evaluating the role of the stromal microenvironment using human and murine co-cultures. In our model, venetoclax resistance was associated with abrogated TP53 activity through an acquired mutation and transcriptional downregulation leading to a diminished apoptotic response. Venetoclax-resistant cells also exhibited an upregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, and pharmacological inhibition of Akt and ERK with TIC-10 led to cell death in all venetoclax-resistant cell lines. Overall, we highlight the importance of targeted therapies, such as TIC-10, against venetoclax resistance-related pathways, which might represent future therapeutic prospects.
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26
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Flümann R, Hansen J, Pelzer BW, Nieper P, Lohmann T, Kisis I, Riet T, Kohlhas V, Nguyen PH, Peifer M, Abedpour N, Bosco G, Thomas RK, Kochanek M, Knüfer J, Jonigkeit L, Beleggia F, Holzem A, Büttner R, Lohneis P, Meinel J, Ortmann M, Persigehl T, Hallek M, Calado DP, Chmielewski M, Klein S, Göthert JR, Chapuy B, Zevnik B, Wunderlich FT, von Tresckow B, Jachimowicz RD, Melnick AM, Reinhardt HC, Knittel G. Distinct Genetically Determined Origins of Myd88/BCL2-Driven Aggressive Lymphoma Rationalize Targeted Therapeutic Intervention Strategies. Blood Cancer Discov 2023; 4:78-97. [PMID: 36346827 PMCID: PMC9816818 DOI: 10.1158/2643-3230.bcd-22-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic profiling revealed the identity of at least 5 subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), including the MCD/C5 cluster characterized by aberrations in MYD88, BCL2, PRDM1, and/or SPIB. We generated mouse models harboring B cell-specific Prdm1 or Spib aberrations on the background of oncogenic Myd88 and Bcl2 lesions. We deployed whole-exome sequencing, transcriptome, flow-cytometry, and mass cytometry analyses to demonstrate that Prdm1- or Spib-altered lymphomas display molecular features consistent with prememory B cells and light-zone B cells, whereas lymphomas lacking these alterations were enriched for late light-zone and plasmablast-associated gene sets. Consistent with the phenotypic evidence for increased B cell receptor signaling activity in Prdm1-altered lymphomas, we demonstrate that combined BTK/BCL2 inhibition displays therapeutic activity in mice and in five of six relapsed/refractory DLBCL patients. Moreover, Prdm1-altered lymphomas were immunogenic upon transplantation into immuno-competent hosts, displayed an actionable PD-L1 surface expression, and were sensitive to antimurine-CD19-CAR-T cell therapy, in vivo. SIGNIFICANCE Relapsed/refractory DLBCL remains a major medical challenge, and most of these patients succumb to their disease. Here, we generated mouse models, faithfully recapitulating the biology of MYD88-driven human DLBCL. These models revealed robust preclinical activity of combined BTK/BCL2 inhibition. We confirmed activity of this regimen in pretreated non-GCB-DLBCL patients. See related commentary by Leveille et al., p. 8. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Flümann
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Hansen
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Benedikt W. Pelzer
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Pascal Nieper
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tim Lohmann
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ilmars Kisis
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tobias Riet
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Viktoria Kohlhas
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Phuong-Hien Nguyen
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Peifer
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nima Abedpour
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Graziella Bosco
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Roman K. Thomas
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Moritz Kochanek
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Knüfer
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lorenz Jonigkeit
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Filippo Beleggia
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alessandra Holzem
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Reinhard Büttner
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Philipp Lohneis
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörn Meinel
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Monika Ortmann
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thorsten Persigehl
- Department of Radiology and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Hallek
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Markus Chmielewski
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sebastian Klein
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, West German Cancer Center, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK partner site Essen), Center for Molecular Biotechnology, Essen, Germany
| | - Joachim R. Göthert
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, West German Cancer Center, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK partner site Essen), Center for Molecular Biotechnology, Essen, Germany
| | - Bjoern Chapuy
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumorimmunology, Charité, University Medical Center Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Branko Zevnik
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - F. Thomas Wunderlich
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bastian von Tresckow
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, West German Cancer Center, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK partner site Essen), Center for Molecular Biotechnology, Essen, Germany
| | - Ron D. Jachimowicz
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ari M. Melnick
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Hans Christian Reinhardt
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, West German Cancer Center, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK partner site Essen), Center for Molecular Biotechnology, Essen, Germany
| | - Gero Knittel
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, West German Cancer Center, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK partner site Essen), Center for Molecular Biotechnology, Essen, Germany
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27
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Wang ZH, Li W, Dong H, Han F. Current state of NK cell-mediated immunotherapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1077436. [PMID: 37078002 PMCID: PMC10107371 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1077436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has become one of the most common hematological diseases in western countries, with an annual incidence of 42/100,000. Conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapeutic drugs showed limitations in prognosis or in efficiency in high-risk patients. Immunotherapy represented is one of the most effective therapeutic approaches with the potential of better effect and prognosis. Natural killer (NK) cells are good options for immunotherapy as they can effectively mediate anti-tumor activity of immune system by expressing activating and inhibiting receptors and recognizing specific ligands on various tumor cells. NK cells are critical in the immunotherapy of CLL by enhancing self-mediated antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC), allogeneic NK cell therapy and chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer (CAR-NK) cell therapy. In this article, we reviewed the features, working mechanisms, and receptors of NK cells, and the available evidence of the advantages and disadvantages of NK cell-based immunotherapies, and put forward future study directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong-Han Wang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hao Dong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Surgical Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- *Correspondence: Hao Dong, ; Fujun Han,
| | - Fujun Han
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- *Correspondence: Hao Dong, ; Fujun Han,
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28
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Sullivan GP, Flanagan L, Rodrigues DA, Ní Chonghaile T. The path to venetoclax resistance is paved with mutations, metabolism, and more. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabo6891. [PMID: 36475901 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo6891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Venetoclax is a B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2)-selective antagonist used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Although this has been a promising therapeutic option for these patients, many of these patients develop resistance and relapsed disease. Here, we summarize the emerging mechanisms of resistance to venetoclax treatment, discuss the promising combination strategies, and highlight the combinations that are currently in clinical trials. Efforts to understand mechanisms of resistance are critical to advance the development of new targeted therapeutic strategies and further our understanding of the biological functions of BCL-2 in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme P Sullivan
- Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Lyndsey Flanagan
- Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Daniel Alencar Rodrigues
- Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Tríona Ní Chonghaile
- Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Centre for Systems Medicine, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
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29
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Thomalla D, Beckmann L, Grimm C, Oliverio M, Meder L, Herling C, Nieper P, Feldmann T, Merkel O, Lorsy E, da Palma Guerreiro A, von Jan J, Kisis I, Wasserburger E, Claasen J, Faitschuk-Meyer E, Altmüller J, Nürnberg P, Yang TP, Lienhard M, Herwig R, Kreuzer KA, Pallasch C, Büttner R, Schäfer S, Hartley J, Abken H, Peifer M, Kashkar H, Knittel G, Eichhorst B, Ullrich R, Herling M, Reinhardt H, Hallek M, Schweiger M, Frenzel L. Deregulation and epigenetic modification of BCL2-family genes cause resistance to venetoclax in hematologic malignancies. Blood 2022; 140:2113-2126. [PMID: 35704690 PMCID: PMC10653032 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021014304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax has been approved to treat different hematological malignancies. Because there is no common genetic alteration causing resistance to venetoclax in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and B-cell lymphoma, we asked if epigenetic events might be involved in venetoclax resistance. Therefore, we employed whole-exome sequencing, methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, and genome-wide clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 screening to investigate venetoclax resistance in aggressive lymphoma and high-risk CLL patients. We identified a regulatory CpG island within the PUMA promoter that is methylated upon venetoclax treatment, mediating PUMA downregulation on transcript and protein level. PUMA expression and sensitivity toward venetoclax can be restored by inhibition of methyltransferases. We can demonstrate that loss of PUMA results in metabolic reprogramming with higher oxidative phosphorylation and adenosine triphosphate production, resembling the metabolic phenotype that is seen upon venetoclax resistance. Although PUMA loss is specific for acquired venetoclax resistance but not for acquired MCL1 resistance and is not seen in CLL patients after chemotherapy-resistance, BAX is essential for sensitivity toward both venetoclax and MCL1 inhibition. As we found loss of BAX in Richter's syndrome patients after venetoclax failure, we defined BAX-mediated apoptosis to be critical for drug resistance but not for disease progression of CLL into aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in vivo. A compound screen revealed TRAIL-mediated apoptosis as a target to overcome BAX deficiency. Furthermore, antibody or CAR T cells eliminated venetoclax resistant lymphoma cells, paving a clinically applicable way to overcome venetoclax resistance.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/genetics
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/pathology
- Hematologic Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Hematologic Neoplasms/genetics
- Epigenesis, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Thomalla
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - L. Beckmann
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - C. Grimm
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - M. Oliverio
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - L. Meder
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - C.D. Herling
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Clinic of Hematology, Cellular Therapy and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - P. Nieper
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - T. Feldmann
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - O. Merkel
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - E. Lorsy
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - A. da Palma Guerreiro
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - J. von Jan
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - I. Kisis
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - E. Wasserburger
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - J. Claasen
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - J. Altmüller
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - P. Nürnberg
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - T.-P. Yang
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, Medical Faculty, Department of Translational Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - M. Lienhard
- Department of Computational Molecular Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - R. Herwig
- Department of Computational Molecular Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - K.-A. Kreuzer
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - C.P. Pallasch
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - R. Büttner
- Department of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - S.C. Schäfer
- Department of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institut für Pathologie im Medizin Campus Bodensee, Friedrichshafen, Germany
| | - J. Hartley
- RCI, Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - H. Abken
- RCI, Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - M. Peifer
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, Medical Faculty, Department of Translational Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - H. Kashkar
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Immunologie, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - G. Knittel
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen), Essen, Germany
| | - B. Eichhorst
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - R.T. Ullrich
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - M. Herling
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Clinic of Hematology, Cellular Therapy and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - H.C. Reinhardt
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen), Essen, Germany
| | - M. Hallek
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - M.R. Schweiger
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - L.P. Frenzel
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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30
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Thijssen R, Tian L, Anderson MA, Flensburg C, Jarratt A, Garnham AL, Jabbari JS, Peng H, Lew TE, Teh CE, Gouil Q, Georgiou A, Tan T, Djajawi TM, Tam CS, Seymour JF, Blombery P, Gray DH, Majewski IJ, Ritchie ME, Roberts AW, Huang DC. Single-cell multiomics reveal the scale of multilayered adaptations enabling CLL relapse during venetoclax therapy. Blood 2022; 140:2127-2141. [PMID: 35709339 PMCID: PMC10653037 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax (VEN) inhibits the prosurvival protein BCL2 to induce apoptosis and is a standard therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), delivering high complete remission rates and prolonged progression-free survival in relapsed CLL but with eventual loss of efficacy. A spectrum of subclonal genetic changes associated with VEN resistance has now been described. To fully understand clinical resistance to VEN, we combined single-cell short- and long-read RNA-sequencing to reveal the previously unappreciated scale of genetic and epigenetic changes underpinning acquired VEN resistance. These appear to be multilayered. One layer comprises changes in the BCL2 family of apoptosis regulators, especially the prosurvival family members. This includes previously described mutations in BCL2 and amplification of the MCL1 gene but is heterogeneous across and within individual patient leukemias. Changes in the proapoptotic genes are notably uncommon, except for single cases with subclonal losses of BAX or NOXA. Much more prominent was universal MCL1 gene upregulation. This was driven by an overlying layer of emergent NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) activation, which persisted in circulating cells during VEN therapy. We discovered that MCL1 could be a direct transcriptional target of NF-κB. Both the switch to alternative prosurvival factors and NF-κB activation largely dissipate following VEN discontinuation. Our studies reveal the extent of plasticity of CLL cells in their ability to evade VEN-induced apoptosis. Importantly, these findings pinpoint new approaches to circumvent VEN resistance and provide a specific biological justification for the strategy of VEN discontinuation once a maximal response is achieved rather than maintaining long-term selective pressure with the drug.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- NF-kappa B
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use
- Recurrence
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Thijssen
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Luyi Tian
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mary Ann Anderson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christoffer Flensburg
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew Jarratt
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexandra L. Garnham
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jafar S. Jabbari
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hongke Peng
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thomas E. Lew
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Charis E. Teh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Quentin Gouil
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Angela Georgiou
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tania Tan
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tirta M. Djajawi
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Constantine S. Tam
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John F. Seymour
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Piers Blombery
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daniel H.D. Gray
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ian J. Majewski
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matthew E. Ritchie
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew W. Roberts
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David C.S. Huang
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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31
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Bennett R, Thompson E, Tam C. SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions | Mechanisms of Resistance to BCL2 Inhibitor Therapy in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Potential Future Therapeutic Directions. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2022; 22:795-804. [PMID: 35970756 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) constitutively overexpresses B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) with consequent dysregulation of intrinsic apoptosis leading to abnormal cellular survival. Therapeutic use of BCL2 inhibitors (BCL2i, eg, venetoclax) in CLL, as both continuous monotherapy or in fixed duration combination, has translated scientific rationale into clinical benefit with significant rates of complete responses, including those without detectable minimal residual disease. Unlike with chemotherapy, response rates to venetoclax do not appear to be influenced by pre-existing chromosomal abnormalities or somatic mutations present, although the duration of response observed remains shorter for those with traditional higher risk genetic aberrations. This review seeks to describe both the disease factors that influence primary venetoclax sensitivity/resistance and those resistance mechanisms that may be acquired secondary to BCL2i therapy in CLL. Baseline venetoclax-sensitivity or -resistance is influenced by the expression of BCL2 relative to other BCL2 family member proteins, microenvironmental factors including nodal T-cell stimulation, and tumoral heterogeneity. With selection pressure applied by continuous venetoclax exposure, secondary resistance mechanisms develop in oligoclonal fashion. Those mechanisms described include acquisition of BCL2 variants, dynamic aberrations of alternative BCL2 family proteins, and mutations affecting both BAX and other BH3 proteins. In view of the resistance described, this review also proposes future applications of BCL2i therapy in CLL and potential means by which BCL2i-resistance may be abrogated.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- bcl-2-Associated X Protein/pharmacology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory Bennett
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Ella Thompson
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Constantine Tam
- Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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32
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Deshpande A, Munoz J. Targeted and cellular therapies in lymphoma: Mechanisms of escape and innovative strategies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:948513. [PMID: 36172151 PMCID: PMC9510896 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.948513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic landscape for lymphomas is quite diverse and includes active surveillance, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and even stem cell transplant. Advances in the field have led to the development of targeted therapies, agents that specifically act against a specific component within the critical molecular pathway involved in tumorigenesis. There are currently numerous targeted therapies that are currently Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to treat certain lymphoproliferative disorders. Of many, some of the targeted agents include rituximab, brentuximab vedotin, polatuzumab vedotin, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, mogamulizumab, vemurafenib, crizotinib, ibrutinib, cerdulatinib, idelalisib, copanlisib, venetoclax, tazemetostat, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells. Although these agents have shown strong efficacy in treating lymphoproliferative disorders, the complex biology of the tumors have allowed for the malignant cells to develop various mechanisms of resistance to the targeted therapies. Some of the mechanisms of resistance include downregulation of the target, antigen escape, increased PD-L1 expression and T-cell exhaustion, mutations altering the signaling pathway, and agent binding site mutations. In this manuscript, we discuss and highlight the mechanism of action of the above listed agents as well as the different mechanisms of resistance to these agents as seen in lymphoproliferative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anagha Deshpande
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
- *Correspondence: Anagha Deshpande,
| | - Javier Munoz
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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33
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Nadeu F, Royo R, Massoni-Badosa R, Playa-Albinyana H, Garcia-Torre B, Duran-Ferrer M, Dawson KJ, Kulis M, Diaz-Navarro A, Villamor N, Melero JL, Chapaprieta V, Dueso-Barroso A, Delgado J, Moia R, Ruiz-Gil S, Marchese D, Giró A, Verdaguer-Dot N, Romo M, Clot G, Rozman M, Frigola G, Rivas-Delgado A, Baumann T, Alcoceba M, González M, Climent F, Abrisqueta P, Castellví J, Bosch F, Aymerich M, Enjuanes A, Ruiz-Gaspà S, López-Guillermo A, Jares P, Beà S, Capella-Gutierrez S, Gelpí JL, López-Bigas N, Torrents D, Campbell PJ, Gut I, Rossi D, Gaidano G, Puente XS, Garcia-Roves PM, Colomer D, Heyn H, Maura F, Martín-Subero JI, Campo E. Detection of early seeding of Richter transformation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Nat Med 2022; 28:1662-1671. [PMID: 35953718 PMCID: PMC9388377 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-01927-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Richter transformation (RT) is a paradigmatic evolution of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) into a very aggressive large B cell lymphoma conferring a dismal prognosis. The mechanisms driving RT remain largely unknown. We characterized the whole genome, epigenome and transcriptome, combined with single-cell DNA/RNA-sequencing analyses and functional experiments, of 19 cases of CLL developing RT. Studying 54 longitudinal samples covering up to 19 years of disease course, we uncovered minute subclones carrying genomic, immunogenetic and transcriptomic features of RT cells already at CLL diagnosis, which were dormant for up to 19 years before transformation. We also identified new driver alterations, discovered a new mutational signature (SBS-RT), recognized an oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)high–B cell receptor (BCR)low-signaling transcriptional axis in RT and showed that OXPHOS inhibition reduces the proliferation of RT cells. These findings demonstrate the early seeding of subclones driving advanced stages of cancer evolution and uncover potential therapeutic targets for RT. Single-cell genomic and transcriptomic analyses of longitudinal samples of patients with Richter syndrome reveal the presence and dynamics of clones driving transformation from chronic lymphocytic leukemia years before clinical manifestation
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Nadeu
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Romina Royo
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Massoni-Badosa
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Heribert Playa-Albinyana
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Garcia-Torre
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Martí Duran-Ferrer
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Marta Kulis
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ander Diaz-Navarro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Oncología, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Neus Villamor
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Vicente Chapaprieta
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Julio Delgado
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Riccardo Moia
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Sara Ruiz-Gil
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Domenica Marchese
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ariadna Giró
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Núria Verdaguer-Dot
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Romo
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillem Clot
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Rozman
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alfredo Rivas-Delgado
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tycho Baumann
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Alcoceba
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Biología Molecular e Histocompatibilidad, IBSAL-Hospital Universitario, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer-IBMCC (USAL-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Marcos González
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Biología Molecular e Histocompatibilidad, IBSAL-Hospital Universitario, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer-IBMCC (USAL-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Fina Climent
- Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge-Institut d'Investigació Biomédica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pau Abrisqueta
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Castellví
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Bosch
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Aymerich
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Enjuanes
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Ruiz-Gaspà
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Armando López-Guillermo
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro Jares
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Beà
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Josep Ll Gelpí
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria López-Bigas
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Torrents
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Ivo Gut
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Davide Rossi
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Gianluca Gaidano
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Xose S Puente
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Oncología, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Pablo M Garcia-Roves
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolors Colomer
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Holger Heyn
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesco Maura
- Myeloma Service, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - José I Martín-Subero
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elías Campo
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain. .,Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. .,Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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34
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Tipping the balance: toward rational combination therapies to overcome venetoclax resistance in mantle cell lymphoma. Leukemia 2022; 36:2165-2176. [PMID: 35725771 PMCID: PMC9418002 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01627-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), an aggressive, but incurable B-cell lymphoma, is genetically characterized by the t(11;14) translocation, resulting in the overexpression of Cyclin D1. In addition, deregulation of the B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family proteins BCL-2, B-cell lymphoma-extra large (BCL-XL), and myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) is highly common in MCL. This renders these BCL-2 family members attractive targets for therapy; indeed, the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax (ABT-199), which already received FDA approval for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), shows promising results in early clinical trials for MCL. However, a significant subset of patients show primary resistance or will develop resistance upon prolonged treatment. Here, we describe the underlying mechanisms of venetoclax resistance in MCL, such as upregulation of BCL-XL or MCL-1, and the recent (clinical) progress in the development of inhibitors for these BCL-2 family members, followed by the transcriptional and (post-)translational (dys)regulation of the BCL-2 family proteins, including the role of the lymphoid organ microenvironment. Based upon these insights, we discuss how rational combinations of venetoclax with other therapies can be exploited to prevent or overcome venetoclax resistance and improve MCL patient outcome.
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35
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Lew TE, Seymour JF. Clinical experiences with venetoclax and other pro-apoptotic agents in lymphoid malignancies: lessons from monotherapy and chemotherapy combination. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:75. [PMID: 35659041 PMCID: PMC9164485 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01295-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BH3-mimetics are a novel drug class of small molecule inhibitors of BCL2 family proteins which restore apoptosis in malignant cells. The only currently approved BH3-mimetic, the selective BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax, is highly efficacious in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and has rapidly advanced to an approved standard of care in frontline and relapsed disease in combination with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. In this context, tumour lysis syndrome and myelosuppression are the most commonly encountered toxicities and are readily manageable with established protocols. Venetoclax is active in other lymphoid malignancies including several B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and multiple myeloma, with the highest intrinsic sensitivity observed in mantle cell lymphoma and Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Venetoclax combination with standard regimens in follicular lymphoma, multiple myeloma and aggressive B cell neoplasms has shown some promise, but further studies are required to optimize dose and scheduling to mitigate increased myelosuppression and infection risk, and to find validated biomarkers of venetoclax sensitivity. Future research will focus on overcoming venetoclax resistance, targeting other BCL2 family members and the rational design of synergistic combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Lew
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.,Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
| | - John F Seymour
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia. .,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
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36
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Chen R, Chen Y, Xiong P, Zheleva D, Blake D, Keating MJ, Wierda WG, Plunkett W. Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor fadraciclib (CYC065) depletes anti-apoptotic protein and synergizes with venetoclax in primary chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. Leukemia 2022; 36:1596-1608. [PMID: 35383271 PMCID: PMC9162916 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01553-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Fadraciclib (CYC065) is a second-generation aminopurine CDK2/9 inhibitor with increased potency and selectivity toward CDK2 and CDK9 compared to seliciclib (R-roscovitine). In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a disease that depends on the over-expression of anti-apoptotic proteins for its survival, inhibition of CDK9 by fadraciclib reduced phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II and blocked transcription in vitro; these actions depleted the intrinsically short-lived anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1 and induced apoptosis. While the simulated bone marrow and lymph node microenvironments induced Mcl-1 expression and protected CLL cells from apoptosis, these conditions did not prolong the turnover rate of Mcl-1, and fadraciclib efficiently abrogated the protective effect. Further, fadraciclib was synergistic with the Bcl-2 antagonist venetoclax, inducing more profound CLL cell death, especially in samples with 17p deletion. While fadraciclib, venetoclax, and the combination each had distinct kinetics of cell death induction, their activities were reversible, as no additional cell death was induced upon removal of the drugs. The best combination effects were achieved when both drugs were maintained together. Altogether, this study provides a rationale for the clinical development of fadraciclib in CLL, either alone or in combination with a Bcl-2 antagonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Chen
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yuling Chen
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ping Xiong
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Michael J Keating
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - William G Wierda
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - William Plunkett
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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37
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Xu Y, Ye H. Progress in understanding the mechanisms of resistance to BCL-2 inhibitors. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:31. [PMID: 35598030 PMCID: PMC9124382 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00283-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax is a new type of BH3 mimetic compound that can target the binding site in the BCL-2 protein and induce apoptosis in cancer cells by stimulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Venetoclax is especially used to treat haematological malignancies. However, with the recent expansion in the applications of venetoclax, some cases of venetoclax resistance have appeared, posing a major problem in clinical treatment. In this article, we explored several common mechanisms of venetoclax resistance. Increased expression of the antiapoptotic proteins MCL-1 and BCL-XL plays a key role in conferring cellular resistance to venetoclax. These proteins can bind to the released BIM in the context of venetoclax binding to BCL-2 and thus continue to inhibit mitochondrial apoptosis. Structural mutations in BCL-2 family proteins caused by genetic instability lead to decreased affinity for venetoclax and inhibit the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Mutation or deletion of the BAX gene renders the BAX protein unable to anchor to the outer mitochondrial membrane to form pores. In addition to changes in BCL-2 family genes, mutations in other oncogenes can also confer resistance to apoptosis induced by venetoclax. TP53 mutations and the expansion of FLT3-ITD promote the expression of antiapoptotic proteins MCL-1 and BCL-XL through multiple signalling pathways, and interfere with venetoclax-mediated apoptosis processes depending on their affinity for BH3-only proteins. Finally, the level of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in venetoclax-resistant leukaemia stem cells is highly abnormal. Not only the metabolic pathways but also the levels of important metabolic components are changed, and all of these alterations antagonize the venetoclax-mediated inhibition of energy metabolism and promote the survival and proliferation of leukaemia stem cells. In addition, venetoclax can change mitochondrial morphology independent of the BCL-2 protein family, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. However, mitochondria resistant to venetoclax antagonize this effect, forming tighter mitochondrial cristae, which provide more energy for cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilan Xu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University-Zhejiang, Wenzhou, China
| | - Haige Ye
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University-Zhejiang, Wenzhou, China.
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38
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Montero J, Haq R. Adapted to Survive: Targeting Cancer Cells with BH3 Mimetics. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:1217-1232. [PMID: 35491624 PMCID: PMC9306285 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A hallmark of cancer is cell death evasion, underlying suboptimal responses to chemotherapy, targeted agents, and immunotherapies. The approval of the antiapoptotic BCL2 antagonist venetoclax has finally validated the potential of targeting apoptotic pathways in patients with cancer. Nevertheless, pharmacologic modulators of cell death have shown markedly varied responses in preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we review emerging concepts in the use of this class of therapies. Building on these observations, we propose that treatment-induced changes in apoptotic dependency, rather than pretreatment dependencies, will need to be recognized and targeted to realize the precise deployment of these new pharmacologic agents. SIGNIFICANCE Targeting antiapoptotic family members has proven efficacious and tolerable in some cancers, but responses are infrequent, particularly for patients with solid tumors. Biomarkers to aid patient selection have been lacking. Precision functional approaches that overcome adaptive resistance to these compounds could drive durable responses to chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Montero
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Corresponding Authors: Rizwan Haq, Department of Medical Oncology M423A, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. Phone: 617-632-6168; E-mail: ; and Joan Montero, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), c/Baldiri Reixac 15-21, Barcelona 08028, Spain. Phone: 34-93-403-9956; E-mail:
| | - Rizwan Haq
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Corresponding Authors: Rizwan Haq, Department of Medical Oncology M423A, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. Phone: 617-632-6168; E-mail: ; and Joan Montero, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), c/Baldiri Reixac 15-21, Barcelona 08028, Spain. Phone: 34-93-403-9956; E-mail:
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39
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Extracellular vesicles and PDL1 suppress macrophages inducing therapy resistance in TP53-deficient B-cell malignancies. Blood 2022; 139:3617-3629. [PMID: 35344582 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021014007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic alterations in the DNA Damage Response (DDR) pathway are a frequent mechanism of resistance to CIT in B-cell malignancies. We have previously shown that the synergy of CIT relies on secretory crosstalk elicited by chemotherapy between the tumour cells and macrophages. Here, we show that loss of multiple different members of the DDR pathway inhibits macrophage phagocytic capacity in vitro and in vivo. Particularly loss of TP53 led to decreased phagocytic capacity ex vivo across multiple B-cell malignancies. We demonstrate via in vivo cyclophosphamide treatment using the Eµ-TCL1 mouse model that loss of macrophage phagocytic capacity in Tp53-deleted leukemia is driven by a significant downregulation of a phagocytic transcriptomic signature using scRNA-Seq. By analysing the tumour B-cell proteome, we identified a TP53 specific upregulation of proteins associated with extracellular vesicles (EV). We abrogated EV biogenesis in tumour B-cells via CRISPR-knockout (KO) of RAB27A and confirmed that the EVs from TP53-deleted lymphoma cells were responsible for the reduced phagocytic capacity and the in vivo CIT resistance. Furthermore, we observed that TP53 loss led to an upregulation of both PD-L1 cell surface expression and secretion of EVs by lymphoma cells. Disruption of EV bound PD-L1 by anti-PD-L1 antibodies or PD-L1 CRISPR-KO improved macrophage phagocytic capacity and in vivo therapy response. Thus, we demonstrate enhanced EV-release and increased PD-L1 expression in TP53-deficient B-cell lymphomas as novel mechanisms of macrophage function alteration in CIT resistance. This study indicates the use of checkpoint inhibition in the combination treatment of B-cell malignancies with TP53 loss.
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40
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Popovic R, Dunbar F, Lu C, Robinson K, Quarless D, Warder SE, Mukherjee N, Pesko J, Souers AJ, Waring JF, Davids MS, Tausch E, Stilgenbauer S, Ross JA, Leverson JD, Kim SY, Chyla BJ. Identification of recurrent genomic alterations in the apoptotic machinery in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients treated with venetoclax monotherapy. Am J Hematol 2022; 97:E47-E51. [PMID: 34779028 PMCID: PMC10015991 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Charles Lu
- AbbVie Inc, North Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - John Pesko
- AbbVie Inc, North Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - Matthew S Davids
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eugen Tausch
- Internal Medicine III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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41
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Vendramini E, Bomben R, Pozzo F, Bittolo T, Tissino E, Gattei V, Zucchetto A. KRAS and RAS-MAPK Pathway Deregulation in Mature B Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorders. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030666. [PMID: 35158933 PMCID: PMC8833570 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS mutations account for the most frequent mutations in human cancers, and are generally correlated with disease aggressiveness, poor prognosis, and poor response to therapies. KRAS is required for adult hematopoiesis and plays a key role in B cell development and mature B cell proliferation and survival, proved to be critical for B cell receptor-induced ERK pathway activation. In mature B cell neoplasms, commonly seen in adults, KRAS and RAS-MAPK pathway aberrations occur in a relevant fraction of patients, reaching high recurrence in some specific subtypes like multiple myeloma and hairy cell leukemia. As inhibitors targeting the RAS-MAPK pathway are being developed and improved, it is of outmost importance to precisely identify all subgroups of patients that could potentially benefit from their use. Herein, we review the role of KRAS and RAS-MAPK signaling in malignant hematopoiesis, focusing on mature B cell lymphoproliferative disorders. We discuss KRAS and RAS-MAPK pathway aberrations describing type, incidence, mutual exclusion with other genetic abnormalities, and association with prognosis. We review the current therapeutic strategies applied in mature B cell neoplasms to counteract RAS-MAPK signaling in pre-clinical and clinical studies, including most promising combination therapies. We finally present an overview of genetically engineered mouse models bearing KRAS and RAS-MAPK pathway aberrations in the hematopoietic compartment, which are valuable tools in the understanding of cancer biology and etiology.
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42
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Potent, p53-independent induction of NOXA sensitizes MLL-rearranged B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells to venetoclax. Oncogene 2022; 41:1600-1609. [PMID: 35091682 PMCID: PMC8913358 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02196-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The prognosis for B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with Mixed-Lineage Leukemia (MLL) gene rearrangements (MLLr BCP-ALL) is still extremely poor. Inhibition of anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 with venetoclax emerged as a promising strategy for this subtype of BCP-ALL, however, lack of sufficient responses in preclinical models and the possibility of developing resistance exclude using venetoclax as monotherapy. Herein, we aimed to uncover potential mechanisms responsible for limited venetoclax activity in MLLr BCP-ALL and to identify drugs that could be used in combination therapy. Using RNA-seq, we observed that long-term exposure to venetoclax in vivo in a patient-derived xenograft model leads to downregulation of several tumor protein 53 (TP53)-related genes. Interestingly, auranofin, a thioredoxin reductase inhibitor, sensitized MLLr BCP-ALL to venetoclax in various in vitro and in vivo models, independently of the p53 pathway functionality. Synergistic activity of these drugs resulted from auranofin-mediated upregulation of NOXA pro-apoptotic protein and potent induction of apoptotic cell death. More specifically, we observed that auranofin orchestrates upregulation of the NOXA-encoding gene Phorbol-12-Myristate-13-Acetate-Induced Protein 1 (PMAIP1) associated with chromatin remodeling and increased transcriptional accessibility. Altogether, these results present an efficacious drug combination that could be considered for the treatment of MLLr BCP-ALL patients, including those with TP53 mutations.
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43
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Diepstraten ST, Anderson MA, Czabotar PE, Lessene G, Strasser A, Kelly GL. The manipulation of apoptosis for cancer therapy using BH3-mimetic drugs. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:45-64. [PMID: 34663943 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00407-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is regulated by the balance between prosurvival and proapoptotic BCL-2 protein family members. Evasion of apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer that arises when this balance is tipped in favour of survival. One form of anticancer therapeutic, termed 'BH3-mimetic drugs', has been developed to directly activate the apoptosis machinery in malignant cells. These drugs bind to and inhibit specific prosurvival BCL-2 family proteins, thereby mimicking their interaction with the BH3 domains of proapoptotic BCL-2 family proteins. The BCL-2-specific inhibitor venetoclax is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and many regulatory authorities worldwide for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia. BH3-mimetic drugs targeting other BCL-2 prosurvival proteins have been tested in preclinical models of cancer, and drugs targeting MCL-1 or BCL-XL have advanced into phase I clinical trials for certain cancers. As with all therapeutics, efficacy and tolerability need to be carefully balanced to achieve a therapeutic window whereby there is significant anticancer activity with an acceptable safety profile. In this Review, we outline the current state of BH3-mimetic drugs targeting various prosurvival BCL-2 family proteins and discuss emerging data regarding primary and acquired resistance to these agents and approaches that may overcome this. We highlight issues that need to be addressed to further advance the clinical application of BH3-mimetic drugs, both alone and in combination with additional anticancer agents (for example, standard chemotherapeutic drugs or inhibitors of oncogenic kinases), for improved responses in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah T Diepstraten
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mary Ann Anderson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter E Czabotar
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Guillaume Lessene
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Gemma L Kelly
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Are we finally getting personal? Moving towards a personalized approach in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 84:329-338. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Ballotta L, Zinzani PL, Pileri S, Bruna R, Tani M, Casadei B, Tabanelli V, Volpetti S, Luminari S, Corradini P, Lucchini E, Tisi MC, Merli M, Re A, Varettoni M, Pesce EA, Zaja F. Venetoclax Shows Low Therapeutic Activity in BCL2-Positive Relapsed/Refractory Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: A Phase 2 Study of the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi. Front Oncol 2021; 11:789891. [PMID: 34938664 PMCID: PMC8685372 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.789891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) have a poor prognosis, with an expected survival of less than 1 year using standard salvage therapies. Recent advances in our understanding of the biology of PTCL have led to identifying B-Cell Lymphoma 2 (BCL2) protein as a potential therapeutic target. BLC2 inhibitor venetoclax was investigated in a prospective phase II trial in patients with BCL2-positive R/R PTCL after at least one previous standard line of treatment (NCT03552692). Venetoclax given alone at a dosage of 800 mg/day resulted in one complete response (CR) and two stable diseases (SDs) among 17 enrolled patients. The majority of patients (88.2%) interrupted the treatment due to disease progression. No relationship with BCL2 expression was documented. At a median follow-up of 8 months, two patients are currently still on treatment (one CR and one SD). No case of tumor lysis syndrome was registered. Therefore, venetoclax monotherapy shows activity in a minority of patients whose biological characteristics have not yet been identified. Clinical Trial Registration www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03552692, EudraCT number 2017-004630-29).
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ballotta
- Dipartimento Clinico di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e della Salute, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Struttura Complessa (SC) Ematologia, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Zinzani
- Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia "Seragnoli", Bologna, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica e Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Pileri
- Divisione di Emolinfopatologia, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS), Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bruna
- Divisione di Ematologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università del Piemonte Orientale e Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Monica Tani
- Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) Ematologia, Ospedale Santa Maria delle Croci, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Beatrice Casadei
- Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia "Seragnoli", Bologna, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica e Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Tabanelli
- Divisione di Emolinfopatologia, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS), Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Volpetti
- Clinica Ematologica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria (AOU) Friuli Centrale, Udine, Italy
| | - Stefano Luminari
- Ematologia, Azienda Unita Sanitaria Locale Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS) Reggio Emilia, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Dipartimento Chirurgico Medico Odontoiatrico e di Scienze Morfologiche con interesse Trapiantologico Oncologico e di Medicina Rigenerativa (CHIMOMO), Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Paolo Corradini
- Struttura Complessa (SC) Ematologia, Fondazione Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS) Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Lucchini
- Struttura Complessa (SC) Ematologia, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Michele Merli
- Ematologia "Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi-Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Sette Laghi", Varese, Italy
| | - Alessandro Re
- Ematologia, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marzia Varettoni
- Divisione di Ematologia, Fondazione Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Zaja
- Dipartimento Clinico di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e della Salute, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Struttura Complessa (SC) Ematologia, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
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Clonal dynamics of BRAF-driven drug resistance in EGFR-mutant lung cancer. NPJ Precis Oncol 2021; 5:102. [PMID: 34921211 PMCID: PMC8683498 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-021-00241-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of MAPK signaling via BRAF mutations may limit the activity of EGFR inhibitors in EGFR-mutant lung cancer patients. However, the impact of BRAF mutations on the selection and fitness of emerging resistant clones during anti-EGFR therapy remains elusive. We tracked the evolution of subclonal mutations by whole-exome sequencing and performed clonal analyses of individual metastases during therapy. Complementary functional analyses of polyclonal EGFR-mutant cell pools showed a dose-dependent enrichment of BRAFV600E and a loss of EGFR inhibitor susceptibility. The clones remain stable and become vulnerable to combined EGFR, RAF, and MEK inhibition. Moreover, only osimertinib/trametinib combination treatment, but not monotherapy with either of these drugs, leads to robust tumor shrinkage in EGFR-driven xenograft models harboring BRAFV600E mutations. These data provide insights into the dynamics of clonal evolution of EGFR-mutant tumors and the therapeutic implications of BRAF co-mutations that may facilitate the development of treatment strategies to improve the prognosis of these patients.
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Kwok M, Wu CJ. Clonal Evolution of High-Risk Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Contemporary Perspective. Front Oncol 2021; 11:790004. [PMID: 34976831 PMCID: PMC8716560 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.790004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clonal evolution represents the natural process through which cancer cells continuously search for phenotypic advantages that enable them to develop and expand within microenvironmental constraints. In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), clonal evolution underpins leukemic progression and therapeutic resistance, with differences in clonal evolutionary dynamics accounting for its characteristically diverse clinical course. The past few years have witnessed profound changes in our understanding of CLL clonal evolution, facilitated by a maturing definition of high-risk CLL and an increasing sophistication of next-generation sequencing technology. In this review, we offer a modern perspective on clonal evolution of high-risk CLL, highlighting recent discoveries, paradigm shifts and unresolved questions. We appraise recent advances in our understanding of the molecular basis of CLL clonal evolution, focusing on the genetic and non-genetic sources of intratumoral heterogeneity, as well as tumor-immune dynamics. We review the technological innovations, particularly in single-cell technology, which have fostered these advances and represent essential tools for future discoveries. In addition, we discuss clonal evolution within several contexts of particular relevance to contemporary clinical practice, including the settings of therapeutic resistance to CLL targeted therapy and immunotherapy, as well as Richter transformation of CLL to high-grade lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Kwok
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Clinical Haematology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine J. Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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Hallek M, Al‐Sawaf O. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: 2022 update on diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:1679-1705. [PMID: 34625994 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
DISEASE OVERVIEW Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most frequent types of leukemia. It typically occurs in elderly patients and has a highly variable clinical course. Leukemic transformation is initiated by specific genomic alterations that interfere with the regulation of proliferation and of apoptosis in clonal B-cells. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis is established by blood counts, blood smears, and immunophenotyping of circulating B-lymphocytes, which identify a clonal B-cell population carrying the CD5 antigen as well as typical B-cell markers. PROGNOSIS AND STAGING The clinical staging systems provide prognostic information by using the results of physical examination and blood counts. Various biological and genetic markers provide additional prognostic information. Deletions of the short arm of chromosome 17 (del[17p]) and/or mutations of the TP53 gene predict resistance to chemoimmunotherapy and a shorter time to progression with most targeted therapies. The CLL international prognostic index integrates genetic, biological, and clinical variables to identify distinct risk groups of patients with CLL. THERAPY Only patients with active or symptomatic disease or with advanced Binet or Rai stages require therapy. When treatment is indicated, several therapeutic options exist: a combination of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) inhibitor venetoclax with obinutuzumab, monotherapy with inhibitors of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) such as ibrutinib and acalabrutinib, or chemoimmunotherapy. At relapse, the initial treatment may be repeated, if the treatment-free interval exceeds 3 years. If the disease relapses earlier, therapy should be changed using an alternative regimen. Patients with a del(17p) or TP53 mutation are usually resistant to chemotherapy and should, therefore, be treated with targeted agents. FUTURE CHALLENGES Combinations of targeted agents are now being investigated to create efficient, potentially curative therapies of CLL with fixed duration. One of the most relevant questions currently addressed in clinical trials is the comparison of monotherapies with BTK inhibitors with fixed duration combination therapies. Moreover, the optimal sequencing of targeted therapies remains to be determined. Alternative therapies are needed for patients with BTK and BCL2 inhibitor double-refractory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hallek
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Köln Düsseldorf, Center of Excellence on “Cellular Stress Responses in Aging‐Associated Diseases” University of Cologne Köln Germany
| | - Othman Al‐Sawaf
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Köln Düsseldorf, Center of Excellence on “Cellular Stress Responses in Aging‐Associated Diseases” University of Cologne Köln Germany
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Siddiqui M, Konopleva M. Keeping up with venetoclax for leukemic malignancies: key findings, optimal regimens and clinical considerations. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 14:1497-1512. [PMID: 34791957 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.2008239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Venetoclax has transformed the treatment landscape in hematologic malignancies, especially in elderly population. With high rates of remission, deep and durable responses, and safe toxicity profile, venetoclax in combination therapy has been extremely effective, garnering accelerated approval and becoming standard of care in lymphoid and myeloid malignancies. AREAS COVERED The role of venetoclax in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway is covered. This includes preclinical and clinical experience of venetoclax monotherapy and combination therapy in relapsed/refractory and frontline CLL, AML, ALL and high-risk MDS, with an emphasis on key clinical trials and efficacy of combination regimens in distinct mutational landscapes. Strategies to mitigate myelosuppression, manage dose adjustments and infectious complications are addressed. EXPERT OPINION Targeting BCL-2 offers a safe and highly effective adjunct to available therapies in hematologic malignancies. Despite success and frequent utilization of venetoclax, several resistance mechanisms have been elucidated, prompting development of novel combinatorial strategies. Further, on-target myelosuppression of venetoclax is a key obstacle in clinical practice, requiring diligent monitoring and practice-based knowledge of dose modifications. Despite these limitations, venetoclax has gained tremendous popularity in hematologic-oncology, becoming an integral component of numerous combination regimes, with ongoing plethora of clinical trials encompassing standard chemotherapy, targeted agents and immune-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Siddiqui
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 428, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Marina Konopleva
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 428, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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Outcomes of patients with CLL sequentially resistant to both BCL2 and BTK inhibition. Blood Adv 2021; 5:4054-4058. [PMID: 34478505 PMCID: PMC8945613 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021005083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with CLL sequentially resistant to both BCL2 and covalent BTK inhibition have a poor prognosis and represent an area of unmet need.
Covalent Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi’s) and the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) inhibitor venetoclax have significantly improved outcomes for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), especially those with biologically adverse disease. Patients with CLL resistant to their first targeted agent (TA) can be effectively treated with the alternative class. However, relapses are expected with second-line TA therapy, and the clinical challenge of double class-resistant disease is now emerging with increasing frequency. To define the characteristics and outcomes of patients with double class-resistant disease, we retrospectively analyzed 17 patients who developed progressive disease (PD) on both TA classes for CLL (venetoclax, then BTKi, n=12; BTKi, then venetoclax, n = 5). The cohort was heavily pretreated (median lines of prior therapy, 4) and enriched for adverse disease genetics (complex karyotype, 12 of 12 tested [100%]; del(17p)/TP53 mutations, 15 of 17 [88%]). The median time to progression on prior venetoclax was 24 months (range, 6-94 months) and was 25 months (range, 1-55 months) on prior BTKi. Progression on second-line TA was manifest as progressive CLL in 11 patients and as Richter transformation in 6. The median overall survival after progression on second-line TA was 3.6 months (95% confidence interval, 2-11 months). Patients with double class-resistant CLL have a dismal prognosis, representing a group of high unmet need.
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