1
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Mohebbi A, Shahriyary F, Farrokhi V, Bandar B, Saki N. A systematic review of second-generation FLT3 inhibitors for treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Res 2024; 141:107505. [PMID: 38692232 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2024.107505] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a complex disease with diverse mutations, including prevalent mutations in the FMS-like receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene that lead to poor prognosis. Recent advancements have introduced FLT3 inhibitors that have improved outcomes for FLT3-mutated AML patients, however, questions remain on their application in complex conditions such as relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of second-generation FLT3 inhibitors in treating patients with R/R AML. METHODS A systematic literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS and Google Scholar databases was made to identify relevant studies up to January 30, 2024. This study was conducted following the guidelines of the PRISMA. RESULTS The ADMIRAL trial revealed significantly improved overall survival and complete remission rates with gilteritinib compared to salvage chemotherapy, with manageable adverse effects. Ongoing research explores its potential in combination therapies, showing synergistic effects with venetoclax and promising outcomes in various clinical trials. The QuANTUM-R trial suggested longer overall survival with quizartinib compared to standard chemotherapy, although concerns were raised regarding trial design and cardiotoxicity. Ongoing research explores combination therapies involving quizartinib, such as doublet or triplet regimens with venetoclax, showing promising outcomes in FLT3-mutated AML patients. CONCLUSION These targeted therapies offer promise for managing this subgroup of AML patients, but further research is needed to optimize their use. This study underscores the importance of personalized treatment based on genetic mutations in AML, paving the way for more effective and tailored approaches to combat the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Mohebbi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Shahriyary
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vida Farrokhi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bita Bandar
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Najmaldin Saki
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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2
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Tyagi A, Jaggupilli A, Ly S, Yuan B, El-Dana F, Hegde VL, Anand V, Kumar B, Puppala M, Yin Z, Wong STC, Mollard A, Vankayalapati H, Foulks JM, Warner SL, Daver N, Borthakur G, Battula VL. TP-0184 inhibits FLT3/ACVR1 to overcome FLT3 inhibitor resistance and hinder AML growth synergistically with venetoclax. Leukemia 2024; 38:82-95. [PMID: 38007585 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-02086-6] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
We identified activin A receptor type I (ACVR1), a member of the TGF-β superfamily, as a factor favoring acute myeloid leukemia (AML) growth and a new potential therapeutic target. ACVR1 is overexpressed in FLT3-mutated AML and inhibition of ACVR1 expression sensitized AML cells to FLT3 inhibitors. We developed a novel ACVR1 inhibitor, TP-0184, which selectively caused growth arrest in FLT3-mutated AML cell lines. Molecular docking and in vitro kinase assays revealed that TP-0184 binds to both ACVR1 and FLT3 with high affinity and inhibits FLT3/ACVR1 downstream signaling. Treatment with TP-0184 or in combination with BCL2 inhibitor, venetoclax dramatically inhibited leukemia growth in FLT3-mutated AML cell lines and patient-derived xenograft models in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that ACVR1 is a novel biomarker and plays a role in AML resistance to FLT3 inhibitors and that FLT3/ACVR1 dual inhibitor TP-0184 is a novel potential therapeutic tool for AML with FLT3 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anudishi Tyagi
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Appalaraju Jaggupilli
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stanley Ly
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bin Yuan
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fouad El-Dana
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Venkatesh L Hegde
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vivek Anand
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bijender Kumar
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mamta Puppala
- Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zheng Yin
- Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephen T C Wong
- Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexis Mollard
- University of Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | | | | | - Naval Daver
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gautam Borthakur
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - V Lokesh Battula
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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3
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Kennedy VE, Smith CC. FLT3 targeting in the modern era: from clonal selection to combination therapies. Int J Hematol 2023:10.1007/s12185-023-03681-0. [PMID: 38112995 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-023-03681-0] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is the most frequently mutated gene in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Modern targeting of FLT3 with inhibitors has improved clinical outcomes and FLT3 inhibitors have been incorporated into the treatment of AML in all phases of the disease, including the upfront, relapsed/refractory and maintenance settings. This review will discuss the current understanding of FLT3 biology, the clinical use of FLT3 inhibitors, resistance mechanisms and emerging combination treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa E Kennedy
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, Box 1270, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Catherine C Smith
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, Box 1270, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
- Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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4
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Abdel-Aziz AK, Dokla EME, Saadeldin MK. FLT3 inhibitors and novel therapeutic strategies to reverse AML resistance: An updated comprehensive review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 191:104139. [PMID: 37717880 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104139] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations occur in almost 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Despite the initial clinical efficacy of FLT3 inhibitors, many treated AML patients with mutated FLT3 eventually relapse. This review critically discusses the opportunities and challenges of FLT3-targeted therapies and sheds light on their drug interactions as well as potential biomarkers. Furthermore, we focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying the resistance of FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) AMLs to FLT3 inhibitors alongside novel therapeutic strategies to reverse resistance. Notably, dynamic heterogeneous patterns of clonal selection and evolution contribute to the resistance of FLT3-ITD AMLs to FLT3 inhibitors. Ongoing preclinical research and clinical trials are actively directed towards devising rational "personalized" or "patient-tailored" combinatorial therapeutic regimens to effectively treat patients with FLT3 mutated AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Kamal Abdel-Aziz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt; Smart Health Initiative, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Eman M E Dokla
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Mona Kamal Saadeldin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Leahy Drive, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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5
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Milnerowicz S, Maszewska J, Skowera P, Stelmach M, Lejman M. AML under the Scope: Current Strategies and Treatment Involving FLT3 Inhibitors and Venetoclax-Based Regimens. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15849. [PMID: 37958832 PMCID: PMC10647248 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115849] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disease that mainly affects elderly patients who are more often unfit for intensive chemotherapy (median age of diagnosis is 68). The regimens, including venetoclax, a highly specific BCL-2 (B-cell lymphoma-2) inhibitor, are a common alternative because of their safer profile and fewer side effects. However, the resistance phenomenon of leukemic cells necessitates the search for drugs that would help to overcome the resistance and improve treatment outcomes. One of the resistance mechanisms takes place through the upregulation of MCL-1 and BCL-XL, preventing BAX/BAK-driven MOMP (mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization), thus stopping the apoptosis process. Possible partners for BCL-2 inhibitors may include inhibitors from the FLT3i (FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 inhibitor) group. They resensitize cancer cells through the downregulation of MCL-1 expression in the FLT3 mutated cells, resulting in the stronger efficacy of BCL-2 inhibitors. Also, they provide an additional pathway for targeting the clonal cell. Both preclinical and clinical data suggest that the combination might show a synergistic effect and improve patients' outcomes. The aim of this review is to determine whether the combination of venetoclax and FLT3 inhibitors can impact the therapeutic approaches and what other agents they can be combined with.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szymon Milnerowicz
- Student Scientific Society, Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (S.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Julia Maszewska
- Student Scientific Society, Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (S.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Paulina Skowera
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Magdalena Stelmach
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.S.); (M.S.)
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6
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Lang TJL, Damm F, Bullinger L, Frick M. Mechanisms of Resistance to Small Molecules in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4573. [PMID: 37760544 PMCID: PMC10526197 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, great progress has been made in the therapy of AML by targeting cellular processes associated with specific molecular features of the disease. Various small molecules inhibiting FLT3, IDH1/IDH2, and BCL2 have already gained approval from the respective authorities and are essential parts of personalized therapeutic regimens in modern therapy of AML. Unfortunately, primary and secondary resistance to these inhibitors is a frequent problem. Here, we comprehensively review the current state of knowledge regarding molecular processes involved in primary and secondary resistance to these agents, covering both genetic and nongenetic mechanisms. In addition, we introduce concepts and strategies for how these resistance mechanisms might be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonio Johannes Lukas Lang
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Frederik Damm
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lars Bullinger
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mareike Frick
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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7
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Song MK, Park BB, Uhm JE. Clinical Efficacies of FLT3 Inhibitors in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012708. [PMID: 36293564 PMCID: PMC9604443 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
FLT3 mutations are the most common genomic alteration detected in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a worse clinical prognosis. The highly frequent FLT3 mutations, together with the side effects associated with clinical prognosis, make FLT3 promising treatment targets and have provoked the advancement of FLT3 inhibitors. Recently, numerous FLT3 inhibitors were actively developed, and thus the outcomes of this aggressive subtype of AML were significantly improved. Recently, midostaurin and gilteritinib were approved as frontline treatment of AML and as therapeutic agents in the recurred disease by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Recently, numerous promising clinical trials attempted to seek appropriate management in frontline settings, in relapsed/refractory disease, or after stem cell transplantation in AML. This review follows numerous clinical trials about the usefulness of FLT3 inhibitors as frontline therapy, as relapsed/refractory conditioning, and as maintenance therapy of stem cell transplantation. The cumulative data of FLT3 inhibitors would be important clinical evidence for further management with FLT3 inhibitors in AML patients with FLT3 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moo-Kon Song
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Hanyang University Hanmaeum Changwon Hospital, Changwon 51497, Korea
| | - Byeong-Bae Park
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2290-8114; Fax: +82-2-2290-7112
| | - Ji-Eun Uhm
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul 04763, Korea
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8
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Ge SS, Liu SB, Xue SL. Developments and challenges of FLT3 inhibitors in acute myeloid leukemia. Front Oncol 2022; 12:996438. [PMID: 36185253 PMCID: PMC9515417 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.996438] [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: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
FLT3 mutations are one of the most common genetic alterations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and are identified in approximately one-third of newly diagnosed patients. Aberrant FLT3 receptor signaling has important implications for the biology and clinical management of AML. In recent years, targeting FLT3 has been a part of every course of treatment in FLT3-ITD/TKD-mutated AML and contributes to substantially prolonged survival. At the same time, wide application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has revealed a series of non-canonical FLT3 mutations, including point mutations and small insertions/deletions. Some of these mutations may be able to influence downstream phosphorylation and sensitivity to FLT3 inhibitors, while the correlation with clinical outcomes remains unclear. Exploration of FLT3-targeted therapy has made substantial progress, but resistance to FLT3 inhibitors has become a pressing issue. The mechanisms underlying FLT3 inhibitor tolerance can be roughly divided into primary resistance and secondary resistance. Primary resistance is related to abnormalities in signaling factors, such as FL, CXCL12, and FGF2, and secondary resistance mainly involves on-target mutations and off-target aberrations. To overcome this problem, novel agents such as FF-10101 have shown promising potential. Multitarget strategies directed at FLT3 and anomalous signaling factors simultaneously are in active clinical development and show promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai-Shuai Ge
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Song-Bai Liu
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Song-Bai Liu, ; Sheng-Li Xue,
| | - Sheng-Li Xue
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Song-Bai Liu, ; Sheng-Li Xue,
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9
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Duminuco A, Maugeri C, Parisi M, Mauro E, Fiumara PF, Randazzo V, Salemi D, Agueli C, Palumbo GA, Santoro A, Di Raimondo F, Vetro C. Target Therapy for Extramedullary Relapse of FLT3-ITD Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Emerging Data from the Field. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092186. [PMID: 35565314 PMCID: PMC9105351 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is a receptor tyrosine kinase family member. Mutations in FLT3, as well known, represent the most common genomic alteration in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), identified in approximately one-third of newly diagnosed adult patients. In recent years, this has represented an important therapeutic target. Drugs such as midostaurin, gilteritinib, and sorafenib, either alone in association with conventional chemotherapy, play a pivotal role in AML therapy with the mutated FLT3 gene. A current challenge lies in treating forms of AML with extramedullary localization. Here, we describe the general features of myeloid sarcoma and the ability of a targeted drug, i.e., gilteritinib, approved for relapsed or refractory disease, to induce remission of these extramedullary leukemic localizations in AML patients with FLT3 mutation, analyzing how in the literature, there is an important development of cases describing this promising potential for care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Duminuco
- Postgraduate School of Hematology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.D.); (G.A.P.)
| | - Cinzia Maugeri
- Division of Hematology, A.O.U. “Policlinico G.Rodolico-S.Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.); (M.P.); (E.M.); (P.F.F.); (F.D.R.)
| | - Marina Parisi
- Division of Hematology, A.O.U. “Policlinico G.Rodolico-S.Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.); (M.P.); (E.M.); (P.F.F.); (F.D.R.)
| | - Elisa Mauro
- Division of Hematology, A.O.U. “Policlinico G.Rodolico-S.Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.); (M.P.); (E.M.); (P.F.F.); (F.D.R.)
| | - Paolo Fabio Fiumara
- Division of Hematology, A.O.U. “Policlinico G.Rodolico-S.Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.); (M.P.); (E.M.); (P.F.F.); (F.D.R.)
| | - Valentina Randazzo
- Division of Hematology & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Ospedali Riuniti Villa Sofia-Cervello, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (V.R.); (D.S.); (C.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Domenico Salemi
- Division of Hematology & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Ospedali Riuniti Villa Sofia-Cervello, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (V.R.); (D.S.); (C.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Cecilia Agueli
- Division of Hematology & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Ospedali Riuniti Villa Sofia-Cervello, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (V.R.); (D.S.); (C.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Alberto Palumbo
- Postgraduate School of Hematology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.D.); (G.A.P.)
- Division of Hematology, A.O.U. “Policlinico G.Rodolico-S.Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.); (M.P.); (E.M.); (P.F.F.); (F.D.R.)
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santoro
- Division of Hematology & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Ospedali Riuniti Villa Sofia-Cervello, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (V.R.); (D.S.); (C.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Francesco Di Raimondo
- Division of Hematology, A.O.U. “Policlinico G.Rodolico-S.Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.); (M.P.); (E.M.); (P.F.F.); (F.D.R.)
- Department of Chirurgia Generale e Specialità Medico-Chirurgiche, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Calogero Vetro
- Division of Hematology, A.O.U. “Policlinico G.Rodolico-S.Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.); (M.P.); (E.M.); (P.F.F.); (F.D.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0953781956
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10
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Kropp EM, Li Q. Mechanisms of Resistance to Targeted Therapies for Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Exp Hematol 2022; 111:13-24. [PMID: 35417742 PMCID: PMC10116852 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive disease of clonal hematopoiesis with a high rate of relapse and refractory disease despite intensive therapy. Traditionally, relapsed or refractory AML has increased therapeutic resistance and poor long-term survival. In recent years, advancements in the mechanistic understanding of leukemogenesis have allowed for the development of targeted therapies. These therapies offer novel alternatives to intensive chemotherapy and have prolonged survival in relapsed or refractory AML. Unfortunately, a significant portion of patients do not respond to these therapies and relapse occurs in most patients who initially responded. This review focuses on the mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies in relapsed or refractory AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Kropp
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI.
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11
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Cerchione C, Peleteiro Raíndo A, Mosquera Orgueira A, Mosquera Torre A, Bao Pérez L, Marconi G, Isidori A, Pérez Encinas MM, Martinelli G. Safety of FLT3 inhibitors in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2021; 14:851-865. [PMID: 34424108 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2021.1969911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) is the most frequent type of acute leukemia in adults with an incidence of 4.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and poor 5-year survival. Patients with mutations in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene have poor survival and higher relapse rates compared with wild-type cases.Areas covered: Several FLT3 inhibitors have been proved in FLT3mut AML patients, with differences in their pharmacokinetics, kinase inhibitory and adverse events profiles. First-generation multi-kinase inhibitors (midostaurin, sorafenib, lestaurtinib) target multiple proteins, whereassecond-generation inhibitors (crenolanib, quizartinib, gilteritinib) are more specific and potent inhibitors of FLT3, so they are associated with less off-target toxic effects. All of these drugs have primary and acquired mechanisms of resistance, and therefore their combinations with other drugs (checkpoint inhibitors, hypomethylating agents, standard chemotherapy) and its application in different clinical settings are under study.Expert opinion: The recent clinical development of various FLT3 inhibitors for the treatment of FLT3mut AML is an effective therapeutic strategy. However, there are unique toxicities and drug-drug interactions that need to be resolved. It is necessary to understand the mechanisms of toxicity in order to recognize and manage them adequately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Cerchione
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Andrés Peleteiro Raíndo
- Health Research Institute of Santiago De Compostela (Idis), Santiago De Compostela, Spain.,Division of Hematology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario De Santiago (Chus), Santiago De Compostela, Spain
| | - Adrián Mosquera Orgueira
- Health Research Institute of Santiago De Compostela (Idis), Santiago De Compostela, Spain.,Division of Hematology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario De Santiago (Chus), Santiago De Compostela, Spain
| | - Alicia Mosquera Torre
- Health Research Institute of Santiago De Compostela (Idis), Santiago De Compostela, Spain.,Division of Hematology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario De Santiago (Chus), Santiago De Compostela, Spain
| | - Laura Bao Pérez
- Health Research Institute of Santiago De Compostela (Idis), Santiago De Compostela, Spain.,Division of Hematology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario De Santiago (Chus), Santiago De Compostela, Spain
| | - Giovanni Marconi
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Alessandro Isidori
- Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Center, Aormn Hospital, Pesaro, Italy
| | - Manuel Mateo Pérez Encinas
- Health Research Institute of Santiago De Compostela (Idis), Santiago De Compostela, Spain.,Division of Hematology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario De Santiago (Chus), Santiago De Compostela, Spain.,University of Santiago De Compostela, Santiago De Compostela, Spain
| | - Giovanni Martinelli
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
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12
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Hogan FL, Williams V, Knapper S. FLT3 Inhibition in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia - Current Knowledge and Future Prospects. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 20:513-531. [PMID: 32418523 DOI: 10.2174/1570163817666200518075820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Activating mutations of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) are present in 30% of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients at diagnosis and confer an adverse clinical prognosis. Mutated FLT3 has emerged as a viable therapeutic target and a number of FLT3-directed tyrosine kinase inhibitors have progressed through clinical development over the last 10-15 years. The last two years have seen United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) approvals of the multi-kinase inhibitor midostaurin for newly-diagnosed FLT3-mutated patients, when used in combination with intensive chemotherapy, and of the more FLT3-selective agent gilteritinib, used as monotherapy, for patients with relapsed or treatment-refractory FLT3-mutated AML. The 'second generation' agents, quizartinib and crenolanib, are also at advanced stages of clinical development. Significant challenges remain in negotiating a variety of potential acquired drug resistance mechanisms and in optimizing sequencing of FLT3 inhibitory drugs with existing and novel treatment approaches in different clinical settings, including frontline therapy, relapsed/refractory disease, and maintenance treatment. In this review, the biology of FLT3, the clinical challenge posed by FLT3-mutated AML, the developmental history of the key FLT3-inhibitory compounds, mechanisms of disease resistance, and the future outlook for this group of agents, including current and planned clinical trials, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca L Hogan
- Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Williams
- Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Knapper
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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13
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Pimozide and Imipramine Blue Exploit Mitochondrial Vulnerabilities and Reactive Oxygen Species to Cooperatively Target High Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10060956. [PMID: 34203664 PMCID: PMC8232307 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10060956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease with a high relapse rate. Cytokine receptor targeted therapies are therapeutically attractive but are subject to resistance-conferring mutations. Likewise, targeting downstream signaling pathways has been difficult. Recent success in the development of synergistic combinations has provided new hope for refractory AML patients. While generally not efficacious as monotherapy, BH3 mimetics are very effective in combination with chemotherapy agents. With this in mind, we further explored novel BH3 mimetic drug combinations and showed that pimozide cooperates with mTOR inhibitors and BH3 mimetics in AML cells. The three-drug combination was able to reach cells that were not as responsive to single or double drug combinations. In Flt3-internal tandem duplication (ITD)-positive cells, we previously showed pimozide to be highly effective when combined with imipramine blue (IB). Here, we show that Flt3-ITD+ cells are sensitive to an IB-induced dynamin 1-like (Drp1)-p38-ROS pathway. Pimozide contributes important calcium channel blocker activity converging with IB on mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. Overall, these data support the concept that antioxidants are a double-edged sword. Rationally designed combination therapies have significant promise for further pre-clinical development and may ultimately lead to improved responses.
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14
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Clonal evolution of acute myeloid leukemia with FLT3-ITD mutation under treatment with midostaurin. Blood 2021; 137:3093-3104. [PMID: 33598693 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020007626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the international randomized phase 3 RATIFY (Randomized AML Trial In FLT3 in patients less than 60 Years old) trial, the multikinase inhibitor midostaurin significantly improved overall and event-free survival in patients 18 to 59 years of age with FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, only 59% of patients in the midostaurin arm achieved protocol-specified complete remission (CR), and almost half of patients achieving CR relapsed. To explore underlying mechanisms of resistance, we studied patterns of clonal evolution in patients with FLT3-internal tandem duplications (ITD)-positive AML who were entered in the RATIFY or German-Austrian Acute Myeloid Leukemia Study Group 16-10 trial and received treatment with midostaurin. To this end, paired samples from 54 patients obtained at time of diagnosis and at time of either relapsed or refractory disease were analyzed using conventional Genescan-based testing for FLT3-ITD and whole exome sequencing. At the time of disease resistance or progression, almost half of the patients (46%) became FLT3-ITD negative but acquired mutations in signaling pathways (eg, MAPK), thereby providing a new proliferative advantage. In cases with FLT3-ITD persistence, the selection of resistant ITD clones was found in 11% as potential drivers of disease. In 32% of cases, no FLT3-ITD mutational change was observed, suggesting either resistance mechanisms bypassing FLT3 inhibition or loss of midostaurin inhibitory activity because of inadequate drug levels. In summary, our study provides novel insights into the clonal evolution and resistance mechanisms of FLT3-ITD-mutated AML under treatment with midostaurin in combination with intensive chemotherapy.
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15
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Culp-Hill R, D'Alessandro A, Pietras EM. Extinguishing the Embers: Targeting AML Metabolism. Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:332-344. [PMID: 33121874 PMCID: PMC8005405 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer derived from the myeloid lineage of blood cells, characterized by overproduction of leukemic blasts. Although therapeutic improvements have made a significant impact on the outcomes of patients with AML, survival rates remain low due to a high incidence of relapse. Similar to how wildfires can reignite from hidden embers not extinguished from an initial round of firefighting, leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are the embers remaining after completion of traditional chemotherapeutic treatments. LSCs exhibit a unique metabolic profile and contain metabolically distinct subpopulations. In this review, we detail the metabolic features of LSCs and how thetse characteristics promote resistance to traditional chemotherapy. We also discuss new therapeutic approaches that target metabolic vulnerabilities of LSC to selectively eradicate them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Culp-Hill
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Division of Hematology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Eric M Pietras
- Division of Hematology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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16
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Kennedy VE, Smith CC. FLT3 Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Key Concepts and Emerging Controversies. Front Oncol 2021; 10:612880. [PMID: 33425766 PMCID: PMC7787101 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.612880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The FLT3 receptor is overexpressed on the majority of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts. Mutations in FLT3 are the most common genetic alteration in AML, identified in approximately one third of newly diagnosed patients. FLT3 internal tandem duplication mutations (FLT3-ITD) are associated with increased relapse and inferior overall survival. Multiple small molecule inhibitors of FLT3 signaling have been identified, two of which (midostaurin and gilteritinib) are currently approved in the United States, and many more of which are in clinical trials. Despite significant advances, resistance to FLT3 inhibitors through secondary FLT3 mutations, upregulation of parallel pathways, and extracellular signaling remains an ongoing challenge. Novel therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance, including combining FLT3 inhibitors with other antileukemic agents, development of new FLT3 inhibitors, and FLT3-directed immunotherapy are in active clinical development. Multiple questions regarding FLT3-mutated AML remain. In this review, we highlight several of the current most intriguing controversies in the field including the role of FLT3 inhibitors in maintenance therapy, the role of hematopoietic cell transplantation in FLT3-mutated AML, use of FLT3 inhibitors in FLT3 wild-type disease, significance of non-canonical FLT3 mutations, and finally, emerging concerns regarding clonal evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa E Kennedy
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Catherine C Smith
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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17
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Eguchi M, Minami Y, Kuzume A, Chi S. Mechanisms Underlying Resistance to FLT3 Inhibitors in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8080245. [PMID: 32722298 PMCID: PMC7459983 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8080245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
FLT3-ITD and FLT3-TKD mutations were observed in approximately 20 and 10% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases, respectively. FLT3 inhibitors such as midostaurin, gilteritinib and quizartinib show excellent response rates in patients with FLT3-mutated AML, but its duration of response may not be sufficient yet. The majority of cases gain secondary resistance either by on-target and off-target abnormalities. On-target mutations (i.e., FLT3-TKD) such as D835Y keep the TK domain in its active form, abrogating pharmacodynamics of type II FLT3 inhibitors (e.g., midostaurin and quizartinib). Second generation type I inhibitors such as gilteritinib are consistently active against FLT3-TKD as well as FLT3-ITD. However, a “gatekeeper” mutation F691L shows universal resistance to all currently available FLT3 inhibitors. Off-target abnormalities are consisted with a variety of somatic mutations such as NRAS, AXL and PIM1 that bypass or reinforce FLT3 signaling. Off-target mutations can occur just in the primary FLT3-mutated clone or be gained by the evolution of other clones. A small number of cases show primary resistance by an FL-dependent, FGF2-dependent, and stromal CYP3A4-mediated manner. To overcome these mechanisms, the development of novel agents such as covalently-coupling FLT3 inhibitor FF-10101 and the investigation of combination therapy with different class agents are now ongoing. Along with novel agents, gene sequencing may improve clinical approaches by detecting additional targetable mutations and determining individual patterns of clonal evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoki Eguchi
- Department of Hematology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa 277-8577, Japan; (M.E.); (A.K.); (S.C.)
| | - Yosuke Minami
- Department of Hematology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa 277-8577, Japan; (M.E.); (A.K.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-4-7133-1111; Fax: +81-7133-6502
| | - Ayumi Kuzume
- Department of Hematology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa 277-8577, Japan; (M.E.); (A.K.); (S.C.)
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kameda Medical Center, Kamogawa 296-8602, Japan
| | - SungGi Chi
- Department of Hematology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa 277-8577, Japan; (M.E.); (A.K.); (S.C.)
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18
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Short NJ, Konopleva M, Kadia TM, Borthakur G, Ravandi F, DiNardo CD, Daver N. Advances in the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: New Drugs and New Challenges. Cancer Discov 2020; 10:506-525. [DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-19-1011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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19
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Targeting Apoptotic Pathways in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111660. [PMID: 31717784 PMCID: PMC6895902 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia is a devastating disease that continues to have a poor outcome for the majority of patients. In recent years, however, a number of drugs have received FDA approval, following on from successful clinical trial results. This parallels the characterization of the molecular landscape of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) over the last decade, which has led to the development of drugs targeting newly identified recurring mutations. In addition, basic biological research into the pathobiology of AML has identified aberrant programmed cell death pathways in AML. Following on from successful outcomes in lymphoid malignancies, drugs targeting the B Cell Lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) family of anti-apoptotic proteins have been explored in AML. In this review, we will outline the preclinical and clinical work to date supporting the role of drugs targeting BCL-2, with Venetoclax being the most advanced to date. We will also highlight rationale combinations using Venetoclax, ongoing clinical trials and biomarkers of response identified from the early phase clinical trials performed.
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20
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Abbas HA, Alfayez M, Kadia T, Ravandi-Kashani F, Daver N. Midostaurin In Acute Myeloid Leukemia: An Evidence-Based Review And Patient Selection. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:8817-8828. [PMID: 31632141 PMCID: PMC6782026 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s177894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fms-related-tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations occur in approximately a third of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and confer an adverse prognosis. Numerous studies have evaluated FLT3 targeting as single agent and in combination approaches in frontline and relapsed AML. At this time, midostaurin, a multikinase inhibitor, is the only FLT3-inhibitor that is US FDA approved to be used in combination with induction therapy in the frontline FLT3-mutated AML setting based on improved overall survival noted in the RATIFY Phase III trial. The utility of midostaurin in maintenance post stem cell transplantation has shown promising results and further studies are still ongoing. In this review, we discuss the studies that led to the inception of midostaurin as a targeted kinase inhibitor, its evaluation in AML, the early clinical trials and the large Phase III clinical trial that led to its eventual US FDA-approval in FLT3-mutated AML. Our review also discusses data on midostaurin adverse effects, mechanisms of resistance and limitations of its utility. We further discuss emerging second-generation FLT3 inhibitors, with a focus on quizartinib and gilteritinib and future directions to enhance FLT3-inhibitor efficacy and overcome mechanisms of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein A Abbas
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mansour Alfayez
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tapan Kadia
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Farhad Ravandi-Kashani
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Naval Daver
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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21
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Naqvi
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Farhad Ravandi
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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22
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Clinical candidates modulating protein-protein interactions: The fragment-based experience. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 167:76-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.01.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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23
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McBride A, Houtmann S, Wilde L, Vigil C, Eischen CM, Kasner M, Palmisiano N. The Role of Inhibition of Apoptosis in Acute Leukemias and Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Front Oncol 2019; 9:192. [PMID: 30972300 PMCID: PMC6445951 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Avoidance of apoptosis is a key mechanism that malignancies, including acute leukemias and MDS, utilize in order to proliferate and resist chemotherapy. Recently, venetoclax, an inhibitor of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2, has been approved for the treatment of upfront AML in an unfit, elderly population. This paper reviews the pre-clinical and clinical data for apoptosis inhibitors currently in development for the treatment of AML, ALL, and MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda McBride
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sarah Houtmann
- Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lindsay Wilde
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Carlos Vigil
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Christine M Eischen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Margaret Kasner
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Neil Palmisiano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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24
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Hillert LK, Bettermann‐Bethge K, Nimmagadda SC, Fischer T, Naumann M, Lavrik IN. Targeting RIPK1 in AML cells carrying FLT3‐ITD. Int J Cancer 2019; 145:1558-1569. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura K. Hillert
- Translational Inflammation Research, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Center of Dynamic Systems, Medical FacultyOtto von Guericke University Magdeburg Germany
| | - Kira Bettermann‐Bethge
- Translational Inflammation Research, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Center of Dynamic Systems, Medical FacultyOtto von Guericke University Magdeburg Germany
| | - Subbaiah Chary Nimmagadda
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and InflammationOtto von Guericke University, Medical Faculty Magdeburg Germany
| | - Thomas Fischer
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and InflammationOtto von Guericke University, Medical Faculty Magdeburg Germany
| | - Michael Naumann
- Institute of Experimental Internal Medicine, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and InflammationOtto von Guericke University, Medical Faculty Magdeburg Germany
| | - Inna N. Lavrik
- Translational Inflammation Research, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Center of Dynamic Systems, Medical FacultyOtto von Guericke University Magdeburg Germany
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25
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Short NJ, Kantarjian H, Ravandi F, Daver N. Emerging treatment paradigms with FLT3 inhibitors in acute myeloid leukemia. Ther Adv Hematol 2019; 10:2040620719827310. [PMID: 30800259 PMCID: PMC6378516 DOI: 10.1177/2040620719827310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene are detected in approximately one-third of patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These consist of the more common FLT3-internal tandem duplication (ITD) in approximately 20-25% of AML cases, and point mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) in approximately 5-10%. FLT3 mutations, especially FLT3-ITD, are associated with proliferative disease, increased risk of relapse, and inferior overall survival when treated with conventional regimens. However, the recent development of well tolerated and active FLT3 inhibitors has significantly improved the outcomes of this aggressive subtype of AML. The multikinase inhibitor midostaurin was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) in April 2017 for the frontline treatment of patients with FLT3-mutated (either ITD or TKD) AML in combination with induction chemotherapy, representing the first new drug approval in AML in nearly two decades. In November 2018, the US FDA also approved the second-generation FLT3 inhibitor gilteritinib as a single agent for patients with relapsed or refractory FLT3-mutated AML. Promising phase I and II efficacy data for quizartinib is likely to lead to a third regulatory approval in relapsed/refractory AML in the near future. However, despite the significant progress made in managing FLT3-mutated AML, many questions remain regarding the best approach to integrate these inhibitors into combination regimens, and also the optimal sequencing of different FLT3 inhibitors in various clinical settings. This review comprehensively examines the FLT3 inhibitors currently in clinical development, with an emphasis on their spectra of activity against different FLT3 mutations and other kinases, clinical safety and efficacy data, and their current and future roles in the management of AML. The mechanisms of resistance to FLT3 inhibitors and potential combination strategies to overcome such resistance pathways are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Short
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hagop Kantarjian
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Farhad Ravandi
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Naval Daver
- Department of Leukemia, Unit 428, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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26
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Dasatinib and navitoclax act synergistically to target NUP98-NSD1 +/FLT3-ITD + acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2018; 33:1360-1372. [PMID: 30568173 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-018-0327-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with co-occurring NUP98-NSD1 and FLT3-ITD is associated with unfavorable prognosis and represents a particularly challenging treatment group. To identify novel effective therapies for this AML subtype, we screened patient cells and engineered cell models with over 300 compounds. We found that mouse hematopoietic progenitors co-expressing NUP98-NSD1 and FLT3-ITD had significantly increased sensitivity to FLT3 and MEK-inhibitors compared to cells expressing either aberration alone (P < 0.001). The cells expressing NUP98-NSD1 alone had significantly increased sensitivity to BCL2-inhibitors (P = 0.029). Furthermore, NUP98-NSD1+/FLT3-ITD+ patient cells were also very sensitive to BCL2-inhibitor navitoclax, although the highest select sensitivity was found to SRC/ABL-inhibitor dasatinib (mean IC50 = 2.2 nM). Topoisomerase inhibitor mitoxantrone was the least effective drug against NUP98-NSD1+/FLT3-ITD+ AML cells. Of the 25 significant hits, four remained significant also compared to NUP98-NSD1-/FLT3-ITD+ AML patients. We found that SRC/ABL-inhibitor dasatinib is highly synergistic with BCL2-inhibitor navitoclax in NUP98-NSD1+/FLT3-ITD+ cells. Gene expression analysis supported the potential relevance of dasatinib and navitoclax by revealing significantly higher expression of BCL2A1, FGR, and LCK in NUP98-NSD1+/FLT3-ITD+ patients compared to healthy CD34+ cells. Our data suggest that dasatinib-navitoclax combination may offer a clinically relevant treatment strategy for AML with NUP98-NSD1 and concomitant FLT3-ITD.
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27
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Repression of Mcl-1 expression by the CDC7/CDK9 inhibitor PHA-767491 overcomes bone marrow stroma-mediated drug resistance in AML. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15752. [PMID: 30361682 PMCID: PMC6202320 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33982-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive cancer with 50-75% of patients relapsing even after successful chemotherapy. The role of the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) in protecting AML cells from chemotherapeutics and causing consequent relapse is increasingly recognised. However the role that the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins play as effectors of BMM-mediated drug resistance are less understood. Here we show that bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSC) provide resistance to AML cells against BH3-mimetics, cytarabine and daunorubicin, but this is not mediated by Bcl-2 and/or Bcl-XL as previously thought. Instead, BMSCs induced Mcl-1 expression over Bcl-2 and/or Bcl-XL in AML cells and inhibition of Mcl-1 with a small-molecule inhibitor, A1210477, or repressing its expression with the CDC7/CDK9 dual-inhibitor, PHA-767491 restored sensitivity to BH3-mimetics. Furthermore, combined inhibition of Bcl-2/Bcl-XL and Mcl-1 could revert BMSC-mediated resistance against cytarabine + daunorubicin. Importantly, the CD34+/CD38- leukemic stem cell-encompassing population was equally sensitive to the combination of PHA-767491 and ABT-737. These results indicate that Bcl-2/Bcl-XL and Mcl-1 act in a redundant fashion as effectors of BMM-mediated AML drug resistance and highlight the potential of Mcl-1-repression to revert BMM-mediated drug resistance in the leukemic stem cell population, thus, prevent disease relapse and ultimately improve patient survival.
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Zhou J, Chng WJ. Resistance to FLT3 inhibitors in acute myeloid leukemia: Molecular mechanisms and resensitizing strategies. World J Clin Oncol 2018; 9:90-97. [PMID: 30254964 PMCID: PMC6153124 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v9.i5.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is classified as a type III receptor tyrosine kinase, which exerts a key role in regulation of normal hematopoiesis. FLT3 mutation is the most common genetic mutation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and represents an attractive therapeutic target. Targeted therapy with FLT3 inhibitors in AML shows modest promising results in current ongoing clinical trials suggesting the complexity of FLT3 targeting in therapeutics. Importantly, resistance to FLT3 inhibitors may explain the lack of overwhelming response and could obstruct the successful treatment for AML. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of primary resistance and acquired resistance to FLT3 inhibitors and discuss the strategies to circumvent the emergency of drug resistance and to develop novel treatment intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbiao Zhou
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Wee-Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, NUHS, Singapore 119228, Singapore
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Assi R, Ravandi F. FLT3 inhibitors in acute myeloid leukemia: Choosing the best when the optimal does not exist. Am J Hematol 2018; 93:553-563. [PMID: 29285788 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.25027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Despite significant advances in deciphering the molecular and cytogenetic pathways governing acute myeloid leukemia, improvements in treatment strategies and clinical outcomes have been limited. The discovery of FLT3 pathway and its potential role in leukemogenesis has generated excitement in the field and has provided a potential target for drug development. Despite setbacks encountered with first-generation inhibitors, we are witnessing an outbreak of novel agents with potent activity and improved pharmacodynamics which continue to generate promising results. The disease, however, remains a challenge to both patients and physicians with rapid emergence of resistance and subsequent treatment failure. Multiple unanswered questions remain as to which are the optimal FLT3-inhibitors and which strategies and combinations are likely to overcome resistance. This review revisits the development of FLT3-inhibitors, the pathways incriminated in their failure and summarizes available molecularly-designed strategies to design better clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Assi
- Department of Leukemia; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston Texas
| | - Farhad Ravandi
- Department of Leukemia; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston Texas
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Timucin AC, Basaga H, Kutuk O. Selective targeting of antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins in cancer. Med Res Rev 2018; 39:146-175. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Can Timucin
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; Uskudar University; Uskudar Istanbul Turkey
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program; Sabanci University; Tuzla Istanbul Turkey
| | - Huveyda Basaga
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program; Sabanci University; Tuzla Istanbul Turkey
| | - Ozgur Kutuk
- Department of Medical Genetics; Adana Medical and Research Center; School of Medicine, Baskent University; Yuregir Adana Turkey
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Larrosa-Garcia M, Baer MR. FLT3 Inhibitors in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Current Status and Future Directions. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 16:991-1001. [PMID: 28576946 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), involved in regulating survival, proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, is expressed on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells in most patients. Mutations of FLT3 resulting in constitutive signaling are common in AML, including internal tandem duplication (ITD) in the juxtamembrane domain in 25% of patients and point mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain in 5%. Patients with AML with FLT3-ITD have a high relapse rate and short relapse-free and overall survival after chemotherapy and after transplant. A number of inhibitors of FLT3 signaling have been identified and are in clinical trials, both alone and with chemotherapy, with the goal of improving clinical outcomes in patients with AML with FLT3 mutations. While inhibitor monotherapy produces clinical responses, they are usually incomplete and transient, and resistance develops rapidly. Diverse combination therapies have been suggested to potentiate the efficacy of FLT3 inhibitors and to prevent development of resistance or overcome resistance. Combinations with epigenetic therapies, proteasome inhibitors, downstream kinase inhibitors, phosphatase activators, and other drugs that alter signaling are being explored. This review summarizes the current status of translational and clinical research on FLT3 inhibitors in AML, and discusses novel combination approaches. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(6); 991-1001. ©2017 AACR.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/mortality
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Mutation
- Protein Binding
- Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Protein Multimerization
- Tandem Repeat Sequences
- Treatment Outcome
- fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3/antagonists & inhibitors
- fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3/chemistry
- fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3/genetics
- fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Larrosa-Garcia
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Maria R Baer
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland.
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
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Yu N, Seedhouse C, Russell N, Pallis M. Quantitative assessment of the sensitivity of dormant AML cells to the BAD mimetics ABT-199 and ABT-737. Leuk Lymphoma 2018; 59:2447-2453. [PMID: 29431553 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2018.1434884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cells from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that remain dormant and protected by stromal cells may escape effects of chemotherapy. We modeled dormancy in vitro and investigated the ability of Bcl-2 inhibitors ABT-199 and ABT-737 to overcome chemoprotection of dormant cells. CD34-enriched primary AML cells with aberrant leukemia-associated phenotypes (LAPs) were cultured on stromal cells. The chemosensitivity of dormant (PKH26high), CD34+, LAP+ cells was ascertained by 5-colour flow cytometric counting after 12 d. The PKH26high, CD34+, LAP + subset retained clonogenic capacity. The dormant fraction was completely resistant to Ara-C (p = .007). However, ABT-199 and ABT-737 were able to reduce the dormant fraction by 84% and 80%, respectively, of their effects on proliferating counterparts. In conclusion, we have elaborated a system for quantifying chemosensitivity in LAP+ dormant leukemia cells, thought to contribute to disease relapse, and shown sensitivity of dormant LAP+ cells to ABT-199 and ABT-737 in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Yu
- a Department of Haematology , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , UK
| | - Claire Seedhouse
- a Department of Haematology , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , UK
| | - Nigel Russell
- a Department of Haematology , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , UK.,b Centre for Clinical Haematology , Nottingham University Hospitals , Nottingham , UK
| | - Monica Pallis
- b Centre for Clinical Haematology , Nottingham University Hospitals , Nottingham , UK
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Kavanagh S, Murphy T, Law A, Yehudai D, Ho JM, Chan S, Schimmer AD. Emerging therapies for acute myeloid leukemia: translating biology into the clinic. JCI Insight 2017; 2:95679. [PMID: 28931762 PMCID: PMC5621868 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.95679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematological malignancy with a poor outcome; overall survival is approximately 35% at two years and some subgroups have a less than 5% two-year survival. Recently, significant improvements have been made in our understanding of AML biology and genetics. These fundamental discoveries are now being translated into new therapies for this disease. This review will discuss recent advances in AML biology and the emerging treatments that are arising from biological studies. Specifically, we will consider new therapies that target molecular mutations in AML and dysregulated pathways such as apoptosis and mitochondrial metabolism. We will also discuss recent advances in immune and cellular therapy for AML.
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Naqvi K, Konopleva M, Ravandi F. Targeted therapies in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: a focus on FLT-3 inhibitors and ABT199. Expert Rev Hematol 2017; 10:863-874. [PMID: 28799432 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2017.1366852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a therapeutic challenge. Despite ongoing research, the standard therapy for AML has not changed significantly in the past four decades. With the identification of cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities, several promising therapeutic agents are currently being investigated. FLT3 mutation is a well-recognized target seen in 30% of the cytogenetically normal AML. More recently, the BCL2 family of anti-apoptotic proteins have also generated great interest as a therapeutic target. Areas covered: This review will cover the role of FLT3 inhibitors in AML, discussing trials in relapsed/refractory AML and in the frontline setting, including the young and elderly patient population. Toxicities and potential mechanism of resistance will also be covered. In addition, most current studies demonstrating the role of BCL-2 inhibitors namely ABT-199/venetoclax in AML will also be discussed. Expert commentary: AML is one of the most heterogeneous group of hematological malignancies. It remains a therapeutic challenge with limited therapeutic progress despite ongoing research. With the identification of different mutations in AML, several drugs are being evaluated in clinical trials. Targeted agents such as FLT3 inhibitors and BH3 mimetics so far have shown promising results in terms of response and toxicity profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Naqvi
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Marina Konopleva
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Farhad Ravandi
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
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35
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Ghiaur G, Levis M. Mechanisms of Resistance to FLT3 Inhibitors and the Role of the Bone Marrow Microenvironment. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2017; 31:681-692. [PMID: 28673395 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The presence of FLT3 mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) carries a particularly poor prognosis, making the development of FLT3 inhibitors an imperative goal. The last decade has seen an abundance of clinical trials using these drugs alone or in combination with chemotherapy. This culminated with the recent approval by the US Food and Drug Administration of Midostaurin for the treatment of FLT3-mutated AML. Initial success has been followed by the emergence of clinical resistance. Although novel FLT3 inhibitors are being developed, studies into mechanisms of resistance raise hope of new strategies to prevent emergence of resistance and eliminate minimal residual disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Ghiaur
- Adult Leukemia Program, Division of Hematological Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans Street CRB I, Room 243, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Mark Levis
- Adult Leukemia Program, Division of Hematological Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans Street CRB I, Room 2M44, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Brumatti G, Lalaoui N, Wei AH, Silke J. 'Did He Who Made the Lamb Make Thee?' New Developments in Treating the 'Fearful Symmetry' of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Trends Mol Med 2017; 23:264-281. [PMID: 28196625 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Malignant cells must circumvent endogenous cell death pathways to survive and develop into cancers. Acquired cell death resistance also sets up malignant cells to survive anticancer therapies. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer characterized by high relapse rate and resistance to cytotoxic therapies. Recent collaborative profiling projects have led to a greater understanding of the 'fearful symmetry' of the genomic landscape of AML, and point to the development of novel potential therapies that can overcome factors linked to chemoresistance. We review here the most recent research in the genetics of AML and how these discoveries have led, or might lead, to therapies that specifically activate cell death pathways to substantially challenge this 'fearful' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Brumatti
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Najoua Lalaoui
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew H Wei
- Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John Silke
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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37
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Khan N, Hills RK, Knapper S, Steadman L, Qureshi U, Rector JL, Bradbury C, Russell NH, Vyas P, Burnett AK, Grimwade D, Hole PS, Freeman SD. Normal Hematopoietic Progenitor Subsets Have Distinct Reactive Oxygen Species, BCL2 and Cell-Cycle Profiles That Are Decoupled from Maturation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163291. [PMID: 27669008 PMCID: PMC5036879 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In acute myeloid leukemia (AML) quiescence and low oxidative state, linked to BCL2 mitochondrial regulation, endow leukemic stem cells (LSC) with treatment-resistance. LSC in CD34+ and more mature CD34- AML have heterogeneous immunophenotypes overlapping with normal stem/progenitor cells (SPC) but may be differentiated by functional markers. We therefore investigated the oxidative/reactive oxygen species (ROS) profile, its relationship with cell-cycle/BCL2 for normal SPC, and whether altered in AML and myelodysplasia (MDS). In control BM (n = 24), ROS levels were highest in granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (GMP) and CD34- myeloid precursors but megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors had equivalent levels to CD34+CD38low immature-SPC although they were ki67high. BCL2 upregulation was specific to GMPs. This profile was also observed for CD34+SPC in MDS-without-excess-blasts (MDS-noEB, n = 12). Erythroid CD34- precursors were, however, abnormally ROS-high in MDS-noEB, potentially linking oxidative stress to cell loss. In pre-treatment AML (n = 93) and MDS-with-excess-blasts (MDS-RAEB) (n = 14), immunophenotypic mature-SPC had similar ROS levels to co-existing immature-SPC. However ROS levels varied between AMLs; Flt3ITD+/NPM1wild-type CD34+SPC had higher ROS than NPM1mutated CD34+ or CD34- SPC. An aberrant ki67lowBCL2high immunophenotype was observed in CD34+AML (most prominent in Flt3ITD AMLs) but also in CD34- AMLs and MDS-RAEB, suggesting a shared redox/pro-survival adaptation. Some patients had BCL2 overexpression in CD34+ ROS-high as well as ROS-low fractions which may be indicative of poor early response to standard chemotherapy. Thus normal SPC subsets have distinct ROS, cell-cycle, BCL2 profiles that in AML /MDS-RAEB are decoupled from maturation. The combined profile of these functional properties in AML subpopulations may be relevant to differential treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naeem Khan
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Robert K. Hills
- Department of Haematology, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Steve Knapper
- Department of Haematology, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Lora Steadman
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ushna Qureshi
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jerrald L. Rector
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Bradbury
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel H. Russell
- Centre for Clinical Haematology, Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paresh Vyas
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alan K. Burnett
- Department of Haematology, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - David Grimwade
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King’s College London School of Medicine, Guy’s & St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul S. Hole
- Department of Haematology, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sylvie D. Freeman
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Zhang Z, Su P, Li X, Song T, Chai G, Yu X, Zhang K. Novel Mcl-1/Bcl-2 Dual Inhibitors Created by the Structure-Based Hybridization of Drug-Divided Building Blocks and a Fragment Deconstructed from a Known Two-Face BH3 Mimetic. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2015; 348:89-99. [DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201400296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals School of Chemistry; Dalian University of Technology; Dalian P. R. China
| | - Pengchen Su
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals School of Chemistry; Dalian University of Technology; Dalian P. R. China
- Chengde Petroleum College; Hebei P. R. China
| | - Xiangqian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals School of Chemistry; Dalian University of Technology; Dalian P. R. China
| | - Ting Song
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals School of Chemistry; Dalian University of Technology; Dalian P. R. China
| | - Gaobo Chai
- School of Life Science and Technology; Dalian University of Technology; Dalian P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Yu
- School of Life Science and Technology; Dalian University of Technology; Dalian P. R. China
| | - Keren Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals School of Chemistry; Dalian University of Technology; Dalian P. R. China
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Annesley CE, Brown P. The Biology and Targeting of FLT3 in Pediatric Leukemia. Front Oncol 2014; 4:263. [PMID: 25295230 PMCID: PMC4172015 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite remarkable improvement in treatment outcomes in pediatric leukemia over the past several decades, the prognosis for high-risk groups of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), as well as for relapsed leukemia, remains poor. Intensification of chemotherapy regimens for those at highest risk has improved success rates, but at the cost of significantly increased morbidity and long-term adverse effects. With the success of imatinib in Philadelphia-chromosome-positive leukemia and all-trans retinoic acid in acute promyelocytic leukemia, the quest to find additional molecularly targeted therapies has generated much excitement over recent years. Another such possible target in pediatric acute leukemia is FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3). FLT3 aberrations are among the most frequently identified transforming events in AML, and have significant clinical implications in both high-risk pediatric AML and in certain high-risk groups of pediatric ALL. Therefore, the successful targeting of FLT3 has tremendous potential to improve outcomes in these subsets of patients. This article will give an overview of the molecular function and signaling of the FLT3 receptor, as well as its pathogenic role in leukemia. We review the discovery of targeting FLT3, discuss currently available FLT3 inhibitors in pediatric leukemia and results of clinical trials to date, and finally, consider the future promise and challenges of FLT3 inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen E. Annesley
- Oncology and Pediatrics, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Patrick Brown
- Oncology and Pediatrics, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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40
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Mohana-Kumaran N, Hill DS, Allen JD, Haass NK. Targeting the intrinsic apoptosis pathway as a strategy for melanoma therapy. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2014; 27:525-39. [PMID: 24655414 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma drug resistance is often attributed to abrogation of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Targeting regulators of apoptosis is thus considered a promising approach to sensitizing melanomas to treatment. The development of small-molecule inhibitors that mimic natural antagonists of either antiapoptotic members of the BCL-2 family or the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), known as BH3- or SMAC-mimetics, respectively, are helping us to understand the mechanisms behind apoptotic resistance. Studies using BH3-mimetics indicate that the antiapoptotic BCL-2 protein MCL-1 and its antagonist NOXA are particularly important regulators of BCL-2 family signaling, while SMAC-mimetic studies show that both XIAP and the cIAPs must be targeted to effectively induce apoptosis of cancer cells. Although most solid tumors, including melanoma, are insensitive to these mimetic drugs as single agents, combinations with other therapeutics have yielded promising results, and tests combining them with BRAF-inhibitors, which have already revolutionized melanoma treatment, are a clear priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nethia Mohana-Kumaran
- The Centenary Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
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41
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BAK activation is necessary and sufficient to drive ceramide synthase-dependent ceramide accumulation following inhibition of BCL2-like proteins. Biochem J 2013; 452:111-9. [PMID: 23480852 DOI: 10.1042/bj20130147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Determining mechanistic details about how drugs kill cancer cells is critical for predicting which cancers will respond to given therapeutic regimens and for identifying effective combinations of drugs that more potently kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells. The BCL2 family of proteins and bioactive sphingolipids are intricately linked during apoptotic cell death. In fact, many chemotherapeutic drugs are known to cause accumulation of the pro-apoptotic sphingolipid ceramide; however, the mechanism by which this occurs is not completely understood. In the present study we demonstrate that direct inhibition of anti-apoptotic BCL2 proteins with ABT-263 is sufficient to induce C(16)-ceramide synthesis in multiple cell lines, including human leukaemia and myeloma cells. ABT-263 activates CerS (ceramide synthase) activity only in cells expressing BAK or in cells capable of activating BAK. Importantly, recombinant BAK is sufficient to increase in vitro CerS activity in microsomes purified from Bak-KO (knockout) cells and activated BAK more potently activates CerS than inactive BAK. Likewise, ABT-263 addition to wild-type, but not Bak-deficient, microsomes increases CerS in vitro activity. Furthermore, we present a feed-forward model by which BAK activation of CerS by chemotherapeutic drugs leads to elevated ceramide levels that result in synergistic channel formation by ceramide (or one of its metabolites) and BAX/BAK.
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42
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Grunwald MR, Levis MJ. FLT3 inhibitors for acute myeloid leukemia: a review of their efficacy and mechanisms of resistance. Int J Hematol 2013; 97:683-94. [PMID: 23613268 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-013-1334-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Since the Food and Drug Administration approval of imatinib for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in 2001, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have become a mainstay in the care of many malignancies. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), activating mutations in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene result in survival and proliferation of leukemic blasts and are associated with adverse prognosis. Therefore, the FLT3 receptor is an appealing target for inhibition. Multiple small molecule TKIs are currently in development for FLT3-mutated AML, and agents are beginning to show promising efficacy. In other malignancies, the development of resistance to TKIs during the course of therapy has proven to be a challenge, and thus far, in clinical trials of FLT3 TKIs, resistance to inhibition represents a significant barrier to successful FLT3 inhibition. Understanding the mechanisms of resistance and overcoming these obstacles to target inhibition will be central to the success of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Grunwald
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, 1650 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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Shigemi H, Yamauchi T, Tanaka Y, Ueda T. Novel leukemic cell lines resistant to clofarabine by mechanisms of decreased active metabolite and increased antiapoptosis. Cancer Sci 2013; 104:732-9. [PMID: 23421409 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Revised: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Clofarabine (CAFdA) is incorporated into leukemic cells by human equilibrative nucleoside transporters (hENT) 1 and 2 and human concentrative nucleoside transporter (hCNT) 3. CAFdA is then phosphorylated to the active metabolite CAFdA triphosphate (CAFdATP) by deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) and deoxyguanosine kinase (dGK). Two novel CAFdA-resistant variants were established and their mechanism of resistance was elucidated. The two variants (HL/CAFdA20, HL/CAFdA80) were 20-fold and 80-fold more CAFdA-resistant than HL-60, respectively. mRNA levels of hENT1, hENT2 and hCNT3 were 53.9, 41.8 and 17.7% in HL/CAFdA20, and 30.8, 13.9 and 7.9% in HL/CAFdA80, respectively, compared with HL-60. Thus, the total nucleoside transport capacity of CAFdA was reduced in both variants. dCK protein levels were 1/2 in HL/CAFdA20 and 1/8 in HL/CAFdA80 of that of HL-60. dGK protein levels were 1/2 and 1/3, respectively. CAFdATP production after 4-h incubation with 10 μM CAFdA was 20 pmol/10(7) cells in HL/CAFdA20 and 3 pmol/10(7) cells in HL/CAFdA80 compared with 63 pmol/10(7) cells in HL-60. The decreased CAFdATP production attenuated drug incorporation into both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. In addition, the two variants were resistant to CAFdA-induced apoptosis due to Bcl2 overexpression and decreased Bim. A Bcl2 inhibitor, ABT737, acted synergistically with CAFdA to inhibit the growth with combination index values of 0.27 in HL/CAFdA20 and 0.23 in HL/CAFdA80, compared with 0.65 in HL-60. Thus, the mechanism of resistance primarily included not only reduced CAFdATP production, but also increased antiapoptosis. The combination of CAFdA and ABT737 may be effective against CAFdA resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Shigemi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan
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Wendt MD. Discovery of ABT-263, a Bcl-family protein inhibitor: observations on targeting a large protein-protein interaction. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2013; 3:1123-43. [PMID: 23506184 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.3.9.1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The discovery of ABT-263, a rationally designed Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibitor at present in Phase I clinical trials for cancer, is described. Emphasis is placed on the specific hurdles overcome throughout the discovery process that relate to the nature of the targeted protein-protein interaction (PPI). OBJECTIVE/METHODS This review draws on observations from the experience of discovering ABT-263 and discusses them within the framework of the larger issue of discovering drugs targeting PPIs. Issues discussed include the 'hot spot' paradigm, hit and lead generation, serum protein binding, structure-based design, and in particular, hydrophobicity and molecular size and their relation to pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties. RESULTS/CONCLUSION Approaches to understanding obstacles thought of as being specifically attached to PPIs, and existing techniques to combat these obstacles, were very helpful in overcoming them. The example of ABT-263 provides evidence that the larger family of PPI targets is more tractable than may have been thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Wendt
- Abbott Laboratories, Cancer Research, Global Pharmaceutical R&D, Dept R4N6, Bldg. AP10-3, 100 Abbott Park Road, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064, USA +1 847 937 9305 ; +1 847 938 1004 ;
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Raychaudhuri S, Das S. Low Probability Activation of Bax/Bak Can Induce Selective Killing of Cancer Cells by Generating Heterogeneity in Apoptosis. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2013; 4:47-66. [DOI: 10.1260/2040-2295.4.1.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Ackler S, Mitten MJ, Chen J, Clarin J, Foster K, Jin S, Phillips DC, Schlessinger S, Wang B, Leverson JD, Boghaert ER. Navitoclax (ABT-263) and bendamustine ± rituximab induce enhanced killing of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma tumours in vivo. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 167:881-91. [PMID: 22624727 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02048.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Bendamustine with or without rituximab provides an effective and more tolerable alternative to the polytherapy cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-vincristine-prednisolone (CHOP) in the treatment of haematological tumours and is currently approved for the treatment of many haematological malignancies. Navitoclax (ABT-263) is a potent inhibitor of Bcl-2, Bcl-x(L) and Bcl-w, which has demonstrated efficacy in haematological tumours alone and in combination with other agents. This paper describes the in vivo efficacy of combining either bendamustine or bendamustine plus rituximab (BR) with navitoclax in xenograft models of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Activity was tested in xenograft models of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DoHH-2, SuDHL-4), mantle cell lymphoma (Granta 519) and Burkitt's lymphoma (RAMOS). Activity was also monitored in a systemic model of Granta 519. KEY RESULTS Navitoclax potentiated bendamustine activity in all cell lines tested. Bendamustine activated p53 in Granta 519 tumours, concurrent with activation of caspase 3. Navitoclax also improved responses to bendamustine-rituximab (BR) in a subset of tumours. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Navitoclax in combination with bendamustine and BR is a viable combination strategy for use in the clinic and demonstrated superior efficacy compared with previously reported data for navitoclax plus CHOP and rituximab-CHOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ackler
- Global Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abbott Labs, Abbott Park, IL, USA.
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Pallis M, Abdul-Aziz A, Burrows F, Seedhouse C, Grundy M, Russell N. The multi-kinase inhibitor TG02 overcomes signalling activation by survival factors to deplete MCL1 and XIAP and induce cell death in primary acute myeloid leukaemia cells. Br J Haematol 2012; 159:191-203. [PMID: 22934750 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.12018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The novel multi-kinase inhibitor TG02 has selectivity against cell cycle and transcriptional cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) as well as fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-3 (FLT3). Inhibition of transcriptional CDKs preferentially depletes short-lived proteins such as MCL1. We evaluated the in vitro toxicity of TG02 to primary acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells in the presence of survival signalling pathway activation by cytokines and fibronectin. One hundred nanomolar TG02 induced a median decrease of 40% in bulk cell survival and 43% in the CD34(+) CD38(-) CD123(+) subset. A 90% inhibitory concentration of 500 nmol/l indicated that TG02 toxicity is not halted by protective cell cycle arrest. Samples with FLT3 internal tandem duplication were not preferentially targeted. By flow cytometry, TG02 treatment caused loss of RNA Polymerase II serine 2 phosphorylation in patient samples, which correlated strongly with BAX activation (R(2) =0·89), suggesting these as potential biomarkers for clinical studies. MCL1 and XIAP expression also decreased. Repeated brief exposure to TG02 in MOLM-13 cells did not result in compensatory up-regulation of survival protein expression. In conclusion, TG02 is potently cytotoxic towards CD34(+) CD38(-) CD123(+) and bulk AML cells, despite protective signalling pathway activation. This antitumour activity is most likely mediated by dephosphorylation of RNA Polymerase II leading to depletion of survival molecules such as MCL1 and XIAP, with subsequent BAX activation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Pallis
- Academic Haematology, Nottingham University Hospitals City Campus, Clinical Sciences Building, Nottingham, UK.
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Beverly LJ. Regulation of anti-apoptotic BCL2-proteins by non-canonical interactions: the next step forward or two steps back? J Cell Biochem 2012; 113:3-12. [PMID: 21898539 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.23335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
All aspects of cellular biology affect the process of regulated cell death, or apoptosis, and disruption of this process is a causative event in many diseases. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of all pathways that regulate apoptosis would increase our knowledge of basic cellular functions, as well as the etiologies of many diseases. In turn, we may be able to use this knowledge to better treat patients with diseases, including cancer. Although the basic signaling pathway that regulates apoptosis has been known for over 10 years, we still have much to learn about the upstream signaling components that can directly regulate the core apoptosis machinery. The focus of this review will be to direct attention to non-canonical regulators of the BCL2-family of proteins, especially our void of understanding of such interactions, and the controversy that surrounds some such interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi J Beverly
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
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Targeting MCL-1 sensitizes FLT3-ITD-positive leukemias to cytotoxic therapies. Blood Cancer J 2012; 2:e60. [PMID: 22829255 PMCID: PMC3317524 DOI: 10.1038/bcj.2012.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Revised: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients suffering from acute myeloid leukemias (AML) bearing FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3-internal tandem duplications (FLT3-ITD) have poor outcomes following cytarabine- and anthracyclin-based induction therapy. To a major part this is attributed to drug resistance of FLT3-ITD-positive leukemic cells. Against this background, we have devised an antibody array approach to identify proteins, which are differentially expressed by hematopoietic cells in relation to activated FLT3 signaling. Selective upregulation of antiapoptotic myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) was found in FLT3-ITD-positive cell lines and primary mononuclear cells from AML patients as compared with FLT3-wild-type controls. Upregulation of MCL-1 was dependent on FLT3 signaling as confirmed by its reversion upon pharmacological inhibition of FLT3 activity by the kinase inhibitor PKC412 as well as siRNA-mediated suppression of FLT3. Heterologously expressed MCL-1 substituted for FLT3 signaling by conferring resistance of hematopoietic cells to antileukemia drugs such as cytarabine and daunorubicin, and to the proapoptotic BH3 mimetic ABT-737. Conversely, suppression of endogenous MCL-1 by siRNA or by flavopiridol treatment sensitized FLT3-ITD-expressing hematopoietic cells to cytotoxic and targeted therapeutics. In conclusion, MCL-1 is an essential effector of FLT3-ITD-mediated drug resistance. Therapeutic targeting of MCL-1 is a promising strategy to overcome drug resistance in FLT3-ITD-positive AML.
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