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Ríos-Hoyo A, Monzonís X, Vidal J, Linares J, Montagut C. Unveiling acquired resistance to anti-EGFR therapies in colorectal cancer: a long and winding road. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1398419. [PMID: 38711991 PMCID: PMC11070789 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1398419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Emergence of acquired resistance limits the efficacy of the anti-EGFR therapies cetuximab and panitumumab in metastatic colorectal cancer. In the last decade, preclinical and clinical cohort studies have uncovered genomic alterations that confer a selective advantage to tumor cells under EGFR blockade, mainly downstream re-activation of RAS-MEK signaling and mutations in the extracellular domain of EGFR (EGFR-ECD). Liquid biopsies (genotyping of ctDNA) have been established as an excellent tool to easily monitor the dynamics of genomic alterations resistance in the blood of patients and to select patients for rechallenge with anti-EGFR therapies. Accordingly, several clinical trials have shown clinical benefit of rechallenge with anti-EGFR therapy in genomically-selected patients using ctDNA. However, alternative mechanisms underpinning resistance beyond genomics -mainly related to the tumor microenvironment-have been unveiled, specifically relevant in patients receiving chemotherapy-based multi-drug treatment in first line. This review explores the complexity of the multifaceted mechanisms that mediate secondary resistance to anti-EGFR therapies and potential therapeutic strategies to circumvent acquired resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Ríos-Hoyo
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Xavier Monzonís
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joana Vidal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jenniffer Linares
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Montagut
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
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2
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Li Y, Lin H, Hong H, Li D, Gong L, Zhao J, Wang Z, Wu Z. Multivalent Rhamnose-Modified EGFR-Targeting Nanobody Gains Enhanced Innate Fc Effector Immunity and Overcomes Cetuximab Resistance via Recruitment of Endogenous Antibodies. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307613. [PMID: 38286668 PMCID: PMC10987161 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Cetuximab resistance is a significant challenge in cancer treatment, requiring the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, a series of multivalent rhamnose (Rha)-modified nanobody conjugates are synthesized and their antitumor activities and their potential to overcome cetuximab resistance are investigated. Structure-activity relationship studies reveal that the multivalent conjugate D5, bearing sixteen Rha haptens, elicits the most potent innate fragment crystallizable (Fc) effector immunity in vitro and exhibits an excellent in vivo pharmacokinetics by recruiting endogenous antibodies. Notably, it is found that the optimal conjugate D5 represents a novel entity capable of reversing cetuximab-resistance induced by serine protease (PRSS). Moreover, in a xenograft mouse model, conjugate D5 exhibits significantly improved antitumor efficacy compared to unmodified nanobodies and cetuximab. The findings suggest that Rha-Nanobody (Nb) conjugates hold promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cetuximab-resistant tumors by enhancing the innate Fc effector immunity and enhancing the recruitment of endogenous antibodies to promote cancer cell clearance by innate immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Han Lin
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Haofei Hong
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Dan Li
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Liang Gong
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Jie Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Zheng Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Zhimeng Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
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3
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Brockmueller A, Sajeev A, Koklesova L, Samuel SM, Kubatka P, Büsselberg D, Kunnumakkara AB, Shakibaei M. Resveratrol as sensitizer in colorectal cancer plasticity. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:55-85. [PMID: 37507626 PMCID: PMC11016130 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10126-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Despite tremendous medical treatment successes, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Chemotherapy as monotherapy can lead to significant side effects and chemoresistance that can be linked to several resistance-activating biological processes, including an increase in inflammation, cellular plasticity, multidrug resistance (MDR), inhibition of the sentinel gene p53, and apoptosis. As a consequence, tumor cells can escape the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents. This underscores the need for cross-target therapeutic approaches that are not only pharmacologically safe but also modulate multiple potent signaling pathways and sensitize cancer cells to overcome resistance to standard drugs. In recent years, scientists have been searching for natural compounds that can be used as chemosensitizers in addition to conventional medications for the synergistic treatment of CRC. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic phytoalexin found in various fruits and vegetables such as peanuts, berries, and red grapes, is one of the most effective natural chemopreventive agents. Abundant in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that resveratrol, in interaction with standard drugs, is an effective chemosensitizer for CRC cells to chemotherapeutic agents and thus prevents drug resistance by modulating multiple pathways, including transcription factors, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-plasticity, proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, cell cycle, and apoptosis. The ability of resveratrol to modify multiple subcellular pathways that may suppress cancer cell plasticity and reversal of chemoresistance are critical parameters for understanding its anti-cancer effects. In this review, we focus on the chemosensitizing properties of resveratrol in CRC and, thus, its potential importance as an additive to ongoing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aranka Brockmueller
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Anjana Sajeev
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Lenka Koklesova
- Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Kollarova 2, 03601, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Samson Mathews Samuel
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (Medbay), Education City, Qatar Foundation, 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mala Hora 4, 03601, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Dietrich Büsselberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (Medbay), Education City, Qatar Foundation, 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Mehdi Shakibaei
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, D-80336, Munich, Germany.
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4
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Zhang Y. Targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor for Cancer Treatment: Abolishing Both Kinase-Dependent and Kinase-Independent Functions of the Receptor. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:1218-1232. [PMID: 37339882 PMCID: PMC10595022 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a receptor tyrosine kinase, is activated by ligand binding, overexpression, or mutation. It is well known for its tyrosine kinase-dependent oncogenic activities in a variety of human cancers. A large number of EGFR inhibitors have been developed for cancer treatment, including monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and a vaccine. The EGFR inhibitors are aimed at inhibiting the activation or the activity of EGFR tyrosine kinase. However, these agents have shown efficacy in only a few types of cancers. Drug resistance, both intrinsic and acquired, is common even in cancers where the inhibitors have shown efficacy. The drug resistance mechanism is complex and not fully known. The key vulnerability of cancer cells that are resistant to EGFR inhibitors has not been identified. Nevertheless, it has been increasingly recognized in recent years that EGFR also possesses kinase-independent oncogenic functions and that these noncanonical functions may play a crucial role in cancer resistance to EGFR inhibitors. In this review, both kinase-dependent and -independent activities of EGFR are discussed. Also discussed are the mechanisms of actions and therapeutic activities of clinically used EGFR inhibitors and sustained EGFR overexpression and EGFR interaction with other receptor tyrosine kinases to counter the EGFR inhibitors. Moreover, this review discusses emerging experimental therapeutics that have shown potential for overcoming the limitation of the current EGFR inhibitors in preclinical studies. The findings underscore the importance and feasibility of targeting both kinase-dependent and -independent functions of EGFR to enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize drug resistance. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: EGFR is a major oncogenic driver and therapeutic target, but cancer resistance to current EGFR inhibitors remains a significant unmet clinical problem. This article reviews the cancer biology of EGFR as well as the mechanisms of actions and the therapeutic efficacies of current and emerging EGFR inhibitors. The findings could potentially lead to development of more effective treatments for EGFR-positive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuesheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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5
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Ren SN, Zhang ZY, Guo RJ, Wang DR, Chen FF, Chen XB, Fang XD. Application of nanotechnology in reversing therapeutic resistance and controlling metastasis of colorectal cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:1911-1941. [PMID: 37155531 PMCID: PMC10122790 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i13.1911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common digestive malignancy across the world. Its first-line treatments applied in the routine clinical setting include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, resistance to therapy has been identified as the major clinical challenge that fails the treatment method, leading to recurrence and distant metastasis. An increasing number of studies have been attempting to explore the underlying mechanisms of the resistance of CRC cells to different therapies, which can be summarized into two aspects: (1) The intrinsic characters and adapted alterations of CRC cells before and during treatment that regulate the drug metabolism, drug transport, drug target, and the activation of signaling pathways; and (2) the suppressive features of the tumor microenvironment (TME). To combat the issue of therapeutic resistance, effective strategies are warranted with a focus on the restoration of CRC cells’ sensitivity to specific treatments as well as reprogramming impressive TME into stimulatory conditions. To date, nanotechnology seems promising with scope for improvement of drug mobility, treatment efficacy, and reduction of systemic toxicity. The instinctive advantages offered by nanomaterials enable the diversity of loading cargoes to increase drug concentration and targeting specificity, as well as offer a platform for trying the combination of different treatments to eventually prevent tumor recurrence, metastasis, and reversion of therapy resistance. The present review intends to summarize the known mechanisms of CRC resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, as well as the process of metastasis. We have also emphasized the recent application of nanomaterials in combating therapeutic resistance and preventing metastasis either by combining with other treatment approaches or alone. In summary, nanomedicine is an emerging technology with potential for CRC treatment; hence, efforts should be devoted to targeting cancer cells for the restoration of therapeutic sensitivity as well as reprogramming the TME. It is believed that the combined strategy will be beneficial to achieve synergistic outcomes contributing to control and management of CRC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Nan Ren
- Nanomedicine and Translational Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zhan-Yi Zhang
- Bethune Third Clinical Medical College, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Rui-Jie Guo
- Bethune Third Clinical Medical College, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Da-Ren Wang
- Bethune Third Clinical Medical College, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Fang-Fang Chen
- Nanomedicine and Translational Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xue-Bo Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xue-Dong Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
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6
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Doleschal B, Petzer A, Rumpold H. Current concepts of anti-EGFR targeting in metastatic colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1048166. [PMID: 36465407 PMCID: PMC9714621 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1048166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-EGFR targeting is one of the key strategies in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). For almost two decades oncologists have struggled to implement EGFR antibodies in the mCRC continuum of care. Both sidedness and RAS mutational status rank high among the predictive factors for the clinical efficacy of EGFR inhibitors. A prospective phase III trial has recently confirmed that anti-EGFR targeting confers an overall survival benefit only in left sided RAS-wildtype tumors when given in first line. It is a matter of discussion if more clinical benefit can be reached by considering putative primary resistance mechanisms (e.g., HER2, BRAF, PIK3CA, etc.) at this early stage of treatment. The value of this procedure in daily routine clinical utility has not yet been clearly delineated. Re-exposure to EGFR antibodies becomes increasingly crucial in the disease journey of mCRC. Yet re- induction or re-challenge strategies have been problematic as they relied on mathematical models that described the timely decay of EGFR antibody resistant clones. The advent of liquid biopsy and the implementation of more accurate next-generation sequencing (NGS) based high throughput methods allows for tracing of EGFR resistant clones in real time. These displays the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of metastatic disease compared to the former standard radiographic assessment and re-biopsy. These techniques may move EGFR inhibition in mCRC into the area of precision medicine in order to apply EGFR antibodies with the increase or decrease of EGFR resistant clones. This review critically discusses established concepts of tackling the EGFR pathway in mCRC and provides insight into the growing field of liquid biopsy guided personalized approaches of EGFR inhibition in mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Doleschal
- Department of Internal Medicine I for Hematology With Stem Cell Transplantation, Hemostaseology and Medical Oncology, Ordensklinikum Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Andreas Petzer
- Department of Internal Medicine I for Hematology With Stem Cell Transplantation, Hemostaseology and Medical Oncology, Ordensklinikum Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Holger Rumpold
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Ordensklinikum Linz, Linz, Austria
- Johannes Kepler University Linz, Medical Faculty, Linz, Austria
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7
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Zhuang X, Wang Z, Fan J, Bai X, Xu Y, Chou JJ, Hou T, Chen S, Pan L. Structure-guided and phage-assisted evolution of a therapeutic anti-EGFR antibody to reverse acquired resistance. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4431. [PMID: 35907884 PMCID: PMC9338999 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32159-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquired resistance to cetuximab in colorectal cancers is partially mediated by the acquisition of mutations located in the cetuximab epitope in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ectodomain and hinders the clinical application of cetuximab. We develop a structure-guided and phage-assisted evolution approach for cetuximab evolution to reverse EGFRS492R- or EGFRG465R-driven resistance without altering the binding epitope or undermining antibody efficacy. Two evolved cetuximab variants, Ctx-VY and Ctx-Y104D, exhibit a restored binding ability with EGFRS492R, which harbors the most common resistance substitution, S492R. Ctx-W52D exhibits restored binding with EGFR harboring another common cetuximab resistance substitution, G465R (EGFRG465R). All the evolved cetuximab variants effectively inhibit EGFR activation and downstream signaling and induce the internalization and degradation of EGFRS492R and EGFRG465R as well as EGFRWT. The evolved cetuximab variants (Ctx-VY, Ctx-Y104D and Ctx-W52D) with one or two amino acid substitutions in the complementarity-determining region inherit the optimized physical and chemical properties of cetuximab to a great extent, thus ensuring their druggability. Our data collectively show that structure-guided and phage-assisted evolution is an efficient and general approach for reversing receptor mutation-mediated resistance to therapeutic antibody drugs. Acquired resistance to cetuximab can be mediated by generation of mutations in the EGFR ectodomain. Here the authors report a structure-guided and phage-assisted evolution approach for cetuximab evolution to reverse resistance without altering the binding epitope or undermining antibody efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Zhuang
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jiansheng Fan
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xuefei Bai
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yingchun Xu
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - James J Chou
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 250 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tingjun Hou
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shuqing Chen
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China. .,Department of Precision Medicine on Tumor Therapeutics, ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou, 311200, China.
| | - Liqiang Pan
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China. .,The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China. .,Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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8
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Yang L, Bhattacharya A, Li Y, Sexton S, Ling X, Li F, Zhang Y. Depleting receptor tyrosine kinases EGFR and HER2 overcomes resistance to EGFR inhibitors in colorectal cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:184. [PMID: 35650607 PMCID: PMC9161494 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02389-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, including cetuximab and panitumumab, are valuable therapeutics for colorectal cancer (CRC), but resistance to these inhibitors is common. The reason for such resistance is not well understood, which hampers development of better therapeutic strategies. Although activating mutations in KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA are considered major drivers of CRC resistance to EGFR inhibitors, therapeutic targeting of these drug resistance drivers has not produced substantial clinical benefit. METHODS We exploited cell lines and mouse tumor models (cell line xenografts and patient derived xenografts) for experiments of genetic and pharmacologic depletion of EGFR and/or its family member HER2, including EGFR mutants, inhibition of EGFR ligand shedding, and biochemical analysis of signaling proteins, to delineate the mechanism of CRC resistance to EGFR inhibitors and to assess the therapeutic activity of PEPDG278D, which is a recombinant human protein that induces the degradation of both EGFR and HER2. RESULTS The sensitivity of CRC cells to cetuximab and panitumumab correlates with the ability of these drugs to induce EGFR downregulation. PEPDG278D strongly inhibits oncogenic signaling and growth of CRC cells by causing profound depletion of EGFR and HER2, regardless of activating mutations of KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA. siRNA knockdown of EGFR or HER2 also inhibits CRC cells resistant to EGFR inhibitors. Tumors harboring mutated KRAS, BRAF and/or PIK3CA also overexpress EGFR ligands, further suggesting that EGFR signaling remains important to the tumors. While excessive tumor-generated high-affinity EGFR ligands block target engagement by PEPDG278D, aderbasib, an inhibitor of ADAM10 and ADAM17, enables PEPDG278D to exert strong antitumor activity by inhibiting ligand shedding. Moreover, adding fluorouracil, which is commonly used in CRC treatment, to the combination of PEPDG278D and aderbasib further enhances tumor inhibition. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that CRC resistance to EGFR inhibitors results primarily from the inability of the inhibitors to downregulate their target and that a PEPDG278D-based combination treatment overcomes the resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Arup Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
- Department of Urology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Sandra Sexton
- Department of Animal Resources, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Xiang Ling
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Fengzhi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Yuesheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
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The HER family as therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 174:103681. [PMID: 35462030 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER, ErbB) family has four members, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER2, HER3, and HER4. Although distinct in ligands and functions, all of the HER family members are receptor tyrosine kinases playing important roles in the pathogenesis of cancers. In the era of precision medicine, the HER family is one of the most important and successful cancer therapeutic targets, hallmarked by the approval of anti-EGFR therapies for the treatment of colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, and anti-HER2 therapies for the treatment of breast cancer and gastric cancer. This review briefly discusses how HER family members were discovered, their functions and roles in cancer, and most importantly, the developmental history and recent updates of therapies targeting HER family members, with colorectal cancer as a focus. We also discussed the patient selection and drug resistance to anti-EGFR therapies in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
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10
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Zhou J, Ji Q, Li Q. Resistance to anti-EGFR therapies in metastatic colorectal cancer: underlying mechanisms and reversal strategies. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:328. [PMID: 34663410 PMCID: PMC8522158 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02130-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cetuximab and panitumumab are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) that are effective agents for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Cetuximab can prolong survival by 8.2 months in RAS wild-type (WT) mCRC patients. Unfortunately, resistance to targeted therapy impairs clinical use and efficiency. The mechanisms of resistance refer to intrinsic and extrinsic alterations of tumours. Multiple therapeutic strategies have been investigated extensively to overcome resistance to anti-EGFR mAbs. The intrinsic mechanisms include EGFR ligand overexpression, EGFR alteration, RAS/RAF/PI3K gene mutations, ERBB2/MET/IGF-1R activation, metabolic remodelling, microsatellite instability and autophagy. For intrinsic mechanisms, therapies mainly cover the following: new EGFR-targeted inhibitors, a combination of multitargeted inhibitors, and metabolic regulators. In addition, new cytotoxic drugs and small molecule compounds increase the efficiency of cetuximab. Extrinsic alterations mainly disrupt the tumour microenvironment, specifically immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and angiogenesis. The directions include the modification or activation of immune cells and suppression of CAFs and anti-VEGFR agents. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms of resistance to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (anti-EGFR mAbs) and discuss diverse approaches to reverse resistance to this therapy in hopes of identifying more mCRC treatment possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qing Ji
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China. .,Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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11
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Colorectal Cancer: From Genetic Landscape to Targeted Therapy. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:9918116. [PMID: 34326875 PMCID: PMC8277501 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9918116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer type and the second cause of death worldwide. The advancement in understanding molecular pathways involved in CRC has led to new classifications based on the molecular characteristics of each tumor and also improved CRC management through the integration of targeted therapy into clinical practice. In this review, we will present the main molecular pathways involved in CRC carcinogenesis, the molecular classifications. The anti-VEGF and anti-EGFR therapies currently used in CRC treatment and those under clinical investigation will also be outlined, as well as the mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (cetuximab and panitumumab). Targeted therapy has led to great improvement in the treatment of metastatic CRC. However, there has been variability in CRC treatment outcomes due to molecular heterogeneity in colorectal tumors, which underscores the need for identifying prognostic and predictive biomarkers for CRC-targeted drugs.
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12
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Woolston A, Barber LJ, Griffiths B, Pich O, Lopez-Bigas N, Matthews N, Rao S, Watkins D, Chau I, Starling N, Cunningham D, Gerlinger M. Mutational signatures impact the evolution of anti-EGFR antibody resistance in colorectal cancer. Nat Ecol Evol 2021; 5:1024-1032. [PMID: 34017094 PMCID: PMC7611134 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-021-01470-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Anti-EGFR antibodies such as cetuximab are active against KRAS/NRAS wild-type colorectal cancers (CRC) but acquired resistance invariably evolves. Which mutational mechanisms enable resistance evolution and whether adaptive mutagenesis, a transient cetuximab-induced increase in mutation generation, contributes in patients is unknown. Here, we investigate this in exome sequencing data of 42 baseline and progression biopsies from cetuximab treated CRCs. Mutation loads did not increase from baseline to progression and evidence for a contribution of adaptive mutagenesis was limited. However, the chemotherapy-induced mutational signature SBS17b was the main contributor of specific KRAS/NRAS and EGFR driver mutations that are enriched at acquired resistance. Detectable SBS17b activity before treatment predicted for shorter progression free survival and for the evolution of these specific mutations during subsequent cetuximab treatment. This suggests that chemotherapy mutagenesis can accelerate resistance evolution. Mutational signatures may be a new class of cancer evolution predictor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Woolston
- Translational Oncogenomics Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Louise J Barber
- Translational Oncogenomics Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Beatrice Griffiths
- Translational Oncogenomics Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Oriol Pich
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Lopez-Bigas
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Research Program on Biomedical Informatics, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nik Matthews
- Tumour Profiling Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Sheela Rao
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - David Watkins
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ian Chau
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Naureen Starling
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - David Cunningham
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Marco Gerlinger
- Translational Oncogenomics Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK. .,Gastrointestinal Cancer Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK.
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13
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Patelli G, Vaghi C, Tosi F, Mauri G, Amatu A, Massihnia D, Ghezzi S, Bonazzina E, Bencardino K, Cerea G, Siena S, Sartore-Bianchi A. Liquid Biopsy for Prognosis and Treatment in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Circulating Tumor Cells vs Circulating Tumor DNA. Target Oncol 2021; 16:309-324. [PMID: 33738696 PMCID: PMC8105246 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-021-00795-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liquid biopsy recently gained widespread attention as a noninvasive alternative/complementary technique to tissue biopsy in patients with cancer. As technological advances have improved both feasibility and turnaround time, liquid biopsy has expanded tumor molecular analysis with acknowledgement of both spatial and temporal heterogeneity, overcoming many limitations of traditional tissue biopsy. Because of its diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive value, liquid biopsy has been extensively studied also in metastatic colorectal cancer. Indeed, as personalized medicine establishes its role in cancer treatment, genetic biomarkers unveiling the emergence of early resistance are needed. Among the wide variety of tumor analytes amenable to collection, circulating DNA and circulating tumor cells are the most adopted approaches, and both carry clinical relevance in colorectal cancer. However, few studies focused on comparing feasibility between these two approaches. In this review, we discuss the potential implications of liquid biopsy in metastatic colorectal cancer, assessing the advantages and drawbacks of circulating DNA and circulating tumor cells, and highlighting the most relevant trials for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Patelli
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Emato-Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Piazza Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Vaghi
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Emato-Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Piazza Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Tosi
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Mauri
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Emato-Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Piazza Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Amatu
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Massihnia
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Emato-Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Piazza Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Ghezzi
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Erica Bonazzina
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Katia Bencardino
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Cerea
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Salvatore Siena
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Emato-Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Piazza Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Sartore-Bianchi
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Emato-Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Piazza Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162, Milan, Italy.
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