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Bevacizumab Augments the Antitumor Efficacy of Infigratinib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249405. [PMID: 33321903 PMCID: PMC7764786 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling cascade is one of the key signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). FGF has been shown to augment vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated HCC development and angiogenesis, as well as to potentially lead to resistance to VEGF/VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-targeted agents. Thus, novel agents targeting FGF/FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling may enhance and/or overcome de novo or acquired resistance to VEGF-targeted agents in HCC. Mice bearing high- and low-FGFR tumors were treated with Infigratinib (i.e., a pan-FGFR kinase inhibitor) and/or Bevacizumab (i.e., an angiogenesis inhibitor). The antitumor activity of both agents was assessed individually or in combination. Tumor vasculature, intratumoral hypoxia, and downstream targets of FGFR signaling pathways were also investigated. Infigratinib, when combined with Bevacizumab, exerted a synergistic inhibitory effect on tumor growth, invasion, and lung metastasis, and it significantly improved the overall survival of mice bearing FGFR-dependent HCC. Infigratinib/Bevacizumab promoted apoptosis, inhibited cell proliferation concomitant with upregulation of p27, and reduction in the expression of FGFR2-4, p-FRS-2, p-ERK1/2, p-p70S6K/4EBP1, Cdc25C, survivin, p-Cdc2, and p-Rb. Combining Infigratinib/Bevacizumab may provide therapeutic benefits for a subpopulation of HCC patients with FGFR-dependent tumors. A high level of FGFR-2/3 may serve as a potential biomarker for patient selection to Infigratinib/Bevacizumab.
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Tang J, Wang J, Fan L, Li X, Liu N, Luo W, Wang J, Wang Y, Wang Y. cRGD inhibits vasculogenic mimicry formation by down-regulating uPA expression and reducing EMT in ovarian cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:24050-62. [PMID: 26992227 PMCID: PMC5029683 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic minicry (VM), an alternative blood supply modality except to endothelial cells-mediated vascular network, is a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer due to VM correlated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. Accelerated extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation is prerequisite for VM formation induced by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Previous reports demonstrate uPA has ability to degrade ECM thereby promoting tumor angiogenesis. Also, exogenous cRGD sequence enables to modulate uPA expression, attenuate EMT and suppress endothelial-lined channels. Till now, the correlation of uPA and VM formation and the effect of exogenous cRGD on VM formation remain unknown. Herein, we validate uPA expression is positively correlated with VM formation in ovarian cancer tissues (90 cases) and ovarian cancer cells (SKOV-3, OVCAR-3 and A2780 cells). In particular, silencing uPA experiments show that down-regulated uPA causes notable decrease for the complete channels formed by SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 cells. Mechanism study discloses uPA promotes VM formation by regulating AKT/mTOR/MMP-2/Laminin5γ2 signal pathway. The result demonstrates uPA may serve as therapeutic target of VM for ovarian cancer. Also, it is found exogenous cRGD enables to inhibit VM formation in ovarian cancer via not only down-regulating uPA expression but also reducing EMT. Exogenous cRGD may be a promising angiogenic inhibitor for ovarian cancer therapy due to its inhibiting effect on VM formation as well as endothelial cells-mediated vascular network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Tang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China.,Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jianguo Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Lin Fan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The Women and Children Hospital of Guangdong, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511442, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Li
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Wanxian Luo
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jihui Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yifeng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Translation of Pro-Angiogenic and Anti-Angiogenic Therapies into Clinical Use. MECHANICAL AND CHEMICAL SIGNALING IN ANGIOGENESIS 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-30856-7_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Johannessen TCA, Wagner M, Straume O, Bjerkvig R, Eikesdal HP. Tumor vasculature: the Achilles' heel of cancer? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012; 17:7-20. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2013.730522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Novel angiogenesis inhibitors: addressing the issue of redundancy in the angiogenic signaling pathway. Cancer Treat Rev 2011; 37:344-52. [PMID: 21435792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2011.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2010] [Revised: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from established vasculature, is a fundamental process in the growth and metastasis of solid tumours. It is a complex, tightly regulated process that requires the coordinated action of antiangiogenic and proangiogenic factors, the balance of which becomes disturbed during tumour development. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor are the key mediators of angiogenesis and targets for multiple pharmacologic agents. Many patients treated with VEGF inhibitors survive for a longer period; however, eventual resistance is associated with progressive disease and death. Multiple approaches to overcome resistance have been investigated with varying success, including the use of agents that target multiple angiogenic factors or co-administration of angiogenesis inhibitors with standard chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It would appear that the future of angiogenic inhibitors lies in the intelligent combination of multiple targeted agents with other angiogenic inhibitors, as well as more conventional therapies to maximise therapeutic effect.
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Nisancioglu MH, Betsholtz C, Genové G. The absence of pericytes does not increase the sensitivity of tumor vasculature to vascular endothelial growth factor-A blockade. Cancer Res 2010; 70:5109-15. [PMID: 20501841 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-09-4245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent progress with therapies targeting endothelial cells has drawn attention also to the pericytes as potential target cells for antiangiogenic therapy. Published data suggest that pericytes might confer resistance to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) withdrawal in tumors. This hypothesis has been supported by experiments using tumors with reversible transgenic expression of VEGF-A as well as by individual pharmacologically targeting VEGF and platelet-derived growth factor receptor signaling in endothelial cells and pericytes using receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors with different specificities. However, the RTK inhibitors applied thus far are not entirely specific to the mentioned pathways, and therefore, the effects putatively attributed to pericyte targeting might reflect other antitumor effects. Here, we have reinvestigated the putative benefits of doubly targeting endothelial cells and pericytes in the treatment of experimental tumors. For this purpose, we used two highly specific tools, the pericyte-deficient pdgfb(ret/ret) mouse and the recently developed specific anti-VEGF-A antibody G6-31, which neutralizes both murine and human VEGF-A. We generated B16, Lewis lung carcinoma, and T241 subcutaneous tumors in both pdgfb(ret/ret) and control mice and treated these mice with G6-31. Our results fail to show any improved effect of VEGF inhibition, as measured by tumor growth or decrease in vascular density, in pericyte-deficient tumors compared with controls. Our observations suggest that additional targeting of pericytes does not increase the antitumor effect already generated by anti-VEGF drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya H Nisancioglu
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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7
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Huynh H. Molecularly targeted therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2010; 80:550-60. [PMID: 20371362 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2010.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2010] [Revised: 03/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
With an annual incidence of over 660,000 deaths, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death globally. This disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, when potentially curative therapies are not feasible. HCC is highly resistant to conventional systemic therapies and prognosis for advanced HCC patients remains poor. Given the clear need, clinical development of novel therapeutic agents in HCC has begun in earnest. Our recent knowledge of the molecular mechanisms responsible of tumor initiation and progression has identified several potential molecular targets in HCC. These targets are the receptor tyrosine kinase-activated pathways, which include the Raf/MEK/ERK, PI-3K/Akt/mTOR, and Jak/Stat. Sorafenib is the multikinase inhibitor that has shown modest survival benefits in advanced HCC in two randomized controlled trials, supporting the use of molecularly targeted therapies in treatment of HCC. A number of strategies including monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as erlotinib, sunitinib, vandetanib, cediranib, brivanib, foretinib, and dovitinib have been developed and tested in various phases of clinical trials. The successful development of these novel targeted agents in the future will be dependent on the selection of patient populations that are most likely to derive clinical benefit, optimization of the dose used and schedules, and investigation of combined therapies. This review describes evolving molecular targeted agents, their common adverse side effects, and its potential use in management of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Huynh
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Research, National Cancer Centre, Level 6, Lab 1, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169610, Singapore.
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Aragon-Ching JB, Madan RA, Dahut WL. Angiogenesis inhibition in prostate cancer: current uses and future promises. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2010; 2010:361836. [PMID: 20169138 PMCID: PMC2821752 DOI: 10.1155/2010/361836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2009] [Accepted: 12/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis has been well recognized as a fundamental part of a multistep process in the evolution of cancer progression, invasion, and metastasis. Strategies for inhibiting angiogenesis have been one of the most robust fields of cancer investigation, focusing on the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and its receptors. There are numerous regulatory drug approvals to date for the use of these agents in treating a variety of solid tumors. While therapeutic efficacy has been established, challenges remain with regards to overcoming resistance and assessing response to antiangiogenic therapies. Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous malignancy among American men and angiogenesis plays a role in disease progression. The use of antiangiogenesis agents in prostate cancer has been promising and is hereby explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanny B. Aragon-Ching
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Ravi A. Madan
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - William L. Dahut
- Medical Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Eikesdal HP, Kalluri R. Drug resistance associated with antiangiogenesis therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2009; 19:310-7. [PMID: 19524042 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2009.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2008] [Accepted: 05/20/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Neovascularization is one of the hallmarks associated with tumor growth. In the recent years, a number of angiogenesis inhibitors have been approved for clinical use in cancer patients. However, the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy is in most cases short-lasting, with likely drug resistance developing within a few months. It is becoming clear also that there are a subset of malignant tumors that are inherently resistant to angiogenesis inhibition. The knowledge regarding resistance mechanisms towards angiogenesis inhibitors is still evolving and here we propose some theories and in some cases provide experimental evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Petter Eikesdal
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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10
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Abstract
The use of chemotherapy and endocrine therapy have led to objective tumour shrinkage and improved survival in women with metastatic breast cancer. Despite the availability of many chemotherapeutic drugs, these agents do not act specifically on the various growth signalling pathways that drive tumour growth and progression. This lack of specificity is likely to explain the inconsistent responses seen across the population of breast cancer patients and contributes to the undesirable adverse effects. The expanding knowledge of the important molecular pathways involved in tumourogenesis and tumour progression has led to the exciting development of several classes of targeted agents. The potential advantage of such treatment is to improve cancer cell kill with less damage to healthy tissues. Hormonal agents were the first to utilize the specific estrogen receptor-related growth pathways for therapeutic efficacy. Agents directed to the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2/neu growth signalling pathway exemplify the effectiveness of the new generation of targeted biological agents, but are limited to the 20-25% of breast cancers that overexpress the receptor. However, angiogenesis is a critical component of tumour development that is necessary for all tumour growth and is not limited to a subset of breast cancers. Therefore, agents that can diminish or prevent tumour angiogenesis are likely to have a far broader application and benefit to women with breast cancer. Several anti-angiogenic agents have been evaluated in phase I, II and III trials for patients with metastatic breast cancer. These trials have demonstrated efficacy of anti-angiogenic agents when used in combination with chemotherapy and the toxicity profile has been better defined. Issues regarding the mechanisms of resistance, identifying combination regimens that result in the greatest clinical benefits and minimizing the adverse effects are areas that require further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlene Chan
- Mount Breast Group, Mount Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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11
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Identification of amino acids essential for the antiangiogenic activity of tumstatin and its use in combination antitumor activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:15040-5. [PMID: 18818312 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0807055105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumstatin is an angiogenesis inhibitor that binds to alphavbeta3 integrin and suppresses tumor growth. Previous deletion mutagenesis studies identified a 25-aa fragment of tumstatin (tumstatin peptide) with in vitro antiangiogenic activity. Here, we demonstrate that systemic administration of this tumstatin peptide inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis. Site-directed mutagenesis identified amino acids L, V, and D as essential for the antiangiogenic activity of tumstatin. The tumstatin peptide binds to alphavbeta3 integrin on proliferating endothelial cells and localizes to select tumor endothelium in vivo. Using 3D molecular modeling, we identify a putative interaction interface for tumstatin peptide on alphavbeta3 integrin. The antitumor activity of the tumstatin peptide, in combination with bevacizumab (anti-VEGF antibody), displays significant improvement in efficacy against human renal cell carcinoma xenografts when compared with the single-agent use. Collectively, our results demonstrate that tumstatin peptide binds specifically to the tumor endothelium, and its antiangiogenic action is mediated by alphavbeta3 integrin, and, in combination with an anti-VEGF antibody it exhibits enhanced tumor suppression of renal cell carcinoma.
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Gomez-Manzano C, Holash J, Fueyo J, Xu J, Conrad CA, Aldape KD, de Groot JF, Bekele BN, Yung WKA. VEGF Trap induces antiglioma effect at different stages of disease. Neuro Oncol 2008; 10:940-5. [PMID: 18708344 DOI: 10.1215/15228517-2008-061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer, specifically of glioblastomas, the most malignant and common primary brain tumor. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the key protein in the regulation of the hypervascular phenotype of primary malignant brain tumors. In this study, we tested VEGF Trap, a soluble decoy receptor for VEGF, in an intracranial glioma model. VEGF Trap was administered in short or prolonged schedules to animals bearing human gliomas at different stages of disease. Of importance, VEGF Trap treatment was efficacious in both initial and advanced phases of tumor development by significantly increasing overall survival. Furthermore, this effect was enhanced in animals treated with more prolonged regimens. In addition, we observed the emergence of a VEGF Trap-resistant phenotype characterized by tumor growth and increased invasiveness. Our results suggest that VEGF Trap will be effective in treating both patients with recurrent or progressive resectable glioblastoma and patients that have undergone extensive initial surgery. Finally, our results indicate that the clinical success of VEGF Trap may depend on a prolonged treatment in combined therapy aiming to simultaneously inhibit angiogenesis and tumor invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candelaria Gomez-Manzano
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Unit 1002, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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13
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Soluble receptor-mediated selective inhibition of VEGFR and PDGFRbeta signaling during physiologic and tumor angiogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:10185-90. [PMID: 18632559 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0803194105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The simultaneous targeting of both endothelial cells and pericytes via inhibition of VEGF receptor (VEGFR) and PDGFbeta receptor (PDGFRbeta) signaling, respectively, has been proposed to enhance the efficacy of antiangiogenic tumor therapy. Clinical and preclinical modeling of combined VEGFR and PDGFRbeta signaling inhibition, however, has used small molecule kinase inhibitors with inherently broad substrate specificities, precluding detailed examination of this hypothesis. Here, adenoviral expression of a soluble VEGFR2/Flk1 ectodomain (Ad Flk1-Fc) in combination with a soluble ectodomain of PDGFRbeta (Ad sPDGFRbeta) allowed highly selective inhibition of these pathways. The activity of Ad sPDGFRbeta was validated in vitro against PDGF-BB and in vivo with near-complete blockade of pericyte recruitment in the angiogenic corpus luteum, resulting in prominent hemorrhage, thus demonstrating an essential function for PDGF signaling during ovarian angiogenesis. Combination therapy with Ad PDGFRbeta and submaximal doses of Ad Flk1-Fc produced modest additive antitumor effects; however, no additivity was observed with maximal VEGF inhibition in numerous s.c. models. Notably, VEGF inhibition via Ad Flk1-Fc was sufficient to strongly suppress tumor endothelial and pericyte content as well as intratumoral PDGF-B mRNA, obscuring additive Ad sPDGFRbeta effects on pericytes or tumor volume. These studies using highly specific soluble receptors suggest that additivity between VEGFR and PDGFRbeta inhibition depends on the strength of VEGF blockade and appears minimal under conditions of maximal VEGF antagonism.
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14
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Kerbel
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto.
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15
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Miller K, Wang M, Gralow J, Dickler M, Cobleigh M, Perez EA, Shenkier T, Cella D, Davidson NE. Paclitaxel plus bevacizumab versus paclitaxel alone for metastatic breast cancer. N Engl J Med 2007; 357:2666-76. [PMID: 18160686 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa072113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2265] [Impact Index Per Article: 133.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In an open-label, randomized, phase 3 trial, we compared the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel with that of paclitaxel plus bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor, as initial treatment for metastatic breast cancer. METHODS We randomly assigned patients to receive 90 mg of paclitaxel per square meter of body-surface area on days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks, either alone or with 10 mg of bevacizumab per kilogram of body weight on days 1 and 15. The primary end point was progression-free survival; overall survival was a secondary end point. RESULTS From December 2001 through May 2004, a total of 722 patients were enrolled. Paclitaxel plus bevacizumab significantly prolonged progression-free survival as compared with paclitaxel alone (median, 11.8 vs. 5.9 months; hazard ratio for progression, 0.60; P<0.001) and increased the objective response rate (36.9% vs. 21.2%, P<0.001). The overall survival rate, however, was similar in the two groups (median, 26.7 vs. 25.2 months; hazard ratio, 0.88; P=0.16). Grade 3 or 4 hypertension (14.8% vs. 0.0%, P<0.001), proteinuria (3.6% vs. 0.0%, P<0.001), headache (2.2% vs. 0.0%, P=0.008), and cerebrovascular ischemia (1.9% vs. 0.0%, P=0.02) were more frequent in patients receiving paclitaxel plus bevacizumab. Infection was more common in patients receiving paclitaxel plus bevacizumab (9.3% vs. 2.9%, P<0.001), but febrile neutropenia was uncommon (<1% overall). CONCLUSIONS Initial therapy of metastatic breast cancer with paclitaxel plus bevacizumab prolongs progression-free survival, but not overall survival, as compared with paclitaxel alone. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00028990 [ClinicalTrials.gov].).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Miller
- Indiana University Cancer Center, Indianapolis, USA.
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Schneider BP, Sledge GW. Drug insight: VEGF as a therapeutic target for breast cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 4:181-9. [PMID: 17327858 DOI: 10.1038/ncponc0740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2006] [Accepted: 09/22/2006] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is implicated in the pathogenesis of malignancy and metastasis. Inhibition of angiogenesis has demonstrated clinically significant improvements in outcomes in a variety of malignancies, including breast cancer. The humanized monoclonal antibody against VEGF, bevacizumab, is the clinically most mature of the antiangiogenic agents and has recently been shown to improve outcome when combined with chemotherapy in the first-line metastatic setting of breast cancer. A variety of other antiangiogenic agents are currently under investigation, including drugs that inhibit the VEGF receptor 2, the cognate receptor for VEGF found on endothelial cells. The combination of antiangiogenic drugs with one another and with other biologic agents is also being explored in an attempt to improve efficacy and to overcome the drug resistance seen with the initial studies of antiangiogenic agents. This Review will focus on the current state of therapeutics designed to inhibit this angiogenic process in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan P Schneider
- Indiana University, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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17
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Hong J, Zhao Y, Huang W. Blocking c-myc and stat3 by E. coli expressed and enzyme digested siRNA in mouse melanoma. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2006; 348:600-5. [PMID: 16890193 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.07.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2006] [Accepted: 07/19/2006] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Tumour cells often show alteration in the signal-transduction pathways, leading to proliferation in response to external signals. Oncogene overexpression and constitutive expression is a common phenomenon in the development and progression of many human cancers. Therefore oncogenes provide potential targets for cancer therapy. RNA interference (RNAi), mediated by small interfering RNA (siRNA), silences genes with a high degree of specificity and potentially represents a general approach for molecularly targeted anti-cancer therapy. The data presented in this report evaluated the method of systemically administering combined esiRNAs to multiple targets as compared with the method of using a single kind of esiRNA to a single target. Our experimental data revealed that the mixed treatment of esiC-MYC and esiSTAT3 had a better inhibition effect than the single treatment of esiC-MYC or esiSTAT3 on mouse B16 melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hong
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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18
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Casanovas O, Hicklin DJ, Bergers G, Hanahan D. Drug resistance by evasion of antiangiogenic targeting of VEGF signaling in late-stage pancreatic islet tumors. Cancer Cell 2005; 8:299-309. [PMID: 16226705 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2005.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1231] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2005] [Revised: 09/06/2005] [Accepted: 09/23/2005] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Function-blocking antibodies to VEGF receptors R1 and R2 were used to probe their roles in controlling angiogenesis in a mouse model of pancreatic islet carcinogenesis. Inhibition of VEGFR2 but not VEGFR1 markedly disrupted angiogenic switching, persistent angiogenesis, and initial tumor growth. In late-stage tumors, phenotypic resistance to VEGFR2 blockade emerged, as tumors regrew during treatment after an initial period of growth suppression. This resistance to VEGF blockade involves reactivation of tumor angiogenesis, independent of VEGF and associated with hypoxia-mediated induction of other proangiogenic factors, including members of the FGF family. These other proangiogenic signals are functionally implicated in the revascularization and regrowth of tumors in the evasion phase, as FGF blockade impairs progression in the face of VEGF inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriol Casanovas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
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Abstract
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) plays an important role in multiple physiologic and pathologic processes involving endothelial cells. Several preclinical and clinical sources of evidence suggest its importance in human breast cancer. Based on the presumed biologic relevance of VEGF in human breast cancer, clinical trials using agents targeting VEGF were launched beginning in the late 1990s. This clinical trial effort came to fruition in 2005 with the success of the first large, prospective randomized trial of anti-VEGF therapy in patients with front-line metastatic breast cancer, which demonstrated the benefit of adding the monoclonal anti-ligand antibody bevacizumab to the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel. Based upon this success, numerous anti-VEGF agents are now being tested in patients with breast cancer, and adjuvant therapy trials are in development. Nevertheless, important questions remain regarding the biology and clinical development of these agents in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- George W Sledge
- Indiana University Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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20
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van der Schaft DWJ, Seftor REB, Seftor EA, Hess AR, Gruman LM, Kirschmann DA, Yokoyama Y, Griffioen AW, Hendrix MJC. Effects of angiogenesis inhibitors on vascular network formation by human endothelial and melanoma cells. J Natl Cancer Inst 2004; 96:1473-7. [PMID: 15467037 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djh267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells involved in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis are key targets in cancer therapy. Recent evidence suggests that tumor cells can express some genes typically expressed by endothelial cells and form extracellular matrix-rich tubular networks, phenomena known as vasculogenic mimicry. We examined the effects of three angiogenesis inhibitors (i.e., anginex, TNP-470, and endostatin) on vasculogenic mimicry in human melanoma MUM-2B and C8161 cells and compared them with their effects in human endothelial HMEC-1 and HUVEC cells. Anginex, TNP-470, and endostatin markedly inhibited vascular cord and tube formation by HMEC-1 and HUVEC cells in vitro, whereas tubular network formation by MUM-2B and C8161 cells was relatively unaffected. Endothelial cells expressed higher mRNA and protein levels for two putative endostatin receptors, alpha5 integrin and heparin sulfate proteoglycan 2, than melanoma cells, suggesting a mechanistic basis for the differential response of the two cell types to angiogenesis inhibitors. These findings may contribute to the development of new antivascular therapeutic agents that target both angiogenesis and tumor cell vasculogenic mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy W J van der Schaft
- Children's Memorial Research Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60614-3394, USA
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Manley PW, Bold G, Brüggen J, Fendrich G, Furet P, Mestan J, Schnell C, Stolz B, Meyer T, Meyhack B, Stark W, Strauss A, Wood J. Advances in the structural biology, design and clinical development of VEGF-R kinase inhibitors for the treatment of angiogenesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2004; 1697:17-27. [PMID: 15023347 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2003.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2003] [Accepted: 11/12/2003] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Initial studies with angiogenesis inhibitors showed little clinical benefit. However, recently reported clinical studies in colorectal cancer have shown that bevacizumab, a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody, in combination with cytotoxic therapy has positive effects on patient survival. Furthermore, the VEGF receptor kinase (VEGF-R) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, vatalanib, has also shown encouraging results in colorectal cancer, with molecular resonance imaging providing evidence that the anti-tumor efficacy was indeed the result of anti-angiogenic activity. Both of these agents are progressing in phase III trials. This proof of concept has stimulated the desire for second-generation VEGF-R inhibitors having an improved profile. Structural biology insight regarding the binding mode of protein kinase inhibitors is valuable for the design of molecules possessing superior selectivity, efficacy and tolerability. Towards this goal, we have developed a new series of VEGF-R2 kinase inhibitors, based upon an anthranilic acid amide scaffold. An X-ray crystal structure of a representative compound, AAL993 (ZK260253), in complex with the catalytic domain of diphosphorylated VEGF-R2 has revealed that this molecule binds to an inactive conformation of the protein. This binding mode, similar to that observed for the anti-leukemia drug, imatinib in complex with c-Abl kinase, may be responsible for the high selectivity of AAL993 and provides valuable insight for the design of further compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul William Manley
- Novartis Institutes of Biomedical Research, WKL-136-4-86, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland.
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22
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Laurent N, de Boüard S, Guillamo JS, Christov C, Zini R, Jouault H, Andre P, Lotteau V, Peschanski M. Effects of the proteasome inhibitor ritonavir on glioma growth in vitro and in vivo. Mol Cancer Ther 2004. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.129.3.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a therapeutic challenge as a highly infiltrative, proliferative, and resistant tumor. Among novel therapeutic approaches, proteasome inhibition is very promising in controlling cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. This study investigated the effect of ritonavir, a protease inhibitor of the HIV and a proteasome modulator, on glioma cells. The hypothesis was that proteasome modulation, mainly by only inhibiting proteasome chymotrypsin-like activity, could be sufficient to control tumor progression. The experiments were done on a human glioblastoma-derived GL15 cell line and a rat nitrosourea-induced gliosarcoma 9L cell line. Culturing conditions included monolayer cultures, transplantations into brain slices, and transplantations into rat striata. The study demonstrates that ritonavir, by inhibiting the chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome, has cytostatic and cytotoxic effects on glioma cells, and can induce resistances in vitro. Ritonavir was unable to control tumor growth in vivo, likely because the therapeutic dose was not reached in the tumor in vivo. Nevertheless, ritonavir might also be beneficial, by decreasing tumor infiltration, in the reduction of the deleterious peritumor edema in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Laurent
- 1INSERM U421, Faculté de Médecine 2ème étage, Creteil, France
| | | | | | - Christo Christov
- 1INSERM U421, Faculté de Médecine 2ème étage, Creteil, France
| | - Roland Zini
- 2Département de pharmacologie, Faculté de Médecine 1er étage, Creteil, France
| | - Hélène Jouault
- 3Service d'hématologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Creteil, France; and
| | | | | | - Marc Peschanski
- 1INSERM U421, Faculté de Médecine 2ème étage, Creteil, France
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Bamias A, Dimopoulos MA. Angiogenesis in human cancer: implications in cancer therapy. Eur J Intern Med 2003; 14:459-469. [PMID: 14962697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2003.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2003] [Accepted: 10/14/2003] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis represents an essential step in tumor proliferation, expansion, and metastasis. Tumor cells may express both proangiogenic and/or antiangiogenic factors. Under normal circumstances, angiogenesis is controlled through the equilibrium of these factors. This balance is disrupted in malignancy, resulting in promotion of angiogenesis. Among angiogenic molecules, VEGF appears to have a central role in the angiogenic process: it is the target of many proangiogenic factors, but it also regulates molecules that are implicated in endothelial proliferation. It has been suggested that VEGF may be a proximate angiogenic factor through which others act. The degree of angiogenesis and the expression of angiogenic factors have been associated with prognosis in several human neoplasms. In addition, angiogenesis offers a theoretically selective target for anticancer therapy, since it is only required for wound healing, endometrial proliferation, and pregnancy in healthy individuals. Antiangiogenic cancer treatment is still largely experimental and its clinical potential is currently being studied in clinical trials. Thalidomide, a drug with antiangiogenic properties, has shown significant efficacy in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. In addition, an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody prolonged survival in patients with advanced colorectal and renal cell carcinoma. Although these results are encouraging, selection of patients is essential in order to target populations most likely to benefit from antiangiogenic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristotle Bamias
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Medical School, 31 Komninon Street, Haidari, 124 62 Athens, Greece
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Hendrix MJC, Seftor EA, Hess AR, Seftor REB. Vasculogenic mimicry and tumour-cell plasticity: lessons from melanoma. Nat Rev Cancer 2003; 3:411-21. [PMID: 12778131 DOI: 10.1038/nrc1092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 654] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The gene-expression profile of aggressive cutaneous and uveal melanoma cells resembles that of an undifferentiated, embryonic-like cell. The plasticity of certain types of cancer cell could explain their ability to mimic the activities of endothelial cells and to participate in processes such as neovascularization and the formation of a fluid-conducting, matrix-rich meshwork. This ability has been termed 'vasculogenic mimicry'. How does vasculogenic mimicry contribute to tumour progression, and can it be targeted by therapeutic agents?
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary J C Hendrix
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine and the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at The University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
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Vincenzi B, Santini D, Rocci L, Tonini G. Bisphosphonates: new antiangiogenic molecules in cancer treatment? Ann Oncol 2003; 14:806-7. [PMID: 12702541 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdg194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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