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Jha SK, De Rubis G, Devkota SR, Zhang Y, Adhikari R, Jha LA, Bhattacharya K, Mehndiratta S, Gupta G, Singh SK, Panth N, Dua K, Hansbro PM, Paudel KR. Cellular senescence in lung cancer: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 97:102315. [PMID: 38679394 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102315] [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: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer stands as the primary contributor to cancer-related fatalities worldwide, affecting both genders. Two primary types exist where non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounts for 80-85% and SCLC accounts for 10-15% of cases. NSCLC subtypes include adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Smoking, second-hand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, and other pollutants, genetic predisposition, and COPD are lung cancer risk factors. On the other hand, stresses such as DNA damage, telomere shortening, and oncogene activation cause a prolonged cell cycle halt, known as senescence. Despite its initial role as a tumor-suppressing mechanism that slows cell growth, excessive or improper control of this process can cause age-related diseases, including cancer. Cellular senescence has two purposes in lung cancer. Researchers report that senescence slows tumor growth by constraining multiplication of impaired cells. However, senescent cells also demonstrate the pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which is widely reported to promote cancer. This review will look at the role of cellular senescence in lung cancer, describe its diagnostic markers, ask about current treatments to control it, look at case studies and clinical trials that show how senescence-targeting therapies can be used in lung cancer, and talk about problems currently being faced, and possible solutions for the same in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurav Kumar Jha
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering (BSBE), Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208016, India
| | - Gabriele De Rubis
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Shankar Raj Devkota
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Yali Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Radhika Adhikari
- College of Pharmacy and Natural Medicine Research Institute, Mokpo National University, Jeonnam 58554, Republic of Korea
| | - Laxmi Akhileshwar Jha
- Naraina Vidya Peeth Group of Institutions, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 0208020, India
| | - Kunal Bhattacharya
- Pratiksha Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India; Royal School of Pharmacy, The Assam Royal Global University, Guwahati, Assam 781035, India
| | - Samir Mehndiratta
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India; Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar-Delhi G.T Road, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Nisha Panth
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia.
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Keshav Raj Paudel
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
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Mertens S, Huismans MA, Verissimo CS, Ponsioen B, Overmeer R, Proost N, van Tellingen O, van de Ven M, Begthel H, Boj SF, Clevers H, Roodhart JML, Bos JL, Snippert HJG. Drug-repurposing screen on patient-derived organoids identifies therapy-induced vulnerability in KRAS-mutant colon cancer. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112324. [PMID: 37000626 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112324] [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: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) are widely heralded as a drug-screening platform to develop new anti-cancer therapies. Here, we use a drug-repurposing library to screen PDOs of colorectal cancer (CRC) to identify hidden vulnerabilities within therapy-induced phenotypes. Using a microscopy-based screen that accurately scores drug-induced cell killing, we have tested 414 putative anti-cancer drugs for their ability to switch the EGFRi/MEKi-induced cytostatic phenotype toward cytotoxicity. A majority of validated hits (9/37) are microtubule-targeting agents that are commonly used in clinical oncology, such as taxanes and vinca-alkaloids. One of these drugs, vinorelbine, is consistently effective across a panel of >25 different CRC PDOs, independent of RAS mutational status. Unlike vinorelbine alone, its combination with EGFR/MEK inhibition induces apoptosis at all stages of the cell cycle and shows tolerability and effective anti-tumor activity in vivo, setting the basis for a clinical trial to treat patients with metastatic RAS-mutant CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Mertens
- Oncode Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten A Huismans
- Oncode Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Carla S Verissimo
- Oncode Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Bas Ponsioen
- Oncode Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rene Overmeer
- Hubrecht Organoid Technology (HUB), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Natalie Proost
- Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging Research (MCCA), Preclinical Intervention Unit, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Olaf van Tellingen
- Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging Research (MCCA), Preclinical Intervention Unit, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Clinical Pharmacology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke van de Ven
- Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging Research (MCCA), Preclinical Intervention Unit, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harry Begthel
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sylvia F Boj
- Hubrecht Organoid Technology (HUB), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jeanine M L Roodhart
- Oncode Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes L Bos
- Oncode Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hugo J G Snippert
- Oncode Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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3
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Khawaja H, Briggs R, Latimer CH, Rassel M, Griffin D, Hanson L, Bardelli A, Di Nicolantonio F, McDade SS, Scott CJ, Lambe S, Maurya M, Lindner AU, Prehn JH, Sousa J, Winnington C, LaBonte MJ, Ross S, Van Schaeybroeck S. Bcl-xL Is a Key Mediator of Apoptosis Following KRASG12C Inhibition in KRASG12C-mutant Colorectal Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:135-149. [PMID: 36279564 PMCID: PMC9808374 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Novel covalent inhibitors of KRASG12C have shown limited response rates in patients with KRASG12C-mutant (MT) colorectal cancer. Thus, novel KRASG12C inhibitor combination strategies that can achieve deep and durable responses are needed. Small-molecule KRASG12C inhibitors AZ'1569 and AZ'8037 were used. To identify novel candidate combination strategies for AZ'1569, we performed RNA sequencing, siRNA, and high-throughput drug screening. Top hits were validated in a panel of KRASG12CMT colorectal cancer cells and in vivo. AZ'1569-resistant colorectal cancer cells were generated and characterized. We found that response to AZ'1569 was heterogeneous across the KRASG12CMT models. AZ'1569 was ineffective at inducing apoptosis when used as a single agent or combined with chemotherapy or agents targeting the EGFR/KRAS/AKT axis. Using a systems biology approach, we identified the antiapoptotic BH3-family member BCL2L1/Bcl-xL as a top hit mediating resistance to AZ'1569. Further analyses identified acute increases in the proapoptotic protein BIM following AZ'1569 treatment. ABT-263 (navitoclax), a pharmacologic Bcl-2 family inhibitor that blocks the ability of Bcl-xL to bind and inhibit BIM, led to dramatic and universal apoptosis when combined with AZ'1569. Furthermore, this combination also resulted in dramatically attenuated tumor growth in KRASG12CMT xenografts. Finally, AZ'1569-resistant cells showed amplification of KRASG12C, EphA2/c-MET activation, increased proinflammatory chemokine profile and cross-resistance to several targeted agents. Importantly, KRAS amplification and AZ'1569 resistance were reversible upon drug withdrawal, arguing strongly for the use of drug holidays in the case of KRAS amplification. Taken together, combinatorial targeting of Bcl-xL and KRASG12C is highly effective, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with KRASG12CMT colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajrah Khawaja
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Briggs
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Cheryl H. Latimer
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Mustasin Rassel
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Daryl Griffin
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alberto Bardelli
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Frederica Di Nicolantonio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Simon S. McDade
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J. Scott
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Shauna Lambe
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Manisha Maurya
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, Health Sciences Building, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas U. Lindner
- Centre of Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jochen H.M. Prehn
- Centre of Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jose Sousa
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.,Personal Health Data Science Group, Sano. Centre for Computational Personalised Medicine, Krakow, Poland
| | - Chris Winnington
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa J. LaBonte
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sandra Van Schaeybroeck
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.,Corresponding Author: Sandra Van Schaeybroeck, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Lisburn Road 97, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom. Phone: 4428-9097-2954; Fax: 4428-9097-2776; E-mail:
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Wang H, Chi L, Yu F, Dai H, Si X, Gao C, Wang Z, Liu L, Zheng J, Ke Y, Liu H, Zhang Q. The overview of Mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)-based dual inhibitor in the treatment of cancers. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 70:116922. [PMID: 35849914 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116922] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) are the critical components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (MAPK/ERK1/2) signaling pathway which is one of the well-characterized kinase cascades regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, growth, metabolism, survival and mobility both in normal and cancer cells. The aberrant activation of MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway is a hallmark of numerous human cancers, therefore targeting the components of this pathway to inhibit its dysregulation is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Enormous efforts have been done in the development of MEK1/2 inhibitors and encouraging advancements have been made, including four inhibitors approved for clinical use. However, due to the multifactorial property of cancer and rapidly arising drug resistance, the clinical efficacy of these MEK1/2 inhibitors as monotherapy are far from ideal. Several alternative strategies have been developed to improve the limited clinical efficacy, including the dual inhibitor which is a single drug molecule able to simultaneously inhibit two targets. In this review, we first introduced the activation and function of the MAPK/ERK1/2 components and discussed the advantages of MEK1/2-based dual inhibitors compared with the single inhibitors and combination therapy in the treatment of cancers. Then, we overviewed the MEK1/2-based dual inhibitors for the treatment of cancers and highlighted the theoretical basis of concurrent inhibition of MEK1/2 and other targets for development of these dual inhibitors. Besides, the status and results of these dual inhibitors in both preclinical and clinical studies were also the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Lingling Chi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Fuqiang Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hongling Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaojie Si
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Chao Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhengjie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Limin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jiaxin Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yu Ke
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Hongmin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Qiurong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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5
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Muttiah C, Whittle JR, Oakman C, Lindeman GJ. PALVEN: phase Ib trial of palbociclib, letrozole and venetoclax in estrogen receptor- and BCL2-positive advanced breast cancer. Future Oncol 2022; 18:1805-1816. [PMID: 35187951 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-1450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The addition of a CDK4/6 inhibitor to endocrine therapy improves progression-free and overall survival in women with metastatic estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. In that setting, CDK4/6 inhibitors induce a potent cell-cycle arrest (which may be accompanied by tumor senescence) but fail to induce apoptotic cell death. Venetoclax is a potent inhibitor of BCL2, a pro-survival protein overexpressed in the majority of estrogen receptor-positive cancers. Pre-clinical findings indicate that venetoclax augments tumor response to the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib by triggering apoptosis, including in senescent cells. The PALVEN phase Ib trial will further examine this finding. The primary objective is to identify the maximum tolerated dose and determine the recommended phase II dose for palbociclib, letrozole and venetoclax combination therapy. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03900884 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Muttiah
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - James R Whittle
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Catherine Oakman
- Western Health, Sunshine Hospital, St Albans, VIC, 3021, Australia
| | - Geoffrey J Lindeman
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
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6
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Jacobs F, Cani M, Malapelle U, Novello S, Napoli VM, Bironzo P. Targeting KRAS in NSCLC: Old Failures and New Options for "Non-G12c" Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6332. [PMID: 34944952 PMCID: PMC8699276 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog (KRAS) gene mutations are among the most common driver alterations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite their high frequency, valid treatment options are still lacking, mainly due to an intrinsic complexity of both the protein structure and the downstream pathway. The increasing knowledge about different mutation subtypes and co-mutations has paved the way to several promising therapeutic strategies. Despite the best results so far having been obtained in patients harbouring KRAS exon 2 p.G12C mutation, even the treatment landscape of non-p.G12C KRAS mutation positive patients is predicted to change soon. This review provides a comprehensive and critical overview of ongoing studies into NSCLC patients with KRAS mutations other than p.G12C and discusses future scenarios that will hopefully change the story of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Jacobs
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, 10043 Turin, Italy; (F.J.); (M.C.); (S.N.); (V.M.N.)
| | - Massimiliano Cani
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, 10043 Turin, Italy; (F.J.); (M.C.); (S.N.); (V.M.N.)
| | - Umberto Malapelle
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Silvia Novello
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, 10043 Turin, Italy; (F.J.); (M.C.); (S.N.); (V.M.N.)
| | - Valerio Maria Napoli
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, 10043 Turin, Italy; (F.J.); (M.C.); (S.N.); (V.M.N.)
| | - Paolo Bironzo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, 10043 Turin, Italy; (F.J.); (M.C.); (S.N.); (V.M.N.)
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7
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Fairlie WD, Lee EF. Targeting the BCL-2-regulated apoptotic pathway for the treatment of solid cancers. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2397-2410. [PMID: 34581776 PMCID: PMC8589438 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The deregulation of apoptosis is a key contributor to tumourigenesis as it can lead to the unwanted survival of rogue cells. Drugs known as the BH3-mimetics targeting the pro-survival members of the BCL-2 protein family to induce apoptosis in cancer cells have achieved clinical success for the treatment of haematological malignancies. However, despite our increasing knowledge of the pro-survival factors mediating the unwanted survival of solid tumour cells, and our growing BH3-mimetics armamentarium, the application of BH3-mimetic therapy in solid cancers has not reached its full potential. This is mainly attributed to the need to identify clinically safe, yet effective, combination strategies to target the multiple pro-survival proteins that typically mediate the survival of solid tumours. In this review, we discuss current and exciting new developments in the field that has the potential to unleash the full power of BH3-mimetic therapy to treat currently recalcitrant solid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Douglas Fairlie
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Erinna F. Lee
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
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8
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Carpenter V, Saleh T, Min Lee S, Murray G, Reed J, Souers A, Faber AC, Harada H, Gewirtz DA. Androgen-deprivation induced senescence in prostate cancer cells is permissive for the development of castration-resistance but susceptible to senolytic therapy. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114765. [PMID: 34536356 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in men. Although androgen deprivation therapies (ADT) and antiandrogens confer increased survival rates, most patients eventually develop castration resistant disease (CRPC). Previous studies have shown that these treatments have limited cytotoxicity, and instead, promote tumor cell growth arrest. We show here that PCa cells grown in either charcoal-stripped serum or exposed to the antiandrogen, bicalutamide, undergo a senescent growth arrest marked by morphological changes, upregulated senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal), cathepsin D accumulation, and expression of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The senescent growth arrest is, however, transient, as cells can resume proliferation upon restoration of normo-androgenic conditions. Intriguingly, enrichment for senescent cells confirmed that ADT-induced senescent cells recover their proliferative capacity, even under prolonged androgen deprivation, and form androgen-independent outgrowths. Transplantation of the enriched senescent population into castrated, syngeneic mice confirmed that senescent cells escape the growth arrest and form castration-resistant tumors in vivo. Outgrowth from senescence was associated with increased expression of constitutively active androgen receptor splice variants, a common mechanism of resistance to ADT. Finally, the selective elimination of senescent PCa cells following ADT in vitro by the senolytic navitoclax (ABT-263) interfered with the development of androgen-independent outgrowth. Taken together, these data support the premise that ADT-induced senescence is a transient cell state from which CRPC populations can emerge, identifying senescence as a potential driver of disease progression. Furthermore, it is feasible that senolytic therapy to eliminate senescent PCa cells could delay disease recurrence and/or progression to androgen independence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Carpenter
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Tareq Saleh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - So Min Lee
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Graeme Murray
- Department of Physics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jason Reed
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Department of Physics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Andrew Souers
- AbbVie, 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anthony C Faber
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Hisashi Harada
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - David A Gewirtz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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9
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Tao ZF, Wang X, Chen J, Ingram JP, Jin S, Judge RA, Kovar PJ, Park C, Sun C, Wakefield BD, Zhou L, Zhang H, Elmore SW, Phillips DC, Judd AS, Leverson JD, Souers AJ. Structure-Based Design of A-1293102, a Potent and Selective BCL-X L Inhibitor. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:1011-1016. [PMID: 34141086 PMCID: PMC8201748 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BCL-XL, an antiapoptotic member of the BCL-2 family of proteins, drives tumor survival and maintenance and thus represents a key target for cancer treatment. Herein we report the rational design of a novel series of selective BCL-XL inhibitors exemplified by A-1293102. This molecule contains structural elements of selective BCL-XL inhibitor A-1155463 and the dual BCL-XL/BCL-2 inhibitors ABT-737 and navitoclax, while representing a distinct pharmacophore as assessed by an objective cheminformatic evaluation. A-1293102 exhibited picomolar binding affinity to BCL-XL and both efficiently and selectively killed BCL-XL-dependent tumor cells. X-ray crystallographic analysis demonstrated a key hydrogen bonding network in the P2 binding pocket of BCL-XL, while the bent-back moiety achieved efficient occupancy of the P4 pocket in a manner similar to that of navitoclax. A-1293102 represents one of the few distinct structural series of selective BCL-XL inhibitors, and thus serves as a useful tool for biological studies as well as a lead compound for further optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Fu Tao
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd, North
Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Xilu Wang
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd, North
Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Jun Chen
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd, North
Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Justin P. Ingram
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd, North
Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Sha Jin
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd, North
Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Russell A. Judge
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd, North
Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Peter J. Kovar
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd, North
Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Chang Park
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd, North
Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Chaohong Sun
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd, North
Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Brian D. Wakefield
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd, North
Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Li Zhou
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd, North
Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Haichao Zhang
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd, North
Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Steven W. Elmore
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd, North
Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Darren C. Phillips
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd, North
Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Andrew S. Judd
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd, North
Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Joel D. Leverson
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd, North
Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Andrew J. Souers
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd, North
Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
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10
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Patelli G, Tosi F, Amatu A, Mauri G, Curaba A, Patanè DA, Pani A, Scaglione F, Siena S, Sartore-Bianchi A. Strategies to tackle RAS-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer. ESMO Open 2021; 6:100156. [PMID: 34044286 PMCID: PMC8167159 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAS oncogene is among the most commonly mutated in cancer. RAS mutations are identified in about half of patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), conferring poor prognosis and lack of response to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies. In the last decades, several investigational attempts failed in directly targeting RAS mutations, thus RAS was historically regarded as 'undruggable'. Recently, novel specific KRASG12C inhibitors showed promising results in different solid tumors, including mCRC, renewing interest in this biomarker as a target. In this review, we discuss different strategies of RAS targeting in mCRC, according to literature data in both clinical and preclinical settings. We recognized five main strategies focusing on those more promising: direct RAS targeting, targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, harnessing RAS through immunotherapy combinations, RAS targeting through metabolic pathways, and finally other miscellaneous approaches. Direct KRASG12C inhibition is emerging as the most promising strategy in mCRC as well as in other solid malignancies. However, despite good disease control rates, tumor response and duration of response are still limited in mCRC. At this regard, combinational approaches with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor drugs or checkpoint inhibitors have been proposed to enhance treatment efficacy, based on encouraging results achieved in preclinical studies. Besides, concomitant therapies increasing metabolic stress are currently under evaluation and expected to also provide remarkable results in RAS codon mutations apart from KRASG12C. In conclusion, based on hereby reported efforts of translational research, RAS mutations should no longer be regarded as 'undruggable' and future avenues are now opening for translation in the clinic in mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Patelli
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Milan, Italy
| | - F Tosi
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - A Amatu
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - G Mauri
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Milan, Italy
| | - A Curaba
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Milan, Italy
| | - D A Patanè
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Milan, Italy
| | - A Pani
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Milan, Italy
| | - F Scaglione
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Milan, Italy; Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - S Siena
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Milan, Italy
| | - A Sartore-Bianchi
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Milan, Italy.
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11
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Kun E, Tsang YTM, Ng CW, Gershenson DM, Wong KK. MEK inhibitor resistance mechanisms and recent developments in combination trials. Cancer Treat Rev 2020; 92:102137. [PMID: 33340965 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway plays a vital role in cellular processes such as gene expression, cell proliferation, cell survival, and apoptosis. Also known as the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway, the MAPK pathway has been implicated in approximately one-third of all cancers. Mutations in RAS or RAF genes such as KRAS and BRAF are common, and these mutations typically promote malignancies by over-activating MEK and ERK downstream, which drives sustained cell proliferation and uninhibited cell growth. Development of drugs targeting this pathway has been a research area of great interest, especially drugs targeting the inhibition of MEK. In vitro and clinical studies have shown promise for certain MEK inhibitors (MEKi) , and MEKi have become the first treatment option for certain cancers. Despite promising results, not all patients have a response to MEKi, and mechanisms of resistance typically arise in patients who do have a positive initial response. This paper summarizes recent developments regarding MEKi, the mechanisms of adaptive resistance to MEKi, and the potential solutions to the issue of adaptive MEKi resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Kun
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Y T M Tsang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - C W Ng
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - D M Gershenson
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - K K Wong
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA.
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12
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Abstract
Aberrations in rat sarcoma (RAS) viral oncogene are the most prevalent and best-known genetic alterations identified in human cancers. Indeed, RAS drives tumorigenesis as one of the downstream effectors of EGFR activation, regulating cellular switches and functions and triggering intracellular signaling cascades such as the MAPK and PI3K pathways. Of the three RAS isoforms expressed in human cells, all of which were linked to tumorigenesis more than three decades ago, KRAS is the most frequently mutated. In particular, point mutations in KRAS codon 12 are present in up to 80% of KRAS-mutant malignancies. Unfortunately, there are no approved KRAS-targeted agents, despite decades of research and development. Recently, a revolutionary strategy to use covalent allosteric inhibitors that target a shallow pocket on the KRAS surface has provided new impetus for renewed drug development efforts, specifically against KRASG12C. These inhibitors, such as AMG 510 and MRTX849, show promise in early-phase studies. Nevertheless, combination strategies that target resistance mechanisms have become vital in the war against KRAS-mutant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyaw Z Thein
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health and Science University/Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA;
| | - Amadeo B Biter
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA; ,
| | - David S Hong
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA; ,
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