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Raab M, Becker S, Sanhaji M. Targeting polo-like kinase 1: advancements and future directions in anti-cancer drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024:1-5. [PMID: 39075888 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2385603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Raab
- School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sven Becker
- School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Mourad Sanhaji
- School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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Williams I, DeHart H, O'Malley M, Walker B, Ulhaskumar V, Ray H, Delaney JR, Nephew KP, Carpenter RL. MYC and HSF1 Cooperate to Drive PLK1 inhibitor Sensitivity in High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.11.598486. [PMID: 38915574 PMCID: PMC11195273 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.11.598486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a deadly female cancer with high rates of recurrence. The primary treatment strategy for patients is platinum-based therapy regimens that almost universally develop resistance. Consequently, new therapeutic avenues are needed to overcome the plateau that current therapies have on patient outcomes. We describe a gene amplification involving both HSF1 and MYC, wherein these two genes on chromosome 8q are co-amplified in over 7% of human tumors that is enriched to over 30% of patients with ovarian cancer. We further found that HSF1 and MYC transcriptional activity is correlated in human tumors and ovarian cancer cell lines, suggesting they may cooperate in ovarian cancer cells. CUT&RUN for HSF1 and MYC in co-amplified ovarian cancer cells revealed that HSF1 and MYC have overlapping binding at a substantial number of locations throughout the genome where their binding peaks are near identical. Consistent with these data, a protein-protein interaction between HSF1 and MYC was detected in ovarian cancer cells, implying these two transcription factors have a molecular cooperation. Further supporting their cooperation, growth of HSF1-MYC co-amplified ovarian cancer cells were found to be dependent on both HSF1 and MYC. In an attempt to identify a therapeutic target that could take advantage of this dependency on both HSF1 and MYC, PLK1 was identified as being correlated with HSF1 and MYC in primary human tumor specimens, consistent with a previously established effect of PLK1 on HSF1 and MYC protein levels. Targeting PLK1 with the compound volasertib (BI-6727) revealed a greater than 200-fold increased potency of volasertib in HSF1-MYC co-amplified ovarian cancer cells compared to ovarian cancer cells wild-type HSF1 and MYC copy number, which extended to several growth assays, including spheroid growth. Volasertib, and other PLK1 inhibitors, have not shown great success in clinical trials and this study suggests that targeting PLK1 may be viable in a precision medicine approach using HSF1-MYC co-amplification as a biomarker for response.
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Newhouse R, Nelissen E, El-Shakankery KH, Rogozińska E, Bain E, Veiga S, Morrison J. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin for relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 7:CD006910. [PMID: 37407274 PMCID: PMC10321312 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006910.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer of ovarian, fallopian tube and peritoneal origin, referred to collectively as ovarian cancer, is the eighth most common cancer in women and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Women with relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) are less well and have a limited life expectancy, therefore maintaining quality of life with effective symptom control is an important aim of treatment. However, the unwanted effects of chemotherapy agents may be severe, and optimal treatment regimens are unclear. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD), which contains a cytotoxic drug called doxorubicin hydrochloride, is one of several treatment modalities that may be considered for treatment of relapsed EOCs. This is an update of the original Cochrane Review which was published in Issue 7, 2013. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PLD, with or without other anti-cancer drugs, in women with relapsed high grade epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE (via Ovid) and Embase (via Ovid) from 1990 to January 2022. We also searched online registers of clinical trials, abstracts of scientific meetings and reference lists of included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated PLD in women diagnosed with relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently extracted data to a pre-designed data collection form and assessed the risk of bias according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions guidelines. Where possible, we pooled collected data in meta-analyses. MAIN RESULTS This is an update of a previous review with 12 additional studies, so this updated review includes a total of 26 RCTs with 8277 participants that evaluated the effects of PLD alone or in combination with other drugs in recurrent EOC: seven in platinum-sensitive disease (2872 participants); 11 in platinum-resistant disease (3246 participants); and eight that recruited individuals regardless of platinum sensitivity status (2079 participants). The certainty of the evidence was assessed for the three most clinically relevant comparisons out of eight comparisons identified in the included RCTs. Recurrent platinum-sensitive EOC PLD with conventional chemotherapy agent compared to alternative combination chemotherapy likely results in little to no difference in overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio (HR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83 to 1.04; 5 studies, 2006 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) but likely increases progression-free survival (PFS) (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.89; 5 studies, 2006 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The combination may slightly improve quality of life at three months post-randomisation, measured using European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (mean difference 4.80, 95% CI 0.92 to 8.68; 1 study, 608 participants; low-certainty evidence), but this may not represent a clinically meaningful difference. PLD in combination with another chemotherapy agent compared to alternative combination chemotherapy likely results in little to no difference in the rate of overall severe adverse events (grade ≥ 3) (risk ratio (RR) 1.11, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.30; 2 studies, 834 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). PLD with chemotherapy likely increases anaemia (grade ≥ 3) (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.85; 5 studies, 1961 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of PLD with conventional chemotherapy on hand-foot syndrome (HFS)(grade ≥ 3) (RR 4.01, 95% CI 1.00 to 16.01; 2 studies, 1028 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and neurological events (grade ≥ 3) (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.74; 4 studies, 1900 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Recurrent platinum-resistant EOC PLD alone compared to another conventional chemotherapy likely results in little to no difference in OS (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.19; 6 studies, 1995 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of PLD on PFS (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.04; 4 studies, 1803 participants; very low-certainty evidence), overall severe adverse events (grade ≥ 3) (RR ranged from 0.61 to 0.97; 2 studies, 964 participants; very low-certainty evidence), anaemia (grade ≥ 3) (RR ranged from 0.19 to 0.82; 5 studies, 1968 participants; very low-certainty evidence), HFS (grade ≥ 3) (RR ranged from 15.19 to 109.15; 6 studies, 2184 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and the rate of neurological events (grade ≥ 3)(RR ranged from 0.08 to 3.09; 3 studies, 1222 participants; very low-certainty evidence). PLD with conventional chemotherapy compared to PLD alone likely results in little to no difference in OS (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.21; 1 study, 242 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and it may result in little to no difference in PFS (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.22; 2 studies, 353 participants; low-certainty evidence). The combination likely increases overall severe adverse events (grade ≥ 3) (RR 2.48, 95% CI 1.98 to 3.09; 1 study, 663 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and anaemia (grade ≥ 3) (RR 2.38, 95% CI 1.46 to 3.87; 2 studies, 785 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), but likely results in a large reduction in HFS (grade ≥ 3) (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.40; 2 studies, 785 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). It may result in little to no difference in neurological events (grade ≥ 3) (RR 1.40, 95% CI 0.85 to 2.31; 1 study, 663 participants; low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In platinum-sensitive relapsed EOC, including PLD in a combination chemotherapy regimen probably makes little to no difference in OS compared to other combinations, but likely improves PFS. Choice of chemotherapy will therefore be guided by symptoms from previous chemotherapy and other patient considerations. Single-agent PLD remains a useful agent for platinum-resistant relapsed EOC and choice of agent at relapse will depend on patient factors, e.g. degree of bone marrow suppression or neurotoxicity from previous treatments. Adding another agent to PLD likely increases overall grade ≥ 3 adverse events with little to no improvement in survival outcomes. The limited evidence relating to PLD in combination with other agents in platinum-resistant relapsed EOC does not indicate a benefit, but there is some evidence of increased side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Newhouse
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, UK
| | - Ellen Nelissen
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, The Royal Marsden, London, UK
| | | | | | - Esme Bain
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Susana Veiga
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Jo Morrison
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, UK
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Skorda A, Bay ML, Hautaniemi S, Lahtinen A, Kallunki T. Kinase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer: Current State and Future Promises. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:6257. [PMID: 36551745 PMCID: PMC9777107 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological cancer, the high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) being its most common and most aggressive form. Despite the latest therapeutical advancements following the introduction of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) targeting angiogenesis inhibitors and poly-ADP-ribose-polymerase (PARP) inhibitors to supplement the standard platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy, the expected overall survival of HGSC patients has not improved significantly from the five-year rate of 42%. This calls for the development and testing of more efficient treatment options. Many oncogenic kinase-signaling pathways are dysregulated in HGSC. Since small-molecule kinase inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of many solid cancers due to the generality of the increased activation of protein kinases in carcinomas, it is reasonable to evaluate their potential against HGSC. Here, we present the latest concluded and on-going clinical trials on kinase inhibitors in HGSC, as well as the recent work concerning ovarian cancer patient organoids and xenograft models. We discuss the potential of kinase inhibitors as personalized treatments, which would require comprehensive assessment of the biological mechanisms underlying tumor spread and chemoresistance in individual patients, and their connection to tumor genome and transcriptome to establish identifiable subgroups of patients who are most likely to benefit from a given therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Skorda
- Cancer Invasion and Resistance Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Lund Bay
- Cancer Invasion and Resistance Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sampsa Hautaniemi
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alexandra Lahtinen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuula Kallunki
- Cancer Invasion and Resistance Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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HER-2-mediated nano-delivery of molecular targeted drug potently suppresses orthotopic epithelial ovarian cancer and metastasis. Int J Pharm 2022; 625:122126. [PMID: 35995316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has made slow progress due to absence of effective adjuvant chemotherapy that is capable of preventing tumor relapse and metastasis. Molecular targeted drugs such as PARP and PLK1 inhibitors appear to be promising new treatments for EOC. The low EOC cell uptake, poor selectivity and pronounced toxicity, however, greatly compromise their clinical efficacy. Herein, we report that HER-2-mediated nano-delivery of clinical PLK1-targeted drug, volasertib (Vol), while causing little toxicity potently suppresses orthotopic EOC and metastasis. Anti-HER-2 antibody, trastuzumab (Tra), was conjugated onto Vol-loaded polymersomes via click chemistry yielding Tra-PVol with a size of 33 nm and optimally about 5 Tra per polymersome. Tra-PVol exhibited clearly stronger uptake and anti-tumor activity (IC50 = 59 nM) in HER-2 overexpressing SKOV-3 cells than free Vol and non-targeted PVol controls. Both biodistribution and therapeutic studies in orthotopic SKOV-3-Luc tumor-bearing mice displayed that Tra-PVol induced significantly better tumor deposition and retardation than PVol and that intraperitoneal administration outperformed intravenous administration. More interestingly, Tra-PVol was shown to effectively suppress the intraperitoneal metastasis and to markedly prolong the survival time of SKOV-3-Luc tumor-bearing mice. This HER-2 directed molecular therapy emerges as a potential treatment strategy toward EOC.
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Affatato R, Chiappa M, Guffanti F, Ricci F, Formenti L, Fruscio R, Jaconi M, Ridinger M, Erlander M, Damia G. Onvansertib and paclitaxel combined in platinum-resistant ovarian carcinomas. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2022; 14:17588359221095064. [PMID: 35665077 PMCID: PMC9160919 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221095064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian carcinoma is extremely sensitive to (platinum-based) chemotherapy; however, most patients will relapse with platinum-resistant disease, badly affecting their prognosis. Effective therapies for relapsing resistant tumors are urgently needed. Methods We used patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) of ovarian carcinoma resistant to cisplatin (DDP) to test in vivo the combination of paclitaxel (15 mg/kg i.v. once a week for 3 weeks) and onvansertib, a plk1 inhibitor, (50 mg/kg orally 4 days a week for 3 weeks). The PDX models were subcutaneously (s.c.) or orthotopically transplanted in nude mice and antitumor efficacy was evaluated as tumor growth inhibition and survival advantages of the combination over untreated and single agent treatment. Results The combination of onvansertib and paclitaxel was very well tolerated with weight loss no greater than 15% in the combination group compared with the control group. In the orthotopically transplanted PDXs, single onvansertib and paclitaxel treatments prolonged survival; however, the combined treatment was much more active, with median survival from three- to six-fold times that of untreated mice. Findings were similar with the s.c. transplanted PDX, though there was greater heterogeneity in tumor response. Ex vivo tumors treated with the combination showed greater induction of γH2AX, marker of apoptosis and DNA damage, and pSer10H3, a marker of mitotic block. Conclusion The efficacy of onvansertib and paclitaxel combination in these preclinical ovarian cancer models supports the clinical translatability of this combination as an effective therapeutic approach for platinum-resistant high-grade ovarian carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Affatato
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Chiappa
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Guffanti
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ricci
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Formenti
- Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Robert Fruscio
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milan Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Marta Jaconi
- Department of Pathology, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | | | | | - Giovanna Damia
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via La Masa 19, Milan 20157, Italy
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Fan W, Ma H, Jin B. Expression of FOXM1 and PLK1 predicts prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2022; 23:146. [PMID: 35350587 PMCID: PMC8941521 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequently encountered malignant tumor types and to improve its treatment, effective prognostic biomarkers are urgently required. Cell cycle dysregulation is a significant feature of cancer progression. The aim of the present study was to estimate the expression levels of forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) and polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), both of which have essential roles in cell cycle regulation, and determine their prognostic value in HCC. To this end, FOXM1 and PLK1 expression levels were assessed in The Cancer Genome Atlas and International Cancer Genome Consortium Japan HCC cohorts, and the associations between their co-expression were determined via Pearson's correlation analysis. Furthermore, the overall survival and disease-free survival in these cohorts for different FOXM1 and PLK1 expression statuses were analyzed. In vitro knockdown experiments were also performed using Huh7 cells. The results obtained indicated overexpression of FOXM1 and PLK1 in HCC tumor tissues as well as a positive correlation between FOXM1 and PLK1 expression. The results also suggested that both FOXM1 and PLK1 are required for HCC cell proliferation. In addition, upregulation of FOXM1 and PLK1 was indicated to be associated with poor prognosis of patients with HCC. However, only their coordinated overexpression was identified as an independent prognostic factor for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Fan
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Huan Ma
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Bin Jin
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
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Choi W, Lee ES. Therapeutic Targeting of DNA Damage Response in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031701. [PMID: 35163621 PMCID: PMC8836062 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA damage response (DDR) is critical to ensure genome stability, and defects in this signaling pathway are highly associated with carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Nevertheless, this also provides therapeutic opportunities, as cells with defective DDR signaling are directed to rely on compensatory survival pathways, and these vulnerabilities have been exploited for anticancer treatments. Following the impressive success of PARP inhibitors in the treatment of BRCA-mutated breast and ovarian cancers, extensive research has been conducted toward the development of pharmacologic inhibitors of the key components of the DDR signaling pathway. In this review, we discuss the key elements of the DDR pathway and how these molecular components may serve as anticancer treatment targets. We also summarize the recent promising developments in the field of DDR pathway inhibitors, focusing on novel agents beyond PARP inhibitors. Furthermore, we discuss biomarker studies to identify target patients expected to derive maximal clinical benefits as well as combination strategies with other classes of anticancer agents to synergize and optimize the clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonyoung Choi
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea;
- Center for Clinical Trials, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea
| | - Eun Sook Lee
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea;
- Center for Breast Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-920-1633
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Korns J, Liu X, Takiar V. A review of Plks: Thinking outside the (polo) box. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:254-263. [PMID: 35049091 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The polo-like kinase (Plk) family is comprised of five different members (Plk1-5), each with their own distinct functions. Plk family members participate in pivotal cell division processes as well as in non-mitotic roles. Importantly, Plk expression has been correlated with various disease states, including cancer. Multiples therapies, which primarily target Plk1, are currently being investigated alone or in combination with other agents for clinical use in different cancers. As the role of Plks in disease progression becomes more prominent, it is important to outline their functions as cell cycle regulators and more. This review summarizes the structure and both mitotic and non-mitotic functions of each of the five Plk family members, sequentially. Additionally, the proposed mechanisms for how Plks contribute to tumorigenesis and the therapeutics currently under investigation are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianna Korns
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnat, Ohio, USA
| | - Xiaoqi Liu
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Vinita Takiar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnat, Ohio, USA.,Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Wang Z, Zhao S, shi J, Meng F, Yuan J, Zhong Z. Folate-mediated targeted PLK1 inhibition therapy for ovarian cancer: A comparative study of molecular inhibitors and siRNA therapeutics. Acta Biomater 2022; 138:443-452. [PMID: 34757229 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PLK1 is a promising target for clinical treatment of diverse malignancies including ovarian cancer (OC), in which PLK1 over-expression is often correlated with poor prognosis and short survival. PLK1 can be blocked with small molecular inhibitors like volasertib (Vol) or silenced with PLK1-specific siRNA (siPLK1), hence effectively suppressing tumor growth. Surprisingly, despite intensive work on molecular inhibitor and siRNA therapeutics, there is no direct comparison between them reported for targeted tumor therapy. Herein, we employing folate as a ligand and polymersomes as a nanovehicle performed a comparative study on Vol and siPLK1 in inhibiting OC in vitro and in vivo. Folate-targeted polymersomal Vol and siPLK1 (termed as FA-Ps-Vol and FA-Ps-siPLK1, respectively) were both nano-sized and stable, and displayed an optimal FA density of 20% for SKOV-3 cells. Notably, FA-Ps-Vol and FA-Ps-siPLK1 exhibited an IC50 of 193 and 770 nM, respectively, to SKOV-3 cells, indicating a greater potency of Vol than siPLK1. The markedly increased uptake for FA-Ps-Vol and FA-Ps-siPLK1 compared with respective non-targeted controls by SKOV-3 tumor xenografts in mice confirmed that FA mediates strong OC-targeting in vivo. Intriguingly, FA-Ps-Vol while greatly lessening toxic effects of Vol potently repressed tumor growth with a remarkable tumor inhibition rate (TIR) of 97% at 20 mg (i.e. 32.4 µmol) Vol equiv./kg. FA-Ps-siPLK1 achieved effective tumor inhibition (TIR = ca. 87% or 90%) at 2 or 4 mg (i.e. 0.15 or 0.3 µmol) siPLK1 equiv./kg without causing adverse effects. This comparative study highlights that molecular inhibitor has the advantage of easy dose escalation and potent protein inhibition at the expense of certain adverse effects while siRNA therapeutics has low toxicity with moderate protein inhibition in vivo. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: PLK1 is a promising target for the development of innovative and specific treatments against diverse malignancies. Interestingly, despite intensive work on molecular inhibitors and siRNA against PLK1, little work has been directed to compare their efficacy in targeted tumor therapy. Here, we employed folate as a ligand and polymersomes as a nanovehicle and have performed a comparative study on volasertib and siPLK1 in inhibiting ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo. Our data show that the dose of volasertib can be easily escalated to induce prominent antitumor efficacy at the expense of certain adverse effects, while siPLK1 brings about moderate protein inhibition and antitumor therapy without causing toxicity at two-orders-of-magnitude lower dose.
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11
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Raab M, Matthess Y, Raab CA, Gutfreund N, Dötsch V, Becker S, Sanhaji M, Strebhardt K. A dimerization-dependent mechanism regulates enzymatic activation and nuclear entry of PLK1. Oncogene 2022; 41:372-386. [PMID: 34759346 PMCID: PMC8755526 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02094-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a crucial regulator of cell cycle progression. It is established that the activation of PLK1 depends on the coordinated action of Aurora-A and Bora. Nevertheless, very little is known about the spatiotemporal regulation of PLK1 during G2, specifically, the mechanisms that keep cytoplasmic PLK1 inactive until shortly before mitosis onset. Here, we describe PLK1 dimerization as a new mechanism that controls PLK1 activation. During the early G2 phase, Bora supports transient PLK1 dimerization, thus fine-tuning the timely regulated activation of PLK1 and modulating its nuclear entry. At late G2, the phosphorylation of T210 by Aurora-A triggers dimer dissociation and generates active PLK1 monomers that support entry into mitosis. Interfering with this critical PLK1 dimer/monomer switch prevents the association of PLK1 with importins, limiting its nuclear shuttling, and causes nuclear PLK1 mislocalization during the G2-M transition. Our results suggest a novel conformational space for the design of a new generation of PLK1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Raab
- Department of Gynecology, Medical School, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Yves Matthess
- Department of Gynecology, Medical School, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christopher A Raab
- Department of Gynecology, Medical School, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Niklas Gutfreund
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Volker Dötsch
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Gynecology, Medical School, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Mourad Sanhaji
- Department of Gynecology, Medical School, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- Department of Gynecology, Medical School, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) / German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.
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12
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Llombart V, Mansour MR. Therapeutic targeting of "undruggable" MYC. EBioMedicine 2022; 75:103756. [PMID: 34942444 PMCID: PMC8713111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
c-MYC controls global gene expression and regulates cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell cycle, metabolism and apoptosis. According to some estimates, MYC is dysregulated in ≈70% of human cancers and strong evidence implicates aberrantly expressed MYC in both tumor initiation and maintenance. In vivo studies show that MYC inhibition elicits a prominent anti-proliferative effect and sustained tumor regression while any alteration on healthy tissue remains reversible. This opens an exploitable window for treatment that makes MYC one of the most appealing therapeutic targets for cancer drug development. This review describes the main functional and structural features of the protein structure of MYC and provides a general overview of the most relevant or recently identified interactors that modulate MYC oncogenic activity. This review also summarizes the different approaches aiming to abrogate MYC oncogenic function, with a particular focus on the prototype inhibitors designed for the direct and indirect targeting of MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Llombart
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, Department of Haematology, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Marc R Mansour
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, Department of Haematology, London WC1E 6DD, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Developmental Biology and Cancer, London, UK.
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13
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Pautier P, Motte-Rouge TDL, Lécuru F, Classe JM, Ferron G, Floquet A, Kurtz JE, Freyer G, Hardy-Bessard AC. Prise en charge médicale de la récidive du cancer épithélial de l'ovaire: Medical management of recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. Bull Cancer 2021; 108:S22-S32. [PMID: 34955159 DOI: 10.1016/s0007-4551(21)00584-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The panel of therapeutic options available for medical treatment of relapsed ovarian cancer increased over the last years. In late, platinum-sensitive relapse, standard treatment remains platinum-based polychemotherapy. The choice between bevacizumab added to chemotherapy followed by maintenance and inhibitors of poly-(ADP-riboses) polymerases (PARPi) after response to platinum-based therapy should be discussed, taking into account prior treatment, contraindications, and disease characteristics (biology, symptoms…). The addition of bevacizumab at first platinum-sensitive relapse can be considered if it has not been administered in first line, and it is optional (rechallenge) if previously administered (but without Marketing Authorization in this setting). PARPi are indicated for maintenance therapy after response to platinum-based chemotherapy (whatever the treatment line), regardless of BRCA mutational status, in case of no prior administration. Early relapses are associated with poor prognosis and therapeutic options are more limited. They are treated by monochemotherapy without platinum agents, associated with bevacizumab if not administered previously. Beyond first early relapse, there is no standard and inclusion in a clinical trial should be proposed if possible. Several clinical studies assessing associations of immunotherapy and chemotherapy and/or antiangiogenic drugs and/or targeted therapies (such as PARPi) are ongoing in early or late relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Pautier
- Département d'oncologie médicale, institut Gustave-Roussy, Villejuif, France.
| | | | - Fabrice Lécuru
- Service de chirurgie sénologique, gynécologique et reconstructrice, institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris, France ; Faculté de médecine, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marc Classe
- Service de chirurgie oncologique, institut de cancérologie de l'Ouest, France ; Faculté de médecine, université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Gwenaël Ferron
- Département de chirurgie oncologique, institut Claudius-Regaud - IUCT Toulouse, France ; INSERM CRCT 19 (Oncogenèse des sarcomes), centre de recherches en cancérologie de Toulouse, 2, avenue Hubert-Curien, Toulouse, France
| | - Anne Floquet
- Département d'oncologie médicale, Institut Bergonié, 229 cours Agonne, Bordeaux, France
| | - J E Kurtz
- Pôle d'oncologie médico-chirurgicale et d'hématologie, ICANS-Europe, Strasbourg, France
| | - Gilles Freyer
- Service d'oncologie médicale, institut de cancérologie des HCL ; Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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14
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Yu Z, Deng P, Chen Y, Liu S, Chen J, Yang Z, Chen J, Fan X, Wang P, Cai Z, Wang Y, Hu P, Lin D, Xiao R, Zou Y, Huang Y, Yu Q, Lan P, Tan J, Wu X. Inhibition of the PLK1-Coupled Cell Cycle Machinery Overcomes Resistance to Oxaliplatin in Colorectal Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2100759. [PMID: 34881526 PMCID: PMC8655181 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the cell cycle machinery leads to genomic instability and is a hallmark of cancer associated with chemoresistance and poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Identifying and targeting aberrant cell cycle machinery is expected to improve current therapies for CRC patients. Here,upregulated polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) signaling, accompanied by deregulation of cell cycle-related pathways in CRC is identified. It is shown that aberrant PLK1 signaling correlates with recurrence and poor prognosis in CRC patients. Genetic and pharmacological blockade of PLK1 significantly increases the sensitivity to oxaliplatin in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, transcriptomic profiling analysis reveals that cell cycle-related pathways are activated by oxaliplatin treatment but suppressed by a PLK1 inhibitor. Cell division cycle 7 (CDC7) is further identified as a critical downstream effector of PLK1 signaling, which is transactivated via the PLK1-MYC axis. Increased CDC7 expression is also found to be positively correlated with aberrant PLK1 signaling in CRC and is associated with poor prognosis. Moreover, a CDC7 inhibitor synergistically enhances the anti-tumor effect of oxaliplatin in CRC models, demonstrating the potential utility of targeting the PLK1-MYC-CDC7 axis in the treatment of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoliang Yu
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
| | - Peng Deng
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouGuangdong510060P. R. China
| | - Yufeng Chen
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
| | - Shini Liu
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouGuangdong510060P. R. China
| | - Jinghong Chen
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouGuangdong510060P. R. China
| | - Zihuan Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesGuangdong Institute of GastroenterologyThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
| | - Jianfeng Chen
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouGuangdong510060P. R. China
| | - Xinjuan Fan
- Department of PathologyThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510060P. R. China
| | - Peili Wang
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouGuangdong510060P. R. China
| | - Zerong Cai
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
| | - Yali Wang
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouGuangdong510060P. R. China
| | - Peishan Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesGuangdong Institute of GastroenterologyThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
| | - Dezheng Lin
- Department of Endoscopic SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510060P. R. China
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong KongHong KongSAR999077China
| | - Yifeng Zou
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of PathologyThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510060P. R. China
| | - Qiang Yu
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology ProgramDuke‐NUS Medical SchoolSingapore169857Singapore
- Genome Institute of SingaporeA*STARSingapore138672Singapore
| | - Ping Lan
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesGuangdong Institute of GastroenterologyThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
| | - Jing Tan
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouGuangdong510060P. R. China
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510095P. R. China
| | - Xiaojian Wu
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesGuangdong Institute of GastroenterologyThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
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15
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Iliaki S, Beyaert R, Afonina IS. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) signaling in cancer and beyond. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114747. [PMID: 34454931 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PLK1 is an evolutionary conserved Ser/Thr kinase that is best known for its role in cell cycle regulation and is expressed predominantly during the G2/S and M phase of the cell cycle. PLK1-mediated phosphorylation of specific substrates controls cell entry into mitosis, centrosome maturation, spindle assembly, sister chromatid cohesion and cytokinesis. In addition, a growing body of evidence describes additional roles of PLK1 beyond the cell cycle, more specifically in the DNA damage response, autophagy, apoptosis and cytokine signaling. PLK1 has an indisputable role in cancer as it controls several key transcription factors and promotes cell proliferation, transformation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, deregulation of PLK1 results in chromosome instability and aneuploidy. PLK1 is overexpressed in many cancers, which is associated with poor prognosis, making PLK1 an attractive target for cancer treatment. Additionally, PLK1 is involved in immune and neurological disorders including Graft versus Host Disease, Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Unfortunately, newly developed small compound PLK1 inhibitors have only had limited success so far, due to low therapeutic response rates and toxicity. In this review we will highlight the current knowledge about the established roles of PLK1 in mitosis regulation and beyond. In addition, we will discuss its tumor promoting but also tumor suppressing capacities, as well as the available PLK1 inhibitors, elaborating on their efficacy and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Styliani Iliaki
- Center for Inflammation Research, Unit of Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation, VIB, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rudi Beyaert
- Center for Inflammation Research, Unit of Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation, VIB, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Inna S Afonina
- Center for Inflammation Research, Unit of Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation, VIB, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
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16
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Wang B, Huang X, Liang H, Yang H, Guo Z, Ai M, Zhang J, Khan M, Tian Y, Sun Q, Mao Z, Zheng R, Yuan Y. PLK1 Inhibition Sensitizes Breast Cancer Cells to Radiation via Suppressing Autophagy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021; 110:1234-1247. [PMID: 33621661 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a protein kinase that is overexpressed in breast cancer and may represent an attractive target for breast cancer treatment. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between PLK1 and radiosensitivity in breast cancer. Here, we attempted to explore whether PLK1 inhibition could sensitize breast cancer cells to radiation. METHODS AND MATERIALS Breast cancer cells were treated with PLK1 small interference RNA or the PLK1-inhibitor, GSK461364. Cell proliferation was assessed using a colony formation assay. Cell cycle analyses were performed by flow cytometry. DNA damage, autophagy, and reactive oxygen species induced by ionizing radiation were detected by immunofluorescence, Western blot, and flow cytometry, respectively. Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 alpha (LC3) puncta were detected using an immunofluorescence assay. A clonogenic survival assay was used to determine the effect of PLK1 inhibition on cell radiosensitivity. A xenograft mouse model of breast cancer cells was used to investigate the potential synergistic effects of PLK1 inhibition and irradiation in vivo. Finally, the expression of PLK1 and LC3 in the breast cancer tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS PLK1 inhibition significantly suppressed the proliferation and increased the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells. Pharmacologic inhibition of PLK1 by the selective inhibitor, GSK461364, enhanced the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells in vivo (n = 4, P = .002). Mechanistically, PLK1 inhibition led to the downregulation of radiation-induced reactive oxygen species and autophagy, thereby increasing the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells. Additionally, we detected a positive correlation between the expression of PLK1 and LC3 in human breast cancer samples (n = 102, R = 0.486, P = .005). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that PLK1 inhibition enhances the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells in a manner associated with the suppression of radiation-induced autophagy. The inhibition of PLK1 represents a promising strategy for radiosensitizing breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiyao Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoting Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiping Liang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongli Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoze Guo
- Breast Center, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Meiling Ai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Khan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunhong Tian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Quanquan Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixu Mao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ronghui Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yawei Yuan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Novais P, Silva PMA, Amorim I, Bousbaa H. Second-Generation Antimitotics in Cancer Clinical Trials. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1011. [PMID: 34371703 PMCID: PMC8309102 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13071011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitosis represents a promising target to block cancer cell proliferation. Classical antimitotics, mainly microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs), such as taxanes and vinca alkaloids, are amongst the most successful anticancer drugs. By disrupting microtubules, they activate the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), which induces a prolonged delay in mitosis, expected to induce cell death. However, resistance, toxicity, and slippage limit the MTA's effectiveness. With the desire to overcome some of the MTA's limitations, mitotic and SAC components have attracted great interest as promising microtubule-independent targets, leading to the so-called second-generation antimitotics (SGAs). The identification of inhibitors against most of these targets, and the promising outcomes achieved in preclinical assays, has sparked the interest of academia and industry. Many of these inhibitors have entered clinical trials; however, they exhibited limited efficacy as monotherapy, and failed to go beyond phase II trials. Combination therapies are emerging as promising strategies to give a second chance to these SGAs. Here, an updated view of the SGAs that reached clinical trials is here provided, together with future research directions, focusing on inhibitors that target the SAC components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Novais
- CESPU, Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies (IINFACTS), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (P.N.); (P.M.A.S.)
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia M. A. Silva
- CESPU, Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies (IINFACTS), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (P.N.); (P.M.A.S.)
| | - Isabel Amorim
- GreenUPorto (Sustainable Agrifood Production) Research Center, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Hassan Bousbaa
- CESPU, Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies (IINFACTS), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (P.N.); (P.M.A.S.)
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18
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Kressin M, Fietz D, Becker S, Strebhardt K. Modelling the Functions of Polo-Like Kinases in Mice and Their Applications as Cancer Targets with a Special Focus on Ovarian Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:1176. [PMID: 34065956 PMCID: PMC8151477 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinases (PLKs) belong to a five-membered family of highly conserved serine/threonine kinases (PLK1-5) that play differentiated and essential roles as key mitotic kinases and cell cycle regulators and with this in proliferation and cellular growth. Besides, evidence is accumulating for complex and vital non-mitotic functions of PLKs. Dysregulation of PLKs is widely associated with tumorigenesis and by this, PLKs have gained increasing significance as attractive targets in cancer with diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential. PLK1 has proved to have strong clinical relevance as it was found to be over-expressed in different cancer types and linked to poor patient prognosis. Targeting the diverse functions of PLKs (tumor suppressor, oncogenic) are currently at the center of numerous investigations in particular with the inhibition of PLK1 and PLK4, respectively in multiple cancer trials. Functions of PLKs and the effects of their inhibition have been extensively studied in cancer cell culture models but information is rare on how these drugs affect benign tissues and organs. As a step further towards clinical application as cancer targets, mouse models therefore play a central role. Modelling PLK function in animal models, e.g., by gene disruption or by treatment with small molecule PLK inhibitors offers promising possibilities to unveil the biological significance of PLKs in cancer maintenance and progression and give important information on PLKs' applicability as cancer targets. In this review we aim at summarizing the approaches of modelling PLK function in mice so far with a special glimpse on the significance of PLKs in ovarian cancer and of orthotopic cancer models used in this fatal malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Kressin
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (S.B.); (K.S.)
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (S.B.); (K.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center, Partner Site Frankfurt am Main, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
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19
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Chang L, Ruiz P, Ito T, Sellers WR. Targeting pan-essential genes in cancer: Challenges and opportunities. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:466-479. [PMID: 33450197 PMCID: PMC8157671 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite remarkable successes in the clinic, cancer targeted therapy development remains challenging and the failure rate is disappointingly high. This problem is partly due to the misapplication of the targeted therapy paradigm to therapeutics targeting pan-essential genes, which can result in therapeutics whereby efficacy is attenuated by dose-limiting toxicity. Here we summarize the key features of successful chemotherapy and targeted therapy agents, and use case studies to outline recurrent challenges to drug development efforts targeting pan-essential genes. Finally, we suggest strategies to avoid previous pitfalls for ongoing and future development of pan-essential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Chang
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paloma Ruiz
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Takahiro Ito
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William R Sellers
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
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20
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α 3 integrin-binding peptide-functionalized polymersomes loaded with volasertib for dually-targeted molecular therapy for ovarian cancer. Acta Biomater 2021; 124:348-357. [PMID: 33561562 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a high-mortality malignancy in women with a five-year survival rate of 30-40%. There is an urgent need to develop high-efficacy and low toxic treatments for OC. Herein, we report an appealing strategy that combines α3 integrin targeted polymersomes (A3-Ps) and targeted molecular drug, polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibitor volasertib (Vol) for dually targeted molecular therapy of OC in vivo. A3-Ps had good Vol loading of 7.7-8.0 wt.% and small size of 25-32 nm, depending on the density of α3 integrin binding peptide A3. Interestingly, cellular uptake studies using FITC-labeled Vol revealed that A3-Ps with 20% peptide gave 2.3 and 3.3-fold better internalization in SKOV-3 OC cells compared with non-targeted Ps and free Vol, respectively. Accordingly, Vol loaded in A3-Ps showed the best inhibitory activity to SKOV-3 cells with an IC50 of 49 nM, which was 3.5 times lower than free Vol. Importantly, the in vivo experiments demonstrated that A3-Ps-Vol proficiently repressed the growth of SKOV-3 tumors in mice while continuous tumor growth was observed for Ps-Vol and free Vol-treated mice. A3-Ps-Vol besides boosting anti-OC activity also reduced the systemic toxicity of Vol. This dually targeted molecular drug nanoformulation has appeared to be an especially potent and low toxic treatment modality for human ovarian cancers. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Volasertib provides a potential molecular therapy for PLK1-positive advanced OC patients. The initial clinical outcomes, nevertheless, showed a suboptimal efficacy, possibly resulting from its fast clearance, deficient tumor deposition and dose-limiting toxicities. Here, we show for the first time that dually targeted molecular therapy of OC using α3 integrin-binding peptide-modified polymersomes as a vehicle gives markedly improved potency, better toleration, and depleted adverse effects in SKOV-3 tumor models, greatly outperforming free volasertib. This dually targeted strategy has emerged as an appealing treatment for malignant PLK1-positive ovarian tumors.
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21
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Lin SF, Yeh CN, Huang YT, Chou TC, Wong RJ. Therapeutic inhibition of polo-like kinases in anaplastic thyroid cancer. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:803-814. [PMID: 33306266 PMCID: PMC7893987 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polo‐like kinases (PLKs) are potent regulators of cell proliferation and cell survival. Polo‐like kinases are potential targets in the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), a rare but deadly disease. The therapeutic effects of volasertib, a PLK inhibitor, was evaluated for the treatment of ATC either alone or in combination with sorafenib. Volasertib decreased cell viability in three ATC cell lines (8505C, 8305C, and KAT18) in a dose‐dependent manner. Volasertib caused ATC cells to accumulate in G2/M phase, activated caspase‐3 activity, and induced apoptosis. Combination therapy using volasertib and sorafenib in ATC cells showed mostly synergistic effects. In vivo studies revealed that combination therapy of volasertib and sorafenib was effective in the treatment of 8505C xenografts. Single‐agent volasertib treatment was sufficient to retard 8305C tumor growth. No substantial morbidity was observed in animals that received either single‐agent or combination treatment. These preclinical findings suggest that volasertib could be an effective drug in treating ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Fu Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Nan Yeh
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tung Huang
- Center for Big Data Analytics and Statistics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Chao Chou
- Laboratory of Preclinical Pharmacology Core, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard J Wong
- Head and Neck Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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22
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Abstract
Cancer cells die when their decimated DNA damage response (DDR) unsuccessfully handles DNA damage. This notion has been successfully exploited when targeting PARP (poly ADP-ribose polymerase) in homologous recombination-deficient cells. With the greater understanding of DDR achieved in the last decade, new cancer therapy targets within the DDR network have been identified. Intriguingly, many of the molecules that have advanced into clinical trials are inhibitors of DDR kinases. This special issue is devoted to discussing the mechanism of cell killing and the level of success that such inhibitors have reached in pre-clinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Gottifredi
- Fundación Instituto Leloir - Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Avenida Patricias Argentinas 435, C1405BWE, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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23
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Lang I, Liu D, Fritsch H, Taube T, Chizhikov E, Liptai B. Potential Drug-Drug Interactions with Combination Volasertib + Itraconazole: A Phase I, Fixed-sequence Study in Patients with Solid Tumors. Clin Ther 2020; 42:2214-2224. [PMID: 33139055 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2020.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This drug-drug interaction study determined whether the metabolism and distribution of the Polo-like kinase 1 inhibitor, volasertib, is affected by co-administration of the P-glycoprotein and cytochrome P-450 3A4 inhibitor, itraconazole. METHODS This was an uncontrolled, open-label, fixed-sequence trial of two 21-day treatment cycles in patients with various solid tumors. In cycle 1 (test), eligible patients were administered volasertib (day 1) plus itraconazole (days -3 to 15). In cycle 2 (reference), patients received volasertib monotherapy. The primary end point was the influence of co-administration of itraconazole on the pharmacokinetic profile (AUC0-tz; Cmax) of volasertib and its main metabolite, CD 10899, compared with that of volasertib monotherapy. Other end points included tolerability and preliminary therapeutic efficacy. FINDINGS Concurrent administration of itraconazole resulted in a slight reduction in the AUC0-tz (geometric mean ratio, 93.6%; 90% CI, 82.1%-106.8%) and a 20% reduction in Cmax (geometric mean ratio, 79.4%; 90% CI, 64.9%-97.1%) of volasertib compared with monotherapy. Of note, concurrent administration of itraconazole + volasertib had no effect on the AUC0-∞ of volasertib. More patients reported at least one drug-related adverse event in cycle 1 than in cycle 2 (75% vs 71%). The most commonly reported drug-related adverse events (cycles 1 and 2) were thrombocytopenia (68% and 33%, respectively), leukopenia (50% and 46%), and anemia (36% and 33%). No objective responses were observed. Stable disease was observed in 25 of 28 patients (89%). IMPLICATIONS While there was no clear evidence of a pharmacokinetic interaction between volasertib and itraconazole, co-administration reduced the tolerability of volasertib. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01772563.
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Affiliation(s)
- Istvan Lang
- Medical Oncology Unit, Istenhegyi Géndiagnosztika Private Health Center, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Dan Liu
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Biberach, Germany
| | - Holger Fritsch
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Biberach, Germany
| | - Tillmann Taube
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Biberach, Germany
| | | | - Bela Liptai
- PRA Health Sciences Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
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24
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Rödel F, Zhou S, Győrffy B, Raab M, Sanhaji M, Mandal R, Martin D, Becker S, Strebhardt K. The Prognostic Relevance of the Proliferation Markers Ki-67 and Plk1 in Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer Patients With Serous, Low-Grade Carcinoma Based on mRNA and Protein Expression. Front Oncol 2020; 10:558932. [PMID: 33117692 PMCID: PMC7577119 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.558932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Since type and duration of an appropriate adjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage ovarian cancer (OC) are still being debated, novel markers for a better stratification of these patients are of utmost importance for the design of an improved chemotherapeutical strategy. In contrast to numerous cancer studies on cellular proliferation based on the immunohistochemistry-driven evaluation of protein expression, we compared mRNA and protein expression of two independent markers of cellular proliferation, Ki-67 and Plk1, in a large cohort of 243 early-stage OC and their relationship with clinicopathological features and survival. Based on marker expression we demonstrate that early-stage OC patients (stages I/II, low-grade, serous) with high expression (Ki-67, Plk1) had a significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to patients with low expression (Ki-67, Plk1). Remarkably, based on mRNA expression this significant difference got lost in advanced stages (III/IV): At least for PFS, high levels of Ki-67 and Plk1 correlate with moderately better survival compared to patients with low expressing tumors. Our data suggest that in addition to Ki-67, Plk1 is a novel marker for the stratification of early-stage OC patients to maximize therapeutic efforts. Both, Ki-67 and Plk1, seem to be better suited in early-stages (I/II) as therapeutical targets compared to advanced-stages (III/IV) OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rödel
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site: Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Shengtao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Balász Győrffy
- Department of Bioinformatics and 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,TTK Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Monika Raab
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mourad Sanhaji
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ranadip Mandal
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniel Martin
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site: Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department of Gynecology, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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25
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McMullen M, Madariaga A, Lheureux S. New approaches for targeting platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 77:167-181. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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26
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Cheng S, Peng T, Zhu X, Zhou F, Wang G, Ju L, Xiao Y, Liu X, Wang X. BORA regulates cell proliferation and migration in bladder cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:290. [PMID: 32655322 PMCID: PMC7339433 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01392-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bladder cancer is having a gradually increasing incidence in China. Except for the traditional chemotherapy drugs, there are no emerging new drugs for almost 30 years in bladder cancer. New potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers are urgently needed. Methods BORA is the activator of kinase Aurora A and plays an important role in cell cycle progression. To investigate the function of BORA in BCa, we established BORA knockdown and overexpression cell models for in vitro studies, xenograft and pulmonary metastasis mouse models for in vivo studies. Results Our results indicated that BORA was upregulated in human bladder cancer (BCa) compared to the normal bladder and paracancerous tissues at transcriptional and translational levels. We found that BORA was positively related to BCa cell proliferation. Furthermore, BORA knockdown induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase while BORA overexpression decreased the proportion of cells in G2/M, associated with PLK1–CDC25C–CDK1 alteration. Interestingly, we observed that knockdown of BORA inhibited BCa cell migration and invasion, accompanied with alterations of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway related proteins. In vivo studies confirmed the inhibition effect of BORA knockdown on BCa cell growth and migration. Conclusions Our study indicates that BORA regulates BCa cell cycle and growth, meanwhile influences cell motility by EMT, and could be a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target in BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songtao Cheng
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Pathology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical School, Washington, DC USA.,Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianchen Peng
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fenfang Zhou
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Human Genetics Resource Preservation Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Human Genetics Resource Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingao Ju
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Human Genetics Resource Preservation Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Human Genetics Resource Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Wuhan, China.,Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Human Genetics Resource Preservation Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Human Genetics Resource Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Department of Pathology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical School, Washington, DC USA
| | - Xinghuan Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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27
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García IA, Garro C, Fernandez E, Soria G. Therapeutic opportunities for PLK1 inhibitors: Spotlight on BRCA1-deficiency and triple negative breast cancers. Mutat Res 2020; 821:111693. [PMID: 32172132 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2020.111693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Polo-Like Kinases (PLKs) are central players of mitotic progression in Eukaryotes. Given the intimate relationship between cell cycle progression and cancer development, PLKs in general and PLK1 in particular have been thoroughly studied as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in oncology. The oncogenic properties of PLK1 overexpression across different types of human cancers are attributed to its roles in promoting mitotic entry, centrosome maturation, spindle assembly and cytokinesis. While several academic labs and pharmaceutical companies were able to develop potent and selective inhibitors of PLK1 (PLK1i) for preclinical research, such compounds have reached only limited success in clinical trials despite their great pharmacokinetics. Even though this could be attributed to multiple causes, the housekeeping roles of PLK1 in both normal and cancer cells are most likely the main reason for clinical trials failure and withdraw due to toxicities issues. Therefore, great efforts are being invested to position PLK1i in the treatment of specific types of cancers with revised dosages schemes. In this mini review we focus on two potential niches for PLK1i that are supported by recent evidence: triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) and BRCA1-deficient cancers. On the one hand, we recollect several lines of strong evidence indicating that TNBCs are among the cancers with highest PLK1 expression and sensitivity to PLK1i. These findings are encouraging because of the limited therapeutics options available for TNBC patients, which rely mainly on classic chemotherapy. On the other hand, we discuss recent evidence that unveils synthetic lethality induction by PLK1 inhibition in BRCA1-deficient cancers cells. This previously unforeseen therapeutic link between PLK1 and BRCA1 is promising because it defines novel therapeutic opportunities for PLK1i not only for breast cancer (i.e. TNBCs with BRCA1 deficiencies), but also for other types of cancers with BRCA1-deficiencies, such as pancreatic and prostate cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Alejandra García
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Inmunología y Enfermedades Infecciosas, CIDIE-CONICET. Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Cintia Garro
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, CIBICI-CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Elmer Fernandez
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Inmunología y Enfermedades Infecciosas, CIDIE-CONICET. Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Gastón Soria
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, CIBICI-CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
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28
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Parrilla A, Barber M, Majem B, Castellví J, Morote J, Sánchez JL, Pérez-Benavente A, Segura MF, Gil-Moreno A, Santamaria A. Aurora Borealis (Bora), Which Promotes Plk1 Activation by Aurora A, Has an Oncogenic Role in Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E886. [PMID: 32268485 PMCID: PMC7226261 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying novel actionable factors that critically contribute to tumorigenesis is essential in ovarian cancer, an aggressive and disseminative tumor, with limited therapeutic options available. Here we show that Aurora Borealis (BORA), a mitotic protein that plays a key role in activating the master mitotic kinase polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), has an oncogenic role in ovarian cancer. Gain and loss of function assays on mouse models and ex vivo patient-derived ascites cultures revealed an oncogenic role of BORA in tumor development and a transcriptome-analysis in clinically representative models depicted BORA's role in survival, dissemination and inflammatory cancer related-pathways. Importantly, combinatory treatments of FDA-approved inhibitors against oncogenic downstream effectors of BORA displayed synergistic effect in ovarian cancer models, offering promising therapeutic value. Altogether, our findings uncovered for the first time a critical role of BORA in the viability of human cancer cells providing potential novel therapeutic opportunities for ovarian cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Parrilla
- Group of Biomedical Research in Urology, Cell Cycle and Cancer Laboratory, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.); (M.B.); (B.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Marta Barber
- Group of Biomedical Research in Urology, Cell Cycle and Cancer Laboratory, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.); (M.B.); (B.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Blanca Majem
- Group of Biomedical Research in Urology, Cell Cycle and Cancer Laboratory, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.); (M.B.); (B.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Josep Castellví
- Department of Pathology, Vall Hebron University Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Juan Morote
- Group of Biomedical Research in Urology, Cell Cycle and Cancer Laboratory, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.); (M.B.); (B.M.); (J.M.)
- Department of Urology, Vall Hebron University Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Luis Sánchez
- Group of Biomedical Research in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), CIBERONC, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.L.S.); (A.P.-B.); (A.G.-M.)
- Department of Gynecology, Vall Hebron University Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Asunción Pérez-Benavente
- Group of Biomedical Research in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), CIBERONC, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.L.S.); (A.P.-B.); (A.G.-M.)
- Department of Gynecology, Vall Hebron University Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel F. Segura
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Antonio Gil-Moreno
- Group of Biomedical Research in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), CIBERONC, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.L.S.); (A.P.-B.); (A.G.-M.)
- Department of Gynecology, Vall Hebron University Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Santamaria
- Group of Biomedical Research in Urology, Cell Cycle and Cancer Laboratory, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.); (M.B.); (B.M.); (J.M.)
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29
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Jiang Y, Wang C, Zhou S. Targeting tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer: Premise and promise. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1873:188361. [PMID: 32234508 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecological cancer-related mortality globally. The majority of ovarian cancer patients suffer from relapse after standard of care therapies and the clinical benefits from cancer therapies are not satisfactory owing to drug resistance. Certain novel drugs targeting the components of tumor microenvironment (TME) have been approved by US Food and Drug Administration in solid cancers. As such, the passion is rekindled to exploit the role of TME in ovarian cancer progression and metastasis for discovery of novel therapeutics for this deadly disease. In the current review, we revisit the recent mechanistic insights into the contributions of TME to the development, progression, prognosis prediction and therapeutic efficacy of ovarian cancer via modulating cancer hallmarks. We also explored potentially promising predictive and prognostic biomarkers for ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Chengdi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Medical School/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shengtao Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, PR China.
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30
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Identification of PLK1 as a New Therapeutic Target in Mucinous Ovarian Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030672. [PMID: 32183025 PMCID: PMC7140026 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucinous epithelial ovarian cancer (mEOC) is a rare subset of epithelial ovarian cancer. When diagnosed at a late stage, its prognosis is very poor, as it is quite chemo-resistant. To find new therapeutic options for mEOC, we performed high-throughput screening using a siRNA library directed against human protein kinases in a mEOC cell line, and polo-like kinase1 (PLK1) was identified as the kinase whose downregulation interfered with cell proliferation. Both PLK1 siRNA and two specific PLK1 inhibitors (onvansertib and volasertib) were able to inhibit cell growth, induce apoptosis and block cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. We evaluated, in vitro, the combinations of PLK1 inhibitors and different chemotherapeutic drugs currently used in the treatment of mEOC, and we observed a synergistic effect of PLK1 inhibitors and antimitotic drugs. When translated into an in vivo xenograft model, the combination of onvansertib and paclitaxel resulted in stronger tumor regressions and in a longer mice survival than the single treatments. These effects were associated with a higher induction of mitotic block and induction of apoptosis, similarly to what was observed in vitro. These data suggest that the combination onvansertib/paclitaxel could represent a new active therapeutic option in mEOC.
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31
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Haslam A, Herrera-Perez D, Gill J, Prasad V. Patient Experience Captured by Quality-of-Life Measurement in Oncology Clinical Trials. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e200363. [PMID: 32129865 PMCID: PMC7057133 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.0363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Quality of life (QoL) is an important consideration in cancer medicine, especially because drugs are becoming more costly and may only result in modest gains in overall survival. However, there has been no descriptive analysis for the points at which QoL is measured in cancer trials. OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of studies that measure QoL at different points and see how many studies measure QoL for the entirety of a patient's life. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional analysis includes all articles on oncology clinical trials in the 3 highest-impact oncology journals, published between July 2015 and June 2018, that reported QoL outcomes. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Data were abstracted on when QoL was assessed and the characteristics of these studies. RESULTS For all 149 studies that met inclusion criteria, QoL assessment was high during treatment (104 articles [69.8%]), during follow-up (81 articles [54.4%]), and after the end of the intervention (68 articles [45.6%]). In 5 of the 149 studies (3.4%), QoL was assessed until death, including in only 1 of the 74 studies on metastatic or incurable cancers. Among these 5 studies, only 1 (20%) used a drug intervention, 1 (20%) used a behavioral intervention, and 2 (40%) used a radiation intervention; only 1 of 5 was in the metastatic setting. The number of studies that reported a positive QoL outcome (ie, QoL outcome was more favorable in the intervention group than in the control group) was between 42 of 81 articles (51.9%) and 16 of 28 articles (57.1%) for most QoL assessment points but only 1 of 5 articles (20%) for studies measuring QoL until death. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study found that most clinical trials assessed QoL during the treatment or intervention and often during a given amount of follow-up but infrequently assessed QoL on disease progression and rarely followed QoL until the end of the patient's life. Most studies reporting QoL until the end of life reported worse QoL outcomes for the intervention group than the control group. Future research and policy recommendations should consider not just short-term QoL outcomes but QoL outcomes throughout the patient's cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyson Haslam
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | | | - Jennifer Gill
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Vinay Prasad
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
- Center for Health Care Ethics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
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32
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Berg T, Nøttrup TJ, Roed H. Gemcitabine for recurrent ovarian cancer - a systematic review and meta-analysis. Gynecol Oncol 2019; 155:530-537. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2019.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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33
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Giordano A, Liu Y, Armeson K, Park Y, Ridinger M, Erlander M, Reuben J, Britten C, Kappler C, Yeh E, Ethier S. Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) inhibition synergizes with taxanes in triple negative breast cancer. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224420. [PMID: 31751384 PMCID: PMC6872222 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Within triple negative breast cancer, several molecular subtypes have been identified, underlying the heterogeneity of such an aggressive disease. The basal-like subtype is characterized by mutations in the TP53 gene, and is associated with a low pathologic complete response rate following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In a genome-scale short hairpin RNA (shRNA) screen of breast cancer cells, polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) was a frequent and strong hit in the basal breast cancer cell lines indicating its importance for growth and survival of these breast cancer cells. Plk1 regulates progression of cells through the G2-M phase of the cell cycle. We assessed the activity of two ATP-competitive Plk1 inhibitors, GSK461364 and onvansertib, alone and with a taxane in a set of triple negative breast cancer cell lines and in vivo. GSK461364 showed synergism with docetaxel in SUM149 (Combination Index 0.70) and SUM159 (CI, 0.62). GSK461364 in combination with docetaxel decreased the clonogenic potential (interaction test for SUM149 and SUM159, p<0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively) and the tumorsphere formation of SUM149 and SUM159 (interaction test, p = 0.01 and p< 0.001). In the SUM159 xenograft model, onvansertib plus paclitaxel significantly decreased tumor volume compared to single agent paclitaxel (p<0.0001). Inhibition of Plk1 in combination with taxanes shows promising results in a subset of triple negative breast cancer intrinsically resistant to chemotherapy. Onvansertib showed significant tumor volume shrinkage when combined with paclitaxel in vivo and should be considered in clinical trials for the treatment of triple negative cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Giordano
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Yueying Liu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kent Armeson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Yeonhee Park
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Maya Ridinger
- Trovagene Oncology, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Mark Erlander
- Trovagene Oncology, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - James Reuben
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Carolyn Britten
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Christiana Kappler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Yeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indianapolis, United States of America
| | - Stephen Ethier
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
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Doz F, Locatelli F, Baruchel A, Blin N, De Moerloose B, Frappaz D, Dworzak M, Fischer M, Stary J, Fuertig R, Riemann K, Taube T, Reinhardt D. Phase I dose-escalation study of volasertib in pediatric patients with acute leukemia or advanced solid tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2019; 66:e27900. [PMID: 31276318 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Volasertib induces mitotic arrest and apoptosis by targeting Polo-like kinases. In this phase I dose-escalation study, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics (PK), and preliminary efficacy of volasertib were determined in pediatric patients. METHODS Patients aged 2 to <18 years with relapsed/refractory acute leukemia/advanced solid tumors (ST) without available effective treatments were enrolled-cohort C1 (aged 2 to <12 years); cohort C2 (aged 12 to <18 years). The patients received volasertib intravenously (starting dose: 200 mg/m2 body surface area on day 1, every 14 days). The primary endpoint was the pediatric MTD for further development. RESULTS Twenty-two patients received treatment (C1: leukemia, n = 4; ST, n = 8; C2: leukemia, n = 3; ST, n = 7). No dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) occurred up to 300 mg/m2 volasertib in C1; two patients in C2, at 250 mg/m2 volasertib, had DLTs in cycle 1, one of which led to death; therefore, the MTD of volasertib in C2 was 200 mg/m2 . The most common grade 3/4 adverse events (all patients) were febrile neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia (41% each). Stable disease (SD) was the best objective response (leukemia, n = 5; ST, n = 2); the duration of SD was short in all patients, except in one with an ST. PK profiles were generally comparable across dose groups and were consistent with those in adults. CONCLUSION The pediatric MTD/dose for further development was identified. There were no unexpected safety or PK findings; limited antitumor/antileukemic activity was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Doz
- Oncology Center SIREDO (Care Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer), Institute Curie and University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, IRCCS (Istituto di Recovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - André Baruchel
- Department of Paediatric Haemato-immunology, Hôpital Robert Debré (APHP), University Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Blin
- Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Hôpital Mère-Enfant, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Barbara De Moerloose
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Didier Frappaz
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Léon Bérard Centre, Lyon, France
| | - Michael Dworzak
- St. Anna Children's Hospital, Department of Paediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Experimental Paediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital Cologne, Centre of Molecular Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan Stary
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rene Fuertig
- Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Kathrin Riemann
- Clinical Operations, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Ingelheim, Germany
| | - Tillmann Taube
- Medical Oncology, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Biberach, Germany
| | - Dirk Reinhardt
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Abdelfatah S, Berg A, Huang Q, Yang LJ, Hamdoun S, Klinger A, Greten HJ, Fleischer E, Berg T, Wong VK, Efferth T. MCC1019, a selective inhibitor of the Polo-box domain of Polo-like kinase 1 as novel, potent anticancer candidate. Acta Pharm Sin B 2019; 9:1021-1034. [PMID: 31649851 PMCID: PMC6804483 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase (PLK1) has been identified as a potential target for cancer treatment. Although a number of small molecules have been investigated as PLK1 inhibitors, many of which showed limited selectivity. PLK1 harbors a regulatory domain, the Polo box domain (PBD), which has a key regulatory function for kinase activity and substrate recognition. We report on 3-bromomethyl-benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (designated: MCC1019) as selective PLK1 inhibitor targeting PLK1 PBD. Cytotoxicity and fluorescence polarization-based screening were applied to a library of 1162 drug-like compounds to identify potential inhibitors of PLK1 PBD. The activity of compound MC1019 against the PLK1 PBD was confirmed using fluorescence polarization and microscale thermophoresis. This compound exerted specificity towards PLK1 over PLK2 and PLK3. MCC1019 showed cytotoxic activity in a panel of different cancer cell lines. Mechanistic investigations in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells revealed that MCC1019 induced cell growth inhibition through inactivation of AKT signaling pathway, it also induced prolonged mitotic arrest—a phenomenon known as mitotic catastrophe, which is followed by immediate cell death via apoptosis and necroptosis. MCC1019 significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo in a murine lung cancer model without affecting body weight or vital organ size, and reduced the growth of metastatic lesions in the lung. We propose MCC1019 as promising anti-cancer drug candidate.
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Key Words
- 3-MA, 3-methyladenine
- ABC, avidin-biotin complex
- APC/C, anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome
- BUBR1, budding uninhibited by benzimidazole-related 1
- CDC2, cell division cycle protein 2 homolog
- CDC25, cell division cycle 25
- CDK, cyclin-dependent kinase
- Cell cycle
- DAPI, 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole
- DAPKs, death-associated protein kinase
- FBS, fetal bovine serum
- FOXO, forkhead box O
- HIF-1α, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α
- IC50, 50% inhibition concentration
- IHC, immunohistochemistry
- Kd, the dissociation constant
- LC3, light chain 3
- MFP, M phase promoting factor
- MST, microscale thermophoresis
- MTD, maximal tolerance dose
- Mono-targeted therapy
- Nec-1, necrostatin 1
- Necroptosis
- PARP-1, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1
- PBD, Polo box domain
- PDB, Protein Data Bank
- PI, propidium iodide
- PLK1
- PLK1, Polo-like kinase
- Polo box domain
- Polo-like kinase
- SAC, spindle assembly checkpoint
- Spindle damage
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abdelfatah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Angela Berg
- Leipzig University, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Qi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Li Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Sami Hamdoun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | | | - Henry J. Greten
- Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto 4099-003, Portugal
| | | | - Thorsten Berg
- Leipzig University, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Vincent K.W. Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz 55128, Germany
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +49 6131 3925751; fax: +49 6131 23752.
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Heublein S, Anglesio MS, Marmé F, Kommoss S. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) as detected by immunohistochemistry is associated with postoperative residual disease in ovarian cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2019; 145:2251-2259. [PMID: 31385026 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-019-02986-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 4 (FGFR4) was proposed to hold prognostic significance in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). However, information on this deriving from large, representative patient panels is still missing, though such data would be indispensable to validate suitability of FGFR4 as prognostic marker or even pharmacological target. METHODS 1063 ovarian cancer cases were included in this study. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed using two different anti-FGFR4 specific antibodies (HPA027273, sc-124) on an automated staining system. IHC data of both FGFR4 antibodies were available from 995 cases. FGFR4 immunostaining was correlated to prognostic factors including survival using uni- and multivariate proportional hazard models. RESULTS FGFR4 was positively associated with advanced FIGO stage, high grade and presence of residual disease. When progression free (PFS) of FGFR4 negative vs. positive patients was compared, patients scored as FGFR4 positive had significantly shortened PFS as compared to those that stained negative. All associations of FGFR4 and shortened PFS were lost during multivariate testing. No significant associations were found in terms of OS. CONCLUSIONS We were not able to confirm FGFR4 as an independent negative prognosticator as described before. However, FGFR4 was highly prevalent in those cases harboring residual disease after debulking surgery. Since especially patients that could only be debulked sub-optimally may benefit from targeted adjuvant treatment, tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting FGFRs might turn out to be an interesting future treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Heublein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael S Anglesio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Frederik Marmé
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mannheim University Hospital, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Stefan Kommoss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Lin SF, Lin JD, Yeh CN, Huang YT, Chou TC, Wong RJ. Targeting PLKs as a therapeutic approach to well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2019; 26:727-738. [PMID: 31189135 PMCID: PMC7475022 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Polo-like kinases (PLKs) are pivotal regulators of cell proliferation and cell survival; therefore, PLKs may be potential targets in the treatment of malignancy. The therapeutic effects of volasertib, a PLKs inhibitor for papillary and follicular thyroid cancer (known as well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC)), were evaluated in this study. Volasertib inhibited cell proliferation in two papillary and two follicular thyroid cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Volasertib treatment reduced cells in the S phase and increased cells in the G2/M phase. Volasertib activated caspase-3 activity and induced apoptosis. Drug combinations of volasertib and sorafenib showed mostly synergism in four well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma cell lines in vitro. Volasertib treatment in vivo retarded the growth of a papillary thyroid tumor model. Furthermore, the combination of volasertib with sorafenib was more effective than a single treatment of either in a follicular thyroid cancer xenograft model. Promising safety profiles appeared in animals treated with either volasertib alone or volasertib and sorafenib combination therapy. These findings support volasertib as a potential drug for the treatment of patients with WDTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Fu Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Der Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Nan Yeh
- Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tung Huang
- Center for Big Data Analytics and Statistics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Chao Chou
- Laboratory of Preclinical Pharmacology Core, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Current address: PD Science, Inc., 599 Mill Run, Paramus, NJ, USA
| | - Richard J. Wong
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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Mechanisms of Genomic Instability in Breast Cancer. Trends Mol Med 2019; 25:595-611. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Singh R, Peng S, Viswanath P, Sambandam V, Shen L, Rao X, Fang B, Wang J, Johnson FM. Non-canonical cMet regulation by vimentin mediates Plk1 inhibitor-induced apoptosis. EMBO Mol Med 2019; 11:e9960. [PMID: 31040125 PMCID: PMC6505578 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201809960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
To address the need for improved systemic therapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we previously demonstrated that mesenchymal NSCLC was sensitive to polo-like kinase (Plk1) inhibitors, but the mechanisms of resistance in epithelial NSCLC remain unknown. Here, we show that cMet was differentially regulated in isogenic pairs of epithelial and mesenchymal cell lines. Plk1 inhibition inhibits cMet phosphorylation only in mesenchymal cells. Constitutively active cMet abrogates Plk1 inhibitor-induced apoptosis. Likewise, cMet silencing or inhibition enhances Plk1 inhibitor-induced apoptosis. Cells with acquired resistance to Plk1 inhibitors are more epithelial than their parental cells and maintain cMet activation after Plk1 inhibition. In four animal NSCLC models, mesenchymal tumors were more sensitive to Plk1 inhibition alone than were epithelial tumors. The combination of cMet and Plk1 inhibition led to regression of tumors that did not regrow when drug treatment was stopped. Plk1 inhibition did not affect HGF levels but did decrease vimentin phosphorylation, which regulates cMet phosphorylation via β1-integrin. This research defines a heretofore unknown mechanism of ligand-independent activation of cMet downstream of Plk1 and an effective combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratnakar Singh
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shaohua Peng
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pavitra Viswanath
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vaishnavi Sambandam
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Li Shen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiayu Rao
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bingliang Fang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Faye M Johnson
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
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Raab M, Sanhaji M, Zhou S, Rödel F, El-Balat A, Becker S, Strebhardt K. Blocking Mitotic Exit of Ovarian Cancer Cells by Pharmaceutical Inhibition of the Anaphase-Promoting Complex Reduces Chromosomal Instability. Neoplasia 2019; 21:363-375. [PMID: 30851646 PMCID: PMC6407080 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Paclitaxel is a frontline drug for the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). However, following paclitaxel-platinum based chemotherapy, tumor recurrence occurs in most ovarian cancer patients. Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of cancer and represents genetic variation fueling tumor adaptation to cytotoxic effects of anticancer drugs. In this study, our Kaplan-Meier analysis including 263 ovarian cancer patients (stages I/II) revealed that high Polo-like kinase (PLK) 1 expression correlates with bad prognosis. To evaluate the role of PLK1 as potential cancer target within a combinatorial trial, we induced strong mitotic arrest in ovarian cancer cell lines by synergistically co-targeting microtubules (paclitaxel) and PLK1 (BI6727) followed by pharmaceutical inhibition of the Anaphase-Promoting Complex (APC/C) using proTAME. In short- and long-term experiments, this triple treatment strongly activated apoptosis in cell lines and primary ovarian cells derived from cancer patients. Mechanistically, BI6727/paclitaxel/proTAME stabilize Cyclin B1 and trigger mitotic arrest, which initiates mitochondrial apoptosis by inactivation of antiapoptotic BCL-2 family proteins, followed by activation of caspase-dependent effector pathways. This triple treatment prevented endoreduplication and reduced CIN, two mechanisms that are associated with aggressive tumors and the acquisition of drug resistance. This "two-punch strategy" (strong mitotic arrest followed by blocking mitotic exit) has important implications for developing paclitaxel-based combinatorial treatments in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Raab
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main
| | - Mourad Sanhaji
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main
| | - Shengtao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Franz Rödel
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) / German Cancer Research Center, partner site, Frankfurt a. M
| | - Ahmed El-Balat
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) / German Cancer Research Center, partner site, Frankfurt a. M..
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He Y, Wang H, Yan M, Yang X, Shen R, Ni X, Chen X, Yang P, Chen M, Lu X, Shao G, Zhou X, Shao Q. High LIN28A and PLK4 co‑expression is associated with poor prognosis in epithelial ovarian cancer. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:5327-5336. [PMID: 30365085 PMCID: PMC6236221 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. LIN28 homolog A (LIN28A) is a RNA‑binding protein, which serves a fundamental role in cell development and pluripotency. Polo‑like kinase 4 (PLK4) is a member of the polo‑like kinase family, which primarily takes part in the mitotic regulation. Overexpression of LIN28A has been demonstrated in ovarian cancer; however, the expression of PLK4 and the correlation between the expression of LIN28A and PLK4 in EOC has not been discussed. In the present study, the mRNA and protein levels of LIN28A and PLK4 were evaluated by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry in ovarian tissues of patients. Results demonstrated significantly increased expression in EOC compared with benign epithelial ovarian tumors. High expression of LIN28A and PLK4 was detected at the advanced pathological stage. Furthermore, PLK4 expression was positively correlated with LIN28A (r=0.555; P=0.039). The median survival analysis of patients with EOC with LIN28A and PLK4 double positive expression was 14 months, compared with 30 months in single positive and 60 months in double negative patients by Kaplan‑Meier analysis (P<0.05). The expressions of LIN28A and PLK4 was elevated in different EOC cell lines compared to with a normal ovarian cell line. The 293T cells transfected with LIN28A plus a PLK4 plasmid were the fastest‑growing group. These results suggest that co‑expression of LIN28A and PLK4 may be associated with poor prognosis of EOC and could serve as promising prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in EOC. LIN28A and PLK4 may be used along with traditional morphological and clinical characteristics for predicting prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao He
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 2100011, P.R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Meina Yan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Xinxin Yang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Rong Shen
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoge Ni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaokun Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Peifang Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Miao Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Lu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Genbao Shao
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoming Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Qixiang Shao
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
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Wang Y, Wu L, Yao Y, Lu G, Xu L, Zhou J. Polo-like kinase 1 inhibitor BI 6727 induces DNA damage and exerts strong antitumor activity in small cell lung cancer. Cancer Lett 2018; 436:1-9. [PMID: 30118839 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The prognosis of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is poor despite its good initial response to chemotherapy. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a crucial mitotic regulator that is overexpressed in many tumors, and its overexpression is associated with tumor aggressiveness and a poor prognosis. However, its role in SCLC is still poorly characterized. Based on immunohistochemistry findings, the PLK1 protein is expressed at higher levels in SCLC tumor samples than in normal lung tissue samples. The selective PLK1 inhibitor BI 6727 significantly induced the inhibition of proliferation and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in SCLC cell lines. FACS analysis showed an increase in the population of cells in the G2/M phase, followed by DNA damage and the consequent activation of the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR)/ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-Chk1/Chk2 checkpoint pathway. In addition, BI 6727 treatment resulted in clearly attenuated growth and apoptosis in NCI-H446 xenografts. The level of histone H2AX phosphorylation at serine-139 (γH2AX) was markedly increased both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings indicate that BI 6727 has therapeutic potential for SCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehong Wang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linying Wu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinan Yao
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guohua Lu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liming Xu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianying Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Carmona-Martínez V, Ruiz-Alcaraz AJ, Vera M, Guirado A, Martínez-Esparza M, García-Peñarrubia P. Therapeutic potential of pteridine derivatives: A comprehensive review. Med Res Rev 2018; 39:461-516. [PMID: 30341778 DOI: 10.1002/med.21529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pteridines are aromatic compounds formed by fused pyrazine and pyrimidine rings. Many living organisms synthesize pteridines, where they act as pigments, enzymatic cofactors, or immune system activation molecules. This variety of biological functions has motivated the synthesis of a huge number of pteridine derivatives with the aim of studying their therapeutic potential. This review gathers the state-of-the-art of pteridine derivatives, describing their biological activities and molecular targets. The antitumor activity of pteridine-based compounds is one of the most studied and advanced therapeutic potentials, for which several molecular targets have been identified. Nevertheless, pteridines are also considered as very promising therapeutics for the treatment of chronic inflammation-related diseases. On the other hand, many pteridine derivatives have been tested for antimicrobial activities but, although some of them resulted to be active in preliminary assays, a deeper research is needed in this area. Moreover, pteridines may be of use in the treatment of many other diseases, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, ischemia, or neurodegeneration, among others. Thus, the diversity of the biological activities shown by these compounds highlights the promising therapeutic use of pteridine derivatives. Indeed, methotrexate, pralatrexate, and triamterene are Food and Drug Administration approved pteridines, while many others are currently under study in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Carmona-Martínez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular (B) e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, IMIB and Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum," Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio J Ruiz-Alcaraz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular (B) e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, IMIB and Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum," Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Vera
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Guirado
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Esparza
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular (B) e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, IMIB and Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum," Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar García-Peñarrubia
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular (B) e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, IMIB and Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum," Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Belur Nagaraj A, Kovalenko O, Avelar R, Joseph P, Brown A, Surti A, Mantilla S, DiFeo A. Mitotic Exit Dysfunction through the Deregulation of APC/C Characterizes Cisplatin-Resistant State in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:4588-4601. [PMID: 29653924 PMCID: PMC6139058 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-2885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Acquired resistance to cisplatin is a major barrier to success in treatment of various cancers, and understanding mitotic mechanisms unique to cisplatin-resistant cancer cells can provide the basis for developing novel mitotic targeted therapies aimed at eradicating these cells.Experimental Design: Using cisplatin-resistant models derived from primary patient epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells, we have explored the status of mitotic exit mechanisms in cisplatin-resistant cells.Results: We have uncovered an unexpected role of long-term cisplatin treatment in inducing mitotic exit vulnerability characterized by increased spindle checkpoint activity and functional dependency on Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) for mitotic exit in the presence of anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) dysfunction in a cisplatin-resistant state. Accordingly, PLK1 inhibition decreased the survival of cisplatin-resistant cells in vitro and in vivo and exacerbated spindle checkpoint response in these cells. APC/CCDC20 inhibition increased sensitivity to pharmacologic PLK1 inhibition, further confirming the existence of APC/C dysfunction in cisplatin-resistant cells. In addition, we uncovered that resistance to volasertib, PLK1 inhibitor, is due to maintenance of cells with low PLK1 expression. Accordingly, stable PLK1 downregulation in cisplatin-resistant cells induced tolerance to volasertib.Conclusions: We provide the first evidence of APC/C dysfunction in cisplatin-resistant state, suggesting that understanding APC/C functions in cisplatin-resistant state could provide a basis for developing novel mitotic exit-based therapies to eradicate cisplatin-resistant cancer cells. Our results also show that PLK1 downregulation could underlie emergence of resistance to PLK1-targeted therapies in cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 24(18); 4588-601. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Belur Nagaraj
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Olga Kovalenko
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Rita Avelar
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Peronne Joseph
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Annalyn Brown
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Arshia Surti
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sandra Mantilla
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Analisa DiFeo
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
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Wallenstein G, Walter B, Fritsch H, Taube T. Strategic and Statistical Considerations on the QT Assessment of Volasertib. Ther Innov Regul Sci 2018; 52:416-422. [PMID: 29714574 PMCID: PMC6047300 DOI: 10.1177/2168479017739826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Volasertib is a selective cell cycle kinase inhibitor that induces mitotic arrest and apoptosis by targeting Polo-like kinase (Plk). A potential for prolonged QT intervals was indicated with volasertib in preclinical studies and preliminary clinical data. As a result, electrocardiograms (ECGs) have been collected in all volasertib clinical trials to monitor potential cardiac effects. This article describes strategic and statistical methods prospectively planned to perform an integrated analysis of ECG data from available trials to evaluate volasertib's effect on cardiac repolarization, as reflected by changes in the duration of QT interval and other ECG-related endpoints. Methods to effectively cope with heterogeneity between trials (ie, differences in study designs) are discussed. These strategies may be useful for other investigational drugs for which QT risk assessment is required, but a thorough QT/QTc trial is not feasible, resulting in the need for an alternative approach. Volasertib therapy relevantly prolonged adjusted mean QTcF change from administration baseline following the first and subsequent infusions. The integrated analysis revealed that the volasertib effects on the mean QTc changes from baseline were transient and had resolved at 24 hours after start of the first infusion. There was no evidence for a long-term impact on the QTcF interval following multiple infusions with volasertib.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Holger Fritsch
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Tillmann Taube
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, Biberach, Germany
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Noack S, Raab M, Matthess Y, Sanhaji M, Krämer A, Győrffy B, Kaderali L, El-Balat A, Becker S, Strebhardt K. Synthetic lethality in CCNE1-amplified high grade serous ovarian cancer through combined inhibition of Polo-like kinase 1 and microtubule dynamics. Oncotarget 2018; 9:25842-25859. [PMID: 29899826 PMCID: PMC5995225 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The taxanes are effective microtubule-stabilizing chemotherapy drugs that inhibit mitosis, induce apoptosis, and produce regression in a fraction of cancers that arise at many sites including the ovary. Novel therapeutic targets that augment taxane effects are needed to improve clinical chemotherapy response in CCNE1-amplified high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) cells. In this study, we conducted an siRNA-based kinome screen to identify modulators of mitotic progression in CCNE1-amplified HGSOC cells that may influence clinical paclitaxel response. PLK1 is overexpressed in many types of cancer, which correlates with poor prognosis. Here, we identified a novel synthetic lethal interaction of the clinical PLK1 inhibitor BI6727 and the microtubule-targeting drug paclitaxel in HGSOC cell lines with CCNE1-amplification and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms of this synergism. BI6727 synergistically induces apoptosis together with paclitaxel in different cell lines including a patient-derived primary ovarian cancer culture. Moreover, the inhibition of PLK1 reduced the paclitaxel-induced neurotoxicity in a neurite outgrowth assay. Mechanistically, the combinatorial treatment with BI6727/paclitaxel triggers mitotic arrest, which initiates mitochondrial apoptosis by inactivation of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins, followed by significant loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of caspase-dependent effector pathways. This conclusion is supported by data showing that BI6727/paclitaxel-co-treatment stabilizes FBW7, a component of SCF-type ubiquitin ligases that bind and regulate key modulators of cell division and growth including MCL-1 and Cyclin E. This identification of a novel synthetic lethality of PLK1 inhibitors and a microtubule-stabilizing drug has important implications for developing PLK1 inhibitor-based combination treatments in CCNE1-amplified HGSOC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Noack
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Monika Raab
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Yves Matthess
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium DKTK, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mourad Sanhaji
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andrea Krämer
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- MTA TTK Lendület Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,Semmelweis University 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lars Kaderali
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ahmed El-Balat
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium DKTK, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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Francis J, Coakley N, Elit L, Mackay H. Systemic therapy for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer: a clinical practice guideline. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 24:e540-e546. [PMID: 29270064 DOI: 10.3747/co.24.3824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this guideline is to recommend systemic therapy options for women with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer, including fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers. Methods This document updates the recommendations published in the 2011 Optimal Chemotherapy for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer guideline from Cancer Care Ontario. Draft recommendations were formulated based on evidence obtained through a systematic review of phase ii and iii randomized controlled trials (rcts). The draft recommendations underwent internal review by clinical and methodology experts, and external review by clinical practitioners through a survey assessing the clinical relevance and overall quality of the guideline. Feedback from the internal and external reviews was integrated into the clinical practice guideline. Results The primary literature search yielded thirty-six primary research papers representing thirty rcts that met the eligibility criteria. The guideline provides recommendations for patients with serous tumour histologies and with recurrent, platinum-resistant, and platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. Conclusions The body of evidence from trials that included olaparib and bevacizumab consistently shows a benefit in progression-free survival (pfs) without a corresponding benefit in overall survival (os). The Working Group for this guideline designated pfs, which is associated with symptom control, as a critical outcome. A finding of net benefit can therefore be concluded based on significant differences in pfs. However, that benefit is not without identified harms. Given the identified harms, patient involvement in the decision-making process must take into consideration the side effect profiles of olaparib and bevacizumab within the context of improved pfs but minimal change in os.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Francis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queen's University, Kingston
| | - N Coakley
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, and Cancer Care Ontario's Program in Evidence-Based Care, Hamilton
| | - L Elit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton; and
| | - H Mackay
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON
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Anomalies de la réparation de l’ADN et cancers gynécologiques. Bull Cancer 2017; 104:971-980. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The proven activity of poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in BRCA-mutated homologous recombination deficient (HRD) ovarian cancer has led to the availability to patients with ovarian cancer of the first targeted therapy with an associated predictive biomarker. Our focus has recently turned towards expanding the clinical utility of PARP inhibitors beyond BRCA mutated ovarian cancer, and to a search for novel targets within DNA damage response (DDR). RECENT FINDINGS Early trials in unselected patients with ovarian cancer showed responses to PARP inhibition in BRCA-wildtype ovarian cancer, and recent genomic studies have demonstrated that germline or somatic aberrations in other homologous recombination genes are present in a significant proportion of ovarian cancers. In addition, PARP inhibition may be of value in molecularly defined subsets of endometrial or cervical cancers. Novel DDR inhibitors such as ATR, ATM, WEE1 or DNA-PK inhibitors are also being tested in patients. Finally, combinatorial strategies of DDR inhibitors with antiangiogenic agents, phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors or immunotherapies may further increase therapeutic efficacy. SUMMARY In the future, patients with gynaecological malignancies may be rationally selected for PARP inhibition on the basis of comprehensive evaluation of homologous recombination genomic alterations, or HRD assays. Furthermore, novel DDR inhibitors have the potential to expand the repertoire of therapeutic options available to these patients.
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50
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Zhang M, Singh R, Peng S, Mazumdar T, Sambandam V, Shen L, Tong P, Li L, Kalu NN, Pickering CR, Frederick M, Myers JN, Wang J, Johnson FM. Mutations of the LIM protein AJUBA mediate sensitivity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to treatment with cell-cycle inhibitors. Cancer Lett 2017; 392:71-82. [PMID: 28126323 PMCID: PMC5404895 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The genomic alterations identified in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumors have not resulted in any changes in clinical care, making the development of biomarker-driven targeted therapy for HNSCC a major translational gap in knowledge. To fill this gap, we used 59 molecularly characterized HNSCC cell lines and found that mutations of AJUBA, SMAD4 and RAS predicted sensitivity and resistance to treatment with inhibitors of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), checkpoint kinases 1 and 2, and WEE1. Inhibition or knockdown of PLK1 led to cell-cycle arrest at the G2/M transition and apoptosis in sensitive cell lines and decreased tumor growth in an orthotopic AJUBA-mutant HNSCC mouse model. AJUBA protein expression was undetectable in most AJUBA-mutant HNSCC cell lines, and total PLK1 and Bora protein expression were decreased. Exogenous expression of wild-type AJUBA in an AJUBA-mutant cell line partially rescued the phenotype of PLK1 inhibitor-induced apoptosis and decreased PLK1 substrate inhibition, suggesting a threshold effect in which higher drug doses are required to affect PLK1 substrate inhibition. PLK1 inhibition was an effective therapy for HNSCC in vitro and in vivo. However, biomarkers to guide such therapy are lacking. We identified AJUBA, SMAD4 and RAS mutations as potential candidate biomarkers of response of HNSCC to treatment with these mitotic inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ratnakar Singh
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shaohua Peng
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tuhina Mazumdar
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Vaishnavi Sambandam
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Li Shen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Pan Tong
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lerong Li
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nene N Kalu
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Curtis R Pickering
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mitchell Frederick
- Department of Otolaryngology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Faye M Johnson
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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