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Angulo-Elizari E, Henriquez-Figuereo A, Morán-Serradilla C, Plano D, Sanmartín C. Unlocking the potential of 1,4-naphthoquinones: A comprehensive review of their anticancer properties. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116249. [PMID: 38458106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Cancer encompasses a group of pathologies with common characteristics, high incidence, and prevalence in all countries. Although there are treatments available for this disease, they are not always effective or safe, often failing to achieve the desired results. This is why it is necessary to continue the search for new therapies. One of the strategies for obtaining new antitumor drugs is the use of 1,4-naphthoquinone as a scaffold in synthetic or natural products with antitumor activity. This review focuses on compiling studies related to the antitumor activity of 1,4-naphthoquinone and its natural and synthetic derivatives over the last 10 years. The work describes the main natural naphthoquinones with antitumor activity and classifies the synthetic naphthoquinones based on the structural modifications made to the scaffold. Additionally, the formation of metal complexes using naphthoquinones as a ligand is considered. After a thorough review, 197 synthetic compounds with potent biological activity against cancer have been classified according to their chemical structures and their mechanisms of action have been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Angulo-Elizari
- University of Navarra, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Andreina Henriquez-Figuereo
- University of Navarra, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Cristina Morán-Serradilla
- University of Navarra, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Daniel Plano
- University of Navarra, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdisNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Carmen Sanmartín
- University of Navarra, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdisNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
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Kohal R, Bisht P, Gupta GD, Verma SK. Targeting JAK2/STAT3 for the treatment of cancer: A review on recent advancements in molecular development using structural analysis and SAR investigations. Bioorg Chem 2024; 143:107095. [PMID: 38211548 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.107095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is indeed considered a hazardous and potentially life-threatening disorder. The JAK/STAT pathway is an important intracellular signaling cascade essential for many physiological functions, such as immune response, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Dysregulation of this pathway aids in the progression and development of cancer. The downstream JAK2/STAT3 signaling cascades are legitimate targets against which newer anticancer drugs can be developed to prevent and treat cancer. Understanding the mechanisms behind JAK2/STAT3 participation in cancer has paved the way for developing innovative targeted medicines with the potential to improve cancer treatment outcomes. This article provides information on the current scenario and recent advancements in the design and development of anticancer drugs targeting JAK2/STAT3, including structural analysis and SAR investigations of synthesized molecules. Numerous preclinical and clinical trials are ongoing on these inhibitors, which are highlighted to gain more insight into the broader development prospects of inhibitors of JAK2/STAT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupali Kohal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga 142 001, (Punjab), India
| | - Priya Bisht
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga 142 001, (Punjab), India
| | - Ghanshyam Das Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga 142 001, (Punjab), India
| | - Sant Kumar Verma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga 142 001, (Punjab), India.
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Hu Y, Dong Z, Liu K. Unraveling the complexity of STAT3 in cancer: molecular understanding and drug discovery. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:23. [PMID: 38245798 PMCID: PMC10799433 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02949-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcriptional factor involved in almost all cancer hallmark features including tumor proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, tumor inflammation, metabolism reprogramming, drug resistance, cancer stemness. Therefore, STAT3 has become a promising therapeutic target in a wide range of cancers. This review focuses on the up-to-date knowledge of STAT3 signaling in cancer. We summarize both the positive and negative modulators of STAT3 together with the cancer hallmarks involving activities regulated by STAT3 and highlight its extremely sophisticated regulation on immunosuppression in tumor microenvironment and metabolic reprogramming. Direct and indirect inhibitors of STAT3 in preclinical and clinical studies also have been summarized and discussed. Additionally, we highlight and propose new strategies of targeting STAT3 and STAT3-based combinations with established chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and combination therapy. These efforts may provide new perspectives for STAT3-based target therapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Hu
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
- Medical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Witte HM, Riedl J, Künstner A, Fähnrich A, Ketzer J, Fliedner SMJ, Reimer N, Bernard V, von Bubnoff N, Merz H, Busch H, Feller A, Gebauer N. Molecularly Stratified Treatment Options in Primary Refractory DLBCL/HGBL with MYC and BCL2 or BCL6 Rearrangements (HGBL, NOS with MYC/BCL6). Target Oncol 2023; 18:749-765. [PMID: 37488307 PMCID: PMC10517902 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-023-00983-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence supporting multidisciplinary molecular tumor boards (MTB) in solid tumors whereas hematologic malignancies remain underrepresented in this regard. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to assess the clinical relevance of MTBs in primary refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphomas/high-grade B-cell lymphomas with MYC and BCL2 rearrangements (prDLBCL/HGBL-MYC/BCL2) (n = 13) and HGBL, not otherwise specified (NOS), with MYC and BCL6 rearrangements (prHGBL, NOS-MYC/BCL6) (n = 6) based on our previously published whole-exome sequencing (WES) cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS For genomic analysis, the institutional MTB WES pipeline (University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein: UCCSH), certified for routine clinical diagnostics, was employed and supplemented by a comprehensive immunohistochemical work-up. Consecutive database research and annotation according to established evidence levels for molecularly stratified therapies was performed (NCT-DKTK/ESCAT). RESULTS Molecularly tailored treatment options with NCT-DKTK evidence level of at least m2A were identified in each case. We classified mutations in accordance with biomarker/treatment baskets and detected a heterogeneous spectrum of targetable alterations affecting immune evasion (IE; n = 30), B-cell targets (BCT; n = 26), DNA damage repair (DDR; n = 20), tyrosine kinases (TK; n = 13), cell cycle (CC; n = 7), PI3K-MTOR-AKT pathway (PAM; n = 2), RAF-MEK-ERK cascade (RME; n = 1), and others (OTH; n = 11). CONCLUSION Our virtual MTB approach identified potential molecularly targeted treatment options alongside targetable genomic signatures for both prDLBCL/HGBL-MYC/BCL2 and prHGBL, NOS-MYC/BCL6. These results underline the potential of MTB consultations in difficult-to-treat lymphomas early in the treatment sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanno M Witte
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany.
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Federal Armed Forces Hospital Ulm, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 40, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
- University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Alee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Jörg Riedl
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
- University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Alee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Axel Künstner
- University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Alee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
- Medical Systems Biology Group, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Anke Fähnrich
- University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Alee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
- Medical Systems Biology Group, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Julius Ketzer
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
- University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Alee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Stephanie M J Fliedner
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
- University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Alee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Niklas Reimer
- University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Alee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
- Medical Systems Biology Group, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Veronica Bernard
- Hämatopathologie Lübeck, Reference Centre for Lymph Node Pathology and Hematopathology, Maria-Goeppert-Straße 9a, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Nikolas von Bubnoff
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
- University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Alee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hartmut Merz
- Hämatopathologie Lübeck, Reference Centre for Lymph Node Pathology and Hematopathology, Maria-Goeppert-Straße 9a, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hauke Busch
- University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Alee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
- Medical Systems Biology Group, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Alfred Feller
- Hämatopathologie Lübeck, Reference Centre for Lymph Node Pathology and Hematopathology, Maria-Goeppert-Straße 9a, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Niklas Gebauer
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
- University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Alee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
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Shao Z, Wang H, Ren H, Sun Y, Chen X. The Anticancer Effect of Napabucasin (BBI608), a Natural Naphthoquinone. Molecules 2023; 28:5678. [PMID: 37570646 PMCID: PMC10420168 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Napabucasin (also known as BBI608) is a natural naphthoquinone originally identified as a cancer cell stemness inhibitor. Accumulated in vitro and in vivo evidence demonstrated that napabucasin showed significant anticancer effects in various types of cancers. Napabucasin inhibits cancer cell proliferation, induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and suppresses metastasis and relapse. Such anticancer activities of napabucasin mainly rely on the inhibition of cancer stemness by targeting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and its related gene inhibition. However, several novel molecular targets for napabucasin, such as NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1), have been reported. Napabucasin represents a promising anticancer lead for multiple cancers. In this mini review, the anticancer potential and the molecular mechanism of napabucasin will be briefly highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyang Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical, University of Macau, Macao, China; (Z.S.); (H.W.); (H.R.)
| | - Heng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical, University of Macau, Macao, China; (Z.S.); (H.W.); (H.R.)
| | - Haiyan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical, University of Macau, Macao, China; (Z.S.); (H.W.); (H.R.)
| | - Yinxiang Sun
- Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Xiuping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical, University of Macau, Macao, China; (Z.S.); (H.W.); (H.R.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macao, China
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
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Okusaka T, Morimoto M, Eguchi Y, Nakamura S, Iino S, Kageyama R. A Phase I Study to Investigate the Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of Napabucasin Combined with Sorafenib in Japanese Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Drugs R D 2023:10.1007/s40268-023-00416-8. [PMID: 37188895 DOI: 10.1007/s40268-023-00416-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE For patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the standard of care for many years has been sorafenib. Preliminary data have suggested that the combination of the NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 bioactivatable agent napabucasin plus sorafenib may improve clinical outcomes in patients with HCC. In this phase I, multicenter, uncontrolled, open-label study, we evaluated napabucasin (480 mg/day) plus sorafenib (800 mg/day) in Japanese patients with unresectable HCC. METHODS Adults with unresectable HCC and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1 were enrolled in a 3 + 3 trial design. The occurrence of dose-limiting toxicities was assessed through 29 days from the start of napabucasin administration. Additional endpoints included safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumor efficacy. RESULTS In the six patients who initiated treatment with napabucasin, no dose-limiting toxicities occurred. The most frequently reported adverse events were diarrhea (83.3%) and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (66.7%), all of which were grade 1 or 2. The pharmacokinetic results for napabucasin were consistent with prior publications. The best overall response (per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST] version 1.1) was stable disease in four patients. Using Kaplan-Meier methodology, the 6-month progression-free survival rate was 16.7% per RECIST 1.1 and 20.0% per modified RECIST for HCC. The 12-month overall survival rate was 50.0%. CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm the viability of napabucasin plus sorafenib treatment, and there were no safety or tolerability concerns in Japanese patients with unresectable HCC. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02358395, registered on 9 February 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuji Okusaka
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Manabu Morimoto
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Eguchi
- Liver Center, Saga University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine Saga University, Saga, Japan
- Loco Medical General Institute, Ogi, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
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Genomic features and its potential implication in bone oligometastatic NSCLC. BMC Pulm Med 2023; 23:59. [PMID: 36755257 PMCID: PMC9906959 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02354-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Emerging evidence have demonstrated that oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can achieve clinical benefit from local consolidative therapy. Bone oligometastasis is common in advanced lung cancer, but little is known about its molecular features. The purpose of our study aimed to investigate the genomic landscape bone oligometastatic NSCLC. METHODS We collected paired blood and tissue samples from 31 bone oligometastatic NSCLC patients to make a comprehensive analysis of mutations by performing next-generation sequencing. RESULTS A total of 186 genomic mutations were detected from 105 distinct cancer-relevant genes, with a median number of 6 alterations per tumor. The most frequently mutated genes were EGFR (58%) and TP53 (55%), followed by KRAS (16%), CDKN2A (13%) and MET (13%). The signatures related to smoking, aging, homologous recombination deficiency and APOBEC were identified as the most important mutational processes in bone oligometastasis. The median tumor mutation burden was 4.4 mutations/Mb. Altogether, genetic alterations of bone oligometastasis are highly targetable that 74.19% of patients had at least one actionable alteration that was recommended for targeted therapy based on the OncoKB evidence. Of these patients, 16.13% had two actionable alterations that could potentially benefit from a different combination of targeted drugs to achieve better outcomes. CONCLUSION Our research comprehensively elucidates the genomic features of bone oligometastatic NSCLC patients, which may optimize individualized cancer treatment in the era of precision medicine.
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Ebrahimi N, Afshinpour M, Fakhr SS, Kalkhoran PG, Shadman-Manesh V, Adelian S, Beiranvand S, Rezaei-Tazangi F, Khorram R, Hamblin MR, Aref AR. Cancer stem cells in colorectal cancer: Signaling pathways involved in stemness and therapy resistance. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 182:103920. [PMID: 36702423 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.103920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third cause of cancer death worldwide. Although, in some cases, treatment can increase patient survival and reduce cancer recurrence, in many cases, tumors can develop resistance to therapy leading to recurrence. One of the main reasons for recurrence and therapy resistance is the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs possess a self-renewal ability, and their stemness properties lead to the avoidance of apoptosis, and allow a new clone of cancer cells to emerge. Numerous investigations inidicated the involvment of cellular signaling pathways in embryonic development, and growth, repair, and maintenance of tissue homeostasis, also participate in the generation and maintenance of stemness in colorectal CSCs. This review discusses the role of Wnt, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Sonic hedgehog, and Notch signaling pathways in colorectal CSCs, and the possible modulating drugs that could be used in treatment for resistant CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Ebrahimi
- Division of Genetics, Department of cell and molecular & microbiology, Faculty of Science and technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maral Afshinpour
- Department of chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University (SDSU), Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Siavash Seifollahy Fakhr
- Department of Biotechnology; Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Campus Hamar, Norway
| | - Paniz Ghasempour Kalkhoran
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology_Microbiology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vida Shadman-Manesh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Adelian
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Sheida Beiranvand
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rezaei-Tazangi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Roya Khorram
- Bone and Joint Diseases Research Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa.
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Xsphera Biosciences, Translational Medicine Group, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA 02210, USA.
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Proteomic time course of breast cancer cells highlights enhanced sensitivity to Stat3 and Src inhibitors prior to endocrine resistance development. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:324-334. [PMID: 36266450 PMCID: PMC9935392 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00548-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
To prevent the development of endocrine-resistant breast cancer, additional targeted therapies are increasingly being trialled in combination with endocrine therapy. The molecular mechanisms facilitating cancer cell survival during endocrine treatment remain unknown but could help direct selection of additional targeted therapies. We present a novel proteomic timecourse dataset, profiling potential drug targets in a population of MCF7 cells during 1 year of tamoxifen treatment. Reverse phase protein arrays profiled >70 proteins across 30 timepoints. A biphasic response to tamoxifen was evident, which coincided with changes in growth rate. Tamoxifen strongly impeded cell growth for the first 160 days, followed by gradual growth recovery and eventual resistance development. The growth-impeded phase was distinguished by the phosphorylation of Stat3 (y705) and Src (y527). Tumour tissue from patients treated with neo-adjuvant endocrine therapy (<4 months) also displayed increased Stat3 and Src signalling. Inhibitors of Stat3 (napabucasin) and Src (dasatinib), were effective at killing tamoxifen-treated MCF7 and T47D cells. Sensitivity to both drugs was significantly enhanced once tamoxifen had induced the growth-impeded phase. This novel proteomic resource identifies key mechanisms enabling cell survival during tamoxifen treatment. It provides valuable insight into potential drug combinations and timing that may prevent the development of endocrine resistance.
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10
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Witte HM, Fähnrich A, Künstner A, Riedl J, Fliedner SMJ, Reimer N, Hertel N, von Bubnoff N, Bernard V, Merz H, Busch H, Feller A, Gebauer N. Primary refractory plasmablastic lymphoma: A precision oncology approach. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1129405. [PMID: 36923431 PMCID: PMC10008852 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1129405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hematologic malignancies are currently underrepresented in multidisciplinary molecular-tumor-boards (MTB). This study assesses the potential of precision-oncology in primary-refractory plasmablastic-lymphoma (prPBL), a highly lethal blood cancer. Methods We evaluated clinicopathological and molecular-genetic data of 14 clinically annotated prPBL-patients from initial diagnosis. For this proof-of-concept study, we employed our certified institutional MTB-pipeline (University-Cancer-Center-Schleswig-Holstein, UCCSH) to annotate a comprehensive dataset within the scope of a virtual MTB-setting, ultimately recommending molecularly stratified therapies. Evidence-levels for MTB-recommendations were defined in accordance with the NCT/DKTK and ESCAT criteria. Results Median age in the cohort was 76.5 years (range 56-91), 78.6% of patients were male, 50% were HIV-positive and clinical outcome was dismal. Comprehensive genomic/transcriptomic analysis revealed potential recommendations of a molecularly stratified treatment option with evidence-levels according to NCT/DKTK of at least m2B/ESCAT of at least IIIA were detected for all 14 prPBL-cases. In addition, immunohistochemical-assessment (CD19/CD30/CD38/CD79B) revealed targeted treatment-recommendations in all 14 cases. Genetic alterations were classified by treatment-baskets proposed by Horak et al. Hereby, we identified tyrosine-kinases (TK; n=4), PI3K-MTOR-AKT-pathway (PAM; n=3), cell-cycle-alterations (CC; n=2), RAF-MEK-ERK-cascade (RME; n=2), immune-evasion (IE; n=2), B-cell-targets (BCT; n=25) and others (OTH; n=4) for targeted treatment-recommendations. The minimum requirement for consideration of a drug within the scope of the study was FDA-fast-track development. Discussion The presented proof-of-concept study demonstrates the clinical potential of precision-oncology, even in prPBL-patients. Due to the aggressive course of the disease, there is an urgent medical-need for personalized treatment approaches, and this population should be considered for MTB inclusion at the earliest time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanno M Witte
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Federal Armed Forces Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anke Fähnrich
- Medical Systems Biology Group, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig- Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Axel Künstner
- Medical Systems Biology Group, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig- Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jörg Riedl
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany.,Hämatopathologie Lübeck, Reference Centre for Lymph Node Pathology and Hematopathology, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Stephanie M J Fliedner
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany.,University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig- Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Niklas Reimer
- Medical Systems Biology Group, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig- Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Nadine Hertel
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Nikolas von Bubnoff
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany.,University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig- Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Veronica Bernard
- Hämatopathologie Lübeck, Reference Centre for Lymph Node Pathology and Hematopathology, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hartmut Merz
- University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig- Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hauke Busch
- Medical Systems Biology Group, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig- Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Alfred Feller
- Hämatopathologie Lübeck, Reference Centre for Lymph Node Pathology and Hematopathology, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Niklas Gebauer
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany.,University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig- Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
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11
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Nagao H, Ninomiya M, Sugiyama H, Itabashi A, Uno K, Tanaka K, Koketsu M. Comparative analysis of p-terphenylquinone and seriniquinone derivatives as reactive oxygen species-modulating agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 76:128992. [PMID: 36126897 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Quinones are widespread in plants, animals, insects, and microorganisms. Several anticancer agents contain quinone structures as critical parts to show remarkable potential and distinctive modes of actions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the structure-activity relationships of microbial quinones and their derivatives as anticancer agents. A series of p-terphenylquinone and seriniquinone derivatives were therefore prepared. Treatment of the synthesized quinones possessed antiproliferative activity on human leukemia HL-60 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. In addition, seriniquinone derivatives elevated cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, thereby triggering the ensuing apoptotic events. Our findings emphasize the excellent potential of seriniquinone derivatives as redox cycling-induced ROS-modulating anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruna Nagao
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Masayuki Ninomiya
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; Division of Instrumental Analysis, Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Hodaka Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Atsuya Itabashi
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kaho Uno
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kaori Tanaka
- Division of Anaerobe Research, Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1194, Japan; United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medicinal Information Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1194, Japan; Division of Cooperative Research Facility, Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Mamoru Koketsu
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.
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12
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Wu CWK, Reid M, Leedham S, Lui RN. The emerging era of personalized medicine in advanced colorectal cancer. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 37:1411-1425. [PMID: 35815339 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a genetically heterogeneous disease with its pathogenesis often driven by varying genetic or epigenetic alterations. This has led to a substantial number of patients developing chemoresistance and treatment failure, resulting in a high mortality rate for advanced disease. Deep molecular analysis has allowed for the discovery of key intestinal signaling pathways which impacts colonic epithelial cell fate, and the integral role of the tumor microenvironment on cancer growth and dissemination. Through transitioning pre-clinical knowledge in research into clinical practice, many potential druggable targets within these pathways have been discovered in the hopes of overcoming the roadblocks encountered by conventional therapies. A personalized approach tailoring treatment according to the histopathological and molecular features of individual tumors can hopefully translate to better patient outcomes, and reduce the rate of recurrence in patients with advanced CRC. Herein, the latest understanding on the molecular science behind CRC tumorigenesis, and the potential treatment targets currently at the forefront of research are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia W K Wu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Madeleine Reid
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Simon Leedham
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rashid N Lui
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Clinical Oncology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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13
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Ipilimumab, Pembrolizumab, or Nivolumab in Combination with BBI608 in Patients with Advanced Cancers Treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051330. [PMID: 35267638 PMCID: PMC8909492 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: BBI608 is an investigational reactive oxygen species generator that affects several molecular pathways. We investigated BBI608 combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced cancers. Methods: BBI608 (orally twice daily) was combined with ipilimumab (3 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks); pembrolizumab (2 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks); or nivolumab (3 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks). We assessed the safety, antitumor activity and the pharmacokinetic profile of BBI combined with immunotherapy. Results: From 1/2017 to 3/2017, 12 patients were treated (median age, 54 years; range, 31–78; 6 men). Treatment was overall well tolerated. No dose-limiting toxicity was observed. The most common adverse events were diarrhea (5 patients: grade (G)1–2, n = 3; G3, n = 2) and nausea (4 patients, all G1). Prolonged disease stabilization was noted in five patients treated with BBI608/nivolumab lasting for 12.1, 10.1, 8.0, 7.7 and 7.4 months. The median progression-free survival was 2.73 months. The median overall survival was 7.56 months. Four patients had prolonged overall survival (53.0, 48.7, 51.9 and 48.2 months). Conclusions: Checkpoint inhibitors combined with BBI608 were well tolerated. Several patients had prolonged disease stabilization and overall survival. Prospective studies to elucidate the mechanisms of response and resistance to BBI608 are warranted.
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14
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Tošić I, Frank DA. STAT3 as a mediator of oncogenic cellular metabolism: Pathogenic and therapeutic implications. Neoplasia 2021; 23:1167-1178. [PMID: 34731785 PMCID: PMC8569436 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is activated constitutively in a wide array of human cancers. It is an appealing molecular target for novel therapy as it directly regulates expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, chemoresistance and immune responsiveness. In addition to these well-established oncogenic roles, STAT3 has also been found to mediate a wide array of functions in modulating cellular behavior. The transcriptional function of STAT3 is canonically regulated through tyrosine phosphorylation. However, STAT3 phosphorylated at a single serine residue can allow incorporation of this protein into the inner mitochondrial membrane to support oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and maximize the utility of glucose sources. Conflictingly, its canonical transcriptional activity suppresses OXPHOS and favors aerobic glycolysis to promote oncogenic behavior. Apart from mediating the energy metabolism and controversial effects on ATP production, STAT3 signaling modulates lipid metabolism of cancer cells. By mediating fatty acid synthesis and beta oxidation, STAT3 promotes employment of available resources and supports survival in the conditions of metabolic stress. Thus, the functions of STAT3 extend beyond regulation of oncogenic genes expression to pleiotropic effects on a spectrum of essential cellular processes. In this review, we dissect the current knowledge on activity and mechanisms of STAT3 involvement in transcriptional regulation, mitochondrial function, energy production and lipid metabolism of malignant cells, and its implications to cancer pathogenesis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidora Tošić
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - David A Frank
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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15
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Noda N, Takagaki T, Yodo Y, Horibuchi Y, Iino S, Matsuki S, Ogama Y, Kakuyama H. Effects of a reactive oxygen species generator, napabucasin (BBI608), on tolerability, safety, pharmacokinetics, and QT/QTc interval in healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00874. [PMID: 34628720 PMCID: PMC8502439 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of napabucasin in healthy Asian and non-Asian participants and investigated the potential for QT/QTc interval prolongation. This five-part (A-E) study proceeded in a stepwise manner, unless stopping criteria were met. Parts A-D were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and included healthy Asian male and female and non-Asian male participants. PK parameters were measured following single-dose napabucasin (80-1200 mg) in the fasted or fed state (Part D). Potential QT/QTc interval prolongation was assessed using digital 12-lead electrocardiogram (Parts B and C). Part E was open-label, and examined the PK of single-dose napabucasin (240-720 mg) in healthy non-Asian males. Safety and tolerability were measured in Parts A-E. Changes from baseline in the Fridericia-corrected QT interval (ΔQTcF) and other electrocardiogram parameters were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model. Napabucasin was well-tolerated across the study (n = 70), and no serious adverse events or significant safety issues were reported when administered with or without food. The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events were diarrhea and abdominal pain, and these were mild in severity. No prolongation of the QTcF interval was reported following single-dose napabucasin (240-1200 mg) and changes in other cardiac parameters were negligible. The PK profile of napabucasin was consistent with earlier studies. Single-dose napabucasin was tolerated in healthy male and female participants, and no significant safety (including no QTcF prolongation) or tolerability issues were identified, irrespective of food intake. Clinical studies of napabucasin in advanced cancers are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Noda
- Clinical Research, Drug Development Division, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Takagaki
- Clinical Research, Drug Development Division, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuhide Yodo
- Data Science, Drug Development Division, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuzo Horibuchi
- Oncology Clinical Development Unit, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuichi Iino
- Oncology Clinical Development Unit, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Hiroyoshi Kakuyama
- Clinical Research, Drug Development Division, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
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16
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Phase I study of napabucasin in combination with FOLFIRI + bevacizumab in Japanese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Int J Clin Oncol 2021; 26:2017-2024. [PMID: 34291369 PMCID: PMC8520863 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-021-01987-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Napabucasin is an oral NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 bioactivatable agent that generates reactive oxygen species, is hypothesised to affect multiple oncogenic cellular pathways, including STAT-3, and is expected to result in cancer cell death. This phase I study investigated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of napabucasin co-administered with fluorouracil, l-leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) chemotherapy plus bevacizumab in Japanese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods Patients with histologically confirmed unresectable stage IV CRC received oral napabucasin 240 mg twice daily (BID). Intravenous FOLFIRI and bevacizumab therapy was initiated on day 3 at approved doses. Unacceptable toxicity was evaluated over the first 30 days of treatment, after which treatment continued in 14-day cycles until toxicity or disease progression. Endpoints included safety, pharmacokinetics, and tumour response based on RECIST v1.1. Results Four patients received treatment; three were evaluable during the unacceptable toxicity period. All four patients experienced diarrhoea and decreased appetite (considered napabucasin-related in four and two patients, respectively), and three patients experienced neutrophil count decreased. No unacceptable toxicity was reported during the 30-day evaluation period. No grade 4 events, deaths, or serious adverse events were reported. The addition of FOLFIRI and bevacizumab to napabucasin did not significantly change the pharmacokinetic profile of napabucasin; however, results were variable among patients. The best overall response was stable disease in two patients (50.0%). Conclusions Napabucasin 240 mg BID in combination with FOLFIRI and bevacizumab was tolerated, with a manageable safety profile in Japanese patients with metastatic CRC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10147-021-01987-9.
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17
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Dai X, Karol MD, Hitron M, Hard ML, Goulet MT, McLaughlin CF, Brantley SJ. Napabucasin Drug-Drug Interaction Potential, Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics Following Oral Dosing in Healthy Adult Volunteers. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2021; 10:824-839. [PMID: 34107166 PMCID: PMC8453567 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.961] [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: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Napabucasin is an orally administered reactive oxygen species generator that is bioactivated by the intracellular antioxidant nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate:quinone oxidoreductase 1. Napabucasin induces cell death in cancer cells, including cancer stem cells. This phase 1 study (NCT03411122) evaluated napabucasin drug‐drug interaction potential for 7 cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and the breast cancer resistance protein transporter/organic anion transporter 3. Healthy volunteers who tolerated napabucasin during period 1 received probe drugs during period 2, and in period 3 received napabucasin (240 mg twice daily; days 1‐11) plus a phenotyping cocktail containing omeprazole (CYP2C19), caffeine (CYP1A2), flurbiprofen (CYP2C9), bupropion (CYP2B6), dextromethorphan (CYP2D6), midazolam (CYP3A) (all oral; day 6), intravenous midazolam (day 7), repaglinide (CYP2C8; day 8), and rosuvastatin (breast cancer resistance protein/organic anion transporter 3; day 9). Drug‐drug interaction potential was evaluated in 17 of 30 enrolled volunteers. Napabucasin coadministration increased the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity (geometric mean ratio [90% confidence interval]) of caffeine (124% [109.0%‐141.4%]), intravenous midazolam (118% [94.4%‐147.3%]), repaglinide (127% [104.7%‐153.3%]), and rosuvastatin (213% [42.5%‐1068.3%]) and decreased the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity of dextromethorphan (71% [47.1%‐108.3%]), bupropion (79% [64.6%‐97.0%]), and hydroxybupropion (45% [15.7%‐129.6%]). No serious adverse events/deaths were reported. Generally, napabucasin is not expected to induce/inhibit drug clearance to a clinically meaningful degree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshu Dai
- Clinical Pharmacology and Drug Metabolism, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Oncology, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael D Karol
- Clinical Pharmacology and Drug Metabolism, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Oncology, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew Hitron
- Clinical Development, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Oncology, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marjie L Hard
- Clinical Pharmacology, Nuventra, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Current address: Praxis Precision Medicines, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew T Goulet
- Clinical Pharmacology, Nuventra, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Current address: Program Management Department, KSQ Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Scott J Brantley
- Clinical NCA & PK/PD, Nuventra, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
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18
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Narusaka T, Ohara T, Noma K, Nishiwaki N, Katsura Y, Kato T, Sato H, Tomono Y, Kikuchi S, Tazawa H, Shirakawa Y, Matsukawa A, Fujiwara T. Nanog is a promising chemoresistant stemness marker and therapeutic target by iron chelators for esophageal cancer. Int J Cancer 2021; 149:347-357. [PMID: 33662150 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33544] [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: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is a disease showing poor prognosis. Although combination chemotherapy using cisplatin (CDDP) and 5-fluorouracil is standard for unresectable esophageal cancer, the response rate is 35%. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) and inflammation are reportedly responsible for the poor prognosis of esophageal cancer. However, comprehensive analyses have not been conducted and proposals for progress remain lacking. Iron is known to be a key factor in the stemness of CSCs. Our study focused on the therapeutic potential of iron control using iron chelators for CSCs in esophageal cancer. Among 134 immunohistochemically analyzed cases, Nanog expression was high in 98 cases and low in 36 cases. High Nanog expression correlated with low overall and disease-free survivals. The iron chelators deferasirox (DFX) and SP10 suppressed the proliferation and expression of stemness markers in TE8 and OE33 cells. DFX and SP10 did not induce compensatory interleukin (IL)-6 secretion, although CDDP did result in high induction. Moreover, BBI608 and SSZ, as other CSC-targeting drugs, could not suppress the expression of stemness markers. Overall, Nanog expression appears related to poor prognosis in esophageal cancer patients, and inhibition of stemness and compensatory IL-6 secretion by iron chelators may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Narusaka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Ohara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.,Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Noma
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Nishiwaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yuki Katsura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takuya Kato
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Sato
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yasuko Tomono
- Division of Molecular Cell biology, Shigei Medical Research Institute, Okayama, Japan
| | - Satoru Kikuchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tazawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.,Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Shirakawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.,Department of Surgery, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akihiro Matsukawa
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Toshiyoshi Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
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Santoni M, Miccini F, Cimadamore A, Piva F, Massari F, Cheng L, Lopez-Beltran A, Montironi R, Battelli N. An update on investigational therapies that target STAT3 for the treatment of cancer. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:245-251. [PMID: 33599169 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1891222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is involved in cancer initiation and resistance to chemo-radiation therapies and targeted agents. The role of STAT3 in inflammation and immunity together with its involvement in a variety of diseases including genitourinary, gastrointestinal, lung, ovarian and brain tumors makes STAT3 an ideal candidate for therapeutic strategies. AREAS COVERED The authors provided an overview on STAT3 inhibitors and examined the most recent results obtained by these agents in cancer patients. The authors discussed the results published since 2015 and the ongoing clinical trials on anti-STAT3 agents in cancer patients. The authors also provide our opinion on the future perspectives of this therapeutic approach in this context. The manuscript includes information from trial databases and scientific literature. EXPERT OPINION Future challenges include the development of non-peptide small-molecule inhibitors of STAT3 designed to directly inhibit STAT3 activity. In addition, inhibitors of STAT3/STAT3 nuclear translocation or DNA binding activity are also emerging as novel promising therapeutic approaches A better comprehension of the role of STAT3 in modulating immune response together with advances in understanding the mechanisms of STAT3-induced chemo and/or radio-resistance will also help the design of combined strategies in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Santoni
- U.O.C Medical Oncology, Macerata Hospital, Macerata, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Cimadamore
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, School of Medicine, United Hospitals, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Piva
- Department of Specialistic Clinical and Odontostomatological Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Massari
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Urology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Antonio Lopez-Beltran
- Department of Pathology and Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Cordoba University, Cordoba, Spain.,Anatomic Pathology, Champalimaud Clinical Center, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rodolfo Montironi
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, School of Medicine, United Hospitals, Ancona, Italy
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Aftabizadeh M, Li YJ, Zhao Q, Zhang C, Ambaye N, Song J, Nagao T, Lahtz C, Fakih M, Ann DK, Yu H, Herrmann A. Potent antitumor effects of cell-penetrating peptides targeting STAT3 axis. JCI Insight 2021; 6:136176. [PMID: 33491667 PMCID: PMC7934871 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.136176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, there are no inhibitors that directly and specifically target activated STAT3 and c-Myc in the clinic. Although peptide-based inhibitors can selectively block activated targets, their clinical usage is limited because of low cell penetration and/or serum stability. Here, we generated cell-penetrating acetylated (acet.) STAT3, c-Myc, and Gp130 targeting peptides by attaching phosphorothioated (PS) polymer backbone to peptides. The cell-penetrating peptides efficiently penetrated cells and inhibited activation of the intended targets and their downstream genes. Locally or systemically treating tumor-bearing mice with PS-acet.-STAT3 peptide at low concentrations effectively blocked STAT3 in vivo, resulting in significant antitumor effects in 2 human xenograft models. Moreover, PS-acet.-STAT3 peptide penetrated and activated splenic CD8+ T cells in vitro. Treating immune-competent mice bearing mouse melanoma with PS-acet.-STAT3 peptide inhibited STAT3 in tumor-infiltrating T cells, downregulating tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T regulatory cells while activating CD8+ T effector cells. Similarly, systemic injections of the cell-penetrating c-Myc and Gp130 peptides prevented pancreatic tumor growth and induced antitumor immune responses. Taken together, we have developed therapeutic peptides that effectively and specifically block challenging cancer targets, resulting in antitumor effects through both direct tumor cell killing and indirectly through antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qianqian Zhao
- Department of Immuno-Oncology and.,Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Christoph Lahtz
- Department of Immuno-Oncology and.,Sorrento Therapeutics, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Marwan Fakih
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics and
| | - David K Ann
- Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Hua Yu
- Department of Immuno-Oncology and
| | - Andreas Herrmann
- Department of Immuno-Oncology and.,Sorrento Therapeutics, San Diego, California, USA
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21
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Kharkar PS. Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) Inhibitors in Oncology-A Promise for a Better Therapeutic Outcome: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. J Med Chem 2020; 63:15279-15307. [PMID: 33325699 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation of cancer cells endowed with self-renewal, tumorigenicity, pluripotency, chemoresistance, differentiation, invasive ability, and plasticity, reside in specialized tumor niches and are responsible for tumor maintenance, metastasis, therapy resistance, and tumor relapse. The new-age "hierarchical or CSC" model of tumor heterogeneity is based on the concept of eradicating CSCs to prevent tumor relapse and therapy resistance. Small-molecular entities and biologics acting on various stemness signaling pathways, surface markers, efflux transporters, or components of complex tumor microenvironment are under intense investigation as potential anti-CSC agents. In addition, smart nanotherapeutic tools have proved their utility in achieving CSC targeting. Several CSC inhibitors in clinical development have shown promise, either as mono- or combination therapy, in refractory and difficult-to-treat cancers. Clinical investigations with CSC marker follow-up as a measure of clinical efficacy are needed to turn the "hype" into the "hope" these new-age oncology therapeutics have to offer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant S Kharkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai 400 019, India
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