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Huang W, Liu W, Yu T, Zhang Z, Zhai L, Huang P, Lu Y. Effect of anti-COVID-19 drugs on patients with cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116214. [PMID: 38367490 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116214] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The clinical treatment of patients with cancer who are also diagnosed with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been a challenging issue since the outbreak of COVID-19. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the effects of commonly used drugs for treating COVID-19 in patients with cancer. Hence, this review aims to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of patients with cancer to minimize the losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we also focused on the relationship between COVID-19, commonly used drugs for treating COVID-19, and cancer. We specifically investigated the effect of these drugs on tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. The potential mechanisms of action of these drugs were discussed and evaluated. We found that most of these drugs showed inhibitory effects on tumors, and only in a few cases had cancer-promoting effects. Furthermore, inappropriate usage of these drugs may lead to irreversible kidney and heart damage. Finally, we have clarified the use of different drugs, which can provide useful guidance for the clinical treatment of cancer patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weicai Huang
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Wenyu Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Tingting Yu
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Lingyun Zhai
- Gynecology Department, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Panpan Huang
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China.
| | - Yao Lu
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China.
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Luo H, Huang S. Inhibition of MNK pathway sensitizes nasopharyngeal carcinoma to radiotherapy. Anticancer Drugs 2024; 35:155-162. [PMID: 37694854 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Improving the clinical management of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an unmet need owing to the high incidence of treatment failure caused by radioresistance. In our study, we observed increased phosphorylation of translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), regulated by MAP kinase-interacting kinase (MNK), in NPC cells following irradiation treatment. Using siRNA to deplete MNK, we found that radiation-induced eIF4E phosphorylation was eliminated, NPC cell sensitivity to radiation was enhanced, and radioresistant NPC cell viability was reduced. Furthermore, we tested three pharmacological MNK inhibitors (eFT508, CGP57380, and cercosporamide) and found that they were effective against radioresistant NPC cells and synergized with irradiation. In-vivo experiments confirmed that eFT508, at a tolerable dose, inhibited the growth of radioresistant NPC and synergized with radiation in a radiosensitive NPC xenograft model. Our research highlights the activation of MNK-mediated survival mechanisms in NPC in response to radiotherapy and the potential of combining radiation with MNK inhibitors as a sensitizing strategy. Notably, eFT508 is currently being investigated in clinical trials for cancer treatment, and our findings may prompt the initiation of clinical trials using eFT508 in radioresistant NPC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglan Luo
- Department of Oncology, Huanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze University, Huanggang
| | - Shiyong Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
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3
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Li J, Hua Q. Regorafenib inhibits growth, survival and angiogenesis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and is synergistic with Mcl-1 inhibitor. J Pharm Pharmacol 2023; 75:1177-1185. [PMID: 37133348 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgad034] [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: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Regorafenib is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor approved for various metastatic/advanced cancers, and has been investigated in clinical trials in many other tumour entities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of regorafenib for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS Cellular proliferation, survival, apoptosis and colony formation assays were performed and combination index was determined. NPC xenograft tumour models were established. In vitro and In vivo angiogenesis assays were performed. KEY FINDINGS Regorafenib is effective against a panel of NPC cell lines regardless of cellular origin and genetic profiling while sparing normal nasal epithelial cells. The predominant inhibitory effects of regorafenib in NPC are anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent growth rather than survival. Apart from tumour cells, regorafenib potently inhibits angiogenesis. Mechanistically, regorafenib inhibits multiple oncogenic pathways including Raf/Erk/Mek and PI3K/Akt/mTOR. Regorafenib decreases Bcl-2 but not Mcl-1 level in NPC cells. The in vitro observations are evident in in vivo NPC xenograft mouse model. The combination of Mcl-1 inhibitor with regorafenib is synergistic in inhibiting NPC growth without causing systemic toxicity in mice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings also support further clinical investigation of regorafenib and Mcl-1 inhibitor for NPC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangping Li
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, People's Republic of China
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei 441021, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingquan Hua
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, People's Republic of China
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4
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Burman B, Drutman SB, Fury MG, Wong RJ, Katabi N, Ho AL, Pfister DG. Pharmacodynamic and therapeutic pilot studies of single-agent ribavirin in patients with human papillomavirus-related malignancies. Oral Oncol 2022; 128:105806. [PMID: 35339025 PMCID: PMC9788648 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.105806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ribavirin inhibits eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), thereby decreasing cap-dependent translation. In this two-part study, we assessed the pharmacodynamic effects and therapeutic potential of ribavirin in human papillomavirus (HPV)-related malignancies. METHODS In the pharmacodynamic study, ribavirin (400 mg BID for 14 days) was evaluated in 8 patients with HPV-positive localized oropharyngeal carcinoma with phosphorylated-eIF4E (p-eIF4E) ≥ 30%. In the therapeutic study, ribavirin (1400 mg BID in 28-day cycles, continuously dosed) was evaluated in 12 patients with recurrent and/or metastatic HPV-related cancer. Dose interruptions or reductions were allowed according to prespecified criteria. Toxicities were assessed in accordance with National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4; response was assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. Patients remained on study until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. RESULTS Six patients were evaluable in the pharmacodynamic study: 4 had decreased p-eIF4E after 14 days of ribavirin. In the therapeutic study, 12 patients were evaluable for toxicity, and 9 were evaluable for response. Among these, median follow-up was 3.5 months, and best overall response was stable disease in 5 patients and progression of disease in 4 patients. Median progression-free survival was 1.8 months. The most common treatment-related adverse events (grade > 2) were anemia, dyspnea, and hyperbilirubinemia. All patients had anemia (grades 1-3), with 33% having at least 1 dose reduction. CONCLUSION Oral ribavirin decreases p-eIF4E levels and is well-tolerated. However, a clear signal of efficacy in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic HPV-related cancers was not observed. (NCT02308241, NCT01268579).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Burman
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Scott B. Drutman
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Matthew G. Fury
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Richard J. Wong
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Nora Katabi
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY,Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Alan L. Ho
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - David G. Pfister
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
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5
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Gong X, Fan L, Wang P. MEK inhibition by trametinib overcomes chemoresistance in preclinical nasopharyngeal carcinoma models. Anticancer Drugs 2021; 32:978-985. [PMID: 34282746 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The development of chemoresistance is the major cause of treatment failure in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Although 'paradoxical' activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) has been shown to contribute resistance to anticancer treatment, the role of ERK in NPC chemoresistance has not been yet revealed. In this work, we report that trametinib, a clinically available mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor for melanoma treatment, overcomes NPC chemoresistance via suppressing ERK activation induced by chemotherapy. We first showed that trametinib at nanomolar concentrations was active against NPC cells and acted synergistically with cisplatin. Trametinib remarkably decreased phosphorylation of ERK and its downstream effector in NPC cells. We next showed that cisplatin treatment stimulates ERK signaling, and furthermore that this can be abolished by trametinib. We finally generated cisplatin-resistant NPC models and demonstrated that trametinib was effective in inhibiting cisplatin-resistant NPC growth, colony formation and survival via suppressing ERK signaling in vitro and in vivo. Our work demonstrates the potential of trametinib in overcoming chemoresistance in preclinical NPC models and provides evidence of initializing clinical trials of using trametinib for NPC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lei Fan
- Department of Urologic Surgery
| | - Pu Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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Huq S, Casaos J, Serra R, Peters M, Xia Y, Ding AS, Ehresman J, Kedda JN, Morales M, Gorelick NL, Zhao T, Ishida W, Perdomo-Pantoja A, Cecia A, Ji C, Suk I, Sidransky D, Brait M, Brem H, Skuli N, Tyler B. Repurposing the FDA-Approved Antiviral Drug Ribavirin as Targeted Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 19:1797-1808. [PMID: 32606016 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a squamous cell carcinoma with a proclivity for systemic dissemination, leading many patients to present with advanced stage disease and fail available treatments. There is a notable lack of targeted therapies for NPC, despite working knowledge of multiple proteins with integral roles in NPC cancer biology. These proteins include EZH2, Snail, eIF4E, and IMPDH, which are all overexpressed in NPC and correlated with poor prognosis. These proteins are known to be modulated by ribavirin, an FDA-approved hepatitis C antiviral that has recently been repurposed as a promising therapeutic in several solid and hematologic malignancies. Here, we investigated the potential of ribavirin as a targeted anticancer agent in five human NPC cell lines. Using cellular growth assays, flow cytometry, BrdU cell proliferation assays, scratch wound assays, and invasion assays, we show in vitro that ribavirin decreases NPC cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion and promotes cell-cycle arrest and cell death. Modulation of EZH2, Snail, eIF4E, IMPDH, mTOR, and cyclin D1 were observed in Western blots and enzymatic activity assays in response to ribavirin treatment. As monotherapy, ribavirin reduced flank tumor growth in multiple NPC xenograft models in vivo Most importantly, we demonstrate that ribavirin enhanced the effects of radiotherapy, a central component of NPC treatment, both in vitro and in vivo Our work suggests that NPC responds to ribavirin-mediated EZH2, Snail, eIF4E, IMPDH, and mTOR changes and positions ribavirin for clinical evaluation as a potential addition to our NPC treatment armamentarium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakibul Huq
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joshua Casaos
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Riccardo Serra
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michael Peters
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yuanxuan Xia
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andy S Ding
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jeff Ehresman
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jayanidhi N Kedda
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Manuel Morales
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Noah L Gorelick
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tianna Zhao
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wataru Ishida
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alexander Perdomo-Pantoja
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Arba Cecia
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chenchen Ji
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ian Suk
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David Sidransky
- Head and Neck Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mariana Brait
- Head and Neck Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Henry Brem
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Oncology, and Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Nicolas Skuli
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Betty Tyler
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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