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Parrish AG, Szulzewsky F. TRKing down drug resistance in NTRK fusion-positive cancers †. J Pathol 2024. [PMID: 39072755 DOI: 10.1002/path.6341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
In a recent issue of The Journal of Pathology, Chen and colleagues established novel patient-derived ex vivo models of NTRK fusion-positive soft tissue sarcoma to characterize resistance mechanisms against targeted therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Prolonged exposure to escalating concentrations of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, entrectinib, ultimately led to the occurrence of resistant clones that harbored an inactivating mutation in the NF2 gene, not previously described in this context, accompanied by increased PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling. Finally, an inhibitor screen identified, among others, MEK and mTOR inhibitors as potential combination agents. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail G Parrish
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Frank Szulzewsky
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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2
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Chen Y, Steiner S, Hagedorn C, Kollar S, Pliego-Mendieta A, Haberecker M, Plock J, Britschgi C, Planas-Paz L, Pauli C. Acquired NF2 mutation confers resistance to TRK inhibition in an ex vivo LMNA::NTRK1-rearranged soft-tissue sarcoma cell model. J Pathol 2024; 263:257-269. [PMID: 38613194 DOI: 10.1002/path.6282] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Genomic rearrangements of the neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase genes (NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3) are the most common mechanism of oncogenic activation for this family of receptors, resulting in sustained cancer cell proliferation. Several targeted therapies have been approved for tumours harbouring NTRK fusions and a new generation of TRK inhibitors has already been developed due to acquired resistance. We established a patient-derived LMNA::NTRK1-rearranged soft-tissue sarcoma cell model ex vivo with an acquired resistance to targeted TRK inhibition. Molecular profiling of the resistant clones revealed an acquired NF2 loss of function mutation that was absent in the parental cell model. Parental cells showed continuous sensitivity to TRK-targeted treatment, whereas the resistant clones were insensitive. Furthermore, resistant clones showed upregulation of the MAPK and mTOR/AKT pathways in the gene expression based on RNA sequencing data and increased sensitivity to MEK and mTOR inhibitor therapy. Drug synergy was seen using trametinib and rapamycin in combination with entrectinib. Medium-throughput drug screening further identified small compounds as potential drug candidates to overcome resistance as monotherapy or in combination with entrectinib. In summary, we developed a comprehensive model of drug resistance in an LMNA::NTRK1-rearranged soft-tissue sarcoma and have broadened the understanding of acquired drug resistance to targeted TRK therapy. Furthermore, we identified drug combinations and small compounds to overcome acquired drug resistance and potentially guide patient care in a functional precision oncology setting. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjiang Chen
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Steiner
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Catherine Hagedorn
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Kollar
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alicia Pliego-Mendieta
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martina Haberecker
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Plock
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Britschgi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lara Planas-Paz
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Pauli
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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3
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Theard PL, Linke AJ, Sealover NE, Daley BR, Yang J, Cox K, Kortum RL. SOS2 modulates the threshold of EGFR signaling to regulate osimertinib efficacy and resistance in lung adenocarcinoma. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:641-661. [PMID: 38073064 PMCID: PMC10920089 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13564] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Son of sevenless 1 and 2 (SOS1 and SOS2) are RAS guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RasGEFs) that mediate physiologic and pathologic receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-dependent RAS activation. Here, we show that SOS2 modulates the threshold of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling to regulate the efficacy of and resistance to the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) osimertinib in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). SOS2 deletion (SOS2KO ) sensitized EGFR-mutated cells to perturbations in EGFR signaling caused by reduced serum and/or osimertinib treatment to inhibit phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway activation, oncogenic transformation, and survival. Bypassing RTK reactivation of PI3K/AKT signaling represents a common resistance mechanism to EGFR-TKIs; SOS2KO reduced PI3K/AKT reactivation to limit osimertinib resistance. In a forced HGF/MET-driven bypass model, SOS2KO inhibited hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-stimulated PI3K signaling to block HGF-driven osimertinib resistance. Using a long-term in situ resistance assay, most osimertinib-resistant cultures exhibited a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype associated with reactivated RTK/AKT signaling. In contrast, RTK/AKT-dependent osimertinib resistance was markedly reduced by SOS2 deletion; the few SOS2KO cultures that became osimertinib resistant primarily underwent non-RTK-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Since bypassing RTK reactivation and/or tertiary EGFR mutations represent most osimertinib-resistant cancers, these data suggest that targeting proximal RTK signaling, here exemplified by SOS2 deletion, has the potential to delay the development osimertinib resistance and enhance overall clinical responses for patients with EGFR-mutated LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L. Theard
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular TherapeuticsUniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMDUSA
| | - Amanda J. Linke
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular TherapeuticsUniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMDUSA
| | - Nancy E. Sealover
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular TherapeuticsUniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMDUSA
| | - Brianna R. Daley
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular TherapeuticsUniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMDUSA
| | - Johnny Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular TherapeuticsUniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMDUSA
| | - Katherine Cox
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular TherapeuticsUniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMDUSA
| | - Robert L. Kortum
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular TherapeuticsUniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMDUSA
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Vaishnavi A, Kinsey CG, McMahon M. Preclinical Modeling of Pathway-Targeted Therapy of Human Lung Cancer in the Mouse. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041385. [PMID: 37788883 PMCID: PMC10760064 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041385] [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] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Animal models, particularly genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), continue to have a transformative impact on our understanding of the initiation and progression of hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Furthermore, GEMMs have been employed in the design and optimization of potent anticancer therapies. Increasingly, drug responses are assessed in mouse models either prior, or in parallel, to the implementation of precision medical oncology, in which groups of patients with genetically stratified cancers are treated with drugs that target the relevant oncoprotein such that mechanisms of drug sensitivity or resistance may be identified. Subsequently, this has led to the design and preclinical testing of combination therapies designed to forestall the onset of drug resistance. Indeed, mouse models of human lung cancer represent a paradigm for how a wide variety of GEMMs, driven by a variety of oncogenic drivers, have been generated to study initiation, progression, and maintenance of this disease as well as response to drugs. These studies have now expanded beyond targeted therapy to include immunotherapy. We highlight key aspects of the relationship between mouse models and the evolution of therapeutic approaches, including oncogene-targeted therapies, immunotherapies, acquired drug resistance, and ways in which successful antitumor strategies improve on efficiently translating preclinical approaches into successful antitumor strategies in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aria Vaishnavi
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Conan G Kinsey
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Martin McMahon
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
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5
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Cipri S, Fabozzi F, Del Baldo G, Milano GM, Boccuto L, Carai A, Mastronuzzi A. Targeted therapy for pediatric central nervous system tumors harboring mutagenic tropomyosin receptor kinases. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1235794. [PMID: 38144536 PMCID: PMC10748602 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1235794] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of the neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor (NTRK) gene encodes for members of the tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) family. Rearrangements involving NTRK1/2/3 are rare oncogenic factors reported with variable frequencies in an extensive range of cancers in pediatrics and adult populations, although they are more common in the former than in the latter. The alterations in these genes are causative of the constitutive activation of TRKs that drive carcinogenesis. In 2017, first-generation TRK inhibitor (TRKi) larotrectinib was granted accelerated approval from the FDA, having demonstrated histologic-agnostic activity against NTRKs fusions tumors. Since this new era has begun, resistance to first-generation TRKi has been described and has opened the development of second-generation molecules, such as selitrectinib and repotrectinib. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the studies on NTRK alterations found in pediatric central nervous system tumors and first and second-generation TRKi useful in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Cipri
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell Therapy, Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fabozzi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell Therapy, Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Del Baldo
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell Therapy, Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maria Milano
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell Therapy, Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Boccuto
- Healthcare Genetics Program, School of Nursing, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
| | - Andrea Carai
- Department of Neurosciences, Neurosurgery Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell Therapy, Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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Daley BR, Vieira HM, Rao C, Hughes JM, Beckley ZM, Huisman DH, Chatterjee D, Sealover NE, Cox K, Askew JW, Svoboda RA, Fisher KW, Lewis RE, Kortum RL. SOS1 and KSR1 modulate MEK inhibitor responsiveness to target resistant cell populations based on PI3K and KRAS mutation status. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2313137120. [PMID: 37972068 PMCID: PMC10666034 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313137120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS is the most commonly mutated oncogene. Targeted therapies have been developed against mediators of key downstream signaling pathways, predominantly components of the RAF/MEK/ERK kinase cascade. Unfortunately, single-agent efficacy of these agents is limited both by intrinsic and acquired resistance. Survival of drug-tolerant persister cells within the heterogeneous tumor population and/or acquired mutations that reactivate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/RAS signaling can lead to outgrowth of tumor-initiating cells (TICs) and drive therapeutic resistance. Here, we show that targeting the key RTK/RAS pathway signaling intermediates SOS1 (Son of Sevenless 1) or KSR1 (Kinase Suppressor of RAS 1) both enhances the efficacy of, and prevents resistance to, the MEK inhibitor trametinib in KRAS-mutated lung (LUAD) and colorectal (COAD) adenocarcinoma cell lines depending on the specific mutational landscape. The SOS1 inhibitor BI-3406 enhanced the efficacy of trametinib and prevented trametinib resistance by targeting spheroid-initiating cells in KRASG12/G13-mutated LUAD and COAD cell lines that lacked PIK3CA comutations. Cell lines with KRASQ61 and/or PIK3CA mutations were insensitive to trametinib and BI-3406 combination therapy. In contrast, deletion of the RAF/MEK/ERK scaffold protein KSR1 prevented drug-induced SIC upregulation and restored trametinib sensitivity across all tested KRAS mutant cell lines in both PIK3CA-mutated and PIK3CA wild-type cancers. Our findings demonstrate that vertical inhibition of RTK/RAS signaling is an effective strategy to prevent therapeutic resistance in KRAS-mutated cancers, but therapeutic efficacy is dependent on both the specific KRAS mutant and underlying comutations. Thus, selection of optimal therapeutic combinations in KRAS-mutated cancers will require a detailed understanding of functional dependencies imposed by allele-specific KRAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna R. Daley
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - Heidi M. Vieira
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Chaitra Rao
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Jacob M. Hughes
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - Zaria M. Beckley
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - Dianna H. Huisman
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Deepan Chatterjee
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Nancy E. Sealover
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - Katherine Cox
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - James W. Askew
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Robert A. Svoboda
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Kurt W. Fisher
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Robert E. Lewis
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Robert L. Kortum
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
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7
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Malik P, Rani R, Solanki R, Patel VH, Mukherjee TK. Understanding the feasibility of chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic targets against non-small cell lung cancers: an update of resistant responses and recent combinatorial therapies. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:850-895. [PMID: 37970206 PMCID: PMC10645466 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00171] [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: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite consistent progress in prompt diagnosis and curative therapies in the last decade, lung cancer (LC) continues to threaten mankind, accounting for nearly twice the casualties compared to prostate, breast, and other cancers. Statistics associate ~25% of 2021 cancer-related deaths with LC, more than 80% of which are explicitly caused by tobacco smoking. Prevailing as small and non-small cell pathologies, with respective occurring frequency of nearly 15% and 80-85%, non-small cell LCs (NSCLCs) are prominently distinguished into lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), subtypes. Since the first use of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor gefitinib for NSCLC treatment in 2002, immense progress has been made for targeted therapies with the next generation of drugs spanning across the chronological generations of small molecule inhibitors. The last two years have overseen the clinical approval of more than 10 therapeutic agents as first-line NSCLC medications. However, uncertain mutational aberrations as well as systemic resistant responses, and abysmal overall survival curtail the combating efficacies. Of late, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) against various molecules including programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) have been demonstrated as reliable LC treatment targets. Keeping these aspects in mind, this review article discusses the success of NSCLC chemo and immunotherapies with their characteristic effectiveness and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parth Malik
- School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar 382030, Gujarat, India
| | - Ruma Rani
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Raghu Solanki
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar 382030, Gujarat, India
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Theard PL, Linke AJ, Sealover NE, Daley BR, Yang J, Cox K, Kortum RL. SOS2 regulates the threshold of mutant EGFR-dependent oncogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.20.524989. [PMID: 37425733 PMCID: PMC10327037 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.20.524989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Son of Sevenless 1 and 2 (SOS1 and SOS2) are RAS guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RasGEFs) that mediate physiologic and pathologic RTK-dependent RAS activation. Here, we show that SOS2 modulates the threshold of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling to regulate the efficacy of and resistance to the EGFR-TKI osimertinib in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). SOS2 deletion sensitized EGFR-mutated cells to perturbations in EGFR signaling caused by reduced serum and/or osimertinib treatment to inhibit PI3K/AKT pathway activation, oncogenic transformation, and survival. Bypass RTK reactivation of PI3K/AKT signaling represents a common resistance mechanism to EGFR-TKIs; SOS2 KO reduced PI3K/AKT reactivation to limit osimertinib resistance. In a forced HGF/MET-driven bypass model, SOS2 KO inhibited HGF-stimulated PI3K signaling to block HGF-driven osimertinib resistance. Using a long term in situ resistance assay, a majority of osimertinib resistant cultures exhibited a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype associated with reactivated RTK/AKT signaling. In contrast, RTK/AKT-dependent osimertinib resistance was markedly reduced by SOS2 deletion; the few SOS2 KO cultures that became osimertinib resistant primarily underwent non-RTK dependent EMT. Since bypass RTK reactivation and/or tertiary EGFR mutations represent the majority of osimertinib-resistant cancers, these data suggest that targeting SOS2 has the potential to eliminate the majority of osimertinib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L. Theard
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA 20814
| | - Amanda J. Linke
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA 20814
| | - Nancy E. Sealover
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA 20814
| | - Brianna R. Daley
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA 20814
| | - Johnny Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA 20814
| | - Katherine Cox
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA 20814
| | - Robert L Kortum
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA 20814
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Khawaja H, Briggs R, Latimer CH, Rassel M, Griffin D, Hanson L, Bardelli A, Di Nicolantonio F, McDade SS, Scott CJ, Lambe S, Maurya M, Lindner AU, Prehn JH, Sousa J, Winnington C, LaBonte MJ, Ross S, Van Schaeybroeck S. Bcl-xL Is a Key Mediator of Apoptosis Following KRASG12C Inhibition in KRASG12C-mutant Colorectal Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:135-149. [PMID: 36279564 PMCID: PMC9808374 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Novel covalent inhibitors of KRASG12C have shown limited response rates in patients with KRASG12C-mutant (MT) colorectal cancer. Thus, novel KRASG12C inhibitor combination strategies that can achieve deep and durable responses are needed. Small-molecule KRASG12C inhibitors AZ'1569 and AZ'8037 were used. To identify novel candidate combination strategies for AZ'1569, we performed RNA sequencing, siRNA, and high-throughput drug screening. Top hits were validated in a panel of KRASG12CMT colorectal cancer cells and in vivo. AZ'1569-resistant colorectal cancer cells were generated and characterized. We found that response to AZ'1569 was heterogeneous across the KRASG12CMT models. AZ'1569 was ineffective at inducing apoptosis when used as a single agent or combined with chemotherapy or agents targeting the EGFR/KRAS/AKT axis. Using a systems biology approach, we identified the antiapoptotic BH3-family member BCL2L1/Bcl-xL as a top hit mediating resistance to AZ'1569. Further analyses identified acute increases in the proapoptotic protein BIM following AZ'1569 treatment. ABT-263 (navitoclax), a pharmacologic Bcl-2 family inhibitor that blocks the ability of Bcl-xL to bind and inhibit BIM, led to dramatic and universal apoptosis when combined with AZ'1569. Furthermore, this combination also resulted in dramatically attenuated tumor growth in KRASG12CMT xenografts. Finally, AZ'1569-resistant cells showed amplification of KRASG12C, EphA2/c-MET activation, increased proinflammatory chemokine profile and cross-resistance to several targeted agents. Importantly, KRAS amplification and AZ'1569 resistance were reversible upon drug withdrawal, arguing strongly for the use of drug holidays in the case of KRAS amplification. Taken together, combinatorial targeting of Bcl-xL and KRASG12C is highly effective, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with KRASG12CMT colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajrah Khawaja
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Briggs
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Cheryl H. Latimer
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Mustasin Rassel
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Daryl Griffin
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alberto Bardelli
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Frederica Di Nicolantonio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Simon S. McDade
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J. Scott
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Shauna Lambe
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Manisha Maurya
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, Health Sciences Building, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas U. Lindner
- Centre of Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jochen H.M. Prehn
- Centre of Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jose Sousa
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.,Personal Health Data Science Group, Sano. Centre for Computational Personalised Medicine, Krakow, Poland
| | - Chris Winnington
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa J. LaBonte
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sandra Van Schaeybroeck
- Drug Resistance Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.,Corresponding Author: Sandra Van Schaeybroeck, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Lisburn Road 97, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom. Phone: 4428-9097-2954; Fax: 4428-9097-2776; E-mail:
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10
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Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in malignant tumors: molecular mechanisms and future perspective. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:329. [PMID: 36115852 PMCID: PMC9482625 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01168-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractProtein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are a class of proteins with tyrosine kinase activity that phosphorylate tyrosine residues of critical molecules in signaling pathways. Their basal function is essential for maintaining normal cell growth and differentiation. However, aberrant activation of PTKs caused by various factors can deviate cell function from the expected trajectory to an abnormal growth state, leading to carcinogenesis. Inhibiting the aberrant PTK function could inhibit tumor growth. Therefore, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), target-specific inhibitors of PTKs, have been used in treating malignant tumors and play a significant role in targeted therapy of cancer. Currently, drug resistance is the main reason for limiting TKIs efficacy of cancer. The increasing studies indicated that tumor microenvironment, cell death resistance, tumor metabolism, epigenetic modification and abnormal metabolism of TKIs were deeply involved in tumor development and TKI resistance, besides the abnormal activation of PTK-related signaling pathways involved in gene mutations. Accordingly, it is of great significance to study the underlying mechanisms of TKIs resistance and find solutions to reverse TKIs resistance for improving TKIs efficacy of cancer. Herein, we reviewed the drug resistance mechanisms of TKIs and the potential approaches to overcome TKI resistance, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for improving the efficacy of TKIs.
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Xu ZH, Wang WQ, Liu L, Lou WH. A special subtype: Revealing the potential intervention and great value of KRAS wildtype pancreatic cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188751. [PMID: 35732240 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the predominant form of pancreatic cancer and has devastating consequences on affected families and society. Its dismal prognosis is attributed to poor specificity of symptoms during early stages. It is widely believed that PDAC patients with the wildtype (WT) KRAS gene benefit more from currently available treatments than those with KRAS mutations. The oncogenic genetic changes alternations generally found in KRAS wildtype PDAC are related to either the KRAS pathway or microsatellite instability/mismatch repair deficiency (MSI/dMMR), which enable the application of tailored treatments based on each patient's genetic characteristics. This review focuses on targeted therapies against alternative tumour mechanisms in KRAS WT PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hang Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Quan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wen-Hui Lou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Liu F, Wei Y, Zhang H, Jiang J, Zhang P, Chu Q. NTRK Fusion in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Diagnosis, Therapy, and TRK Inhibitor Resistance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:864666. [PMID: 35372074 PMCID: PMC8968138 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.864666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusion has been identified as an oncogenic driver of various solid tumors, and it is rare in non-smalll cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a frequency of approximately less than 1%. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is of priority for detecting NTRK fusions, especially RNA-based NGS. Currently, the tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitors have shown promising efficacy and well tolerance in patients with NTRK fusion-positive solid tumors, regardless of tumor histology. The first-generation TRK inhibitors (larotrectinib and entrectinib) are recommended as the first-line treatment for locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC patients with positive NTRK fusion. However, TRK inhibitor resistance can eventually occur due to on-target or off-target mechanisms. Further studies are under investigation to overcome resistance and improve survival. Interestingly, NTRK fusion might be the mechanism of resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation. Regarding immunotherapy, the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in NSCLC patients harboring NTRK fusion has yet to be well described. In this review, we elucidate the function of NTRK genes, summarize the diagnostic techniques for NTRK fusions, and present clinical data for TRK inhibitors; we also discuss potential mechanisms of resistance to TRK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuxuan Wei
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- The Second Clinical College of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jizong Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Jizong Jiang,
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Qin H, Patel MR. The Challenge and Opportunity of NTRK Inhibitors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2916. [PMID: 35328336 PMCID: PMC8954929 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
With the development of targeted therapy, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients could have more treatment choices if target mutation presents. The neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK) has a low prevalence in NSCLC, roughly around 0.5%. FDA had approved two first generation NTRK inhibitors, larotrectinib and entrectinib. Both medications have excellent CNS penetration. This manuscript will review available data on targeting NTRK fusions in NSCLC and mechanisms of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manish R. Patel
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
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Novel Pharmacological Options in the Treatment of Cholangiocarcinoma: Mechanisms of Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102358. [PMID: 34068398 PMCID: PMC8153564 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cholangiocarcinoma, a tumor derived from epithelial cells of the biliary tree, is characterized by a dismal prognosis. Its late diagnosis, which makes surgical resection not an option for most patients, and its marked refractoriness to standard chemotherapy, justify its high position in the rank of the most lethal cancers. Identifying specific druggable genetic alterations constitutes a promising alternative for the use of personalized targeted anticancer agents, and immunotherapy, or drugs able to interact with proteins involved in the crosstalk between cancer and immune cells, could also be an option in the future. However, it has also been observed that some patients fail to respond to these new therapies or after an initial response, the disease progresses. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of pharmacoresistance is of utmost importance to design more effective treatments. Abstract Despite the crucial advances in understanding the biology of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) achieved during the last decade, very little of this knowledge has been translated into clinical practice. Thus, CCA prognosis is among the most dismal of solid tumors. The reason is the frequent late diagnosis of this form of cancer, which makes surgical removal of the tumor impossible, together with the poor response to standard chemotherapy and targeted therapy with inhibitors of tyrosine kinase receptors. The discovery of genetic alterations with an impact on the malignant characteristics of CCA, such as proliferation, invasiveness, and the ability to generate metastases, has led to envisage to treat these patients with selective inhibitors of mutated proteins. Moreover, the hope of developing new tools to improve the dismal outcome of patients with advanced CCA also includes the use of small molecules and antibodies able to interact with proteins involved in the crosstalk between cancer and immune cells with the aim of enhancing the immune system’s attack against the tumor. The lack of effect of these new therapies in some patients with CCA is associated with the ability of tumor cells to continuously adapt to the pharmacological pressure by developing different mechanisms of resistance. However, the available information about these mechanisms for the new drugs and how they evolve is still limited.
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