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Hartwich TMP, Mansolf M, Demirkiran C, Greenman M, Bellone S, McNamara B, Nandi SP, Alexandrov LB, Yang-Hartwich Y, Coma S, Pachter J, Santin AD. Preclinical evaluation of avutometinib and defactinib in high-grade endometrioid endometrial cancer. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e70210. [PMID: 39240189 PMCID: PMC11378359 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.70210] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-grade endometrial cancers (EAC) are aggressive tumors with a high risk of progression after treatment. As EAC may harbor mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathways, we evaluated the preclinical in vitro and in vivo efficacy of avutometinib, a RAF/MEK clamp, in combination with the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitors defactinib or VS-4718, against multiple primary EAC cell lines and xenografts. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used to evaluate the genetic landscape of five primary EAC cell lines. The in vitro activity of avutometinib and defactinib as single agents and in combination was evaluated using cell viability, cell cycle, and cytotoxicity assays. Mechanistic studies were performed using Western blot assays while in vivo experiments were completed in UTE10 engrafted mice treated with either vehicle, avutometinib, VS-4718, or their combination through oral gavage. RESULTS WES results demonstrated multiple EAC cell lines to harbor genetic derangements in the RAS/MAPK pathway including KRAS/PTEN/PIK3CA/BRAF/ARID1A, potentially sensitizing to FAK and RAF/MEK inhibition. Five out of five of the EAC cell lines demonstrated in vitro sensitivity to FAK and/or RAF/MEK inhibition. By Western blot assays, exposure of EAC cell lines to defactinib, avutometinib, and their combination demonstrated decreased phosphorylated FAK (p-FAK) as well as decreased p-MEK and p-ERK. In vivo the combination of avutometinib/VS-4718 demonstrated superior tumor growth inhibition compared to single-agent treatment and controls starting at Day 9 (p < 0.02 and p < 0.04) in UTE10 xenografts. CONCLUSIONS Avutometinib, defactinib, and to a larger extent their combinations, demonstrated promising in vitro and in vivo activity against EAC cell lines and xenografts. These preclinical data support the potential clinical evaluation of this combination in high-grade EAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Max Philipp Hartwich
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Miranda Mansolf
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Cem Demirkiran
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michelle Greenman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Stefania Bellone
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Blair McNamara
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Shuvro P Nandi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ludmil B Alexandrov
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Yang Yang-Hartwich
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Silvia Coma
- Verastem Oncology, Needham, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Alessandro D Santin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Jayraj AS, Abdul-Aziz S, Mburu A, Upadhyay A, Singh N, Ghatage P. Narrative review on the evolving role of HER2/neu targeting in uterine serous cancers. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2024; 12:69. [PMID: 39118940 PMCID: PMC11304437 DOI: 10.21037/atm-23-1465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objective Serous endometrial cancers (ECs) are an aggressive histotype of ECs which are disproportionately responsible for 40% of cancer-specific mortality rates despite constituting only 5-10% of all uterine cancers in incidence. In recent times, it has become increasingly evident that about 20-40% of uterine serous cancers (USCs) have molecular alterations in ERBB2 pathway with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) amplification or overexpression. We summarise the evidence on genetic and molecular alterations in HER2/neu pathway in USC with a focus on testing criteria, targeting agents and resistance mechanisms. Methods We conducted a database search of PubMed/Medline up to 28th February 2023 for articles published in the English language using pre-defined search terms. One hundred and seventy-one relevant articles were subsequently reviewed for eligibility and inclusion in the review. Key Content and Findings The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) classification is a significant development in the molecular profiling of ECs with a positive impact on the treatment of these tumors including USCs. Testing criteria for HER2/neu in USC with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has evolved in more than a decade with progress made towards EC specific testing guidelines. The findings of a recent phase III study have led to the development of practice changing guidelines towards improving patient outcomes. Conclusions Molecular aberration in the HER2/neu pathway contributes to the aggressive behaviour of USC. Considering the clinical benefit conferred by HER2/neu targeted therapy, HER2/neu testing is recommended for all cases of serous EC in advanced and recurrent settings. Trastuzumab in combination with platinum and taxanes based chemotherapy is the recommended treatment option for patients with advanced or recurrent serous cancers who test positive to HER2/neu. Clinical trials on targeted therapy are ongoing and future research should focus on selection of patients who will derive the most benefit from such therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarthi S. Jayraj
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, James Cook University Hospital, South Tees NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Salamatu Abdul-Aziz
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, James Cook University Hospital, South Tees NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Anisa Mburu
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Aga Khan Hospital, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Avinash Upadhyay
- Department of Medical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Nilanchali Singh
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Prafull Ghatage
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Greenman M, McNamara B, Mutlu L, Santin AD. Entering the golden age for antibody-drug conjugates in gynecologic cancer. Oncoscience 2024; 11:51-52. [PMID: 38770444 PMCID: PMC11104406 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Greenman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Blair McNamara
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Levent Mutlu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Alessandro D. Santin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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4
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Yu J, Li M, Liu X, Wu S, Li R, Jiang Y, Zheng J, Li Z, Xin K, Xu Z, Li S, Chen X. Implementation of antibody-drug conjugates in HER2-positive solid cancers: Recent advances and future directions. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116522. [PMID: 38565055 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116522] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, there has been a surge in the approval of monoclonal antibodies for treating a wide range of hematological and solid malignancies. These antibodies exhibit exceptional precision in targeting the surface antigens of tumors, heralding a groundbreaking approach to cancer therapy. Nevertheless, monoclonal antibodies alone do not show sufficient lethality against cancerous cells compared to chemotherapy. Consequently, a new class of anti-tumor medications, known as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), has been developed to bridge the divide between monoclonal antibodies and cytotoxic drugs, enhancing their therapeutic potential. ADCs are chemically synthesized by binding tumor-targeting monoclonal antibodies with cytotoxic payloads through linkers that are susceptible to cleavage by intracellular proteases. They combined the accurate targeting of monoclonal antibodies with the potent efficacy of cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs while circumventing systemic toxicity and boasting superior lethality over standalone targeted drugs. The human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family, which encompasses HER1 (also known as EGFR), HER2, HER3, and HER4, plays a key role in regulating cellular proliferation, survival, differentiation, and migration. HER2 overexpression in various tumors is one of the most frequently targeted antigens for ADC therapy in HER2-positive cancers. HER2-directed ADCs have emerged as highly promising treatment modalities for patients with HER2-positive cancers. This review focuses on three approved anti-HER2 ADCs (T-DM1, DS-8201a, and RC48) and reviews ongoing clinical trials and failed trials based on anti-HER2 ADCs. Finally, we address the notable challenges linked to ADC development and underscore potential future avenues for tackling these hurdles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiazheng Yu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyang Li
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiandong Liu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu Wu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanhong Jiang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianyi Zheng
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeyu Li
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Kerong Xin
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenqun Xu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shijie Li
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaonan Chen
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, People's Republic of China.
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Saini S, Gulati N, Awasthi R, Arora V, Singh SK, Kumar S, Gupta G, Dua K, Pahwa R, Dureja H. Monoclonal Antibodies and Antibody-drug Conjugates as Emerging Therapeutics for Breast Cancer Treatment. Curr Drug Deliv 2024; 21:993-1009. [PMID: 37519200 DOI: 10.2174/1567201820666230731094258] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
When breast cells divide and multiply out of control, it is called breast cancer. Symptoms include lump formation in the breast, a change in the texture or color of the breast, or a discharge from the nipple. Local or systemic therapy is frequently used to treat breast cancer. Surgical and radiation procedures limited to the affected area are examples of local management. There has been significant worldwide progress in the development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) since 1986, when the first therapeutic mAb, Orthoclone OKT3, became commercially available. mAbs can resist the expansion of cancer cells by inducing the destruction of cellular membranes, blocking immune system inhibitors, and preventing the formation of new blood vessels. mAbs can also target growth factor receptors. Understanding the molecular pathways involved in tumor growth and its microenvironment is crucial for developing effective targeted cancer therapeutics. Due to their unique properties, mAbs have a wide range of clinical applications. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are drugs that improve the therapeutic index by combining an antigen-specific antibody with a payload. This review focuses on the therapeutic applications, mechanistic insights, characteristics, safety aspects, and adverse events of mAbs like trastuzumab, bevacizumab, pertuzumab, ertumaxomab, and atezolizumab in breast cancer treatment. The creation of novel technologies utilizing modified antibodies, such as fragments, conjugates, and multi-specific antibodies, must be a central focus of future studies. This review will help scientists working on developing mAbs to treat cancers more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Saini
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, 136119, India
| | - Nisha Gulati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India
| | - Rajendra Awasthi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences & Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Bidholi, Dehradun 248 007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Vimal Arora
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Shobhit Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET), Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, 250005, India
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, India
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Rakesh Pahwa
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, 136119, India
| | - Harish Dureja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India
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Mutlu L, Manavella DD, Bellone S, McNamara B, Harold JA, Mauricio D, Siegel ER, Buza N, Hui P, Hartwich TMP, Yang-Hartwich Y, Demirkiran C, Verzosa MSZ, Altwerger G, Ratner ES, Huang GS, Clark M, Andikyan V, Azodi M, Dottino PR, Schwartz PE, Santin AD. In Vivo and In Vitro Efficacy of Trastuzumab Deruxtecan in Uterine Serous Carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:1404-1412. [PMID: 37676984 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0126] [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] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Uterine serous carcinoma (USC) is a rare, biologically aggressive variant of endometrial cancer with a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. HER2 overexpression (3+ positivity) by IHC and/or FISH ERBB2 gene amplification is detected in approximately one-third of patients with USC. Clinical trials incorporating trastuzumab with standard chemotherapy have recently demonstrated improved progression-free and overall survival in advanced-stage or recurrent USC that overexpresses HER2. However, a large number of patients with USC eventually developed resistance to trastuzumab. Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) is a novel HER2-directed antibody-drug conjugate with a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for multiple tumor indications. Here, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of T-DXd in primary USC cell lines and xenografts with different HER2 expression. T-DXd-induced cell growth suppression in HER2-overexpressing cell lines in vitro, increased early and late apoptosis as assessed by annexin and propidium iodide staining, and, similarly to trastuzumab, T-DXd-induced significant antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in the presence of peripheral blood lymphocytes. While negligible activity was detected against USC cell lines with low HER2 expression, T-DXd demonstrated significant bystander killing against USC tumors with low/negligible HER2 when such cells were admixed with HER2 3+ tumor cells in vitro. T-DXd showed tumor growth suppression in in vivo USC PDX models that overexpress HER2 at 3+ levels, prolonging survival when compared with controls, with minimal toxicity. Future clinical trials are warranted in patients with USC failing trastuzumab treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levent Mutlu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Diego D Manavella
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Stefania Bellone
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Blair McNamara
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Justin A Harold
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Dennis Mauricio
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Eric R Siegel
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Natalia Buza
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Pei Hui
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Tobias Max Philipp Hartwich
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Yang Yang-Hartwich
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Cem Demirkiran
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Miguel Skyler Z Verzosa
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Gary Altwerger
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Elena S Ratner
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Gloria S Huang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mitchell Clark
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Vaagn Andikyan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Masoud Azodi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Peter R Dottino
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Peter E Schwartz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Alessandro D Santin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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7
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McNamara B, Greenman M, Pebley N, Mutlu L, Santin AD. Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) in HER2/neu-Positive Gynecologic Tumors. Molecules 2023; 28:7389. [PMID: 37959808 PMCID: PMC10650896 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217389] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a new class of targeted anti-cancer therapies that combine a monoclonal tumor-surface-receptor-targeting antibody with a highly cytotoxic molecule payload bonded through specifically designed cleavable or non-cleavable chemical linkers. One such tumor surface receptor is human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2), which is of interest for the treatment of many gynecologic tumors. ADCs enable the targeted delivery of a variety of cytotoxic therapies to tumor cells while minimizing delivery to healthy tissues. This review summarizes the existing literature about HER2-targeting ADC therapies approved for use in gynecologic malignancies, relevant preclinical studies, strategies to address ADC resistance, and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Alessandro D. Santin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Navarro Sanchez JM, Finkelman BS, Turner BM, Katerji H, Wang X, Varghese S, Wang T, Peng Y, Hicks DG, Zhang H. HER2 in uterine serous carcinoma: Current state and clinical perspectives. Am J Clin Pathol 2023; 160:341-351. [PMID: 37267036 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqad056] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Uterine cancer has the highest incidence and the second-highest mortality rate among gynecologic malignancies in the United States. Although uterine serous carcinoma (USC) represents less than 10% of endometrial carcinomas, it accounts for a disproportionate 50% of tumor relapses and 40% of endometrial cancer deaths. Over the past decade, clinical trials have focused on finding better treatments for this aggressive subtype of endometrial cancer, especially HER2-targeted therapy. METHODS We conducted a literature search in PubMed to expand the understanding of HER2 in USC. RESULTS HER2 has been established as an important biomarker with prognostic and therapeutic implications in USC. Intratumoral heterogeneity and lateral/basolateral membranous staining of HER2 as well as high discordance between HER2 immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization are more common in USC than in breast carcinoma. Therefore, a universal HER2 testing and scoring system more suitable to endometrial cancer is needed and currently under investigation. CONCLUSIONS This review discusses the clinical perspective of HER2 overexpression/gene amplification in USC, the distinct HER2 staining pattern and the evaluation of HER2 in USC, the resistance mechanisms of HER2-targeted therapy in HER2-positive cancers, and likely areas of future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian S Finkelman
- Department of Pathology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, US
| | - Bradley M Turner
- Department of Pathology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, US
| | - Hani Katerji
- Department of Pathology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, US
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, US
| | - Sharlin Varghese
- Department of Pathology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, US
| | - Tiannan Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, US
| | - Yan Peng
- Department of Pathology and Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, US
| | - David G Hicks
- Department of Pathology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, US
| | - Huina Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, US
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McNamara B, Mutlu L, Greenman M, Harold J, Santin A. HER2 Oncogene as Molecular Target in Uterine Serous Carcinoma and Uterine Carcinosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4085. [PMID: 37627113 PMCID: PMC10452357 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine serous carcinoma (USC) and uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) are two rare histologic variants of uterine carcinoma, with distinct molecular profiles and aggressive metastatic potential. As the effectivity of traditional platinum-based chemotherapy for USC and UCS is low, and there are high rates of resistance and recurrence, the development of novel targeted therapeutics is needed. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) has proven to be an oncogene of increasing interest in these cancers, as HER2 protein overexpression and/or c-ERBB2 gene amplification ranges from ~30 to 35% in USC, and between ~15 and 20% in UCS. This review summarizes the existing clinical and preclinical evidence, as well as ongoing clinical trials of HER2-targeting therapeutics, and identifies potential areas of further development and inquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Alessandro Santin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, LSOG 305, P.O. Box 208063, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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10
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McNamara B, Bellone S, Demirkiran C, Hartwich TMP, Santin AD. Trastuzumab deruxtecan in recurrent uterine serous carcinoma resistant to trastuzmab based-chemotherapy. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2023; 48:101219. [PMID: 37325293 PMCID: PMC10265462 DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2023.101219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment of uterine serous carcinoma (USC) is challenging; effective treatment options for metastatic and recurrent disease are needed. Case A 68-year-old woman with recurrent, metastatic, USC overexpressing HER2/neu experienced durable response to the antibody drug conjugate (ADC) trastuzumab-deruxtecan (T-DXd), after failing multiple standard and experimental treatments targeting HER2/neu. She experienced a significant reduction in disease burden, disappearance of metastatic back bone pain as well as normalization of CA-125 quickly after starting treatment. Her disease continued to show response to treatment over 5 months and 7 cycles of T-DXd therapy. She did not experience any dose-limiting side effects and tolerated treatment with 5.4 mg/kg T-DXd without issue. Conclusion T-DXd may present a new treatment option for chemotherapy-resistant uterine serous carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blair McNamara
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Stefania Bellone
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Cem Demirkiran
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Tobias Max Philipp Hartwich
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Alessandro D. Santin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Najminejad Z, Dehghani F, Mirzaei Y, Mer AH, Saghi SA, Abdolvahab MH, Bagheri N, Meyfour A, Jafari A, Jahandideh S, Gharibi T, Amirkhani Z, Delam H, Mashatan N, Shahsavarani H, Abdollahpour-Alitappeh M. Clinical perspective: Antibody-drug conjugates for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1874-1903. [PMID: 36950736 PMCID: PMC10362395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a promising class of cancer biopharmaceuticals that exploit the specificity of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) to selectively deliver highly cytotoxic small molecules to targeted cancer cells, leading to an enhanced therapeutic index through increased antitumor activity and decreased off-target toxicity. ADCs hold great promise for the treatment of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer after the approval and tremendous success of trastuzumab emtansine and trastuzumab deruxtecan, representing a turning point in both HER2-positive breast cancer treatment and ADC technology. Additionally and importantly, a total of 29 ADC candidates are now being investigated in different stages of clinical development for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. The purpose of this review is to provide an insight into the ADC field in cancer treatment and present a comprehensive overview of ADCs approved or under clinical investigation for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Najminejad
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7616913355, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Dehghani
- Student Research Committee, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan 7431895639, Iran
| | - Yousef Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Biochemical Analysis, Cihan University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Erbil 44001, Iraq
| | - Ali Hussein Mer
- Department of Nursing, Mergasour Technical Institute, Erbil Polytechnic University, Erbil 44001, Iraq
| | - Seyyed Amirreza Saghi
- Student Research Committee, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan 7431895639, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Haji Abdolvahab
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran 1517964311, Iran
| | - Nader Bagheri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord 8813733450, Iran
| | - Anna Meyfour
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Ameneh Jafari
- ATMP Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran 1517964311, Iran
| | - Saeed Jahandideh
- Department of Research and Development, Orchidgene co, Tehran 1387837584, Iran
| | - Tohid Gharibi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665931, Iran
| | - Zahra Amirkhani
- Student Research Committee, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan 7431895639, Iran
| | - Hamed Delam
- Student Research Committee, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan 7431895639, Iran
| | - Noushin Mashatan
- Graduated, School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK.
| | - Hosein Shahsavarani
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran 1983963113, Iran.
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Targeted Therapies in the Treatment of Uterine Serous Carcinoma. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022; 23:1804-1817. [PMID: 36447064 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-01030-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Despite the dismal prognosis of uterine serous carcinoma (USC), recent advances in molecular classification and targeted treatments have demonstrated improvements in survival outcomes for patients both in the upfront and recurrent treatment settings. After appropriate surgical staging and surgical cytoreduction as indicated, correct pathologic and molecular classification of USC is important to provide the most appropriate systemic adjuvant treatment. HER2-targeted agents are one of the most important advances in the treatment of USC in decades. Thus, for HER2-positive tumors, the addition of trastuzumab to conventional chemotherapy is indicated in those with advanced stage and/or recurrent disease. Treatment with pembrolizumab and lenvatinib suggests a 50% response rate in women with recurrent disease which serves as a promising targeted treatment strategy. Overall, emerging targeted therapeutic options with antibody-drug conjugates (i.e. targeting HER2, folic acid receptor alpha, or Trop-2), combinations of immunotherapies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, WEE1 inhibitors, and AKT inhibitors shed further promise in advancements of effective disease-modifying treatments for this unmet medical need for patients with USC. Several trials evaluating these targeted agents are ongoing, and those results are eagerly awaited. As such, enrollment of patients in clinical trials is highly recommended as it will provide patients with a higher level of personalized cancer care.
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Devis‐Jauregui L, Vidal A, Plata‐Peña L, Santacana M, García‐Mulero S, Bonifaci N, Noguera‐Delgado E, Ruiz N, Gil M, Dorca E, Llobet FJ, Coll‐Iglesias L, Gassner K, Martinez‐Iniesta M, Rodriguez‐Barrueco R, Barahona M, Marti L, Viñals F, Ponce J, Sanz‐Pamplona R, Piulats JM, Vivancos A, Matias‐Guiu X, Villanueva A, Llobet‐Navas D. Generation and Integrated Analysis of Advanced Patient-Derived Orthoxenograft Models (PDOX) for the Rational Assessment of Targeted Therapies in Endometrial Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 10:e2204211. [PMID: 36373729 PMCID: PMC9811454 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Clinical management of endometrial cancer (EC) is handicapped by the limited availability of second line treatments and bona fide molecular biomarkers to predict recurrence. These limitations have hampered the treatment of these patients, whose survival rates have not improved over the last four decades. The advent of coordinated studies such as The Cancer Genome Atlas Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (TCGA_UCEC) has partially solved this issue, but the lack of proper experimental systems still represents a bottleneck that precludes translational studies from successful clinical testing in EC patients. Within this context, the first study reporting the generation of a collection of endometrioid-EC-patient-derived orthoxenograft (PDOX) mouse models is presented that is believed to overcome these experimental constraints and pave the way toward state-of-the-art precision medicine in EC. The collection of primary tumors and derived PDOXs is characterized through an integrative approach based on transcriptomics, mutational profiles, and morphological analysis; and it is demonstrated that EC tumors engrafted in the mouse uterus retain the main molecular and morphological features from analogous tumor donors. Finally, the molecular properties of these tumors are harnessed to assess the therapeutic potential of trastuzumab, a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) inhibitor with growing interest in EC, using patient-derived organotypic multicellular tumor spheroids and in vivo experiments.
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Díaz-Rodríguez E, Gandullo-Sánchez L, Ocaña A, Pandiella A. Novel ADCs and Strategies to Overcome Resistance to Anti-HER2 ADCs. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:154. [PMID: 35008318 PMCID: PMC8750930 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During recent years, a number of new compounds against HER2 have reached clinics, improving the prognosis and quality of life of HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Nonetheless, resistance to standard-of-care drugs has motivated the development of novel agents, such as new antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The latter are a group of drugs that benefit from the potency of cytotoxic agents whose action is specifically guided to the tumor by the target-specific antibody. Two anti-HER2 ADCs have reached the clinic: trastuzumab-emtansine and, more recently, trastuzumab-deruxtecan. In addition, several other HER2-targeted ADCs are in preclinical or clinical development, some of them with promising signs of activity. In the present review, the structure, mechanism of action, and potential resistance to all these ADCs will be described. Specific attention will be given to discussing novel strategies to circumvent resistance to ADCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Díaz-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-IBSAL and CIBERONC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (E.D.-R.); (L.G.-S.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Lucía Gandullo-Sánchez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-IBSAL and CIBERONC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (E.D.-R.); (L.G.-S.)
| | - Alberto Ocaña
- Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología (CIBERONC), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Atanasio Pandiella
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-IBSAL and CIBERONC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (E.D.-R.); (L.G.-S.)
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