The anti-tumour activity of bisphosphonates

Phosphonodiamidate prodrugs of phosphoantigens (ProPAgens) exhibit potent Vγ9/Vδ2 T cell activation and eradication of cancer cells

The phosphoantigen (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl pyrophosphate (HMBPP) is an established activator of Vγ9/Vδ2 T cells and stimulates downstream effector functions including cytotoxicity and cytokine production. In order to improve its drug-like properties, we herein report the design, synthesis, serum stability, in vitro metabolism, and biological evaluation of a new class of symmetrical phosphonodiamidate prodrugs of methylene and difluoromethylene monophosphonate derivatives of HMBPP. These prodrugs, termed phosphonodiamidate ProPAgens, were synthesized in good yields, exhibited excellent serum stability (>7 h), and their in vitro metabolism was shown to be initiated by carboxypeptidase Y. These phosphonodiamidate ProPAgens triggered potent activation of Vγ9/Vδ2 T cells, which translated into efficient Vγ9/Vδ2 T cell-mediated eradication of bladder cancer cells in vitro. Together, these findings showcase the potential of these phosphonodiamidate ProPAgens as Vγ9/Vδ2 T cell modulators that could be further developed as novel cancer immunotherapeutic agents.

Synthetic Methods for Azaheterocyclic Phosphonates and Their Biological Activity: An Update 2004-2024

The increasing importance of azaheterocyclic phosphonates in the agrochemical, synthetic, and medicinal field has provoked an intense search in the development of synthetic routes for obtaining novel members of this family of compounds. This updated review covers methodologies established since 2004, focusing on the synthesis of azaheterocyclic phosphonates, of which the phosphonate moiety is directly substituted onto to the azaheterocyclic structure. Emphasizing recent advances, this review classifies newly developed synthetic approaches according to the ring size and providing information on biological activities whenever available. Furthermore, this review summarizes information on various methods for the formation of C-P bonds, examining sustainable approaches such as the Michaelis-Arbuzov reaction, the Michaelis-Becker reaction, the Pudovik reaction, the Hirao coupling, and the Kabachnik-Fields reaction. After analyzing the biological activities and applications of azaheterocyclic phosphonates investigated in recent years, a predominant focus on the evaluation of these compounds as anticancer agents is evident. Furthermore, emerging applications underline the versatility and potential of these compounds, highlighting the need for continued research on synthetic methods to expand this interesting family.

Immunomodulatory Peptides for Tumor Treatment

Peptides exhibit various biological activities, including biorecognition, cell targeting, and tumor penetration, and can stimulate immune cells to elicit immune responses for tumor immunotherapy. Peptide self-assemblies and peptide-functionalized nanocarriers can reduce the effect of various biological barriers and the degradation by peptidases, enhancing the efficiency of peptide delivery and improving antitumor immune responses. To date, the design and development of peptides with various functionalities have been extensively reviewed for enhanced chemotherapy; however, peptide-mediated tumor immunotherapy using peptides acting on different immune cells, to the knowledge, has not yet been summarized. Thus, this work provides a review of this emerging subject of research, focusing on immunomodulatory anticancer peptides. This review introduces the role of peptides in the immunomodulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, followed by a link between peptides in the innate and adaptive immune systems. The peptides are discussed in detail, following a classification according to their effects on different innate and adaptive immune cells, as well as immune checkpoints. Subsequently, two delivery strategies for peptides as drugs are presented: peptide self-assemblies and peptide-functionalized nanocarriers. The concluding remarks regarding the challenges and potential solutions of peptides for tumor immunotherapy are presented.

Zoledronate promotes inflammatory cytokine expression in human CD14-positive monocytes among peripheral mononuclear cells in the presence of γδ T cells

Bisphosphonates distributed to bone exert toxic effects specifically towards osteoclasts. On the other hand, intravenous administration of a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate (N-BP) such as zoledronate induces acute-phase reactions (APRs), including influenza-like fever 1 day later, indicating an interaction with immunocompetent cells circulating blood. Although it has been reported that activation of γδ T cells is pivotal to induce an APR following treatment with zoledronate, downstream events, including the production of inflammatory cytokines after activation of γδ T cells, remain obscure. We investigated the effects of zoledronate on inflammatory cytokine expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro. While zoledronate induced mRNA expressions of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in PBMC, depletion of γδ T cells abolished that zoledronate-induced expression of those cytokines, indicating the necessity of γδ T cells for expression induction by zoledronate. However, which types of cells were responsible for the production of those cytokines in blood remained unclear. As it is generally accepted that monocytes and macrophages are primary sources of inflammatory cytokines, CD14⁺ cells from PBMC were exposed to zoledronate in the presence of PBMC, which resulted in induced expression of mRNAs for IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ, but not for TNF-α. These results indicate that CD14⁺ cells are responsible, at least in part, for the production of IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ in blood exposed to zoledronate. This suggests that CD14⁺ cells play an essential role in the occurrence of APRs following N-BP administration.

Aryloxy Diester Phosphonamidate Prodrugs of Phosphoantigens (ProPAgens) as Potent Activators of Vγ9/Vδ2 T-Cell Immune Responses

Vγ9/Vδ2 T-cells are activated by pyrophosphate-containing small molecules known as phosphoantigens (PAgs). The presence of the pyrophosphate group in these PAgs has limited their drug-like properties because of its instability and polar nature. In this work, we report a novel and short Grubbs olefin metathesis-mediated synthesis of methylene and difluoromethylene monophosphonate derivatives of the PAg (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl pyrophosphate (HMBP) as well as their aryloxy diester phosphonamidate prodrugs, termed ProPAgens. These prodrugs showed excellent stability in human serum (t_1/2 > 12 h) and potent activation of Vγ9/Vδ2 T-cells (EC₅₀ ranging from 5 fM to 73 nM), which translated into sub-nanomolar γδ T-cell-mediated eradication of bladder cancer cells in vitro. Additionally, a combination of in silico and in vitro enzymatic assays demonstrated the metabolism of these phosphonamidates to release the unmasked PAg monophosphonate species. Collectively, this work establishes HMBP monophosphonate ProPAgens as ideal candidates for further investigation as novel cancer immunotherapeutic agents.

Oral bisphosphonate use and lung cancer incidence among postmenopausal women

Background

Bisphosphonates are common medications for the treatment of osteoporosis in older populations. Several studies, including the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), have found inverse associations of bisphosphonate use with risk of breast and endometrial cancer, but little is known about its association with other common malignancies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of bisphosphonate use on the incidence of lung cancer in the WHI.

Patients and methods

The association between oral bisphosphonate use and lung cancer risk was examined in 151 432 postmenopausal women enrolled into the WHI in 1993–1998. At baseline and during follow-up, participants completed an inventory of regularly used medications including bisphosphonates.

Results

After a mean follow-up of 13.3 years, 2511 women were diagnosed with incident lung cancer. There was no evidence of a difference in lung cancer incidence between oral bisphosphonate users and never users (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.91; 95% confidence intervals, 0.80–1.04; P = 0.16). However, an inverse association was observed among those who were never smokers (hazard ratio = 0.57, 95% confidence interval, 0.39–0.84; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

In this large prospective cohort of postmenopausal women, oral bisphosphonate use was associated with significantly lower lung cancer risk among never smokers, suggesting bisphosphonates may have a protective effect against lung cancer. Additional studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Bisphosphonates: AHFS 92:24

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Synthetic lethal combinations of low-toxicity drugs for breast cancer identified in silico by genetic screens in yeast

In recent years, the concept of synthetic lethality, describing a cellular state where loss of two genes leads to a non-viable phenotype while loss of one gene can be compensated, has emerged as a novel strategy for cancer therapy. Various compounds targeting synthetic lethal pathways are either under clinical investigation or are already routinely used in multiple cancer entities such as breast cancer. Most of them target the well-described synthetic lethal interplay between PARP1 and BRCA1/2. In our study, we investigated, using an in silico methodological approach, clinically utilized drug combinations for breast cancer treatment, by correlating their known molecular targets with known homologous interaction partners that cause synthetic lethality in yeast. Further, by creating a machine-learning algorithm, we were able to suggest novel synthetic lethal drug combinations of low-toxicity drugs in breast cancer and showed their negative effects on cancer cell viability in vitro. Our findings foster the understanding of evolutionarily conserved synthetic lethality in breast cancer cells and might lead to new drug combinations with favorable toxicity profile in this entity.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of ( E)-4-Hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl Phosphate (HMBP) Aryloxy Triester Phosphoramidate Prodrugs as Activators of Vγ9/Vδ2 T-Cell Immune Responses

The aryloxy triester phosphoramidate prodrug approach has been used with success in drug discovery. Herein, we describe the first application of this prodrug technology to the monophosphate derivative of the phosphoantigen HMBPP and one of its analogues. Some of these prodrugs exhibited specific and potent activation of Vγ9/Vδ2 T-cells, which were then able to lyse bladder cancer cells in vitro. This work highlights the promise of this prodrug technology in the discovery of novel immunotherapeutics.

Metastases in the cervical spine from primary head and neck cancers: current concepts of diagnosis and management

Vertebral metastases from primary head and neck cancers are uncommon, and so there are no clear guidelines about management. The spinal cord can be compressed by a vertebral fracture or invasion of a tumour, and may present as an oncological and spinal emergency. The goals of treatment are to relieve pain and maintain neurological function. However, surgical treatments in this group of patients have not been defined, and primary operative treatment of spinal metastases remains controversial. Here we discuss their contemporary management. Surgical options should be considered for treatment to achieve stability of the spine, relieve pain, and preserve neurological function in certain cases.

Post-diagnostic oral bisphosphonate use and colorectal cancer mortality: a population-based cohort study within the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink

BACKGROUND

We conducted the first study to investigate post-diagnostic oral bisphosphonates use and colorectal cancer-specific mortality.

METHODS

Colorectal cancer patients were identified from the National Cancer Data Repository (1998-2007) and linked to the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, providing prescription records, and Office of National Statistics mortality data. Time-dependent Cox regression models investigated colorectal cancer-specific mortality in post-diagnostic bisphosphonate users.

RESULTS

Overall, in 4791 colorectal cancer patients, there was no evidence of an association between bisphosphonate use and colorectal cancer-specific mortality (adjusted hazard ratio=1.11; 95% confidence interval 0.80, 1.54) or with drug frequency or type.

CONCLUSIONS

In this novel population-based cohort study, post-diagnostic bisphosphonate use was not associated with longer rates of colorectal cancer survival.

Oral bisphosphonate use and risk of postmenopausal endometrial cancer

PURPOSE

Bisphosphonates are common medications used for the treatment of osteoporosis and are also used to reduce metastases to bone in patients with cancer. Several studies, including the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), have found that use of bisphosphonates is associated with reduced risk of developing breast cancer, but less is known about associations with other common malignancies. This study was aimed at examining the effects of bisphosphonates on the risk of endometrial cancer.

METHODS

We evaluated the relationship between use of oral bisphosphonates and endometrial cancer risk in a cohort of 89,918 postmenopausal women participating in the WHI. A detailed health interview was conducted at baseline, and bisphosphonate use was ascertained from an inventory of regularly used medications at baseline and over follow-up. All women had an intact uterus at the time of study entry.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 12.5 years, 1,123 women were diagnosed with incident invasive endometrial cancer. Ever use of bisphosphonates was associated with reduced endometrial cancer risk (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.00; P = .05), with no interactions observed with age, body mass index, or indication for use.

CONCLUSION

In this large prospective cohort of postmenopausal women, bisphosphonate use was associated with a statistically significant reduction in endometrial cancer risk.

Curettage and reconstruction by the sandwich technique for giant cell tumours around the knee

PURPOSE

To evaluate outcomes of 36 patients who underwent curettage, use of phenol, and reconstruction using the sandwich technique for giant cell tumour (GCT) of bone around the knee.

METHODS

22 women and 14 men aged 19 to 46 (mean, 29.6) years underwent intralesional curettage, use of phenol, and reconstruction using the sandwich technique for GCT of the proximal tibia (n=23) or distal femur (n=13). Two of the cases were recurrences. Two, 18, and 16 tumours were classified as grade I, grade II, and grade III, respectively. Five of the grade III tumours were associated with an extra-articular pathological fracture. Patients underwent intralesional curettage, use of phenol, and reconstruction with allograft, gel foam, and cement (the sandwich technique). Pathological fractures were fixed with plates. Functional outcome was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 5 (2.5-11) years. The mean MSTS score was 27.7 out of 30 (standard deviation, 3; range, 16-30). One patient with a grade III tumour in the proximal tibia had a recurrence detected elsewhere after 3 years. Her MSTS score at 2 years was 26. No patient had malignant transformation.

CONCLUSION

Intralesional curettage, use of phenol, and reconstruction with allograft, gel foam, and cement (the sandwich technique) for GCT of bone achieved good functional outcome and a low recurrence rate.

Short-term androgen suppression and radiotherapy versus intermediate-term androgen suppression and radiotherapy, with or without zoledronic acid, in men with locally advanced prostate cancer (TROG 03.04 RADAR): an open-label, randomised, phase 3 factorial trial

BACKGROUND

We investigated whether 18 months of androgen suppression plus radiotherapy, with or without 18 months of zoledronic acid, is more effective than 6 months of neoadjuvant androgen suppression plus radiotherapy with or without zoledronic acid.

METHODS

We did an open-label, randomised, 2 × 2 factorial trial in men with locally advanced prostate cancer (either T2a N0 M0 prostatic adenocarcinomas with prostate-specific antigen [PSA] ≥10 μg/L and a Gleason score of ≥7, or T2b-4 N0 M0 tumours regardless of PSA and Gleason score). We randomly allocated patients by computer-generated minimisation--stratified by centre, baseline PSA, tumour stage, Gleason score, and use of a brachytherapy boost--to one of four groups in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. Patients in the control group were treated with neoadjuvant androgen suppression with leuprorelin (22·5 mg every 3 months, intramuscularly) for 6 months (short-term) and radiotherapy alone (designated STAS); this procedure was either followed by another 12 months of androgen suppression with leuprorelin (intermediate-term; ITAS) or accompanied by 18 months of zoledronic acid (4 mg every 3 months for 18 months, intravenously; STAS plus zoledronic acid) or by both (ITAS plus zoledronic acid). The primary endpoint was prostate cancer-specific mortality. This analysis represents the first, preplanned assessment of oncological endpoints, 5 years after treatment. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00193856.

FINDINGS

Between Oct 20, 2003, and Aug 15, 2007, 1071 men were randomly assigned to STAS (n=268), STAS plus zoledronic acid (n=268), ITAS (n=268), and ITAS plus zoledronic acid (n=267). Median follow-up was 7·4 years (IQR 6·5-8·4). Cumulative incidences of prostate cancer-specific mortality were 4·1% (95% CI 2·2-7·0) in the STAS group, 7·8% (4·9-11·5) in the STAS plus zoledronic acid group, 7·4% (4·6-11·0) in the ITAS group, and 4·3% (2·3-7·3) in the ITAS plus zoledronic acid group. Cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality was 17·0% (13·0-22·1), 18·9% (14·6-24·2), 19·4% (15·0-24·7), and 13·9% (10·3-18·8), respectively. Neither prostate cancer-specific mortality nor all-cause mortality differed between control and experimental groups. Cumulative incidence of PSA progression was 34·2% (28·6-39·9) in the STAS group, 39·6% (33·6-45·5) in the STAS plus zoledronic acid group, 29·2% (23·8-34·8) in the ITAS group, and 26·0% (20·8-31·4) in the ITAS plus zoledronic acid group. Compared with STAS, no difference was noted in PSA progression with ITAS or STAS plus zoledronic acid; however, ITAS plus zoledronic acid reduced PSA progression (sub-hazard ratio [SHR] 0·71, 95% CI 0·53-0·95; p=0·021). Cumulative incidence of local progression was 4·1% (2·2-7·0) in the STAS group, 6·1% (3·7-9·5) in the STAS plus zoledronic acid group, 1·5% (0·5-3·7) in the ITAS group, and 3·4% (1·7-6·1) in the ITAS plus zoledronic acid group; no differences were noted between groups. Cumulative incidences of bone progression were 7·5% (4·8-11·1), 14·6% (10·6-19·2), 8·4% (5·5-12·2), and 7·6% (4·8-11·2), respectively. Compared with STAS, STAS plus zoledronic acid increased the risk of bone progression (SHR 1·90, 95% CI 1·14-3·17; p=0·012), but no differences were noted with the other two groups. Cumulative incidence of distant progression was 14·7% (10·7-19·2) in the STAS group, 17·3% (13·0-22·1) in the STAS plus zoledronic acid group, 14·2% (10·3-18·7) in the ITAS group, and 11·1% (7·6-15·2) in the ITAS plus zoledronic acid group; no differences were recorded between groups. Cumulative incidence of secondary therapeutic intervention was 25·6% (20·5-30·9), 28·9% (23·5-34·5), 20·7% (16·1-25·9), and 15·3% (11·3-20·0), respectively. Compared with STAS, ITAS plus zoledronic acid reduced the need for secondary therapeutic intervention (SHR 0·67, 95% CI 0·48-0·95; p=0·024); no differences were noted with the other two groups. An interaction between trial factors was recorded for Gleason score; therefore, we did pairwise comparisons between all groups. Post-hoc analyses suggested that the reductions in PSA progression and decreased need for secondary therapeutic intervention with ITAS plus zoledronic acid were restricted to tumours with a Gleason score of 8-10, and that ITAS was better than STAS in tumours with a Gleason score of 7 or lower. Long-term morbidity and quality-of-life scores were not affected adversely by 18 months of androgen suppression or zoledronic acid.

INTERPRETATION

Compared with STAS, ITAS plus zoledronic acid was more effective for treatment of prostate cancers with a Gleason score of 8-10, and ITAS alone was effective for tumours with a Gleason score of 7 or lower. Nevertheless, these findings are based on secondary endpoint data and post-hoc analyses and must be regarded cautiously. Long- term follow-up is necessary, as is external validation of the interaction between zoledronic acid and Gleason score. STAS plus zoledronic acid can be ruled out as a potential therapeutic option.

FUNDING

National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia, Abbott Pharmaceuticals Australia, New Zealand Health Research Council, New Zealand Cancer Society, University of Newcastle (Australia), Calvary Health Care (Calvary Mater Newcastle Radiation Oncology Fund), Hunter Medical Research Institute, Maitland Cancer Appeal, Cancer Standards Institute New Zealand.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of bisphosphonate compound labeled with (99m)Tc(CO)3(+)

In this study, radiolabeling of a bisphosphonate, alendronate (Alendronate sodium), was performed with the help of a bifunctional chelating agent. For that purpose, DTPA-NHS (Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid dianhydride-N-hydroxysuccinimide) was synthesized with an esterification between DTPA and NHS. Combining the DTPA-NHS ester with alendronate yields the DTPA-Alendronate compound. The structure of synthesized compound was analyzed by (1) H/(13) C/(31) P-NMR and HPLC. After then, the labeling with [(99m) Tc(CO)3 ](+) core of synthesized compound was provided. Performing quality controls of newly synthesized [(99m) Tc(CO)3 -DTPA-Alendronate] complex with thin layer radiochromatography (TLRC) and high-performance liquid radiochromatography (HPLRC), the labeling yield was found as 99%. It was observed that the compound conserves its stability for 24 h in serum media. Biodistribution of the radiolabeled complex was performed on Wistar Albino rats to determine radiopharmaceutical potential of the [(99m) Tc(CO)3 -DTPA-Alendronate] complex. It is thought that the data gained from this study will contribute to the development of complexes with bisphosphonate.

Impact of androgen suppression and zoledronic acid on bone mineral density and fractures in the Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) 03.04 Randomised Androgen Deprivation and Radiotherapy (RADAR) randomized controlled trial for locally advanced prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of adjuvant androgen suppression and bisphosphonates on incident vertebral and non-spinal fracture rates and bone mineral density (BMD) in men with locally advanced prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2003 and 2007, 1071 men with locally advanced prostate cancer were randomly allocated, using a 2 × 2 trial design, to 6 months i.m. leuprorelin (androgen suppression [AS]) before radiotherapy alone ± 12 months additional leuprorelin ± 18 months zoledronic acid (ZdA), commencing at randomization. The main endpoint was incident thoraco-lumbar vertebral fractures, which were assessed radiographically at randomization and at 3 years, then reassessed by centralized review. Subsidiary endpoints included incident non-spinal fractures, which were documented throughout follow-up, and BMD, which was measured in 222 subjects at baseline, 2 years and 4 years.

RESULTS

Incident vertebral fractures at 3 years were observed in 132 subjects. Their occurrence was not increased by 18 months' AS, nor reduced by ZdA. Incident non-spinal fractures occurred in 72 subjects and were significantly related to AS duration but not to ZdA. Osteopenia and osteoporosis prevalence rates at baseline were 23.4 and 1.4%, respectively, at the hip. Treatment for 6 and 18 months with AS caused significant reductions in hip BMD at 2 and 4 years (P < 0.01) and ZdA prevented these losses at both time points.

CONCLUSION

In an AS-naïve population, 18 months of ZdA treatment prevented the sustained BMD losses caused by 18 months of AS treatment; however, the study power was insufficient to show that AS duration or ZdA influenced vertebral fracture rates.

Bisphosphonates and bone metastases: current status and future directions

Since bone metastases in advanced cancer are common and frequently lead to skeletal-related morbid complications, their treatment remains a major challenge in cancer therapy. Bisphosphonates not only significantly decreased the odds ratios for fracture, need for radiotherapy, and incidence of hypercalcemia, but also had proven ability in the preservation of the 3D microstructure of bone that is responsible for bone stability. Bisphosphonates are well tolerated and have a very low incidence of serious side effects. Consequently, bisphosphonates have become the standard of care for the treatment of malignant bone disease. Benefits of bisphosphonate treatment appears to be more pronounced with longer treatment, indicating that they should be continued until no longer clinically relevant. As this advice has substantial implications on resources, it is essential that the use of bisphosphonates is evidence based.

Bisphosphonate therapy for unresectable symptomatic benign bone tumors: a long-term prospective study of tolerance and efficacy

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the long-term tolerance of bisphosphonates proposed as an alternative therapeutic option for symptomatic unresectable benign bone tumors and to evaluate the long-term efficacy of this treatment.

METHODS

From March 2007 to March 2011, patients with unresectable symptomatic benign bone tumors were consecutively included in this institutional review board-approved study and treated with bisphosphonates. Prospectively long-term follow-up is reported. The study endpoints were to describe the long-term tolerance, the clinical evolution of pain for each patient and the radiological success defined as a complete disappearance of inflammation and ossification of the bone lesion. All complications and side effects were recorded.

RESULTS

Eight patients (mean age 16 years; range 7-42) with various tumor subtypes were included: aneurysmal bone cysts (N=5), Langerhans cell histiocytosis (N=1), osteoblastoma (N=1), and a giant cell tumor (N=1). Tumors were located in cervical (N=4) or thoracic (N=1) vertebrae, femoral shaft (N=1), acetabulum (N=1) and sacrum (N=1). Mean number of bisphosphonate cycles was 3 (range: 1-6) over a median period of 10 months. The median clinical and imaging follow-up period was 21 months (6 to 63 months). No severe complications due to treatment or lesion recurrence were reported. Pain disappeared within 6 weeks of the first cycle for all but one patient. Ossification of the bone lesion was observed for all patients but one, complete for two and partial for the five others.

CONCLUSIONS

Bisphosphonates appear to be an effective option without adverse effects for the non-operative management of symptomatic benign bone tumors.

Oral bisphosphonate use and colorectal cancer incidence in the Women's Health Initiative

Bisphosphonates are widely prescribed to increase bone density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Aminobisphosphonates have numerous anticancer properties and reduce bone metastases in cancer patients. Several studies, including the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), have found that use of oral bisphosphonates is associated with reduced risk of developing breast cancer, but less is known about associations with other common malignancies in women such as colorectal cancer (CRC). A few case-control and retrospective cohort studies have reported decreased risk of CRC among bisphosphonate users. In contrast, a prospective cohort study found no association. We evaluated the association between oral bisphosphonate use and CRC incidence in 156,826 postmenopausal women, ages 50 to 79 years, who participated in WHI clinical trials and observational study. A detailed health interview was conducted at baseline, and bisphosphonate use was ascertained from an inventory of regularly used medications at baseline and over follow-up. A total of 1931 women were diagnosed with incident invasive CRC during a median follow-up of 12 years. Alendronate was the most commonly used bisphosphonate, accounting for >90% of the total person-years of use. The association between oral bisphosphonate use and CRC risk did not reach statistical significance (hazard ratio [HR] from multivariable-adjusted models = 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-1.07; p = 0.19). Furthermore, we did not observe greater risk reductions for women with longer duration of use. Uncontrolled confounding may explain why previous studies have observed an association.

Does estrogen play a role in response to adjuvant bone-targeted therapies?

Bone remains the most common site of breast cancer recurrence. The results of population studies, pre-clinical research and clinical studies in patients with metastatic disease provided a rationale for testing bone-targeted agents in the adjuvant setting. Despite the initial optimism, results from eight prospectively designed, randomized control studies powered to assess the value of adjuvant bone-targeted therapy in early breast cancer are conflicting. Data have shown that, where benefit exists, it tends to be in women with a “low estrogen environment”, either through menopause or suppression of ovarian function. In this manuscript, we review clinical data supporting the hypothesis that estrogen levels may play a part in explaining the response of patients to bone-targeted agents in the adjuvant setting. The results presented to date suggest that there may be data supporting a unifying role for estrogen in adjuvant trials. However, in the absence of any prospective randomized trials in which estrogen data has been systematically collected we cannot specifically answer this question. We await the results of the Oxford overview analysis of individual patient data with interest.

STAT pathway in the regulation of zoledronic acid-induced apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukemia cells

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of zoledronic acid on K562 chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells and to examine the roles of STAT genes on zoledronic acid-induced apoptosis. The results showed that zoledronic acid decreased proliferation, and induced apoptosis in K562 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. mRNA and protein levels of STAT3, -5A and -5B genes were significantly reduced in zoledronic acid-treated K562 cells. These data indicated that STAT inhibition by zoledronic acid may be therapeutic in CML patients following the confirmation with clinical studies.

Angiotensin-(1-7) attenuates metastatic prostate cancer and reduces osteoclastogenesis

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is an endogenous, heptapeptide hormone with anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic properties. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether Ang-(1-7) effectively reduces prostate cancer metastasis in mice.

METHODS

Human PC3 prostate cancer cells were injected into the aortic arch via the carotid artery of SCID mice pre-treated with Ang-(1-7) or injected into the tibia of athymic mice, administered Ang-(1-7) for 5 weeks beginning 2 weeks post-injection. Tumor growth and volume were determined by bioluminescent and magnetic resonance imaging. The presence of tumors was confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin staining; TRAP histochemistry was used to identify osteolytic lesions. The effect of Ang-(1-7) on osteoclastogenesis was assessed in differentiated bone marrow cells.

RESULTS

Pre-treatment with Ang-(1-7) prevented metastatic tumor formation following intra-aortic injection of PC3 cells, while 83% of untreated mice developed tumors in metastatic sites. Circulating VEGF was significantly higher in control mice compared to mice administered Ang-(1-7). A 5-week regimen of the heptapeptide hormone attenuated intra-tibial tumor growth; Ang-(1-7) was significantly higher in the tibia of treated mice than in control animals. Osteoclastogenesis was reduced by 50% in bone marrow cells differentiated in the presence of Ang-(1-7), suggesting that the heptapeptide hormone prevents the formation of osteolytic lesions to reduce tumor survival in the bone microenvironment.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that Ang-(1-7) may serve as an anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic agent for advanced prostate cancer. By extension, the heptapeptide hormone may provide effective therapy for bone metastasis produced from primary tumors of the lung and breast.

A prospective study of bisphosphonate use and risk of colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Bisphosphonates are used for the treatment of bone metastases and have been associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. A recent case-control study showed an inverse association between bisphosphonate use and colorectal cancer. Data from prospective cohorts are lacking.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We prospectively examined the relationship between bisphosphonate use and risk of colorectal cancer among 86,277 women enrolled onto the Nurses Health Study (NHS). Since 1998, participants have returned biennial questionnaires in which they were specifically queried about the regular use of bisphosphonates. We used Cox proportional hazards models to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for risk of colorectal cancer.

RESULTS

Through 2008, we documented 801 cases of colorectal cancer over 814,406 person-years of follow-up. The age-adjusted HR for women who regularly used bisphosphonates was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.73 to 1.14) and was further attenuated after adjustment for other risk factors (multivariate HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.33). The risk was not influenced by duration of use (P(trend) = 0.79). Compared with nonusers, the multivariate-adjusted HRs of colorectal cancer were 1.24 (95% CI, 0.94 to 1.64) for women with 1 to 2 years of use, 1.16 (95% CI, 0.79 to 1.69) for 3 to 4 years of use, and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.60 to 1.56) for ≥ 5 years of use. There was no association between bisphosphonate use and colorectal cancer within strata of other risk factors.

CONCLUSION

In a large prospective cohort, we did not observe an association between long-term use of bisphosphonates and risk of colorectal cancer.

Combinations of bisphosphonates and classical anticancer drugs: a preclinical perspective

Bone metastases are frequent complications in advanced breast and prostate cancer among others, resulting in increased risk of fractures, pain, hypercalcaemia of malignancy and a reduction in patient independence and mobility. Bisphosphonates (BPs) are in wide clinical use for the treatment of cancer-induced bone disease associated with advanced cancer, due to their potent ability to reduce skeletal-related events (SREs) and improve quality of life. Despite the profound effect on bone health, the majority of clinical studies have failed to demonstrate an overall survival benefit of BP therapy. There is increasing preclinical evidence to suggest that inclusion of the most potent nitrogen-containing BPs (NBPs) in combination therapy results in increased antitumour effects and improved survival, but that the particular schedules used are of key importance to achieve optimal benefit. Recent clinical data have suggested that there may be effects of adjuvant NBP therapy on breast tumours outside the skeleton. These findings have led to renewed interest in the use of BPs in cancer therapy, in particular how they can be included as part of adjuvant protocols. Here we review the key data reported from preclinical model systems investigating the effects of combination therapy including BPs with particular emphasis on breast and prostate cancer.

Bisphosphonate therapy is effective in the treatment of sacral giant cell tumor

BACKGROUND

Sacral giant cell tumors are particularly challenging to treat as they are often quite extensive and surround the sacral nerve roots, making surgical extirpation very difficult without high morbidity and frequent local recurrence.

CASE REPORT

We report on a 33-year old male patient with sacral giant cell tumor treated with intravenous bisphosphonate therapy after early failure of embolization procedures. At 3 years follow-up, the patient had no pain, no neurological deficits, and no local recurrence.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is one of the first reported cases of bisphosphonate therapy after failed embolization for control of a difficult giant cell tumor.

Dicaesium diaqua-bis-(methyl-ene-diphospho-nato-κO,O')cobaltate(II)

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, Cs₂[Co(CH₄O₆P₂)₂(H₂O)₂], is comprised of one bidentate methyl­enediphospho­nate ligand and one water mol­ecule which are coordinated to the Co^II atom, as well as a caesium counter-cation. The Co atom occupies a special position on a crystallographic inversion center. The caesium ion is octa­hedrally coordinated by six O atoms with Cs—O distances ranging from 3.119 (2) to 3.296 (2) Å. A three-dimensional network is formed through O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

Use of bisphosphonates and reduced risk of colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Bisphosphonates are commonly used for the treatment of osteoporosis and bone metastases caused by breast cancer and were recently reported to be associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer, possibly acting through the mevalonate pathway, but their association with risk of other cancers is unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Molecular Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer study is a population-based, case-control study in northern Israel of patients with colorectal cancer and age-, sex-, clinic-, and ethnic group-matched controls. Long-term use of bisphosphonates before diagnosis was assessed in a subset of 933 pairs of postmenopausal female patients and controls, enrolled in Clalit Health Services, using computerized pharmacy records.

RESULTS

The use of bisphosphonates for more than 1 year before diagnosis, but not for less than 1 year, was associated with a significantly reduced relative risk (RR) of colorectal cancer (RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.71). This association remained statistically significant after adjustment in a model for vegetable consumption, sports activity, family history of colorectal cancer, body mass index, and use of low-dose aspirin, statins, vitamin D, and postmenopausal hormones (RR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.67). Concomitant use of bisphosphonates and statins did not further reduce the risk.

CONCLUSION

The use of oral bisphosphonates for more than 1 year was associated with a 59% relative reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer, similar to the recently reported association of this drug class with reduction in breast cancer risk.

Use of bisphosphonates and reduced risk of colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Bisphosphonates are commonly used for the treatment of osteoporosis and bone metastases caused by breast cancer and were recently reported to be associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer, possibly acting through the mevalonate pathway, but their association with risk of other cancers is unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Molecular Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer study is a population-based, case-control study in northern Israel of patients with colorectal cancer and age-, sex-, clinic-, and ethnic group-matched controls. Long-term use of bisphosphonates before diagnosis was assessed in a subset of 933 pairs of postmenopausal female patients and controls, enrolled in Clalit Health Services, using computerized pharmacy records.

RESULTS

The use of bisphosphonates for more than 1 year before diagnosis, but not for less than 1 year, was associated with a significantly reduced relative risk (RR) of colorectal cancer (RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.71). This association remained statistically significant after adjustment in a model for vegetable consumption, sports activity, family history of colorectal cancer, body mass index, and use of low-dose aspirin, statins, vitamin D, and postmenopausal hormones (RR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.67). Concomitant use of bisphosphonates and statins did not further reduce the risk.

CONCLUSION

The use of oral bisphosphonates for more than 1 year was associated with a 59% relative reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer, similar to the recently reported association of this drug class with reduction in breast cancer risk.

Novel bone-targeted strategies in oncology

Most patients with bone metastases experience skeletal complications, resulting in significant morbidity and increased risk of death. Although the use of bisphosphonates is a well-established form of supportive care treatment for bone metastasis, complications arising from long-term use require schedule optimization and a search for alternative strategies. Moreover, the scope of use of bone-targeted agents in oncology has widened to include therapy-induced bone loss and antitumor effects. Indeed, bone provides a permissive niche to tumor growth, and targeting the interactions within the bone microenvironment is a promising antitumor strategy. In addition, the pathogenesis of cancer-related bone disease has been partially unraveled with a focus on the anabolic bone compartment, and the rapid bench-to-bedside translation has resulted in the identification of novel therapeutically amenable targets. This review focuses on studies optimizing bisphosphonate use and recent clinical data on denosumab in the treatment of bone disease. We also provide data on trials that have evaluated the antitumor effects of bisphosphonates and summarize the most recent discoveries on the role of the bone niche in cancer development, with insights into the preclinical rationale and clinical assessment of novel antiresorptive and anabolic bone-targeted agents.

Bisphosphonates for osteoporosis treatment are associated with reduced breast cancer risk

BACKGROUND

Bisphosphanates are used primarily for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, and are also indicated for osseous complications of malignancy. In addition to their bone resorption properties, the most commonly used nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate compounds also inhibit protein prenylation, and thus may exert anti-tumour properties.

METHODS

To evaluate whether the use of these drugs may be associated with cancer, specifically breast cancer, we conducted a population-based case-control study in Wisconsin from 2003 to 2006. Participants included 2936 incident invasive breast cancer cases and 2975 population controls aged < 70 years. Bisphosphonate use and potential confounders were assessed by interview.

RESULTS

Using multivariable logistic regression, the odds ratio for breast cancer in current bisphosphonate users compared with non-users was 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.51-0.89). Increasing duration of use was associated with a greater reduction in risk (P-trend=0.01). Risk reduction was observed in women who were not obese (P-interaction=0.005).

CONCLUSION

These results are suggestive of an additional benefit of the common use of bisphosphonates, in this instance, the reduction in breast cancer risk.

The level of ATP analog and isopentenyl pyrophosphate correlates with zoledronic acid-induced apoptosis in cancer cells in vitro

Bisphosphonates are potent inhibitors of osteoclast function widely used to treat excessive bone resorption associated, e.g., with bone metastases. They have also antitumor activity. However, it is unclear whether this reflects an indirect effect via inhibition of bone resorption or a direct antitumor effect. Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs), including zoledronic acid (ZOL), act by inhibiting farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS). The mevalonate pathway is blocked and the accumulation of isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) consequently occurs. IPP is conjugated to AMP to form a novel ATP analog (ApppI). The present study was undertaken to clarify whether IPP and/or ApppI has a direct involvement in apoptosis caused by ZOL in different cancer cell lines. There are marked differences in ZOL-induced ApppI formation between different cancer cell lines. On this basis, we selected three cancer cell lines that differ significantly from each other in their ZOL-induced IPP and ApppI accumulation: human estrogen-dependent (MCF7) and estrogen-independent (MDA-MB 436) breast cancer cell lines and a human myeloma cell line (RPMI 8226). The amount of IPP/ApppI correlated with the capacity of cells to undergo apoptosis. Geranylgeraniol (GGOH), an intermediate of mevalonate metabolism, blocks both IPP and ApppI formation and to some degree ZOL-induced apoptosis in a cell line-dependent manner. In addition, lovastatin (LOV), an inhibitor of the enzyme HMGCoA reductase, completely blocks IPP/ApppI formation as determined by mass spectrometry analysis, but enhances apoptosis. In conclusion, the current data suggest that ZOL-induced IPP/ApppI formation can contribute to ZOL-induced apoptosis. This mechanism and the inhibition of protein prenylation, both outcomes of FPPS inhibition in mevalonate pathway, seem to act in concert in ZOL-induced apoptosis in cancer cells.

Potential implications of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in assessment and treatment of coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, a member of the MMP superfamily is consistently implicated in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and plaque rupture, the most common mechanism responsible for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

AIM

To summarize the role of MMP-9 in atherosclerosis and its potential implications in assessment and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

We reviewed the PubMed database for relevant data regarding the role of MMP-9 in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. In the light of these data, we postulate potential implications of MMP-9 in the management and treatment of CAD.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Existing data strongly support the role of MMP-9 in plaque destabilization and rupture. Based on the current knowledge, MMP-9 can potentially serve as a diagnostic biomarker in ACS and a prognostic biomarker in ACS and chronic CAD patients. MMP-9 is reduced by therapies that are associated with favourable outcome in atherosclerosis and thus may serve as a surrogate biomarker of treatment efficacy. However, large morbidity and mortality trials are still required to confirm that MMP-9 reduction is associated with improved outcome independent of the traditional risk factors (i.e. low-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Given its role in plaque rupture, inhibition of MMP-9 may promote plaque stabilization and consequently reduce cardiovascular events. Yet, the efficacy and safety of MMPs inhibitors should be first studied in preclinical models of atherosclerosis.

Adjuvant bisphosphonate therapy for breast cancer patients: Standard of care or future direction?

Bone is the most common site of metastatic spread in breast cancer patients. The use of bisphosphonates (BPs) in women with bone metastases from breast cancer has been shown to reduce the incidence, and delay the onset of, skeletal-related events. Indeed, BPs are now an established standard of care in treating patients with bone metastases. As with many new therapies, once efficacy in the metastatic setting is demonstrated, therapies are tested in the adjuvant setting. There are a number of trials that have tested the hypothesis that BP therapy in women with early breast cancer may not only reduce the development of skeletal metastases but also improve both disease-free and overall survival; recent randomized trials have demonstrated intriguing results regarding the possible anticancer effects of adjuvant BP therapy. Furthermore, interesting signals are filtering through from trials evaluating the role of BPs to prevent cancer-treatment induced bone loss. Many of these trials will be reported in the near future. In this article we review possible subgroups that may benefit from adjuvant treatment with BPs, and ongoing trials that may offer more definitive answers.

Bone sarcoma of the spine

Primary malignant bone tumors of the vertebral column, i.e., bone sarcomas of the spine, are inherently rare entities. Vertebral osteosarcomas and chordomas represent the largest groups, followed by the incidence of chondro-, fibro-, and Ewing's sarcomas. Detailed clinical and neurological examination, complete radiographic imaging [radiographs, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)], and biopsy are the decisive diagnostic steps. Oncosurgical staging for spinal tumors can serve as a decision-guidance system for an individual's oncological and surgical treatment. Subsequent treatment decisions are part of an integrated, multimodal oncological concept. Surgical options comprise minimally invasive surgery, palliative stabilization procedures, and curative, wide excisions with complex reconstructions to attain wide or at least marginal resections. The most aggressive mode of surgical resection for primary vertebral column tumors is the total en bloc vertebrectomy, i.e., single- or multilevel en bloc spondylectomy. En bloc spondylectomy involves a posterior or combined anterior/posterior approach, followed by en bloc laminectomy, circumferential (360 degrees) vertebral dissection, and blunt ventral release of the large vessels, intervertebral discectomy and rotation/ en bloc removal of the vertebra along its longitudinal axis. Due to the complex interdisciplinary approach and the challenging surgical resection techniques involved, management of vertebral bone sarcomas is recommended to be performed in specific musculoskeletal tumor centers.

Bisphosphonate-induced ATP analog formation and its effect on inhibition of cancer cell growth

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are effective inhibitors of tumor-induced bone resorption. Recent studies have demonstrated that BPs inhibit growth, attachment and invasion of cancer cells in culture and promote apoptosis. The mechanisms responsible for the observed anti-tumor effects of BPs are beginning to be elucidated. Recently, we reported that nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs) induce formation of a novel ATP analog (ApppI) as a consequence of the inhibition of farnesyl diphosphate synthase in the mevalonate pathway. Similar to AppCp-type metabolites of non-N-BPs, ApppI is able to induce apoptosis. This study investigated BP-induced ATP analog formation and its effect on cancer cell growth. To evaluate zoledronic acid (a N-BP)-induced ApppI accumulation, inhibition of protein prenylation and clodronate (a non-N-BP) metabolism to AppCCl2p, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-436 breast cancer cells, MCF-10A nonmalignant breast cells, PC-3 prostate cancer cells, MG-63 osteosarcoma cells, RPMI-8226, and NCI-H929 myeloma cells were treated with 25 micromol/l zoledronic acid or 500 micromol/l clodronate for 24 h. The inhibition of cell growth by zoledronic acid and clodronate was studied in MCF-7, MDA-MB-436, and RPMI-8226 cells by exposing the cells with 1-100 micromol/l zoledronic acid or 10-2000 micromol/l clodronate for 72 h. Marked differences in zoledronic acid-induced ApppI formation and clodronate metabolism between the cancer cell lines were observed. The production of cytotoxic ATP analogs in tumor cells after BP treatment is likely to depend on the activity of enzymes, such as farnesyl diphosphate synthase or aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, responsible for ATP analog formation. Additionally, the potency of clodronate to inhibit cancer cell growth corresponds to ATP analog formation.

Antitumor effect of zoledronic acid in previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma

Bisphophonates are the treatment of choice to prevent skeletal events in patients with multiple myeloma. Some preclinical studies suggested that bisphophonates can be useful as antitumor drugs in some malignancies. We conducted a controlled clinical trial to assess if zoledronic acid can have this clinical activity. Ninety four patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma were treated with a conventional chemotherapy program: cyclophosphamide, vincristine, melphalan, and prednisone (CVMP) and were randomized to received either zoledronic acid (4 mg, iv, every 28 d) or not (control group). The end-point of the present study was to assess improvement in outcome, measured by event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS), and the second-end point was to confirm the efficacy in preventing skeletal events. In an intent-to-treat analysis, all patients were available for efficacy and toxicity. Median follow up was 49.6 mo (range: 34-72 mo). Five year actuarial curves showed that EFS was 80% in the zoledronic acid group, which was statistically different from 52% in the control group (p < 0.01). Actuarial 5 yr OS was 80% in the zoledronic acid arm, and 46% in the control group (p < 0.01). Sketeletal events were more frequent in the control group when compared to zoledronic acid. Toxicity was mild. We confirm the efficacy of zoledronic acid to prevent skeletal events, but we felt that we can demonstrate that zoledronic acid has a clinical antitumor effect measured from a increase in complete response rate and EFS and OS that were better when compared with the control group. We began a controlled clinical trial with modern treatment (including transplant procedures) in combination with zoledronic acid to define the role of zoledonic acid in this setting of patients.

Efficacy of a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, minodronate, in conjunction with a p38 mitogen activated protein kinase inhibitor or doxorubicin against malignant bone tumor cells

PURPOSE

We recently reported the sarcoma-selective antitumor effects of a newly developed nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, minodronate (MIN), on malignant bone tumors. The aim of this study was to develop efficient combination MIN therapy in malignant bone tumors.

METHODS

We examined downstream molecular events of MIN in osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma cells to search for a partner to combine with MIN. Furthermore, we evaluated the combined effects of MIN and clinically available Doxorubicin (DOX).

RESULTS

We found that MIN inhibited Rap 1A prenylation, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) or Akt phosphorylation in osteosarcoma (Saos-2) and Ewing's sarcoma (SK-ES-1) cells. Interestingly, MIN activated p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) only in SK-ES-1 cells and a p38 MAPK inhibitor augmented MIN-induced growth inhibition in SK-ES-1 cells. Doxorubicin (DOX) exerted synergistic effects on Saos-2 and SK-ES-1 cell lines. Daily injection of MIN enhanced the growth inhibition of SK-ES-1 xenograft sarcoma treated by DOX in nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway may be attractive in overcoming cellular resistance against MIN. In the light of clinical settings, MIN may have a beneficial adjuvant role in the DOX treatment.