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Wang Y, Cui L, Georgiev P, Singh L, Zheng Y, Yu Y, Grein J, Zhang C, Muise ES, Sloman DL, Ferguson H, Yu H, Pierre CS, Dakle PJ, Pucci V, Baker J, Loboda A, Linn D, Brynczka C, Wilson D, Haines BB, Long B, Wnek R, Sadekova S, Rosenzweig M, Haidle A, Han Y, Ranganath SH. Combination of EP 4 antagonist MF-766 and anti-PD-1 promotes anti-tumor efficacy by modulating both lymphocytes and myeloid cells. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1896643. [PMID: 33796403 PMCID: PMC7993229 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1896643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), an arachidonic acid pathway metabolite produced by cyclooxygenase (COX)-1/2, has been shown to impair anti-tumor immunity through engagement with one or more E-type prostanoid receptors (EP1-4). Specific targeting of EP receptors, as opposed to COX-1/2 inhibition, has been proposed to achieve preferential antagonism of PGE2–mediated immune suppression. Here we describe the anti-tumor activity of MF-766, a potent and highly selective small-molecule inhibitor of the EP4 receptor. EP4 inhibition by MF-766 synergistically improved the efficacy of anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) therapy in CT26 and EMT6 syngeneic tumor mouse models. Multiparameter flow cytometry analysis revealed that treatment with MF-766 promoted the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), induced M1-like macrophage reprogramming, and reduced granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In vitro experiments demonstrated that MF-766 restored PGE2-mediated inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production in THP-1 cells and human blood, and PGE2-mediated inhibition of interleukin (IL)-2-induced interferon (IFN)-γ production in human NK cells. MF-766 reversed the inhibition of IFN-γ in CD8+ T-cells by PGE2 and impaired suppression of CD8+ T-cells induced by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC)/PGE2. In translational studies using primary human tumors, MF-766 enhanced anti-CD3-stimulated IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α production in primary histoculture and synergized with pembrolizumab in a PGE2 high TME. Our studies demonstrate that the combination of EP4 blockade with anti-PD-1 therapy enhances antitumor activity by differentially modulating myeloid cell, NK cell, cDC and T-cell infiltration profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Long Cui
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter Georgiev
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Latika Singh
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yanyan Zheng
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeff Grein
- Department of Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chunsheng Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric S Muise
- Department of Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David L Sloman
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Heidi Ferguson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hongshi Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cristina St Pierre
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pranal J Dakle
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vincenzo Pucci
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics & Drug Metabolism, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James Baker
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics & Drug Metabolism, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrey Loboda
- Department of Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Doug Linn
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher Brynczka
- Dept. Safety and Exploratory Pharmacology, Safety Assessment and Laboratory Animal Resources, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Doug Wilson
- Department of Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian B Haines
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian Long
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard Wnek
- Department of Translational Biomarkers, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Svetlana Sadekova
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Rosenzweig
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew Haidle
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yongxin Han
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sheila H Ranganath
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Laube M, Kniess T, Pietzsch J. Development of Antioxidant COX-2 Inhibitors as Radioprotective Agents for Radiation Therapy-A Hypothesis-Driven Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2016; 5:antiox5020014. [PMID: 27104573 PMCID: PMC4931535 DOI: 10.3390/antiox5020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) evolved to be a primary treatment modality for cancer patients. Unfortunately, the cure or relief of symptoms is still accompanied by radiation-induced side effects with severe acute and late pathophysiological consequences. Inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are potentially useful in this regard because radioprotection of normal tissue and/or radiosensitizing effects on tumor tissue have been described for several compounds of this structurally diverse class. This review aims to substantiate the hypothesis that antioxidant COX-2 inhibitors are promising radioprotectants because of intercepting radiation-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in normal tissue, especially the vascular system. For this, literature reporting on COX inhibitors exerting radioprotective and/or radiosensitizing action as well as on antioxidant COX inhibitors will be reviewed comprehensively with the aim to find cross-points of both and, by that, stimulate further research in the field of radioprotective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Laube
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, Dresden D-01328, Germany.
| | - Torsten Kniess
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, Dresden D-01328, Germany.
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, Dresden D-01328, Germany.
- Department of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden D-01062, Germany.
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Halamka M, Cvek J, Kubes J, Zavadova E, Kominek P, Horacek J, Dusek L, Feltl D. Plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor during and after radiotherapy in combination with celecoxib in patients with advanced head and neck cancer. Oral Oncol 2011; 47:763-7. [PMID: 21696999 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2011.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Revised: 05/17/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Celebrex and radiotherapy in advanced head and neck cancer. This phase I dose-escalation study seeks to determine the phase II recommended dose of cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-2) inhibitor in patients with locally advanced squamous cell head and neck (H&N) cancer, treated with accelerated radiotherapy. Anti-vasculogenic effect of this treatment on serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is examined. Patients were irradiated with curative intent (72Gy in 6weeks). Celecoxib was administered throughout the radiotherapy course. Serum VEGF level were tested during radiotherapy and in follow-up. Tumor specimens were stained to quantify the COX-2 expression. Thirty-two patients completed the treatment. The dose of celecoxib was escalated (200, 400 and 800mg bid, then de-escalated to 600mg bid). The acute toxicity related to the treatment in the first and second cohort did not reach grade III; in the third cohort three patients had grade III radiation toxicity and one had celecoxib-related toxicity. In the last fourth cohort the toxicity was acceptable. Significant VEGF level drop (p=0.011) was found between radiation day 1 and post-treatment visit. Significant decrease (p=0.022) of the VEGF level was shown in patients with high COX-2 expression in the tumor. Phase II recommended dose of celecoxib combined with accelerated radiotherapy in advanced H&N cancer was 600mg bid. A significant decrease of the post-treatment serum VEGF level compared to the initial level was noticed only in patients with high COX-2 expression in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Halamka
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Ostrava, 17 Listopadu 1790, Ostrava-Poruba 708 52, Czech Republic
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Che SM, Zhang XZ, Liu XL, Chen X, Hou L. The radiosensitization effect of NS398 on esophageal cancer stem cell-like radioresistant cells. Dis Esophagus 2011; 24:265-73. [PMID: 21087344 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2050.2010.01138.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the cancer stem cell (CSC) properties of radioresistant esophageal cancer cells and the radiosensitization effect of NS398, a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, on them. Fractionated irradiation was applied to acquire radioresistant esophageal cancer cells. Clone formation assay was employed to detect cell radiosensitivity and cloning formation ability. Cell viability was determined by methyl tetrazolium colorimetry assay. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Tumorigenicity was investigated by xenograft tumorigenicity assay. Expression levels of β-catenin were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. As results, radioresistant Eca109R50Gy cells were obtained through fractional irradiation from Eca109 cells; Eca109R50Gy cells displayed higher ability of proliferation, colony-formation, and 40 times tumorigenic ability as high as that of the Eca109 cells in vivo. Meantime stem cell marker β-catenin was elevated in Eca109R50Gy cells. All of the above implied that Eca109R50Gy cells have some properties of CSCs. NS398 enhanced the radiosensitivity of Eca109R50Gy cells accompanied by down-regulating the expression of β-catenin. In conclusion, radioresistant Eca109R50Gy cells carried some CSC-like properties; NS398 enhanced the radiosensitivity of CSC-like Eca109R50Gy cells and this function may partly through down-regulating the expression of β-catenin. These findings both stress the important role of CSCs in esophageal cancer radioresistance and provide new insight on possible application of COX-2 inhibitors on CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S-M Che
- Department of Radiation Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, China
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Bergmann F, Moldenhauer G, Herpel E, Gaida MM, Strobel O, Werner J, Esposito I, Müerköster SS, Schirmacher P, Kern MA. Expression of L1CAM, COX-2, EGFR, c-KIT and Her2/neu in anaplastic pancreatic cancer: putative therapeutic targets? Histopathology 2011; 56:440-8. [PMID: 20459551 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2010.03499.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Undifferentiated (anaplastic) pancreatic cancer and undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (giant cell tumour) are rare variants of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Representing biologically highly aggressive neoplasms, they are frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage. The response to established chemo- or radiochemotherapeutic treatment regimens is poor, and undifferentiated pancreatic cancer generally has a dismal prognosis. As additional therapeutic options have not yet been investigated in undifferentiated pancreatic cancer, the aim was to analyse the expression of putative therapeutic targets that have shown promising results in various other neoplasms. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifteen cases of undifferentiated pancreatic cancer (seven containing osteoclast-like giant cells) were investigated clinicopathologically and immunohistochemically for putative therapeutic targets. Whereas L1CAM, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were found to be significantly expressed in 80%, 93% and 87% of the investigated tumours, respectively, there was no substantial expression of c-kit (CD117) and there was no detectable expression of Her2/neu. CONCLUSIONS The expression of L1CAM, COX-2 and EGFR in the majority of undifferentiated pancreatic carcinomas suggests that they might represent targets for adjuvant therapy in anaplastic pancreatic cancer. On the other hand, c-kit and Her2/neu seem to have no relevance for the therapy of these tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Bergmann
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 220, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Khor LY, Bae K, Pollack A, Hammond MEH, Grignon DJ, Venkatesan VM, Rosenthal SA, Ritter MA, Sandler HM, Hanks GE, Shipley WU, Dicker AP. COX-2 expression predicts prostate-cancer outcome: analysis of data from the RTOG 92-02 trial. Lancet Oncol 2007; 8:912-20. [PMID: 17881290 PMCID: PMC2080621 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(07)70280-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COX-2 is overexpressed in some cancers, including prostate cancer; however, little is known about the effect of COX-2 overexpression on outcome in radiation-treated patients with prostate cancer. We aimed to study COX-2 overexpression and outcome in a well-defined cohort of men who received treatment with short-term androgen deprivation (STAD) plus radiotherapy or long-term androgen deprivation (LTAD) plus radiotherapy. METHODS Men with prostate cancer who had participated in the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 92-02 trial and for whom sufficient diagnostic tissue was available for immunohistochemical staining and image analysis of COX-2 expression were enrolled in this study. Patients in the 92-02 trial had been randomly assigned to treatment with STAD plus radiotherapy or LTAD plus radiotherapy. Multivariate analyses by Cox proportional hazards models were done to assess whether associations existed between COX-2 staining intensity and the RTOG 92-02 primary endpoints of biochemical failure (assessed by the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology [ASTRO] and Phoenix criteria), local failure, distant metastasis, cause-specific mortality, overall mortality, and any failure. FINDINGS 586 patients with sufficient diagnostic tissue for immunohistochemical staining and image analysis of COX-2 expression were included in this study. In the multivariate analyses, the intensity of COX-2 staining as a continuous covariate was an independent predictor of distant metastasis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.181 [95% CI 1.077-1.295], p=0.0004); biochemical failure by two definitions (ASTRO HR 1.073 [1.018-1.131], p=0.008; Phoenix HR 1.073 [1.014-1.134], p=0.014); and any failure (HR 1.068 [1.015-1.124], p=0.011). The higher the expression of COX-2, the greater the chance of failure. As a dichotomous covariate, COX-2 overexpression seemed to be most discriminating of outcome for those who received STAD compared with those who received LTAD. INTERPRETATION To our knowledge, this is the first study to establish an association of COX-2 expression with outcome in patients with prostate cancer who have had radiotherapy. Increasing COX-2 expression was significantly associated with biochemical failure, distant metastasis, and any failure. COX-2 inhibitors might improve patient response to radiotherapy in those treated with or without androgen deprivation. Our findings suggest that LTAD might overcome the effects of COX-2 overexpression. Therefore, COX-2 expression might be useful in selecting patients who need LTAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yan Khor
- Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Natsugoe S, Okumura H, Matsumoto M, Uchikado Y, Setoyama T, Yokomakura N, Ishigami S, Owaki T, Aikou T. Randomized controlled study on preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery versus surgery alone for esophageal squamous cell cancer in a single institution. Dis Esophagus 2006; 19:468-72. [PMID: 17069590 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2050.2006.00615.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinical results between preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery (CRT group) and surgery alone (Surgery group) by a randomized controlled study. Twenty-two patients were assigned to the CRT group and 23 to the Surgery group. A total radiation dose of 40 Gy was applied and in the same period, intravenous chemotherapy was performed using cisplatin (7 mg over 2 h) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU; 350 mg over 24 h). Surgical treatment was performed in 20 patients in the CRT group except for two patients with bone metastasis after CRT. According to histological effects of primary tumors, the number of patient with Grades 1, 2 and 3 was 11, 7 and 3, respectively. Frequency of lymphatic and venous invasion was significantly lower in the CRT group than in the Surgery group. The 5-year survival rate was 57% in the CRT group and 41% in the Surgery group (P = 0.58). According to the histological effect in the CRT group, 5-year survival was 30% for Grade 1, 83% for Grade 2 and 100% for Grade 3 (P = 0.0069). This randomized trial did not demonstrate a statistically significant survival difference between the CRT group and the Surgery group.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Natsugoe
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Digestive Surgery, Kagoshima University School of Medicine, Kagoshima, Japan
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