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Hu Y, Dong Z, Liu K. Unraveling the complexity of STAT3 in cancer: molecular understanding and drug discovery. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:23. [PMID: 38245798 PMCID: PMC10799433 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02949-5] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcriptional factor involved in almost all cancer hallmark features including tumor proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, tumor inflammation, metabolism reprogramming, drug resistance, cancer stemness. Therefore, STAT3 has become a promising therapeutic target in a wide range of cancers. This review focuses on the up-to-date knowledge of STAT3 signaling in cancer. We summarize both the positive and negative modulators of STAT3 together with the cancer hallmarks involving activities regulated by STAT3 and highlight its extremely sophisticated regulation on immunosuppression in tumor microenvironment and metabolic reprogramming. Direct and indirect inhibitors of STAT3 in preclinical and clinical studies also have been summarized and discussed. Additionally, we highlight and propose new strategies of targeting STAT3 and STAT3-based combinations with established chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and combination therapy. These efforts may provide new perspectives for STAT3-based target therapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Hu
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
- Medical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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2
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Chen F, Fang Y, Zhao R, Le J, Zhang B, Huang R, Chen Z, Shao J. Evolution in medicinal chemistry of sorafenib derivatives for hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 179:916-935. [PMID: 31306818 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.06.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. Traditional chemotherapy drugs are hard to reach a satisfactory therapeutic effect since advanced HCC is highly chemo-resistant. Sorafenib is an oral multikinase inhibitor that can suppress tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis and induce cancer cell apoptosis. However, the poor solubility, rapid metabolism and low bioavailability of sorafenib greatly restricted its further clinical application. During the past decade, numerous sorafenib derivatives have been designed and synthesized to overcome its disadvantages and improve its clinical performance. This article focuses on the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of various sorafenib derivatives with modifications on the N-methylpicolinamide group, urea group, central aromatic ring or others. More importantly, this review summarizes the current status of the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of reported sorafenib derivatives, which can provide some detailed information of future directions for further structural modifications of sorafenib to discovery new anti-tumor drugs with improved clinical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangmin Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, China
| | - Yifan Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, China
| | - Ruirui Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, China
| | - Jingqing Le
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, China
| | - Bingchen Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Marine Drug R&D Center, Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Zixuan Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, China
| | - Jingwei Shao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, China; Marine Drug R&D Center, Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.
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3
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Niwa T, Kasuya Y, Suzuki Y, Ichikawa K, Yoshida H, Kurimoto A, Tanaka K, Morita K. Novel Immunoliposome Technology for Enhancing the Activity of the Agonistic Antibody against the Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily. Mol Pharm 2018; 15:3729-3740. [PMID: 29648839 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.7b01167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a technology for efficiently enhancing the anticancer apoptosis-inducing activity of agonistic antibodies against the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily by the formation of immunoliposomes. To induce apoptosis in cancer cells, agonistic antibodies to the TNFR superfamily normally need cross-linking by internal immune effector cells via the Fc region after binding to receptors on the cell membrane. To develop apoptosis-inducing antibodies that do not require the support of cross-linking by immune cells, we prepared immunoliposomes conjugated with TRA-8, an agonistic antibody against death receptor 5 (DR5), with various densities of antibody on the liposome surface, and evaluated their activities. The TRA-8 immunoliposomes exhibited apoptosis-inducing activity against various DR5-positive human carcinoma cells at a significantly lower concentration without cross-linking than that of the original TRA-8 and its natural ligand (TRAIL). The activity of the immunoliposomes was correlated with the density of antibodies on the surface. As the antibody component, not only the full-length antibody but also the Fab' fragment could be used, and the TRA-8 Fab' immunoliposomes also showed exceedingly high activity compared with the parental antibody, namely, TRA-8. Moreover, cytotoxicity of the TRA-8 full-length or Fab' immunoliposome against normal cells, such as human primary hepatocytes, was lower than that for TRAIL. Enhanced activity was also observed for immunoliposomes conjugated with other apoptosis-inducing antibodies against other receptors of the TNFR superfamily, such as death receptor 4 (DR4) and Fas. Thus, immunoliposomes are promising as a new modality that could exhibit significant activity at a low dose, for cost-effective application of an antibody fragment and with stable efficacy independent of the intratumoral environment of patients as a TNF superfamily agonistic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takako Niwa
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. , 1-2-58 Hiromachi , Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-8710 , Japan
| | - Yuji Kasuya
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. , 1-2-58 Hiromachi , Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-8710 , Japan
| | - Yukie Suzuki
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. , 1-2-58 Hiromachi , Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-8710 , Japan
| | - Kimihisa Ichikawa
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. , 1-2-58 Hiromachi , Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-8710 , Japan
| | - Hiroko Yoshida
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. , 1-2-58 Hiromachi , Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-8710 , Japan
| | - Akiko Kurimoto
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. , 1-2-58 Hiromachi , Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-8710 , Japan
| | - Kento Tanaka
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. , 1-2-58 Hiromachi , Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-8710 , Japan
| | - Koji Morita
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. , 1-2-58 Hiromachi , Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-8710 , Japan
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4
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Alteration of SHP-1/p-STAT3 Signaling: A Potential Target for Anticancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18061234. [PMID: 28594363 PMCID: PMC5486057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1), a non-receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase, has been reported as a negative regulator of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and linked to tumor development. In this present review, we will discuss the importance and function of SHP-1/p-STAT3 signaling in nonmalignant conditions as well as malignancies, its cross-talk with other pathways, the current clinical development and the potential role of inhibitors of this pathway in anticancer therapy and clinical relevance of SHP-1/p-STAT3 in cancers. Lastly, we will summarize and highlight work involving novel drugs/compounds targeting SHP-1/p-STAT3 signaling and combined strategies that were/are discovered in our and our colleagues’ laboratories.
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Gillissen B, Richter A, Richter A, Preissner R, Schulze-Osthoff K, Essmann F, Daniel PT. Bax/Bak-independent mitochondrial depolarization and reactive oxygen species induction by sorafenib overcome resistance to apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:6478-6492. [PMID: 28154184 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.754184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is polyresistant to chemo- and radiotherapy and biologicals, including TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of RCC, has been shown to sensitize cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, in particular by down-regulation of the Bak-inhibitory Bcl-2 family protein Mcl-1. Here we demonstrate that sorafenib overcomes TRAIL resistance in RCC by a mechanism that does not rely on Mcl-1 down-regulation. Instead, sorafenib induces rapid dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) that is accompanied by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Loss of ΔΨm and ROS production induced by sorafenib are independent of caspase activities and do not depend on the presence of the proapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins Bax or Bak, indicating that both events are functionally upstream of the mitochondrial apoptosis signaling cascade. More intriguingly, we find that it is sorafenib-induced ROS accumulation that enables TRAIL to activate caspase-8 in RCC. This leads to apoptosis that involves activation of an amplification loop via the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Thus, our mechanistic data indicate that sorafenib bypasses central resistance mechanisms through a direct induction of ΔΨm breakdown and ROS production. Activation of this pathway might represent a useful strategy to overcome the cell-inherent resistance to cancer therapeutics, including TRAIL, in multiresistant cancers such as RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Gillissen
- From the Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, University Medical Center Charité, Campus Berlin-Buch, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.,the German Cancer Consortium and German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja Richter
- From the Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, University Medical Center Charité, Campus Berlin-Buch, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.,the German Cancer Consortium and German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Antje Richter
- From the Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, University Medical Center Charité, Campus Berlin-Buch, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Preissner
- the Institute of Physiology and Experimental Clinical Research Center, University Medical Center Charité, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Schulze-Osthoff
- the German Cancer Consortium and German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,the Interfaculty Institute for Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse 4, 72076 Tübingen, Germany, and
| | - Frank Essmann
- the German Cancer Consortium and German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,the Interfaculty Institute for Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse 4, 72076 Tübingen, Germany, and
| | - Peter T Daniel
- From the Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, University Medical Center Charité, Campus Berlin-Buch, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany, .,the German Cancer Consortium and German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical and Molecular Oncology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin-Buch, Germany
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Hsu MH, Hsu SM, Kuo YC, Liu CY, Hsieh CY, Twu YC, Wang CK, Wang YH, Liao YJ. Treatment with low-dose sorafenib in combination with a novel benzimidazole derivative bearing a pyrolidine side chain provides synergistic anti-proliferative effects against human liver cancer. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra28281d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies and deadliest cancers in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hua Hsu
- Nuclear Science & Technology Development Center
- National Tsing Hua University
- Hsinchu
- Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ming Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences
- National Yang-Ming University
- Taipei
- Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Kuo
- Radiation Oncology
- Show Chwan Memorial Hospital
- Changhua
- Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yu Liu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology
- College of Medical Science and Technology
- Taipei Medical University
- Taipei
- Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ying Hsieh
- Nuclear Science & Technology Development Center
- National Tsing Hua University
- Hsinchu
- Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry
| | - Yuh-Ching Twu
- Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine
- School of Biomedical Science and Engineering
- National Yang-Ming University
- 11221 Taipei
- Taiwan
| | - Chung-Kwe Wang
- Department of International Medicine
- Taipei City Hospital Ranai Branch
- Taipei
- Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Hsi Wang
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology
- College of Medical Science and Technology
- Taipei Medical University
- Taipei
- Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Liao
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology
- College of Medical Science and Technology
- Taipei Medical University
- Taipei
- Taiwan
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7
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Bharadwaj U, Kasembeli MM, Tweardy DJ. STAT3 Inhibitors in Cancer: A Comprehensive Update. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-42949-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Ou DL, Shyue SK, Lin LI, Feng ZR, Liou JY, Fan HH, Lee BS, Hsu C, Cheng AL. Growth arrest DNA damage-inducible gene 45 gamma expression as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2016; 6:27953-65. [PMID: 26172295 PMCID: PMC4695037 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth arrest DNA damage-inducible gene 45 (GADD45) family proteins play a crucial role in regulating cellular stress responses and apoptosis. The present study explored the prognostic and predictive role of GADD45γ in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. GADD45γ expression in HCC cells was examined using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. The control of GADD45γ transcription was examined using a luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation. The in vivo induction of GADD45γ was performed using adenoviral transfer. The expression of GADD45γ in HCC tumor tissues from patients who had undergone curative resection was measured using qRT-PCR. Sorafenib induced expression of GADD45γ mRNA and protein, independent of its RAF kinase inhibitor activity. GADD45γ induction was more prominent in sorafenib-sensitive HCC cells (Huh-7 and HepG2, IC50 6–7 μM) than in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells (Hep3B, Huh-7R, and HepG2R, IC50 12–15 μM). Overexpression of GADD45γ reversed sorafenib resistance in vitro and in vivo, whereas GADD45γ expression knockdown by using siRNA partially abrogated the proapoptotic effects of sorafenib on sorafenib-sensitive cells. Overexpression of survivin in HCC cells abolished the antitumor enhancement between GADD45γ overexpression and sorafenib treatment, suggesting that survivin is a crucial mediator of antitumor effects of GADD45γ. GADD45γ expression decreased in tumors from patients with HCC who had undergone curative surgery, and low GADD45γ expression was an independent prognostic factor for poor survival, in addition to old age and vascular invasion. The preceding data indicate that GADD45γ suppression is a poor prognostic factor in patients with HCC and may help predict sorafenib efficacy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Liang Ou
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,National Center of Excellence for Clinical Trial and Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Song-Kun Shyue
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Liang-In Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Zi-Rui Feng
- National Center of Excellence for Clinical Trial and Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Yang Liou
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Hsuan Fan
- National Center of Excellence for Clinical Trial and Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bin-Shyun Lee
- National Center of Excellence for Clinical Trial and Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiun Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ann-Lii Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Cheng AL, Kang YK, He AR, Lim HY, Ryoo BY, Hung CH, Sheen IS, Izumi N, Austin T, Wang Q, Greenberg J, Shiratori S, Beckman RA, Kudo M. Safety and efficacy of tigatuzumab plus sorafenib as first-line therapy in subjects with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A phase 2 randomized study. J Hepatol 2015; 63:896-904. [PMID: 26071796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Tigatuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that acts as a death receptor-5 agonist and exerts tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-like activity. In this phase II study, safety and tolerability of the combination of tigatuzumab and sorafenib was evaluated in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS Adults with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, measurable disease, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score⩽1 were enrolled. Eligible subjects were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to tigatuzumab (6 mg/kg loading, 2 mg/kg/week maintenance) plus sorafenib 400 mg twice daily; tigatuzumab (6 mg/kg loading, 6 mg/kg/week maintenance) plus sorafenib 400 mg twice daily; or sorafenib 400 mg twice daily. The primary end point was time to progression. Secondary end points included overall survival and safety. RESULTS 163 subjects were randomized to treatment. Median time to progression was 3.0 months in the tigatuzumab 6/2 mg/kg combination group (p=0.988 vs. sorafenib), 3.9 months in the tigatuzumab 6/6 mg/kg combination group (p=0.586 vs. sorafenib), and 2.8 months in the sorafenib alone group. Median overall survival was 12.2 months in the tigatuzumab 6/6 mg/kg combination group (p=0.659 vs. sorafenib), vs. 8.2 months in both other treatment groups (p=0.303, tigatuzumab 6/2 mg/kg combination vs. sorafenib). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. CONCLUSIONS Tigatuzumab combined with sorafenib vs. sorafenib alone in adults with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma did not meet its primary efficacy end point, although tigatuzumab plus sorafenib is well tolerated in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Lii Cheng
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yoon-Koo Kang
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Aiwu Ruth He
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ho Yeong Lim
- Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Baek-Yeol Ryoo
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chao-Hung Hung
- Chang Gung Medical Foundation-Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - I-Shyan Sheen
- Chang Gung Medical Foundation-Linkuo, Taoyaun, Taiwan
| | - Namiki Izumi
- Japan Red Cross Musashino Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - TaShara Austin
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | - Qiang Wang
- Daiichi Sankyo Pharma Development, Edison, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Robert A Beckman
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and Innovation Center for Biomedical Informatics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Biomathematics, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and Innovation Center for Biomedical Informatics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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Chen KW, Ou TM, Hsu CW, Horng CT, Lee CC, Tsai YY, Tsai CC, Liou YS, Yang CC, Hsueh CW, Kuo WH. Current systemic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: A review of the literature. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:1412-20. [PMID: 26052386 PMCID: PMC4450204 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i10.1412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Revised: 11/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common form of human cancer worldwide and the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths. The strategies of various treatments for HCC depend on the stage of tumor, the status of patient's performance and the reserved hepatic function. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system is currently used most for patients with HCC. For example, for patients with BCLC stage 0 (very early stage) and stage A (early stage) HCC, the curable treatment modalities, including resection, transplantation and radiofrequency ablation, are taken into consideration. If the patients are in BCLC stage B (intermediate stage) and stage C (advanced stage) HCC, they may need the palliative transarterial chemoembolization and even the target medication of sorafenib. In addition, symptomatic treatment is always recommended for patients with BCLC stage D (end stage) HCC. In this review, we will attempt to summarize the historical perspective and the current developments of systemic therapies in BCLC stage B and C in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Wen Chen
- Kai-Wen Chen, Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien 97144, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ming Ou
- Kai-Wen Chen, Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien 97144, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Wen Hsu
- Kai-Wen Chen, Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien 97144, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ting Horng
- Kai-Wen Chen, Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien 97144, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chang Lee
- Kai-Wen Chen, Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien 97144, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Yuan Tsai
- Kai-Wen Chen, Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien 97144, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chang Tsai
- Kai-Wen Chen, Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien 97144, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Sheng Liou
- Kai-Wen Chen, Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien 97144, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chieh Yang
- Kai-Wen Chen, Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien 97144, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Wen Hsueh
- Kai-Wen Chen, Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien 97144, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Hsien Kuo
- Kai-Wen Chen, Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien 97144, Taiwan
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11
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Liu CY, Tseng LM, Su JC, Chang KC, Chu PY, Tai WT, Shiau CW, Chen KF. Novel sorafenib analogues induce apoptosis through SHP-1 dependent STAT3 inactivation in human breast cancer cells. Breast Cancer Res 2014; 15:R63. [PMID: 23938089 PMCID: PMC3978748 DOI: 10.1186/bcr3457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling is constitutively activated in various cancers including breast cancer and has emerged as a novel potential anti-cancer target. STAT3 has been demonstrated to be a target of sorafenib, and a protein tyrosine phosphatase Src homology 2-domain containing tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) has been demonstrated to downregulate p-STAT3 via its phosphatase activity. Here, we tested the efficacy of two sorafenib analogues, SC-1 and SC-43, in breast cancer cells and examined the drug mechanism. Methods Breast cancer cell lines were used for in vitro studies. Cell viability was examined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry and western blot. Signal transduction pathways in cells were assessed by western blot. In vivo efficacy of sorafenib, SC-1 and SC-43 was tested in xenografted nude mice. Results SC-1 and SC-43 induced more potent apoptosis than sorafenib, in association with downregulation of p-STAT3 and its downstream proteins cyclin D1 and survivin in a dose-dependent manner in breast cancer cell lines (HCC-1937, MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-453, SK-BR3, MCF-7). Overexpression of STAT3 in MDA-MB-468 cells protected the cells from apoptosis induced by sorafenib, SC-1 and SC-43. Moreover, SC-1 and SC-43 upregulated SHP-1 activity to a greater extent than sorafenib as measured by in vitro phosphatase assays. Knockdown of SHP-1 by siRNA reduced apoptosis induced by SC-1 and SC-43. Importantly, SC-1 and SC-43 showed more efficacious antitumor activity and p-STAT3 downregulation than sorafenib in MDA-MB-468 xenograft tumors. Conclusions Novel sorafenib analogues SC-1 and SC-43 induce apoptosis through SHP-1 dependent STAT3 inactivation and demonstrate greater potency than sorafenib in human breast cancer cells.
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Obatoclax analog SC-2001 inhibits STAT3 phosphorylation through enhancing SHP-1 expression and induces apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2014; 146:71-84. [PMID: 24903225 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-014-3000-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Interfering oncogenic STAT3 signaling is a promising anti-cancer strategy. We examined the efficacy and drug mechanism of an obatoclax analog SC-2001, a novel STAT3 inhibitor, in human breast cancer cells. Human breast cancer cell lines were used for in vitro studies. Apoptosis was examined by both flow cytometry and western blot. Signaling pathways were assessed by western blot. In vivo efficacy of SC-2001 was tested in xenograft nude mice. SC-2001 inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in association with downregulation of p-STAT3 (Tyr 705) in breast cancer cells. STAT3-regulated proteins, including Mcl-1, survivin, and cyclin D1, were repressed by SC-2001. Over-expression of STAT3 in MDA-MB-468 cells protected cells from SC-2001-induced apoptosis. Moreover, SC-2001 enhanced the expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1, a negative regulator of STAT3. Furthermore, the enhanced SHP-1 expression, in conjunction with increased SHP-1 phosphatase activity, was mediated by upregulated transcription by RFX-1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that SC-2001 increased the binding capacity of RFX-1 to the SHP-1 promoter. Knockdown of either RFX-1 or SHP-1 reduced SC-2001-induced apoptosis, whereas ectopic expression of RFX-1 increased SHP-1 expression and enhanced the apoptotic effect of SC-2001. Importantly, SC-2001 suppressed tumor growth in association with enhanced RFX-1 and SHP-1 expression and p-STAT3 downregulation in MDA-MB-468 xenograft tumors. SC-2001 induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells, an effect that was mediated by RFX-1 upregulated SHP-1 expression and SHP-1-dependent STAT3 inactivation. Our study indicates targeting STAT3 signaling pathway may be a useful approach for the development of targeted agents for anti-breast cancer.
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Kong J, Kong F, Gao J, Zhang Q, Dong S, Gu F, Ke S, Pan B, Shen Q, Sun H, Zheng L, Sun W. YC-1 enhances the anti-tumor activity of sorafenib through inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Cancer 2014; 13:7. [PMID: 24418169 PMCID: PMC3895679 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-13-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Traditional systemic chemotherapy does not provide survival benefits in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Molecular targeted therapy shows promise for HCC treatment, however, the duration of effectiveness for targeted therapies is finite and combination therapies offer the potential for improved effectiveness. Methods Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, and YC-1, a soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) activator, were tested in HCC by proliferation assay, cell cycle analysis and western blot in vitro and orthotopic and ectopic HCC models in vivo. Results In vitro, combination of sorafenib and YC-1 synergistically inhibited proliferation and colony formation of HepG2, BEL-7402 and HCCLM3 cells. The combination also induced S cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as observed by activated PARP and caspase 8. Sorafenib and YC-1 respectively suppressed the expression of phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) (Y705) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Combination of sorafenib and YC-1 significantly inhibited the expression of p-STAT3 (Y705) (S727), p-ERK1/2, cyclin D1 and survivin and SHP-1 activity compared with sorafenib or YC-1 used alone in all tested HCC cell lines. In vivo, sorafenib-YC-1 combination significantly suppressed the growth of HepG2 tumor xenografts with decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis observed by PCNA and PARP. Similar results were also confirmed in a HCCLM3 orthotopic model. There was a reduction in CD31-positive blood vessels and reduced VEGF expression, which suggested a combinational effect of sorafenib and YC-1 on angiogenesis. The reduced expression of p-STAT3, cyclin D1 and survivin was also observed with the combination of sorafenib and YC-1. Conclusions Our data show that sorafenib-YC-1 combination is a novel potent therapeutic agent that can target the STAT3 signaling pathway to inhibit HCC tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lemin Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100043, People's Republic of China.
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Therapeutic modulators of STAT signalling for human diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2013; 12:611-29. [PMID: 23903221 DOI: 10.1038/nrd4088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins have important roles in biological processes. The abnormal activation of STAT signalling pathways is also implicated in many human diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and diabetes. Over a decade has passed since the first inhibitor of a STAT protein was reported and efforts to discover modulators of STAT signalling as therapeutics continue. This Review discusses the outcomes of the ongoing drug discovery research endeavours against STAT proteins, provides perspectives on new directions for accelerating the discovery of drug candidates, and highlights the noteworthy candidate therapeutics that have progressed to clinical trials.
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Fennell DA. Apoptotic agents. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2013; 2:238-43. [PMID: 25806237 PMCID: PMC4367595 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2218-6751.2013.01.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dean A Fennell
- University of Leicester & Leicester University Hospitals, UK
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Krelle AC, Okoli AS, Mendz GL. Huh-7 Human Liver Cancer Cells: A Model System to Understand Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Therapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/jct.2013.42078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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