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Coltoff A, Kuykendall A. Emerging drug profile: JAK inhibitors. Leuk Lymphoma 2024; 65:1258-1269. [PMID: 38739701 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2024.2353434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Dysregulated JAK/STAT hyperactivity is essential to the pathogenesis of myelofibrosis, and JAK inhibitors are the first-line treatment option for many patients. There are four FDA-approved JAK inhibitors for patients with myelofibrosis. Single-agent JAK inhibition can improve splenomegaly, symptom burden, cytopenias, and possibly survival in patients with myelofibrosis. Despite their efficacy, JAK inhibitors produce variable or short-lived responses, in part due to the large network of cooperating signaling pathways and downstream targets of JAK/STAT, which mediates upfront or acquired resistance to JAK inhibitors. Synergistic inhibition of JAK/STAT accessory pathways can increase the rates and duration of response for patients with myelofibrosis. Two recently reported, placebo-controlled phase III trials of novel agents added to JAK inhibition met their primary endpoint, and additional late-stage studies are ongoing. This paper will review role of dysregulated JAK/STAT signaling, biological plausible additional therapeutic targets and the recent advancements in combination strategies with JAK inhibitors for myelofibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Coltoff
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Andrew Kuykendall
- Department of Malignant Hematology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
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2
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Rippel N, Kremyanskaya M. Recent advances in JAK2 inhibition for the treatment of myelofibrosis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:1175-1186. [PMID: 38919983 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2372453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myelofibrosis (MF) is a BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by splenomegaly, constitutional symptoms, cytopenias, a potential for leukemic transformation, and increased mortality. Patients who are ineligible for stem cell transplant rely on pharmacologic therapies of noncurative intent, whose cornerstone consists of JAK inhibitors (JAKi). While current JAKi are efficacious in controlling symptoms and splenic volume, none meaningfully reduce clonal burden nor halt disease progression, and patients oftentimes develop JAKi intolerant, relapsed, or refractory MF. As such, there remains an urgent necessity for second-line options and novel therapies with disease-modifying properties. AREAS COVERED In this review, we delineate the mechanistic rationale, along with the latest safety and efficacy data, of investigational JAKi-based MF treatment strategies, with a focus on JAKi monotherapies and combinations of novel agents with approved JAKi. Our literature search consisted of extensive review of PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov. EXPERT OPINION A myriad of promising MF-directed therapies are in late-phase studies. Following their approval, treatment selection should be tailored to patient-specific treatment goals and disease characteristics, with an emphasis on combination therapies of JAKi with novel agents of differing mechanistic targets that possess anti-clonal properties, in attempt to alter disease course and concurrently limit dose-dependent JAKi toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Rippel
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marina Kremyanskaya
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Pemmaraju N, Garcia JS, Perkins A, Harb JG, Souers AJ, Werner ME, Brown CM, Passamonti F. New era for myelofibrosis treatment with novel agents beyond Janus kinase-inhibitor monotherapy: Focus on clinical development of BCL-X L /BCL-2 inhibition with navitoclax. Cancer 2023; 129:3535-3545. [PMID: 37584267 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Myelofibrosis is a heterogeneous myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by chronic inflammation, progressive bone marrow failure, and hepatosplenic extramedullary hematopoiesis. Treatments like Janus kinase inhibitor monotherapy (e.g., ruxolitinib) provide significant spleen and symptom relief but demonstrate limited ability to lead to a durable disease modification. There is an urgent unmet medical need for treatments with a novel mechanism of action that can modify the underlying pathophysiology and affect the disease course of myelofibrosis. This review highlights the role of B-cell lymphoma (BCL) protein BCL-extra large (BCL-XL ) in disease pathogenesis and the potential role that navitoclax, a BCL-extra large/BCL-2 inhibitor, may have in myelofibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Pemmaraju
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Andrew Perkins
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, and the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Francesco Passamonti
- Department of Oncology and Onco-Hematology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Liu C, Ding X, Li G, Zhang Y, Shao Y, Liu L, Zhang W, Ma Y, Guan W, Wang L, Xu Z, Chang Y, Zhang Y, Jiang B, Yin Q, Tao R. Targeting Bcl-xL is a potential therapeutic strategy for extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma. iScience 2023; 26:107369. [PMID: 37539026 PMCID: PMC10393801 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) is an aggressive lymphoid malignancy with a poor prognosis and lacks standard treatment. Targeted therapies are urgently needed. Here we systematically investigated the druggable mechanisms through chemogenomic screening and identified that Bcl-xL-specific BH3 mimetics effectively induced ENKTL cell apoptosis. Notably, the specific accumulation of Bcl-xL, but not other Bcl-2 family members, was verified in ENKTL cell lines and patient tissues. Furthermore, Bcl-xL high expression was shown to be closely associated with worse patient survival. The critical role of Bcl-xL in ENKTL cell survival was demonstrated utilizing selective inhibitors, genetic silencing, and a specific degrader. Additionally, the IL2-JAK1/3-STAT5 signaling was implicated in Bcl-xL dysregulation. In vivo, Bcl-xL inhibition reduced tumor burden, increased apoptosis, and prolonged survival in ENKTL cell line xenograft and patient-derived xenograft models. Our study indicates Bcl-xL as a promising therapeutic target for ENKTL, warranting monitoring in ongoing clinical trials by targeting Bcl-xL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanxu Liu
- Department of Lymphoma, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Hematology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xinyu Ding
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Gaoyang Li
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Youping Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yubao Shao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Linyi Liu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Wenhao Zhang
- Department of Lymphoma, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Hematology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yujie Ma
- Department of Hematology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Wenbin Guan
- Department of Pathology, Xinhua Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lifeng Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xinhua Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhongli Xu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - YungTing Chang
- Department of Pharmacy, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yongqiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Reactor, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Biao Jiang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry of Natural Substances, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qianqian Yin
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Rong Tao
- Department of Lymphoma, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Hematology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
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5
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Chifotides HT, Masarova L, Verstovsek S. SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions: Novel Therapeutic Strategies in Development for Myelofibrosis. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2023; 23:219-231. [PMID: 36797153 PMCID: PMC10378306 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Development of myelofibrosis (MF) therapeutics has reached fruition as the transformative impact of JAK2 inhibitors in the MPN landscape is complemented/expanded by a profusion of novel monotherapies and rational combinations in the frontline and second line settings. Agents in advanced clinical development span various mechanisms of action (eg, epigenetic or apoptotic regulation), may address urgent unmet clinical needs (cytopenias), increase the depth/duration of spleen and symptom responses elicited by ruxolitinib, improve other aspects of the disease besides splenomegaly/constitutional symptoms (eg, resistance to ruxolitinib, bone marrow fibrosis or disease course), provide personalized strategies, and extend overall survival (OS). Ruxolitinib had a dramatic impact on the quality of life and OS of MF patients. Recently, pacritinib received regulatory approval for severely thrombocytopenic MF patients. Momelotinib is advantageously poised among JAK inhibitors given its differentiated mode of action (suppression of hepcidin expression). Momelotinib demonstrated significant improvements in anemia measures, spleen responses, and MF-associated symptoms in MF patients with anemia; and will likely receive regulatory approval in 2023. An array of other novel agents combined with ruxolitinib, such as pelabresib, navitoclax, parsaclisib, or as monotherapies (navtemadlin) are evaluated in pivotal phase 3 trials. Imetelstat (telomerase inhibitor) is currently evaluated in the second line setting; OS was set as the primary endpoint, marking an unprecedented goal in MF trials, wherein SVR35 and TSS50 at 24 weeks have been typical endpoints heretofore. Transfusion independence may be considered another clinically meaningful endpoint in MF trials given its correlation with OS. Overall, therapeutics are at the cusp of an exponential expansion and advancements that will likely lead to the golden era in treatment of MF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen T Chifotides
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Lucia Masarova
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Srdan Verstovsek
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
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Kuusanmäki H, Dufva O, Vähä-Koskela M, Leppä AM, Huuhtanen J, Vänttinen I, Nygren P, Klievink J, Bouhlal J, Pölönen P, Zhang Q, Adnan-Awad S, Mancebo-Pérez C, Saad J, Miettinen J, Javarappa KK, Aakko S, Ruokoranta T, Eldfors S, Heinäniemi M, Theilgaard-Mönch K, Wartiovaara-Kautto U, Keränen M, Porkka K, Konopleva M, Wennerberg K, Kontro M, Heckman CA, Mustjoki S. Erythroid/megakaryocytic differentiation confers BCL-XL dependency and venetoclax resistance in acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2023; 141:1610-1625. [PMID: 36508699 PMCID: PMC10651789 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021011094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid neoplasms with erythroid or megakaryocytic differentiation include pure erythroid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome with erythroid features, and acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (FAB M7) and are characterized by poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Here, we investigate the drug sensitivity landscape of these rare malignancies. We show that acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells with erythroid or megakaryocytic differentiation depend on the antiapoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma (BCL)-XL, rather than BCL-2, using combined ex vivo drug sensitivity testing, genetic perturbation, and transcriptomic profiling. High-throughput screening of >500 compounds identified the BCL-XL-selective inhibitor A-1331852 and navitoclax as highly effective against erythroid/megakaryoblastic leukemia cell lines. In contrast, these AML subtypes were resistant to the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax, which is used clinically in the treatment of AML. Consistently, genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 and RNAi screening data demonstrated the striking essentiality of BCL-XL-encoding BCL2L1 but not BCL2 or MCL1, for the survival of erythroid/megakaryoblastic leukemia cell lines. Single-cell and bulk transcriptomics of patient samples with erythroid and megakaryoblastic leukemias identified high BCL2L1 expression compared with other subtypes of AML and other hematological malignancies, where BCL2 and MCL1 were more prominent. BCL-XL inhibition effectively killed blasts in samples from patients with AML with erythroid or megakaryocytic differentiation ex vivo and reduced tumor burden in a mouse erythroleukemia xenograft model. Combining the BCL-XL inhibitor with the JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib showed synergistic and durable responses in cell lines. Our results suggest targeting BCL-XL as a potential therapy option in erythroid/megakaryoblastic leukemias and highlight an AML subgroup with potentially reduced sensitivity to venetoclax-based treatments.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Mice
- Humans
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics
- Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use
- bcl-X Protein/genetics
- Leukemia, Megakaryoblastic, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Megakaryoblastic, Acute/genetics
- Lymphoma, B-Cell
- Cell Differentiation
- Apoptosis
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Affiliation(s)
- Heikki Kuusanmäki
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre and Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Dufva
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markus Vähä-Koskela
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aino-Maija Leppä
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jani Huuhtanen
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Ida Vänttinen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petra Nygren
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jay Klievink
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jonas Bouhlal
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petri Pölönen
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Shady Adnan-Awad
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Cristina Mancebo-Pérez
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joseph Saad
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juho Miettinen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Komal K. Javarappa
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sofia Aakko
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tanja Ruokoranta
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Samuli Eldfors
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | - Merja Heinäniemi
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kim Theilgaard-Mönch
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre and Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Hematology and Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulla Wartiovaara-Kautto
- Department of Hematology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Keränen
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Hematology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kimmo Porkka
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Hematology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marina Konopleva
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Krister Wennerberg
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre and Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mika Kontro
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Hematology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Caroline A. Heckman
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Mustjoki
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
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Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Currently approved therapies for myelofibrosis (MF) consist of JAK inhibitors, which produce meaningful improvements in spleen size and symptom burden but do not significantly impact leukemic progression. In addition, many patients develop resistance or intolerance to existing therapies and are left without meaningful therapeutic options. There has been recent rapid development of agents in MF that may be able to fill these unmet needs. Importantly, most treatments currently in clinical development have targets outside the JAK-STAT pathway, including BET, BCL-2/BCL-xL, PI3k, HDM2, PIM-1, SINE, telomerase, LSD1, and CD123. These therapies are being tested in combination with JAK inhibitors in the front-line setting and in patients with a suboptimal response, as well as a single agent after JAK inhibitor failure. This next generation of agents is likely to produce a paradigm shift in MF treatment with a focus on combination treatment targeting multiple areas of MF pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Tremblay
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruben Mesa
- UT Health San Antonio Cancer Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.
- Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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8
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Patel AA, Odenike O. SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions | Accelerated Phase of MPN: What It Is and What to Do About It. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2023; 23:303-309. [PMID: 36907766 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Progression of Philadelphia-chromosome negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) to the accelerated phase (AP) or blast phase (BP) is associated with poor outcomes. As our understanding of the molecular drivers of MPN progression has grown, there has been increasing investigation into the use of novel targeted approaches in the treatment of these diseases. In this review we summarize the clinical and molecular risk factors for progression to MPN-AP/BP followed by discussion of treatment approach. We also highlight outcomes using conventional approaches such as intensive chemotherapy and hypomethylating agents along with considerations around allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. We then focus on novel targeted approaches in MPN-AP/BP including venetoclax-based regimens, IDH inhibition, and ongoing prospective clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand A Patel
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Olatoyosi Odenike
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
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Breccia M, Assanto GM, Laganà A, Scalzulli E, Martelli M. Novel therapeutic agents for myelofibrosis after failure or suboptimal response to JAK2 inhbitors. Curr Opin Oncol 2022; 34:729-737. [PMID: 36017560 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW JAK2 inhibitors have changed the therapeutic strategies for the management of primary and secondary myelofibrosis. Ruxolitinib, the first available agent, improved disease-related symptoms, spleen volume, and overall survival compared to conventional chemotherapy. It has been revealed that after 3 years of treatment, about 50% of patients discontinued ruxolitinib for resistance and/or intolerance and should be candidate to a second line of treatment. RECENT FINDINGS Second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been tested in this setting, but all these new drugs do not significantly impact on disease progression. Novel agents are in developments that target on different pathways, alone or in combination with JAK2 inhibitors. SUMMARY In this review, we summarize all the clinical efficacy and safety data of these drugs providing a vision of the possible future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Breccia
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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10
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Castillo Tokumori F, Al Ali N, Chan O, Sallman D, Yun S, Sweet K, Padron E, Lancet J, Komrokji R, Kuykendall AT. Comparison of Different Treatment Strategies for Blast-Phase Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2022; 22:e521-e525. [PMID: 35241387 PMCID: PMC10766145 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2022.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Up to 20% of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) will progress to blast phase (MPN-BP). Outcomes are dismal, with intensive chemotherapy providing little benefit. Low-intensity therapy is preferred due to better tolerability, but the prognosis remains poor. Allogeneic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) is still the only potential for long term survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS To better evaluate the initial treatment approach in MPN-BP, we performed a single-institution retrospective analysis of 75 patients with MPN-BP treated at Moffitt Cancer Center between 2001 and 2021. Patients were stratified by initial treatment: best supportive care (BSC), hypomethylating agent (HMA)-based therapy or intensive chemotherapy (IC). RESULTS Median overall survival (mOS) for the entire cohort was 4.8 months (BSC 0.8 months, HMA 4.7 months, and IC 11.4 months). Among IC patients, improved survival was evident in those that received AHSCT (mOS 40.8 months vs. 4.9 months, p < .01). Most patients that underwent AHSCT were initially treated with IC (p < .01). All patients that underwent AHSCT had achieved complete response (CR) or CR with incomplete hematological recovery (CRi). On multivariate analysis, factors associated with improved survival were receipt of therapy (HMA or IC) (P = .017), CR/CRi (P = .037) and receipt of AHSCT (p < .001). CONCLUSION We show that active treatment with IC improves survival, but it is mostly tied to receipt of AHSCT. IC is a reasonable approach in appropriate patients as it can provide an effective bridge to AHSCT. Other treatment strategies such as molecularly targeted therapy and novel agents are desperately needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Castillo Tokumori
- University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine. Tampa, FL; H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Department of Malignant Hematology. Tampa, FL.
| | - Najla Al Ali
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Department of Malignant Hematology. Tampa, FL
| | - Onyee Chan
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Department of Malignant Hematology. Tampa, FL
| | - David Sallman
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Department of Malignant Hematology. Tampa, FL
| | - Seongseok Yun
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Department of Malignant Hematology. Tampa, FL
| | - Kendra Sweet
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Department of Malignant Hematology. Tampa, FL
| | - Eric Padron
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Department of Malignant Hematology. Tampa, FL
| | - Jeffrey Lancet
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Department of Malignant Hematology. Tampa, FL
| | - Rami Komrokji
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Department of Malignant Hematology. Tampa, FL
| | - Andrew T Kuykendall
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Department of Malignant Hematology. Tampa, FL
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Pasca S, Chifotides HT, Verstovsek S, Bose P. Mutational landscape of blast phase myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN-BP) and antecedent MPN. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 366:83-124. [PMID: 35153007 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) have an inherent tendency to evolve to the blast phase (BP), characterized by ≥20% myeloblasts in the blood or bone marrow. MPN-BP portends a dismal prognosis and currently, effective treatment modalities are scarce, except for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in selected patients, particularly those who achieve complete/partial remission. The mutational landscape of MPN-BP differs from de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in several key aspects, such as significantly lower frequencies of FLT3 and DNMT3A mutations, and higher incidence of IDH1/2 and TP53 in MPN-BP. Herein, we comprehensively review the impact of the three signaling driver mutations (JAK2 V617F, CALR exon 9 indels, MPL W515K/L) that constitutively activate the JAK/STAT pathway, and of the other somatic non-driver mutations (epigenetic, mRNA splicing, transcriptional regulators, and mutations in signal transduction genes) that cooperatively or independently promote MPN progression and leukemic transformation. The MPN subtype, harboring two or more high-molecular risk (HMR) mutations (epigenetic regulators and mRNA splicing factors) and "triple-negative" PMF are among the critical factors that increase risk of leukemic transformation and shorten survival. Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is the most aggressive MPN; and polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) are relatively indolent subtypes. In PV and ET, mutations in splicing factor genes are associated with progression to myelofibrosis (MF), and in ET, TP53 mutations predict risk for leukemic transformation. The advent of targeted next-generation sequencing and improved prognostic scoring systems for PMF inform decisions regarding allo-HSCT. The emergence of treatments targeting mutant enzymes (e.g., IDH1/2 inhibitors) or epigenetic pathways (BET and LSD1 inhibitors) along with new insights into the mechanisms of leukemogenesis will hopefully lead the way to superior management strategies and outcomes of MPN-BP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiu Pasca
- Leukemia Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Helen T Chifotides
- Leukemia Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Srdan Verstovsek
- Leukemia Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Prithviraj Bose
- Leukemia Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.
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Chifotides HT, Bose P, Masarova L, Pemmaraju N, Verstovsek S. SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions: Novel Therapies in Development for Myelofibrosis. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2022; 22:210-223. [PMID: 34840087 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms research has entered a dynamic and exciting era as we witness exponential growth of novel agents in advanced/early phase clinical trials for myelofibrosis (MF). Building on the success and pivotal role of ruxolitinib, many novel agents, spanning a wide range of mechanisms/targets (epigenetic regulation, apoptotic/intracellular signaling pathways, telomerase, bone marrow fibrosis) are in clinical development; several are studied in registrational trials and hold great potential to expand the therapeutic arsenal/shift the treatment paradigm if regulatory approval is granted. Insight into MF pathogenesis and its molecular underpinnings, preclinical studies demonstrating synergism of ruxolitinib with investigational agents, urgent unmet clinical needs (cytopenias, loss of response to JAK inhibitors); and progressive disease fueled the rapid rise of innovative therapeutics. New strategies include pairing ruxolitinib with erythroid maturation agents to manage anemia (luspatercept), designing rational combinations with ruxolitinib to boost responses in both the frontline and suboptimal response settings (pelabresib, navitoclax, parsaclisib), treatment with non-JAK inhibitor monotherapy in the second-line setting (navtemadlin, imetelstat), novel JAK inhibitors tailored to subgroups with challenging unmet needs (momelotinib and pacritinib for anemia and thrombocytopenia, respectively); and agents potentially enhancing longevity (imetelstat). Beyond typical endpoints evaluated in MF clinical trials (spleen volume reduction ≥ 35%, total symptom score reduction ≥ 50%) thus far, emerging endpoints include overall survival, progression-free survival, transfusion independence, anemia benefits, bone marrow fibrosis and driver mutation allele burden reduction. Novel biomarkers and additional clinical features are being sought to assess new agents and tailor emerging therapies to appropriate patients. New strategies are needed to optimize the design of clinical trials comparing novel combinations to standard agent monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen T Chifotides
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Prithviraj Bose
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Lucia Masarova
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Naveen Pemmaraju
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Srdan Verstovsek
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
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13
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Novel treatments for myelofibrosis: beyond JAK inhibitors. Int J Hematol 2022; 115:645-658. [PMID: 35182376 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-022-03299-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Myelofibrosis is a chronic hematologic malignancy characterized by constitutional symptoms, bone marrow fibrosis, extramedullary hematopoiesis resulting in splenomegaly and a propensity toward leukemic progression. Given the central role of the JAK-STAT pathway in the pathobiology of myelofibrosis, JAK inhibitors are the mainstay of current pharmacologic management. Although these therapies have produced meaningful improvements in splenomegaly and symptom burden, JAK inhibitors do not significantly impact disease progression. In addition, many patients are ineligible because of disease-related cytopenias, which are exacerbated by JAK inhibitors. Therefore, there is a continued effort to identify targets outside the JAK-STAT pathway. In this review, we discuss novel therapies in development for myelofibrosis. We focus on the preclinical rationale, efficacy and safety data for non-JAK inhibitor therapies that have published or presented clinical data. Specifically, we discuss agents that target epigenetic modification (pelabresib, bomedemstat), apoptosis (navitoclax, navtemdalin), signaling pathways (parsaclisib), bone marrow fibrosis (AVID200, PRM-151), in addition to other targets including telomerase (imetelstat), selective inhibitor of nuclear transport (selinexor), CD123 (tagraxofusp) and erythroid maturation (luspatercept). We end by providing commentary on the ongoing and future therapeutic development in myelofibrosis.
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14
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Tremblay D, Hoffman R. Emerging drugs for the treatment of myelofibrosis: phase II & III clinical trials. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2021; 26:351-362. [PMID: 34875179 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2021.2015320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myelofibrosis is a clonal hematologic malignancy with clinical manifestations that include cytopenias, debilitating constitutional symptoms, splenomegaly, bone marrow fibrosis and a propensity toward leukemic progression. While allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can be curative, this therapy is not available for the majority of patients. Ruxolitinib and fedratinib are approved JAK2 inhibitors that have produced meaningful benefits in terms of spleen reduction and symptom improvement, but there remain several unmet needs. AREAS COVERED We discuss novel therapies based upon published data from phase II or III clinical trials. Specifically, we cover novel JAK inhibitors (momelotinib and pacritinib), and agents that target bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (pelabresib), the antiapoptotic proteins BCL-2/BCL-xL (navitoclax), MDM2 (navtemadlin), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (parsaclisib), or telomerase (imetelstat). EXPERT OPINION Patients with disease related cytopenias are ineligible for currently approved JAK2 inhibitors. However, momelotinib and pacritinib may be able to fill this void. Novel therapies are being evaluated in the upfront setting to improve the depth and duration of responses with ruxolitinib. Future evaluation of agents must be judged on their potential to modify disease progression, which current JAK2 inhibitors lack. Combination therapy, possibly with an immunotherapeutic agent might serve as key components of future myelofibrosis treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Tremblay
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA10029
| | - Ronald Hoffman
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA10029
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15
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Bose P, Mesa RA. Novel strategies for challenging scenarios encountered in managing myelofibrosis. Leuk Lymphoma 2021; 63:774-788. [PMID: 34775887 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2021.1999443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Given its rarity, multi-faceted clinical presentation and the relative paucity of approved therapies, the management of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN)-associated myelofibrosis (MF) can be challenging. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, the only approved agents at present, have brought many clinical benefits to patients, with prolongation of survival also demonstrated for ruxolitinib. However, these agents have clear limitations. Optimal management of anemia in MF remains a major unmet need. Neither ruxolitinib nor fedratinib is recommended for use in patients with severe thrombocytopenia, i.e. platelets <50 × 109/L, who have a particularly poor prognosis. The search for the optimal partner for JAK inhibitors to address some of the shortcomings of these agents (e.g. limited ability to improve bone marrow fibrosis, cytopenias and induce molecular responses) and achieve meaningful 'disease modification' continues. This has led to the development of a number of rational, preclinically synergistic combinations for use either upfront or in the setting of sub-optimal response to JAK inhibition. Finally, the outlook for patients whose disease progresses on JAK inhibitor therapy continues to be grim, and agents with alternative mechanisms of action may be needed in this setting. In this article, we use a case-based approach to illustrate challenges commonly encountered in clinical practice and our management of the same. Fortunately, there has been enormous growth in drug development efforts in the MF space in the last few years, some of which appear poised to bear fruit in the very near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prithviraj Bose
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ruben A Mesa
- Mays Cancer Center, UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson, San Antonio, TX, USA
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16
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Coltro G, Loscocco GG, Vannucchi AM. Classical Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs): A continuum of different disease entities. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 365:1-69. [PMID: 34756241 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Classical Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal hematopoietic stem cell-derived disorders characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of differentiated myeloid cells and close pathobiologic and clinical features. According to the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification, MPNs include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). The 2016 revision aimed in particular at strengthening the distinction between masked PV and JAK2-mutated ET, and between prefibrotic/early (pre-PMF) and overt PMF. Clinical manifestations in MPNs include constitutional symptoms, microvascular disorders, thrombosis and bleeding, splenomegaly secondary to extramedullary hematopoiesis, cytopenia-related symptoms, and progression to overt MF and acute leukemia. A dysregulation of the JAK/STAT pathway is the unifying mechanistic hallmark of MPNs, and is guided by somatic mutations in driver genes including JAK2, CALR and MPL. Additional mutations in myeloid neoplasm-associated genes have been also identified, with established prognostic relevance, particularly in PMF. Prognostication of MPN patients relies on disease-specific clinical models. The increasing knowledge of MPN biology led to the development of integrated clinical and molecular prognostic scores that allow a more refined stratification. Recently, the therapeutic landscape of MPNs has been revolutionized by the introduction of potent, selective JAK inhibitors (ruxolitinib, fedratinib), that proved effective in controlling disease-related symptoms and splenomegaly, yet leaving unmet critical needs, owing the lack of disease-modifying activity. In this review, we will deal with molecular, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of the three classical MPNs aiming at highlighting either shared characteristics, that overall define a continuum within a single disease family, and uniqueness, at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Coltro
- CRIMM, Center for Research and Innovation of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe G Loscocco
- CRIMM, Center for Research and Innovation of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro M Vannucchi
- CRIMM, Center for Research and Innovation of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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17
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Kuykendall AT, Komrokji RS. JAK Be Nimble: Reviewing the Development of JAK Inhibitors and JAK Inhibitor Combinations for Special Populations of Patients with Myelofibrosis. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOTHERAPY AND PRECISION ONCOLOGY 2021; 4:129-141. [PMID: 35663107 PMCID: PMC9138443 DOI: 10.36401/jipo-20-36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Myelofibrosis (MF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm hallmarked by uncontrolled blood counts, constitutional symptoms, extramedullary hematopoiesis, and an increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are the most common treatment for MF due to their ability to reduce spleen size and improve disease-related symptoms; however, JAK inhibitors are not suitable for every patient and their impact on MF is limited in several respects. Novel JAK inhibitors and JAK inhibitor combinations are emerging that aim to enhance the treatment landscape, providing deeper responses to a broader population of patients with the continued hope of providing disease modification and improving long-term outcomes. In this review, we highlight several specific areas of unmet need within MF. Subsequently, we review agents that target those areas of unmet need, focusing specifically on the JAK inhibitors, momelotinib, pacritinib, itacitinib, and NS-018 as well as JAK inhibitor combination approaches using CPI-0610, navitoclax, parsaclisib, and luspatercept.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rami S. Komrokji
- Department of Malignant Hematology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
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18
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Dou Z, Zhao D, Chen X, Xu C, Jin X, Zhang X, Wang Y, Xie X, Li Q, Di C, Zhang H. Aberrant Bcl-x splicing in cancer: from molecular mechanism to therapeutic modulation. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:194. [PMID: 34118966 PMCID: PMC8196531 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02001-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bcl-x pre-mRNA splicing serves as a typical example to study the impact of alternative splicing in the modulation of cell death. Dysregulation of Bcl-x apoptotic isoforms caused by precarious equilibrium splicing is implicated in genesis and development of multiple human diseases, especially cancers. Exploring the mechanism of Bcl-x splicing and regulation has provided insight into the development of drugs that could contribute to sensitivity of cancer cells to death. On this basis, we review the multiple splicing patterns and structural characteristics of Bcl-x. Additionally, we outline the cis-regulatory elements, trans-acting factors as well as epigenetic modifications involved in the splicing regulation of Bcl-x. Furthermore, this review highlights aberrant splicing of Bcl-x involved in apoptosis evade, autophagy, metastasis, and therapy resistance of various cancer cells. Last, emphasis is given to the clinical role of targeting Bcl-x splicing correction in human cancer based on the splice-switching oligonucleotides, small molecular modulators and BH3 mimetics. Thus, it is highlighting significance of aberrant splicing isoforms of Bcl-x as targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Dou
- Department of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine, Bio-Medical Research Center, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Dapeng Zhao
- Department of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine, Bio-Medical Research Center, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- Department of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine, Bio-Medical Research Center, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Caipeng Xu
- Department of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine, Bio-Medical Research Center, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Xiaodong Jin
- Department of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine, Bio-Medical Research Center, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xuetian Zhang
- Department of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine, Bio-Medical Research Center, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Yupei Wang
- Medical Genetics Center of Gansu Maternal and Child Health Care Center, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xiaodong Xie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine, Bio-Medical Research Center, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou, 516029, China
| | - Cuixia Di
- Department of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine, Bio-Medical Research Center, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou, 516029, China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine, Bio-Medical Research Center, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou, 516029, China.
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Tremblay D, Mascarenhas J. Next Generation Therapeutics for the Treatment of Myelofibrosis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051034. [PMID: 33925695 PMCID: PMC8146033 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Myelofibrosis is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by splenomegaly, constitutional symptoms, bone marrow fibrosis, and a propensity towards transformation to acute leukemia. JAK inhibitors are the only approved therapy for myelofibrosis and have been successful in reducing spleen and symptom burden. However, they do not significantly impact disease progression and many patients are ineligible due to coexisting cytopenias. Patients who are refractory to JAK inhibition also have a dismal survival. Therefore, non-JAK inhibitor-based therapies are being explored in pre-clinical and clinical settings. In this review, we discuss novel treatments in development for myelofibrosis with targets outside of the JAK-STAT pathway. We focus on the mechanism, preclinical rationale, and available clinical efficacy and safety information of relevant agents including those that target apoptosis (navitoclax, KRT-232, LCL-161, imetelstat), epigenetic modulation (CPI-0610, bomedemstat), the bone marrow microenvironment (PRM-151, AVID-200, alisertib), signal transduction pathways (parsaclisib), and miscellaneous agents (tagraxofusp. luspatercept). We also provide commentary on the future of therapeutic development in myelofibrosis.
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20
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Shahin OA, Chifotides HT, Bose P, Masarova L, Verstovsek S. Accelerated Phase of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. Acta Haematol 2021; 144:484-499. [PMID: 33882481 DOI: 10.1159/000512929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) can transform into blast phase MPN (leukemic transformation; MPN-BP), typically via accelerated phase MPN (MPN-AP), in ∼20-25% of the cases. MPN-AP and MPN-BP are characterized by 10-19% and ≥20% blasts, respectively. MPN-AP/BP portend a dismal prognosis with no established conventional treatment. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the sole modality associated with long-term survival. SUMMARY MPN-AP/BP has a markedly different mutational profile from de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In MPN-AP/BP, TP53 and IDH1/2 are more frequent, whereas FLT3 and DNMT3A are rare. Higher incidence of leukemic transformation has been associated with the most aggressive MPN subtype, myelofibrosis (MF); other risk factors for leukemic transformation include rising blast counts above 3-5%, advanced age, severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, increasing bone marrow fibrosis, type 1 CALR-unmutated status, lack of driver mutations (negative for JAK2, CALR, or MPL genes), adverse cytogenetics, and acquisition of ≥2 high-molecular risk mutations (ASXL1, EZH2, IDH1/2, SRSF2, and U2AF1Q157). The aforementioned factors have been incorporated in several novel prognostic scoring systems for MF. Currently, elderly/unfit patients with MPN-AP/BP are treated with hypomethylating agents with/without ruxolitinib; these regimens appear to confer comparable benefit to intensive chemotherapy but with lower toxicity. Retrospective studies in patients who acquired actionable mutations during MPN-AP/BP showed positive outcomes with targeted AML treatments, such as IDH1/2 inhibitors, and require further evaluation in clinical trials. Key Messages: Therapy for MPN-AP patients represents an unmet medical need. MF patients, in particular, should be appropriately stratified regarding their prognosis and the risk for transformation. Higher-risk patients should be monitored regularly and treated prior to progression to MPN-BP. MPN-AP patients may be treated with hypomethylating agents alone or in combination with ruxolitinib; also, patients can be provided with the option to enroll in rationally designed clinical trials exploring combination regimens, including novel targeted drugs, with an ultimate goal to transition to transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar A Shahin
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Helen T Chifotides
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Prithviraj Bose
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lucia Masarova
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Srdan Verstovsek
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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21
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Morsia E, Gangat N. Myelofibrosis: challenges for preclinical models and emerging therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:211-222. [PMID: 33844952 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1915992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Myelofibrosis (MF) is characterized by anemia, splenomegaly, constitutional symptoms and bone marrow fibrosis. MF has no curative treatment to date, except for a small subset of patients that are eligible for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The discovery in recent years of the MF mutational landscape and the role of bone marrow microenvironment in disease pathogenesis has led to further insights into disease biology and consequentially rationally derived therapies.Areas covered: We searched PubMed/Medline/American Society of Hematology (ASH) abstracts until November 2020 using the following terms: myelofibrosis, mouse models, pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. The development of targeted therapies is aimed to modify the history of the disease. Although JAK inhibitors showed encouraging results in terms of spleen and symptoms response, long term remissions and disease modifying ability is lacking. Beyond JAK inhibitors, a range of agents targeting proliferative, metabolic, apoptotic pathways, the microenvironment, epigenetic modification and immunomodulation are in various stages of investigations. We review pre-clinical data, preliminary clinical results of these agents, and finally offer insights on the management of MF patients.Expert opinion: MF patients refractory or with suboptimal response to JAK inhibitors, may be managed by addition of agents with differing mechanisms, such as bromodomain (BET), lysine demethylase 1 (LSD1), MDM2, or Bcl-Xl inhibitors which could prevent emergence of resistance. Immunotherapies as long-acting interferons, and calreticulin directed antibodies or peptide vaccination are eagerly awaited. Historically, therapeutic challenges in MF have arisen due to the fact that rationally derived therapies that are based on murine models have limited impact on fibrosis and underlying disease biology in human studies, the latter illustrates the complex multi-faceted disease pathogenesis of MF. Together, we not only suggest individualized therapy in MF that is guided by genomic signature but also its early implementation potentially in prefibrotic MF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Morsia
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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22
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Yung Y, Lee E, Chu HT, Yip PK, Gill H. Targeting Abnormal Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative Classical Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020659. [PMID: 33440869 PMCID: PMC7827471 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are unique hematopoietic stem cell disorders sharing mutations that constitutively activate the signal-transduction pathways involved in haematopoiesis. They are characterized by stem cell-derived clonal myeloproliferation. The key MPNs comprise chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). CML is defined by the presence of the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome and BCR-ABL1 fusion gene. Despite effective cytoreductive agents and targeted therapy, complete CML/MPN stem cell eradication is rarely achieved. In this review article, we discuss the novel agents and combination therapy that can potentially abnormal hematopoietic stem cells in CML and MPNs and the CML/MPN stem cell-sustaining bone marrow microenvironment.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Autophagy
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Disease Susceptibility
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/pathology
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/etiology
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/pathology
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/therapy
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Myeloproliferative Disorders/etiology
- Myeloproliferative Disorders/pathology
- Myeloproliferative Disorders/therapy
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology
- Philadelphia Chromosome
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Stem Cell Niche
- Tumor Microenvironment
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Harinder Gill
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-2255-4542; Fax: +852-2816-2863
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Bose P, Masarova L, Verstovsek S. Novel Concepts of Treatment for Patients with Myelofibrosis and Related Neoplasms. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102891. [PMID: 33050168 PMCID: PMC7599937 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Myelofibrosis (MF) is an advanced form of a group of rare, related bone marrow cancers termed myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Some patients develop myelofibrosis from the outset, while in others, it occurs as a complication of the more indolent MPNs, polycythemia vera (PV) or essential thrombocythemia (ET). Patients with PV or ET who require drug treatment are typically treated with the chemotherapy drug hydroxyurea, while in MF, the targeted therapies termed Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors form the mainstay of treatment. However, these and other drugs (e.g., interferons) have important limitations. No drug has been shown to reliably prevent the progression of PV or ET to MF or transformation of MPNs to acute myeloid leukemia. In PV, it is not conclusively known if JAK inhibitors reduce the risk of blood clots, and in MF, these drugs do not improve low blood counts. New approaches to treating MF and related MPNs are, therefore, necessary. Abstract Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition forms the cornerstone of the treatment of myelofibrosis (MF), and the JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib is often used as a second-line agent in patients with polycythemia vera (PV) who fail hydroxyurea (HU). In addition, ruxolitinib continues to be studied in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET). The benefits of JAK inhibition in terms of splenomegaly and symptoms in patients with MF are undeniable, and ruxolitinib prolongs the survival of persons with higher risk MF. Despite this, however, “disease-modifying” effects of JAK inhibitors in MF, i.e., bone marrow fibrosis and mutant allele burden reduction, are limited. Similarly, in HU-resistant/intolerant PV, while ruxolitinib provides excellent control of the hematocrit, symptoms and splenomegaly, reduction in the rate of thromboembolic events has not been convincingly demonstrated. Furthermore, JAK inhibitors do not prevent disease evolution to MF or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Frontline cytoreductive therapy for PV generally comprises HU and interferons, which have their own limitations. Numerous novel agents, representing diverse mechanisms of action, are in development for the treatment of these three classic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). JAK inhibitor-based combinations, all of which are currently under study for MF, have been covered elsewhere in this issue. In this article, we focus on agents that have been studied as monotherapy in patients with MF, generally after JAK inhibitor resistance/intolerance, as well as several novel compounds in development for PV/ET.
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Petiti J, Lo Iacono M, Rosso V, Andreani G, Jovanovski A, Podestà M, Lame D, Gobbi MD, Fava C, Saglio G, Frassoni F, Cilloni D. Bcl-xL represents a therapeutic target in Philadelphia negative myeloproliferative neoplasms. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:10978-10986. [PMID: 32790151 PMCID: PMC7521327 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms are divided into essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Although ruxolitinib was proven to be effective in reducing symptoms, patients rarely achieve complete molecular remission. Therefore, it is relevant to identify new therapeutic targets to improve the clinical outcome of patients. Bcl‐xL protein, the long isoform encoded by alternative splicing of the Bcl‐x gene, acts as an anti‐apoptotic regulator. Our study investigated the role of Bcl‐xL as a marker of severity of MPN and the possibility to target Bcl‐xL in patients. 129 MPN patients and 21 healthy patients were enrolled in the study. We analysed Bcl‐xL expression in leucocytes and in enriched CD34+ and CD235a+ cells. Furthermore, ABT‐737, a Bcl‐xL inhibitor, was tested in HEL cells and in leucocytes from MPN patients. Bcl‐xL was found progressively over‐expressed in cells from ET, PV and PMF patients, independently by JAK2 mutational status. Moreover, our data indicated that the combination of ABT‐737 and ruxolitinib resulted in a significantly higher apoptotic rate than the individual drug. Our study suggests that Bcl‐xL plays an important role in MPN independently from JAK2 V617F mutation. Furthermore, data demonstrate that targeting simultaneously JAK2 and Bcl‐xL might represent an interesting new approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Petiti
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Lo Iacono
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Rosso
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giacomo Andreani
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Marina Podestà
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Stem Cell and Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Institute G. Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Dorela Lame
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco De Gobbi
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Carmen Fava
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Saglio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Frassoni
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniela Cilloni
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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