1
|
Jiang A, Li J, He Z, Liu Y, Qiao K, Fang Y, Qu L, Luo P, Lin A, Wang L. Renal cancer: signaling pathways and advances in targeted therapies. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e676. [PMID: 39092291 PMCID: PMC11292401 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal cancer is a highlyheterogeneous malignancy characterized by rising global incidence and mortalityrates. The complex interplay and dysregulation of multiple signaling pathways,including von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)/hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Hippo-yes-associated protein (YAP), Wnt/ß-catenin, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met, contribute to theinitiation and progression of renal cancer. Although surgical resection is thestandard treatment for localized renal cancer, recurrence and metastasiscontinue to pose significant challenges. Advanced renal cancer is associatedwith a poor prognosis, and current therapies, such as targeted agents andimmunotherapies, have limitations. This review presents a comprehensiveoverview of the molecular mechanisms underlying aberrant signaling pathways inrenal cancer, emphasizing their intricate crosstalk and synergisticinteractions. We discuss recent advancements in targeted therapies, includingtyrosine kinase inhibitors, and immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors.Moreover, we underscore the importance of multiomics approaches and networkanalysis in elucidating the complex regulatory networks governing renal cancerpathogenesis. By integrating cutting-edge research and clinical insights, this review contributesto the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, whichhave the potential to improve risk stratification, precision medicine, andultimately, patient outcomes in renal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aimin Jiang
- Department of UrologyChanghai HospitalNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jinxin Li
- Department of UrologyChanghai HospitalNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ziwei He
- Department of UrologyChanghai HospitalNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of UrologyChanghai HospitalNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Kun Qiao
- Department of UrologyChanghai HospitalNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of UrologyChanghai HospitalNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Le Qu
- Department of UrologyJinling HospitalAffiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of OncologyZhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Anqi Lin
- Department of OncologyZhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Linhui Wang
- Department of UrologyChanghai HospitalNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nguyen CB, Oh E, Bahar P, Vaishampayan UN, Else T, Alva AS. Novel Approaches with HIF-2α Targeted Therapies in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:601. [PMID: 38339352 PMCID: PMC10854987 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030601] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Germline inactivation of the Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor is the defining hallmark in hereditary VHL disease and VHL-associated renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, somatic VHL mutations are also observed in patients with sporadic RCC. Loss of function VHL mutations result in constitutive activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α), which leads to increased expression of HIF target genes that promote angiogenesis and tumor growth. As of 2023, belzutifan is currently the only approved HIF-2α inhibitor for both VHL-associated and sporadic metastatic RCC (mRCC). However, there is potential for resistance with HIF-2α inhibitors which warrants novel HIF-2α-targeting strategies. In this review, we discuss the potential resistance mechanisms with belzutifan and current clinical trials evaluating novel combinations of belzutifan with other targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors which may enhance the efficacy of HIF-2α targeting. Lastly, we also discuss newer generation HIF-2α inhibitors that are currently under early investigation and outline future directions and challenges with HIF-2α inhibitors for mRCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles B. Nguyen
- Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (U.N.V.); (T.E.); (A.S.A.)
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Eugene Oh
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (E.O.); (P.B.)
| | - Piroz Bahar
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (E.O.); (P.B.)
| | - Ulka N. Vaishampayan
- Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (U.N.V.); (T.E.); (A.S.A.)
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tobias Else
- Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (U.N.V.); (T.E.); (A.S.A.)
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ajjai S. Alva
- Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (U.N.V.); (T.E.); (A.S.A.)
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jacoba IM, Lu Z. Hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma. Semin Diagn Pathol 2024; 41:28-31. [PMID: 38135585 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma (HPRCC) is an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by the occurrence of bilateral and multifocal, classic type papillary renal cell carcinomas. In the recent decades, extensive molecular studies have narrowed the molecular underpinnings of this syndrome to missense mutations in tyrosine kinase domain of MET proto-oncogene. Although MET mutations are specific to HPRCC, it has been found in sporadic papillary renal cell carcinomas and as recently reported, in biphasic squamoid alveolar variant of papillary renal cell carcinoma. Dual MET/VEGFR2 kinase inhibitor and tyrosine kinase inhibitors have shown promising results in systemic therapy for HPRCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isa Mulingbayan Jacoba
- Boston Medical Center/Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, United States
| | - Zhichun Lu
- Boston Medical Center/Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ishihara H, Nemoto Y, Tachibana H, Fukuda H, Yoshida K, Kobayashi H, Iizuka J, Hashimoto Y, Kondo T, Takagi T. Real-world efficacy and safety of cabozantinib following immune checkpoint inhibitor failure in Japanese patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2023; 53:977-983. [PMID: 37519060 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyad087] [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: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Real-world data of cabozantinib after failure of immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced renal cell carcinoma in Japanese population are limited. Additionally, prognostic factors of cabozantinib in this setting are still unknown. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated data of 56 patients treated with cabozantinib subsequent to failed immune checkpoint inhibitors at four institutions. Regarding the efficacy profile, progression-free survival, overall survival and objective response rate were assessed. In terms of the safety profile, rate of adverse events, dose reduction and treatment interruption were assessed. Furthermore, risk factors of progression-free survival were analyzed. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients (52%) were treated with cabozantinib as second-line therapy. Most frequent prior immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment was nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination therapy as first-line therapy (n = 30, 54%). Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 9.76 and 25.5 months, respectively, and objective response rate was 34%. All patients experienced at least one adverse event, and grade ≥ 3 adverse events were observed in 31 patients (55%). Forty-four (79%) and 31 (55%) patients needed dose reduction and treatment interruption, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that reduced initial dose (i.e. <60 mg) (hazard ratio: 2.50, P = 0.0355) and presence of lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio: 2.50, P = 0.0172) were independent factors of shorter progression-free survival. CONCLUSION Cabozantinib in Japanese patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who failed immune checkpoint inhibitors was efficacious and had a manageable safety profile. These results appear to be similar to those of previous clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Ishihara
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Nemoto
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Adachi Medical Center, Adachi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hironori Fukuda
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Yoshida
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirohito Kobayashi
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Adachi Medical Center, Adachi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junpei Iizuka
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasunobu Hashimoto
- Department of Urology, Saiseikai Kawaguchi General Hospital, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tsunenori Kondo
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Adachi Medical Center, Adachi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshio Takagi
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Formica V, Riondino S, Morelli C, Guerriero S, D'Amore F, Di Grazia A, Del Vecchio Blanco G, Sica G, Arkenau HT, Monteleone G, Roselli M. HIF2α, Hepcidin and their crosstalk as tumour-promoting signalling. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:222-236. [PMID: 37081189 PMCID: PMC10338631 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02266-2] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Not all aspects of the disruption of iron homeostasis in cancer have been fully elucidated. Iron accumulation in cancer cells is frequent for many solid tumours, and this is often accompanied by the contemporary rise of two key iron regulators, HIF2α and Hepcidin. This scenario is different from what happens under physiological conditions, where Hepcidin parallels systemic iron concentrations while HIF2α levels are inversely associated to Hepcidin. The present review highlights the increasing body of evidence for the pro-tumoral effect of HIF2α and Hepcidin, discusses the possible imbalance in HIF2α, Hepcidin and iron homeostasis during cancer, and explores therapeutic options relying on these pathways as anticancer strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Formica
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvia Riondino
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Morelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Systems and Experimental Medicine (XXXV cycle), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Guerriero
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica D'Amore
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Grazia
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Sica
- Department of Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Monteleone
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Roselli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
An In Vitro Analysis of TKI-Based Sequence Therapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065648. [PMID: 36982721 PMCID: PMC10058472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) cabozantinib might impede the growth of the sunitinib-resistant cell lines by targeting MET and AXL overexpression in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). We studied the role of MET and AXL in the response to cabozantinib, particularly following long-term administration with sunitinib. Two sunitinib-resistant cell lines, 786-O/S and Caki-2/S, and the matching 786-O/WT and Caki-2/WT cells were exposed to cabozantinib. The drug response was cell-line-specific. The 786-O/S cells were less growth-inhibited by cabozantinib than 786-O/WT cells (p-value = 0.02). In 786-O/S cells, the high level of phosphorylation of MET and AXL was not affected by cabozantinib. Despite cabozantinib hampering the high constitutive phosphorylation of MET, the Caki-2 cells showed low sensitivity to cabozantinib, and this was independent of sunitinib pretreatment. In both sunitinib-resistant cell lines, cabozantinib increased Src-FAK activation and impeded mTOR expression. The modulation of ERK and AKT was cell-line-specific, mirroring the heterogeneity among the patients. Overall, the MET- and AXL-driven status did not affect cell responsiveness to cabozantinib in the second-line treatment. The activation of Src-FAK might counteract cabozantinib activity and contribute to tumor survival and may be considered an early indicator of therapy response.
Collapse
|
7
|
Mollica V, Massari F. Belzutifan: enhancing the blockade of angiogenesis in renal cell carcinoma. Lancet Oncol 2023; 24:423-425. [PMID: 37011649 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(23)00123-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Mollica
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy; Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francesco Massari
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy; Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Downstream Targets of VHL/HIF-α Signaling in Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma Progression: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Relevance. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041316. [PMID: 36831657 PMCID: PMC9953937 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The clear cell variant of renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common renal epithelial malignancy and responsible for most of the deaths from kidney cancer. Patients carrying inactivating mutations in the Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene have an increased proclivity to develop several types of tumors including ccRCC. Normally, the Hypoxia Inducible Factor alpha (HIF-α) subunits of the HIF heterodimeric transcription factor complex are regulated by oxygen-dependent prolyl-hydroxylation, VHL-mediated ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Loss of pVHL function results in elevated levels of HIF-α due to increased stability, leading to RCC progression. While HIF-1α acts as a tumor suppressor, HIF-2α promotes oncogenic potential by driving tumor progression and metastasis through activation of hypoxia-sensitive signaling pathways and overexpression of HIF-2α target genes. One strategy to suppress ccRCC aggressiveness is directed at inhibition of HIF-2α and the associated molecular pathways leading to cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Indeed, clinical and pre-clinical data demonstrated the effectiveness of HIF-2α targeted therapy in attenuating ccRCC progression. This review focuses on the signaling pathways and the involved genes (cyclin D, c-Myc, VEGF-a, EGFR, TGF-α, GLUT-1) that confer oncogenic potential downstream of the VHL-HIF-2α signaling axis in ccRCC. Discussed as well are current treatment options (including receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as sunitinib), the medical challenges (high prevalence of metastasis at the time of diagnosis, refractory nature of advanced disease to current treatment options), scientific challenges and future directions.
Collapse
|
9
|
Su P, Zhang M, Kang X. Targeting c-Met in the treatment of urologic neoplasms: Current status and challenges. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1071030. [PMID: 36959792 PMCID: PMC10028134 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1071030] [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: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, studies have found that c-Met is mainly involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor tissues in urologic neoplasms. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) combined with c-Met promotes the mitosis of tumor cells, and then induces motility, angiogenesis, migration, invasion and drug resistance. Therefore, c-Met targeting therapy may have great potential in urologic neoplasms. Many strategies targeting c-Met have been widely used in the study of urologic neoplasms. Although the use of targeting c-Met therapy has a strong biological basis for the treatment of urologic neoplasms, the results of current clinical trials have not yielded significant results. To promote the application of c-Met targeting drugs in the clinical treatment of urologic neoplasms, it is very important to study the detailed mechanism of c-Met in urologic neoplasms and innovate c-Met targeted drugs. This paper firstly discussed the value of c-Met targeted therapy in urologic neoplasms, then summarized the related research progress, and finally explored the potential targets related to the HGF/c-Met signaling pathway. It may provide a new concept for the treatment of middle and late urologic neoplasms.
Collapse
|
10
|
Webster BR, Gopal N, Ball MW. Tumorigenesis Mechanisms Found in Hereditary Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Review. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2122. [PMID: 36421797 PMCID: PMC9690265 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma is a heterogenous cancer composed of an increasing number of unique subtypes each with their own cellular and tumor behavior. The study of hereditary renal cell carcinoma, which composes just 5% of all types of tumor cases, has allowed for the elucidation of subtype-specific tumorigenesis mechanisms that can also be applied to their sporadic counterparts. This review will focus on the major forms of hereditary renal cell carcinoma and the genetic alterations contributing to their tumorigenesis, including von Hippel Lindau syndrome, Hereditary Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma, Succinate Dehydrogenase-Deficient Renal Cell Carcinoma, Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Carcinoma, BRCA Associated Protein 1 Tumor Predisposition Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis, Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome and Translocation RCC. The mechanisms for tumorigenesis described in this review are beginning to be exploited via the utilization of novel targets to treat renal cell carcinoma in a subtype-specific fashion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark W. Ball
- Center for Cancer Research, Urologic Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute/NIH, 10 Center Drive, CRC Room 2W-5940, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
The Emerging Role of c-Met in Carcinogenesis and Clinical Implications as a Possible Therapeutic Target. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:5179182. [PMID: 35069735 PMCID: PMC8776431 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5179182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background c-MET is a receptor tyrosine kinase receptor (RTK) for the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The binding of HGF to c-MET regulates several cellular functions: differentiation, proliferation, epithelial cell motility, angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, it is known to be involved in carcinogenesis. Comprehension of HGF-c-MET signaling pathway might have important clinical consequences allowing to predict prognosis, response to treatment, and survival rates based on its expression and dysregulation. Discussion. c-MET represents a useful molecular target for novel engineered drugs. Several clinical trials are underway for various solid tumors and the development of new specific monoclonal antibodies depends on the recent knowledge about the definite c-MET role in each different malignance. Recent clinical trials based on c-MET molecular targets result in good safety profile and represent a promising therapeutic strategy for solid cancers, in monotherapy or in combination with other target drugs. Conclusion The list of cell surface receptors crosslinking with the c-MET signaling is constantly growing, highlighting the importance of this pathway for personalized target therapy. Research on the combination of c-MET inhibitors with other drugs will hopefully lead to discovery of new effective treatment options.
Collapse
|
12
|
Osaka T, Yamaguchi N, Hara T. [Pharmacological properties and clinical outcomes of the anti-cancer drug, cabozantinib (CABOMETYX ®)]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2021; 156:303-311. [PMID: 34470936 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.21045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cabozantinib (CAB) is a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor with activity against MET, VEGFR2, and AXL, among others. This drug is considered to exert excellent antitumor effects by inhibiting these targets simultaneously. Significant improvement in the primary endpoint (overall survival or PFS) were observed in patients on CAB in comparison with controls in a phase-III study in patients with renal cell carcinoma, progressed after treatment with anti-angiogenic agents, and in another phase-III study in patients with previously treated, advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. These results led to the approval of CAB in Japan in 2020 as a therapeutic agent for unresectable or metastatic renal cell carcinoma and unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma progressed after cancer chemotherapy, under the trade name of CABOMETYX® (20 mg, and 60 mg tablets). It has been suggested that CAB may modulate the immune system in favor of antitumor immunity and combined use with PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors may exert a synergistic effect. In a phase-III study that examined the efficacy of combination therapy with CAB and nivolumab in treatment-naive patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma, progression-free survival was significantly increased in patients on combination therapy over patients on sunitinib monotherapy. Three global phase-III clinical studies of combination therapy with atezolizumab and CAB in patients with non-small cell lung cancer, castration-resistant prostate cancer, and renal cell carcinoma, are in progress to confirm the efficacy of CAB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Osaka
- Department of Japan Medical Affairs, Japan Oncology Business Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| | - Naoya Yamaguchi
- Department of Japan Medical Affairs, Japan Oncology Business Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| | - Takahito Hara
- Strategy Planning Office, Takeda Development Center Japan, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Shulman M, Shi R, Zhang Q. Von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor pathways & corresponding therapeutics in kidney cancer. J Genet Genomics 2021; 48:552-559. [PMID: 34376376 PMCID: PMC8453047 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2021.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The identification and application of the Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene is a seminal breakthrough in kidney cancer research. VHL and its protein pVHL are the root cause of most kidney cancers, and the cascading pathway below them is crucial for understanding hypoxia, in addition to the aforementioned tumorigenesis routes and treatments. We reviewed the history and functions of VHL/pVHL and Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), their well-known activities under low-oxygen environments as an E3 ubiquitin ligase and as a transcription factor, respectively, as well as their non-canonical functions revealed recently. Additionally, we discussed how their dysregulation promotes tumorigenesis: beginning with chromosome 3 p-arm (3p) loss/epigenetic methylation, followed by two-allele knockout, before the loss of complimentary tumor suppressor genes leads cells down predictable oncological paths. These different pathways can ultimately determine the grade, outcome, and severity of the deadliest genitourinary cancer. We finished by investigating current and proposed schemes to therapeutically treat clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) by manipulating the hypoxic pathway utilizing Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) inhibitors, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibitors, small molecule HIF inhibitors, immune checkpoint blockade therapy, and synthetic lethality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Shulman
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rachel Shi
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li J, Tan G, Cai Y, Liu R, Xiong X, Gu B, He W, Liu B, Ren Q, Wu J, Chi B, Zhang H, Zhao Y, Xu Y, Zou Z, Kang F, Xu K. A novel Apigenin derivative suppresses renal cell carcinoma via directly inhibiting wild-type and mutant MET. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 190:114620. [PMID: 34043966 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
MET, the receptor of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), is a driving factor in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and also a proven drug target for cancer treatment. To improve the activity and to investigate the mechanisms of action of Apigenin (APG), novel derivatives of APG with improved properties were synthesized and their activities against Caki-1 human renal cancer cell line were evaluated. It was found that compound 15e exhibited excellent potency against the growth of multiple RCC cell lines including Caki-1, Caki-2 and ACHN and is superior to APG and Crizotinib. Subsequent investigations demonstrated that compound 15e can inhibit Caki-1 cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, 15e directly targeted the MET kinase domain, decreased its auto-phosphorylation at Y1234/Y1235 and inhibited its kinase activity and downstream signaling. Importantly, 15e had inhibitory activity against mutant MET V1238I and Y1248H which were resistant to approved MET inhibitors Cabozantinib, Crizotinib or Capmatinib. In vivo tumor graft study confirmed that 15e repressed RCC growth through inhibition of MET activation. These results indicate that compound 15e has the potential to be developed as a treatment for RCC, and especially against drug-resistant MET mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Guishan Tan
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yabo Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd, Dongguan 523871, China
| | - Ruihuan Liu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; Zhuzhou Qianjin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Xiaolin Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd, Dongguan 523871, China
| | - Baohua Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd, Dongguan 523871, China
| | - Wei He
- State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd, Dongguan 523871, China
| | - Bing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd, Dongguan 523871, China
| | - Qingyun Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd, Dongguan 523871, China
| | - Jianping Wu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Bo Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd, Dongguan 523871, China
| | - Hang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd, Dongguan 523871, China
| | - Yanzhong Zhao
- The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Yangrui Xu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Zhenxing Zou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Fenghua Kang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Kangping Xu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Silva Paiva R, Gomes I, Casimiro S, Fernandes I, Costa L. c-Met expression in renal cell carcinoma with bone metastases. J Bone Oncol 2020; 25:100315. [PMID: 33024658 PMCID: PMC7527574 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2020.100315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone is a common metastatic site in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). HGF/c-Met pathway is particularly relevant in tumors with bone metastases. c-Met/HGF pathway is involved in RCC progression, conferring poor prognosis. Several c-Met targeting therapies are currently in clinical development. c-Met expression is an important therapeutic target in RCC with bone metastases.
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met pathway is implicated in embryogenesis and organ development and differentiation. Germline or somatic mutations, chromosomal rearrangements, gene amplification, and transcriptional upregulation in MET or alterations in autocrine or paracrine c-Met signalling have been associated with cancer cell proliferation and survival, including in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and associated with disease progression. HGF/c-Met pathway has been shown to be particularly relevant in tumors with bone metastases (BMs). However, the efficacy of targeting c-Met in bone metastatic disease, including in RCC, has not been proven. Therefore, further investigation is required focusing the particular role of HGF/c-Met pathway in bone microenvironment (BME) and how to effectively target this pathway in the context of bone metastatic disease.
Collapse
Key Words
- ALK, anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene
- AR, androgen receptor
- ATP, adenosine triphosphate
- AXL, AXL Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
- BME, bone microenvironment
- BMPs, bone morphogenetic proteins
- BMs, bone metastases
- BPs, Bisphosphonates
- BTAs, Bone-targeting agents
- Bone metastases
- CCL20, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20
- CI, confidence interval
- CRPC, Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer
- CSC, cancer stem cells
- CTC, circulating tumor cells
- CaSR, calcium/calcium-sensing receptor
- EMA, European Medicines Agency
- EMT, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
- FDA, US Food and Drug Administration
- FLT-3, FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3
- GEJ, Gastroesophageal Junction
- HCC, Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- HGF, hepatocyte growth factor
- HGF/c-Met
- HIF, hypoxia-inducible factors
- HR, hazard ratio
- IGF, insulin-like growth factor
- IGF2BP3, insulin mRNA Binding Protein-3
- IL, interleukin
- IRC, independent review committees
- KIT, tyrosine-protein kinase KIT
- Kidney cancer
- M-CSF, macrophage colony-stimulating factor
- MET, MET proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase
- NSCLC, non-small cell lung carcinoma
- ORR, overall response rate
- OS, overall survival
- PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor
- PFS, progression free survival
- PTHrP, parathyroid hormone-related peptide
- RANKL, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand
- RCC, renal cell carcinoma
- RET, rearranged during transfection proto-oncogene
- ROS, proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase ROS
- RTK, receptor tyrosine kinase
- SCLC, Squamous Cell Lung Cancer
- SREs, skeletal-related events
- SSE, symptomatic skeletal events
- TGF-β, transforming growth factor-β
- TIE-2, Tyrosine-Protein Kinase Receptor TIE-2
- TKI, tyrosine kinase inhibitor
- TRKB, Tropomyosin receptor kinase B
- Targeted therapy
- VEGFR, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor
- VHL, Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor gene
- ZA, zoledronic acid
- ccRCC, clear-cell RCC
- mAb, monoclonal antibodies
- pRCC, papillary renal cell carcinoma
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Silva Paiva
- Oncology Division, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHULN, 1649-035 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Inês Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular - João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sandra Casimiro
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular - João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Fernandes
- Oncology Division, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHULN, 1649-035 Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular - João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Costa
- Oncology Division, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHULN, 1649-035 Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular - João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Corresponding author at: Oncology Division, Hospital de Santa Maria, 1649-035 Lisbon, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Choueiri TK, Kaelin WG. Targeting the HIF2-VEGF axis in renal cell carcinoma. Nat Med 2020; 26:1519-1530. [PMID: 33020645 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-020-1093-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Insights into the role of the tumor suppressor pVHL in oxygen sensing motivated the testing of drugs that target the transcription factor HIF or HIF-responsive growth factors, such as VEGF, for the treatment of cancers caused by VHL inactivation, such as clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Multiple VEGF inhibitors are now approved for the treatment of ccRCC, and a HIF2α inhibitor has advanced to phase 3 development for this disease. These inhibitors are now also increasingly combined with immune-checkpoint blockers. In this Perspective, we describe the understanding of the mechanisms of oxygen sensing and hypoxia signaling that resulted in the development of HIF2α-targeted therapies for patients with VHL-associated tumors. We also present future directions for extending the use of these therapies to other cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toni K Choueiri
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - William G Kaelin
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
LC3C-Mediated Autophagy Selectively Regulates the Met RTK and HGF-Stimulated Migration and Invasion. Cell Rep 2020; 29:4053-4068.e6. [PMID: 31851933 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.11.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Met/hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) is deregulated in many cancers and is a recognized target for cancer therapies. Following HGF stimulation, the signaling output of Met is tightly controlled by receptor internalization and sorting for degradation or recycling. Here, we uncover a role for autophagy in selective degradation of Met and regulation of Met-dependent cell migration and invasion. Met engagement with the autophagic pathway is dependent on complex formation with the mammalian ATG8 family member MAP1LC3C. LC3C deletion abrogates Met entry into the autophagy-dependent degradative pathway, allowing identification of LC3C domains required for rescue. Cancer cells with low LC3C levels show enhanced Met stability, signaling, and cell invasion. These findings provide mechanistic insight into RTK recruitment to autophagosomes and establish distinct roles for ATG8 proteins in this process, supporting that differential expression of ATG8 proteins can shape the functional consequences of autophagy in cancer development and progression.
Collapse
|
18
|
Dizman N, Arslan ZE, Feng M, Pal SK. Sequencing Therapies for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma. Urol Clin North Am 2020; 47:305-318. [PMID: 32600533 DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2020.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In an era of several therapeutic options available, optimal treatment sequencing is crucial to providing patients the most effective therapy and promoting quality of life. In clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a combination approach with an immunotherapy backbone, such as nivolumab/ipilimumab or axitinib/pembrolizumab, has a key role in the first-line setting. Safety and activity data support the transition to single-agent targeted therapies in the second-line setting. Nivolumab monotherapy possesses clinical and mechanistic rationale as a second-line therapeutic option for patients treated with targeted therapies in the first-line setting. Gene expression models are being generated from large prospective clinical trial data sets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Dizman
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Zeynep E Arslan
- Istanbul Medipol University Medical School, Kavacık Mah. Ekinciler Cad. No: 19, Kavacık Kavşağı, 34810 Beykoz, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Matthew Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Sumanta K Pal
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Erkan H, Telci D, Dilek O. Design of Fluorescent Probes for Bioorthogonal Labeling of Carbonylation in Live Cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7668. [PMID: 32376913 PMCID: PMC7203098 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64790-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
With the rapid development of chemical biology, many diagnostic fluorophore-based tools were introduced to specific biomolecules by covalent binding. Bioorthogonal reactions have been widely utilized to manage challenges faced in clinical practice for early diagnosis and treatment of several tumor samples. Herein, we designed a small molecule fluorescent-based biosensor, 2Hydrazine-5nitrophenol (2Hzin5NP), which reacts with the carbonyl moiety of biomolecules through bioorthogonal reaction, therefore can be utilized for the detection of biomolecule carbonylation in various cancer cell lines. Our almost non-fluorescent chemical probe has a fast covalent binding with carbonyl moieties at neutral pH to form a stable fluorescent hydrazone product leading to a spectroscopic alteration in live cells. Microscopic and fluorometric analyses were used to distinguish the exogenous and endogenous ROS induced carbonylation profile in human dermal fibroblasts along with A498 primary site and ACHN metastatic site renal cell carcinoma (RRC) cell lines. Our results showed that carbonylation level that differs in response to exogenous and endogenous stress in healthy and cancer cells can be detected by the newly synthesized bioorthogonal fluorescent probe. Our results provide new insights into the development of novel bioorthogonal probes that can be utilized in site-specific carbonylation labeling to enhance new diagnostic approaches in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hazel Erkan
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, 34755, Turkey
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Department of Biophysics, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse, 6/4 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Dilek Telci
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, 34755, Turkey.
| | - Ozlem Dilek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, 06117, Connecticut, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Inhibiting WNT and NOTCH in renal cancer stem cells and the implications for human patients. Nat Commun 2020; 11:929. [PMID: 32066735 PMCID: PMC7026425 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14700-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for clear cell renal cell cancer (ccRCC) are insufficient because two-thirds of patients with metastases progress within two years. Here we report the identification and characterization of a cancer stem cell (CSC) population in ccRCC. CSCs are quantitatively correlated with tumor aggressiveness and metastasis. Transcriptional profiling and single cell sequencing reveal that these CSCs exhibit an activation of WNT and NOTCH signaling. A significant obstacle to the development of rational treatments has been the discrepancy between model systems and the in vivo situation of patients. To address this, we use CSCs to establish non-adherent sphere cultures, 3D tumor organoids, and xenografts. Treatment with WNT and NOTCH inhibitors blocks the proliferation and self-renewal of CSCs in sphere cultures and organoids, and impairs tumor growth in patient-derived xenografts in mice. These findings suggest that our approach is a promising route towards the development of personalized treatments for individual patients. Cancer stem cells are thought to be largely resistant to treatment and can be responsible for tumour recurrence. Here, using renal cancer organoids, self-renewing sphere cultures and PDX from patients, the authors show that the proliferation of stem cells within organoids, PDX and spheres can be blocked by the concomitant inhibition of the NOTCH and WNT pathways.
Collapse
|
21
|
Desai A, Small EJ. Treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma patients with cabozantinib, an oral multityrosine kinase inhibitor of MET, AXL and VEGF receptors. Future Oncol 2019; 15:2337-2348. [PMID: 31184937 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2019-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL), a tumor suppressor gene, is frequently inactivated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). It drives tumorigenesis by activating downstream hypoxia responsive genes and proangiogenic factors like VEGFR, and is responsible for the activity of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in RCC. Resistance to VEGFR therapy eventually occurs, in part due to activation of alternative signaling pathways like AXL and MET. Cabozantinib is a potent inhibitor of VEGF, AXL and MET receptors providing rationale for its use in RCC. Cabozantinib has been approved for use in the first- and second-line setting in patients with advanced RCC. This manuscript reviews the preclinical data, pharmacology, clinical efficacy and safety of the use of cabozantinib in RCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Desai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Eric J Small
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
C-Met as a Key Factor Responsible for Sustaining Undifferentiated Phenotype and Therapy Resistance in Renal Carcinomas. Cells 2019; 8:cells8030272. [PMID: 30909397 PMCID: PMC6468372 DOI: 10.3390/cells8030272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
C-Met tyrosine kinase receptor plays an important role under normal and pathological conditions. In tumor cells’ overexpression or incorrect activation of c-Met, this leads to stimulation of proliferation, survival and increase of motile activity. This receptor is also described as a marker of cancer initiating cells. The latest research shows that the c-Met receptor has an influence on the development of resistance to targeted cancer treatment. High c-Met expression and activation in renal cell carcinomas is associated with the progression of the disease and poor survival of patients. C-Met receptor has become a therapeutic target in kidney cancer. However, the therapies used so far using c-Met tyrosine kinase inhibitors demonstrate resistance to treatment. On the other hand, the c-Met pathway may act as an alternative target pathway in tumors that are resistant to other therapies. Combination treatment together with c-Met inhibitor reduces tumor growth, vascularization and pro-metastatic behavior and results in suppressed mesenchymal phenotype and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion. Recently, it has been shown that the acquirement of mesenchymal phenotype or lack of cell differentiation might be related to the presence of the c-Met receptor and is consequently responsible for therapy resistance. This review presents the results from recent studies identifying c-Met as an important factor in renal carcinomas being responsible for tumor growth, progression and metastasis, indicating the role of c-Met in resistance to antitumor therapy and demonstrating the pivotal role of c-Met in supporting mesenchymal cell phenotype.
Collapse
|
23
|
van den Heuvel CNAM, van Ewijk A, Zeelen C, de Bitter T, Huynen M, Mulders P, Oosterwijk E, Leenders WPJ. Molecular Profiling of Druggable Targets in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Through Targeted RNA Sequencing. Front Oncol 2019; 9:117. [PMID: 30881919 PMCID: PMC6407434 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) comprises more than 80% of all renal cancers and when metastasized leads to a 5-year survival rate of only 10%. The high rate of therapy failure and resistance development calls for reliable methods that provide information on the actionable biological pathways and predict optimal treatment protocols for individual patients. We here applied targeted RNA sequencing (t/RNA-NGS) using single molecule Molecular Inversion Probes on tumor nephrectomy samples of five ccRCC patients, comparing tumor with healthy kidney tissues. Transcriptome profiling focused on expression of genes with involvement in ccRCC biology that can be targeted with clinically available drugs. Results confirm high expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) in tumor tissue relative to healthy-appearing kidney, in line with the angiogenic nature of ccRCC. PDGFRα and KIT, targets of the multi-kinase inhibitor sunitinib which is one of the current choices of first-line drug in metastasized ccRCC patients, were expressed at relatively low levels in tumor tissues, whereas significantly increased in normal kidney. Of all measured druggable tyrosine kinases, MET, AXL, or EGFR were expressed at higher levels in tumors than in normal kidney tissues, although intertumor differences were observed. Using cancer cell lines we show that t/RNA-NGS gene expression profiles can be used to predict in vitro sensitivity to targeted drugs. In conclusion, t/RNA-NGS analysis may provide insights into the (druggable) molecular make-up of individual renal cancers, and may guide personalized therapy of renal cell cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne van Ewijk
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Carolien Zeelen
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Tessa de Bitter
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Martijn Huynen
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Peter Mulders
- Department of Urology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Egbert Oosterwijk
- Department of Urology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - William P. J. Leenders
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Meléndez-Rodríguez F, Roche O, Sanchez-Prieto R, Aragones J. Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 2-Dependent Pathways Driving Von Hippel-Lindau-Deficient Renal Cancer. Front Oncol 2018; 8:214. [PMID: 29938199 PMCID: PMC6002531 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common type of the renal cancers detected in humans is clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs). These tumors are usually initiated by biallelic gene inactivation of the Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) factor in the renal epithelium, which deregulates the hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) HIF1α and HIF2α, and provokes their constitutive activation irrespective of the cellular oxygen availability. While HIF1α can act as a ccRCC tumor suppressor, HIF2α has emerged as the key HIF isoform that is essential for ccRCC tumor progression. Indeed, preclinical and clinical data have shown that pharmacological inhibitors of HIF2α can efficiently combat ccRCC growth. In this review, we discuss the molecular basis underlying the oncogenic potential of HIF2α in ccRCC by focusing on those pathways primarily controlled by HIF2α that are thought to influence the progression of these tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florinda Meléndez-Rodríguez
- Research Unit, Hospital of Santa Cristina, Research Institute Princesa (IP), Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Olga Roche
- Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Albacete, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Ricardo Sanchez-Prieto
- Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Albacete, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Departamento de Biología del Cáncer, Instituto de investigaciones Biomedicas Alberto Sols, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Julian Aragones
- Research Unit, Hospital of Santa Cristina, Research Institute Princesa (IP), Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
The von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) gene is a two-hit tumor suppressor gene and is linked to the development of the most common form of kidney cancer, clear cell renal carcinoma; blood vessel tumors of the retina, cerebellum, and spinal cord called hemangioblastomas; and tumors of the sympathoadrenal nervous system called paragangliomas. The VHL gene product, pVHL, is the substrate recognition subunit of a cullin-dependent ubiquitin ligase that targets the α subunits of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) for destruction when oxygen is plentiful. Mounting evidence implicates HIF2 in the pathogenesis of pVHL-defective tumors and has provided a conceptual foundation for the development of drugs to treat them that inhibit HIF2-responsive gene products such as VEGF and, more recently, HIF2 itself. pVHL has additional, noncanonical functions that are cancer relevant, including roles related to the primary cilium, chromosome stability, extracellular matrix formation, and survival signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William G. Kaelin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Tannir NM, Pal SK, Atkins MB. Second-Line Treatment Landscape for Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review. Oncologist 2018; 23:540-555. [PMID: 29487224 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2017-0534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of advanced clear-cell renal cell carcinoma has steadily improved over the past decade with the introduction of antiangiogenic and targeted therapies. Recently, three new therapies have been approved for use as second-line options that further advance the treatment armamentarium: nivolumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the programmed cell death receptor; cabozantinib, a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), MET, and AXL; and lenvatinib, a small-molecule TKI of VEGF and fibroblast growth factor receptors that is used in combination with everolimus, an inhibitor of the mechanistic target of rapamycin. Together, these and previously approved second-line treatments offer clinicians the ability to better individualize treatment for patients after progression on first-line VEGFR-targeted therapies. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the efficacy and safety results from the pivotal trials of these newly approved therapies, including the quality of study design, the level of evidence, subgroup analyses, and how these data can help to guide clinicians to select the most appropriate second-line therapy for their patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This review article provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of current treatment options for patients with advanced clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) whose disease has progressed after their first therapy. As many patients with RCC experience disease progression with initial treatments, effective second-line therapies are critical. Nivolumab, cabozantinib, and lenvatinib plus everolimus have recently been approved as second-line treatments. The new agents discussed in this review increase the therapeutic options available and provide physicians with opportunities to individualize treatments for their patients, with a view to improving disease control and survival outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nizar M Tannir
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sumanta K Pal
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Michael B Atkins
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, D.C., USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hasumi H, Yao M. Hereditary kidney cancer syndromes: Genetic disorders driven by alterations in metabolism and epigenome regulation. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:581-586. [PMID: 29325224 PMCID: PMC5834811 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Although hereditary kidney cancer syndrome accounts for approximately five percent of all kidney cancers, the mechanistic insight into tumor development in these rare conditions has provided the foundation for the development of molecular targeting agents currently used for sporadic kidney cancer. In the late 1980s, the comprehensive study for hereditary kidney cancer syndrome was launched in the National Cancer Institute, USA and the first kidney cancer‐associated gene, VHL, was identified through kindred analysis of von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL) syndrome in 1993. Subsequent molecular studies on VHL function have elucidated that the VHL protein is a component of E3 ubiquitin ligase complex for hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF), which provided the basis for the development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the HIF‐VEGF/PDGF pathway. Recent whole‐exome sequencing analysis of sporadic kidney cancer exhibited the recurrent mutations in chromatin remodeling genes and the later study has revealed that several chromatin remodeling genes are altered in kidney cancer kindred at the germline level. To date, more than 10 hereditary kidney cancer syndromes together with each responsible gene have been characterized and most of the causative genes for these genetic disorders are associated with either metabolism or epigenome regulation. In this review article, we describe the molecular mechanisms of how an alteration of each kidney cancer‐associated gene leads to renal tumorigenesis as well as denote therapeutic targets elicited by studies on hereditary kidney cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Hasumi
- Department of Urology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yao
- Department of Urology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Gerendash BS, Creel PA. Practical management of adverse events associated with cabozantinib treatment in patients with renal-cell carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 10:5053-5064. [PMID: 29089775 PMCID: PMC5656352 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s145295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cabozantinib is an oral tyrosine-kinase inhibitor whose targets include VEGFR, MET, and AXL. Cabozantinib is approved for the treatment of patients with advanced clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior antiangiogenic therapy. In the pivotal Phase III trial of second-line RCC, cabozantinib was associated with a significant improvement in overall survival, progression-free survival, and antitumor response compared with everolimus. Adverse events (AEs) were common for patients receiving cabozantinib, but were effectively managed with supportive care and dose modifications, as discontinuations of cabozantinib due to an AE were infrequent. This article reviews the management of the more common AEs associated with cabozantinib based on findings from the pivotal study, clinical practice guidelines, and the authors' real-world clinical experience, with support from published literature. We focus on hypertension, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, fatigue, and stomatitis. Effective management of these AEs involves a multimodal strategy that includes patient education, prophylactic and supportive care, and dose modifications. Effective AE management can allow patients to maintain antitumor activity with cabozantinib while mitigating the impact on quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S Gerendash
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Patricia A Creel
- Oncology, Clinical Operations, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kim JH, Kim BJ, Kim HS. Clinicopathological impacts of high c-Met expression in renal cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis and review. Oncotarget 2017; 8:75478-75487. [PMID: 29088883 PMCID: PMC5650438 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
c-Met overexpression has been observed in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, its clinicopathological impacts remain uncertain. We performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the pathologic and prognostic impacts of high c-Met expression in patients with RCC. A systematic computerized search of the electronic databases PubMed and Embase was performed. From 12 studies, 1,724 patients with RCC were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with RCCs showing low c-Met expression, tumors with high c-Met expression showed significantly higher nuclear grade (odds ratio = 2.45 [95% CI: 1.43-4.19], P = 0.001) and pT stage (odds ratio = 2.18 [95% CI: 1.27-3.72], P = 0.005). In addition, patients with c-Met-high RCC showed significantly worse overall survival than those with c-Met-low tumor (hazard ratio = 1.32 [95% CI: 1.12-1.56], P = 0.0009). In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrates that high c-Met expression correlate with significantly worse pathological features and overall survival, indicating c-Met overexpression is a potential adverse prognostic marker for patients with RCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jung Han Kim
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred-Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, Republic of Korea
| | - Bum Jun Kim
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred-Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Army Capital Hospital, The Armed Forces Medical Command, Sungnam 13574, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong Su Kim
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred-Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is characterized by inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene. VHL loss drives tumor angiogenesis and accounts for the clinical activity of VEGF receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), the first-line standard of care for advanced RCC. Within the last year, three new second-line treatments have received FDA approval for use after anti-angiogenic therapy: the immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab, the TKI cabozantinib, and the combination of the TKI lenvatinib and the mTOR inhibitor everolimus. Cabozantinib inhibits VEGFRs, MET, and AXL, kinases that promote tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. Compared with everolimus, cabozantinib has shown statistically significant improvements in the three key efficacy endpoints of overall survival, progression-free survival, and objective response rate in patients with RCC who were previously treated with a VEGFR TKI. Herein, we summarize the translational research and clinical development that led to approval of cabozantinib as second-line therapy in RCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nizar M. Tannir
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1155 Pressler St., Unit 1374, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Gisela Schwab
- Exelixis, Inc., 210 E. Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Viktor Grünwald
- Departments of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical School Hannover (MHH), OE6860 Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hsieh JJ, Purdue MP, Signoretti S, Swanton C, Albiges L, Schmidinger M, Heng DY, Larkin J, Ficarra V. Renal cell carcinoma. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2017; 3:17009. [PMID: 28276433 PMCID: PMC5936048 DOI: 10.1038/nrdp.2017.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1571] [Impact Index Per Article: 224.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) denotes cancer originated from the renal epithelium and accounts for >90% of cancers in the kidney. The disease encompasses >10 histological and molecular subtypes, of which clear cell RCC (ccRCC) is most common and accounts for most cancer-related deaths. Although somatic VHL mutations have been described for some time, more-recent cancer genomic studies have identified mutations in epigenetic regulatory genes and demonstrated marked intra-tumour heterogeneity, which could have prognostic, predictive and therapeutic relevance. Localized RCC can be successfully managed with surgery, whereas metastatic RCC is refractory to conventional chemotherapy. However, over the past decade, marked advances in the treatment of metastatic RCC have been made, with targeted agents including sorafenib, sunitinib, bevacizumab, pazopanib and axitinib, which inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR), and everolimus and temsirolimus, which inhibit mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), being approved. Since 2015, agents with additional targets aside from VEGFR have been approved, such as cabozantinib and lenvatinib; immunotherapies, such as nivolumab, have also been added to the armamentarium for metastatic RCC. Here, we provide an overview of the biology of RCC, with a focus on ccRCC, as well as updates to complement the current clinical guidelines and an outline of potential future directions for RCC research and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James J. Hsieh
- Molecular Oncology, Department of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8069, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Mark P. Purdue
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sabina Signoretti
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Charles Swanton
- Francis Crick Institute, UCL Cancer Institute, CRUK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, London, UK
| | - Laurence Albiges
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Manuela Schmidinger
- Department of Medicine I, Clinical Division of Oncology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Y. Heng
- Department of Medical Oncolgy, Tom Baker Cancer Center, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - James Larkin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Vincenzo Ficarra
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medical Sciences - Urologic Clinic, University of Udine, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cho H, Kaelin WG. Targeting HIF2 in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. COLD SPRING HARBOR SYMPOSIA ON QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 2016; 81:113-121. [PMID: 27932568 DOI: 10.1101/sqb.2016.81.030833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau tumor-suppressor protein (pVHL) is the signature "truncal" event in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, which is the most common form of kidney cancer. pVHL is part of a ubiquitin ligase the targets the α subunit of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) transcription factor for destruction when oxygen is available. Preclinical studies strongly suggest that deregulation of HIF, and particularly HIF2, drives pVHL-defective renal carcinogenesis. Although HIF2α was classically considered undruggable, structural and chemical work by Rick Bruick and Kevin Gardner at University of Texas Southwestern laid the foundation for the development of small molecule direct HIF2α antagonists (PT2385 and the related tool compound PT2399) by Peloton Therapeutics that block the dimerization of HIF2α with its partner protein ARNT1. These compounds inhibit clear cell renal cell carcinoma growth in preclinical models, and PT2385 has now entered the clinic. Nonetheless, the availability of such compounds, together with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-based gene editing approaches, has revealed a previously unappreciated heterogeneity among clear cell renal carcinomas and patient-derived xenografts with respect to HIF2 dependence, suggesting that predictive biomarkers will be needed to optimize the use of such agents in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyejin Cho
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 022145
| | - William G Kaelin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 022145
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Sustained inhibition of cMET-VEGFR2 signaling using liposome-mediated delivery increases efficacy and reduces toxicity in kidney cancer. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2016; 12:1853-1861. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
34
|
Di Lorenzo G, De Placido S, Pagliuca M, Ferro M, Lucarelli G, Rossetti S, Bosso D, Puglia L, Pignataro P, Ascione I, De Cobelli O, Caraglia M, Aieta M, Terracciano D, Facchini G, Buonerba C, Sonpavde G. The evolving role of monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2016; 16:1387-1401. [PMID: 27463642 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2016.1216964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While the majority of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors currently used for the therapy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are small molecule agents inhibiting multiple targets, monoclonal antibodies are inhibitors of specific targets, which may decrease off-target effects while preserving on-target activity. A few monoclonal antibodies have already been approved for mRCC (bevacizumab, nivolumab), while many others may play an important role in the therapeutic scenario of mRCC. AREAS COVERED This review describes emerging monoclonal antibodies for treating RCC. Currently, bevacizumab, a VEGF monoclonal antibody, is approved in combination with interferon for the therapy of metastatic RCC, while nivolumab, a Programmed Death (PD)-1 inhibitor, is approved following prior VEGF inhibitor treatment. Other PD-1 and PD-ligand (L)-1 inhibitors are undergoing clinical development. EXPERT OPINION Combinations of inhibitors of the PD1/PD-L1 axis with VEGF inhibitors or cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)-4 inhibitors have shown promising efficacy in mRCC. The development of biomarkers predictive for benefit and rational tolerable combinations are both important pillars of research to improve outcomes in RCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Di Lorenzo
- a Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University Federico II of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Sabino De Placido
- a Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University Federico II of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Martina Pagliuca
- a Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University Federico II of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Matteo Ferro
- b Department of Urology , European Institute of Oncology (IEO) , Milan , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lucarelli
- c Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit , University of Bari , Bari , Italy
| | - Sabrina Rossetti
- d Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology , Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale' - IRCCS , Naples , Italy
| | - Davide Bosso
- a Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University Federico II of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Livio Puglia
- a Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University Federico II of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Piero Pignataro
- e Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche , University Federico II of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Ilaria Ascione
- a Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University Federico II of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Ottavio De Cobelli
- b Department of Urology , European Institute of Oncology (IEO) , Milan , Italy
| | - Michele Caraglia
- f Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology , Second University of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Michele Aieta
- g Department of Onco-Hematology, Division of Medical Oncology , Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata, IRCCS , Rionero in Vulture (PZ) , Italy
| | - Daniela Terracciano
- h Department of Translational Medical Sciences , University 'Federico II' , Naples , Italy
| | - Gaetano Facchini
- d Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology , Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale' - IRCCS , Naples , Italy
| | - Carlo Buonerba
- a Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University Federico II of Naples , Naples , Italy
| | - Guru Sonpavde
- i University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Comprehensive Cancer Center , Birmingham , AL , USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ciccarese C, Di Nunno V, Montironi R, Fiorentino M, Brunelli M, Tortora G, Ardizzoni A, Massari F. The role of precision medicine for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2016.1214057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ciccarese
- Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Nunno
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Montironi
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, School of Medicine, AOU Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Fiorentino
- Pathology Service, Addarii Institute of Oncology, S-Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostic, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata (AOUI), University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Ardizzoni
- Division of Oncology, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ciccarese C, Brunelli M, Montironi R, Fiorentino M, Iacovelli R, Heng D, Tortora G, Massari F. The prospect of precision therapy for renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Treat Rev 2016; 49:37-44. [PMID: 27453294 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic landscape of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has greatly expanded in the last decade. From being a malignancy orphan of effective therapies, kidney cancer has become today a tumor with several treatment options. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a metabolic disease, being characterized by the dysregulation of metabolic pathways involved in oxygen sensing (VHL/HIF pathway alterations and the subsequent up-regulation of HIF-responsive genes such as VEGF, PDGF, EGF, and glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT4, which justify the RCC reliance on aerobic glycolysis), energy sensing (fumarate hydratase-deficient, succinate dehydrogenase-deficient RCC, mutations of HGF/MET pathway resulting in the metabolic Warburg shift marked by RCC increased dependence on aerobic glycolysis and the pentose phosphate shunt, augmented lipogenesis, and reduced AMPK and Krebs cycle activity) and/or nutrient sensing cascade (deregulation of AMPK-TSC1/2-mTOR and PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathways). In this complex scenario it is important to find prognostic and predictive factors that can help in decision making in the treatment of mRCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ciccarese
- Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostic, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata (AOUI), University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Montironi
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, School of Medicine, AOU Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Fiorentino
- Pathology Service, Addarii Institute of Oncology, S-Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Iacovelli
- Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Daniel Heng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Xie Z, Lee YH, Boeke M, Jilaveanu LB, Liu Z, Bottaro DP, Kluger HM, Shuch B. MET Inhibition in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. J Cancer 2016; 7:1205-14. [PMID: 27390595 PMCID: PMC4934028 DOI: 10.7150/jca.14604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most lethal form of kidney cancer. Small molecule VEGFR inhibitors are widely used but are not curative and various resistance mechanisms such as activation of the MET pathway have been described. Dual MET/VEGFR2 inhibitors have recently shown clinical benefit but limited preclinical data evaluates their effects in ccRCC. Methods: An interrogation of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was performed to evaluate oncogenic alterations in the MET/VEGFR2 pathway. We evaluated the in vitro effects of Cabozantinib, a dual MET/VEGFR2 inhibitor, using a panel of ccRCC cell lines. Drug effects of cell viability and proliferation, migration, cell scatter, anchorage independent growth, and downstream MET/VEGFR2 signaling pathways were assessed. Results: Twelve percent of TCGA cases had possible MET/HGF oncogenic alterations with co-occurrence noted (p<0.001). MET/HGF altered cases had worse overall survival (p=0.044). Cabozantinib was a potent inhibitor of MET and VEGFR2 in vitro in our cell line panel. PI3K, MAPK and mTOR pathways were also suppressed by cabozantinib, however the effects on cell viability in vitro were modest. At nanomolar concentrations of cabozantinib, HGF-stimulated migration, invasion, cellular scattering and soft agar colony formation were inhibited. Conclusions: We provide further preclinical rationale for dual MET/VEGFR2 inhibition in ccRCC. While the MET pathway is implicated in VEGFR resistance, dual inhibitors may have direct anti-tumor effects in a patient subset with evidence of MET pathway involvement. Cabozantinib is a potent dual MET/VEGFR2 inhibitor, significantly inhibits cell migration and invasion in vitro and likely has anti-angiogenic effects similar to other VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Future work involving in vivo models will be useful to better define mechanisms of potential anti-tumor activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuoquan Xie
- 1. Department of Urology, Yale School of Medicine; 5. Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Young H Lee
- 2. Urologic Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute
| | - Marta Boeke
- 1. Department of Urology, Yale School of Medicine
| | - Lucia B Jilaveanu
- 3. Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine
| | - Zongzhi Liu
- 4. Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | | | - Harriet M Kluger
- 3. Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine
| | - Brian Shuch
- 1. Department of Urology, Yale School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
MET Expression in Primary and Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Implications of Correlative Biomarker Assessment to MET Pathway Inhibitors. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:192406. [PMID: 26448928 PMCID: PMC4584049 DOI: 10.1155/2015/192406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aims. Inhibitors of the MET pathway hold promise in the treatment for metastatic kidney cancer. Assessment of predictive biomarkers may be necessary for appropriate patient selection. Understanding MET expression in metastases and the correlation to the primary site is important, as distant tissue is not always available. Methods and Results. MET immunofluorescence was performed using automated quantitative analysis and a tissue microarray containing matched nephrectomy and distant metastatic sites from 34 patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Correlations between MET expressions in matched primary and metastatic sites and the extent of heterogeneity were calculated. The mean expression of MET was not significantly different between primary tumors when compared to metastases (P = 0.1). MET expression weakly correlated between primary and matched metastatic sites (R = 0.5) and a number of cases exhibited very high levels of discordance between these tumors. Heterogeneity within nephrectomy specimens compared to the paired metastatic tissues was not significantly different (P = 0.39). Conclusions. We found that MET expression is not significantly different in primary tumors than metastatic sites and only weakly correlates between matched sites. Moderate concordance of MET expression and significant expression heterogeneity may be a barrier to the development of predictive biomarkers using MET targeting agents.
Collapse
|
39
|
Schiefer AI, Mesteri I, Berghoff AS, Haitel A, Schmidinger M, Preusser M, Birner P. Evaluation of tyrosine kinase receptors in brain metastases of clear cell renal cell carcinoma reveals cMet as a negative prognostic factor. Histopathology 2015; 67:799-805. [PMID: 25847631 DOI: 10.1111/his.12709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Brain metastases (BMs) of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) are associated with a dismal prognosis, with limited treatment options. Tyrosine kinases are relevant 'druggable' biomarkers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tyrosine kinase receptors anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRA) and cMet in a large series of ccRCC BMs. METHODS AND RESULTS ALK, EGFR, PDGFRA and cMet protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in 53 ccRCCs BMs and 12 matched primary tumours. ALK and MET gene status and copy number alterations of chromosome 7 were studied with fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH). Data on the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) and Ki67 and microvessel density were available from previous studies. ALK was negative in all analysed specimens. EGFR was overexpressed in 41 of 51 (80.4%) BMs and in seven of eight primary tumours, PDGFRA was overexpressed in all BMs except one and in all primary tumours, and cMet was expressed in 26 of 50 (52%) BMs and in two of seven primary tumours, and did not correlate with MET amplification or polysomy 7. cMet was the only parameter associated with significantly shorter BM-specific survival (median 8 months versus 33 months, P = 0.005, Cox regression). CONCLUSIONS EGFR, PDGFRA and cMet are commonly overexpressed in ccRCC BMs. cMet overexpression correlates with significantly shorter BM-specific survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Iris Schiefer
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Anna S Berghoff
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Oncology & Comprehensive Cancer Centre Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Haitel
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuela Schmidinger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Oncology & Comprehensive Cancer Centre Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Preusser
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Oncology & Comprehensive Cancer Centre Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Birner
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Balan M, Mier y Teran E, Waaga-Gasser AM, Gasser M, Choueiri TK, Freeman G, Pal S. Novel roles of c-Met in the survival of renal cancer cells through the regulation of HO-1 and PD-L1 expression. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:8110-20. [PMID: 25645920 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.612689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met is overexpressed in renal cancer cells and can play major role in the growth and survival of tumor. We investigated how the c-Met-mediated signaling through binding to its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) can modulate the apoptosis and immune escape mechanism(s) of renal cancer cells by the regulations of novel molecules heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and programmed death-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1). We found that HGF/c-Met-mediated signaling activated the Ras/Raf pathway and down-regulated cancer cell apoptosis; and it was associated with the overexpression of cytoprotective HO-1 and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2/Bcl-xL. c-Met-induced HO-1 overexpression was regulated at the transcriptional level. Next, we observed that c-Met induction markedly up-regulated the expression of the negative co-stimulatory molecule PD-L1, and this can be prevented following treatment of the cells with pharmacological inhibitors of c-Met. Interestingly, HGF/c-Met-mediated signaling could not induce PD-L1 at the optimum level when either Ras or HO-1 was knocked down. To study the functional significance of c-Met-induced PD-L1 expression, we performed a co-culture assay using mouse splenocytes (expressing PD-L1 receptor PD-1) and murine renal cancer cells (RENCA, expressing high PD-L1). We observed that the splenocyte-mediated apoptosis of cancer cells during co-culture was markedly increased in the presence of either c-Met inhibitor or PD-L1 neutralizing antibody. Finally, we found that both c-Met and PD-L1 are significantly up-regulated and co-localized in human renal cancer tissues. Together, our study suggests a novel mechanism(s) by which c-Met can promote increased survival of renal cancer cells through the regulation of HO-1 and PD-L1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Murugabaskar Balan
- From the Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and
| | | | - Ana Maria Waaga-Gasser
- Department of Surgery, Molecular Oncology, and Immunology, University of Wurzburg, 97080 Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Gasser
- Department of Surgery, Molecular Oncology, and Immunology, University of Wurzburg, 97080 Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Toni K Choueiri
- Harvard Medical School, and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 and
| | - Gordon Freeman
- Harvard Medical School, and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 and
| | - Soumitro Pal
- From the Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
|
42
|
Emerging Agents in Renal Cell Carcinoma. KIDNEY CANCER 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-17903-2_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
43
|
Direct regulation of GAS6/AXL signaling by HIF promotes renal metastasis through SRC and MET. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:13373-8. [PMID: 25187556 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1404848111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the von Hippel-Lindau/hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF) signaling pathway promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) progression and metastasis. The protein kinase GAS6/AXL signaling pathway has recently been implicated as an essential mediator of metastasis and receptor tyrosine kinase crosstalk in cancer. Here we establish a molecular link between HIF stabilization and induction of AXL receptor expression in metastatic ccRCC. We found that HIF-1 and HIF-2 directly activate the expression of AXL by binding to the hypoxia-response element in the AXL proximal promoter. Importantly, genetic and therapeutic inactivation of AXL signaling in metastatic ccRCC cells reversed the invasive and metastatic phenotype in vivo. Furthermore, we define a pathway by which GAS6/AXL signaling uses lateral activation of the met proto-oncogene (MET) through SRC proto-oncogene nonreceptor tyrosine kinase to maximize cellular invasion. Clinically, AXL expression in primary tumors of ccRCC patients correlates with aggressive tumor behavior and patient lethality. These findings provide an alternative model for SRC and MET activation by growth arrest-specific 6 in ccRCC and identify AXL as a therapeutic target driving the aggressive phenotype in renal clear cell carcinoma.
Collapse
|
44
|
Smyth EC, Sclafani F, Cunningham D. Emerging molecular targets in oncology: clinical potential of MET/hepatocyte growth-factor inhibitors. Onco Targets Ther 2014; 7:1001-14. [PMID: 24959087 PMCID: PMC4061165 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s44941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The MET/hepatocyte growth-factor (HGF) signaling pathway plays a key role in the processes of embryogenesis, wound healing, and organ regeneration. Aberrant activation of MET/HGF occurs through multiple mechanisms including gene amplification, mutation, protein overexpression, and abnormal gene splicing interrupting autocrine and paracrine regulatory feedback mechanisms. In many cancers including non-small-cell lung cancer, colorectal, gastric, renal, and hepatocellular cancer, dysregulation of MET may lead to a more aggressive cancer phenotype and may be a negative prognostic indicator. Successful therapeutic targeting of the MET/HGF pathway has been achieved using monoclonal antibodies against the MET receptor and its ligand HGF in addition to MET-specific and multitargeted small-molecule tyrosine-kinase inhibitors with several drugs in late-phase clinical trials including onartuzumab, rilotumumab, tivantinib, and cabozantinib. MET frequently interacts with other key oncogenic tyrosine kinases including epidermal growth-factor receptor (EGFR) and HER-3 and these interactions may be responsible for resistance to anti-EGFR therapies. Similarly, resistance to MET inhibition may be mediated through EGFR activation, or alternatively by increasing levels of MET amplification or acquisition of novel "gatekeeper" mutations. In order to optimize development of effective inhibitors of the MET/HGF pathway clinical trials must be enriched for patients with demonstrable MET-pathway dysregulation for which robustly standardized and validated assays are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Smyth
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, UK
| | - Francesco Sclafani
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, UK
| | - David Cunningham
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
The product of a proto-oncogene, the c-Met protein is a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase. Its only known ligand, hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor, regulates cell growth, motility, migration, invasion, proliferation, and angiogenesis. Dysregulation of c-Met and hepatocyte growth factor have been observed in both clear cell and non-clear cell renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), although only papillary RCCs harbor activating mutations in the MET gene. In clear cell RCC, there is evidence of a direct link between loss of von Hippel-Lindau and up-regulation of c-Met. As in other cancers, high expression of c-Met correlates with worse outcomes in RCC. In vitro and in vivo preclinical RCC models demonstrate cancer control with small molecule and antibodies against c-Met. Given these findings, the c-Met pathway is a logical therapeutic target in RCC, and several agents are in clinical testing with early signs of efficacy.
Collapse
|
46
|
Kawamura K, Kawamura N, Okamoto N, Manabe M. Suppression of choriocarcinoma invasion and metastasis following blockade of BDNF/TrkB signaling. Cancer Med 2013; 2:849-61. [PMID: 24403258 PMCID: PMC3892389 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) acts through its cognate receptor tyrosine kinase-B (TrkB) to regulate diverse physiological functions in reproductive and other tissues. In normal and malignant trophoblastic cells, the BDNF/TrkB signaling promotes cell growth. Due to the highly malignant nature of choriocarcinoma, we investigated possible involvement of this system in choriocarcinoma cell invasion and metastasis. We demonstrated that treatment of cultured choriocarcinoma cells, known to express both BDNF and TrkB, with a soluble TrkB ectodomain or a Trk receptor inhibitor K252a suppressed cell invasion accompanied with decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2, a cell invasion marker. In vivo studies using a tumor xenograft model in athymic nude mice further showed inhibition of cell invasion from tumors to surrounding tissues following the suppression of endogenous TrkB signaling. For an in vivo model of choriocarcinoma metastasis, we performed intravenous injections of JAR cells expressing firefly luciferase into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. Treatment with K252a inhibited metastasis of tumors to distant organs. In vivo K252a treatment also suppressed metastatic tumor growth as reflected by decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis and caspases-3/7 activities, together with reduced tissue levels of a tumor marker, human chorionic gonadotropin-β. In vivo suppression of TrkB signaling also led to decreased expression of angiogenic markers in metastatic tumor, including cluster of differentiation 31 and vascular endothelial growth factor A. Our findings suggested essential autocrine/paracrine roles of the BDNF/TrkB signaling system in choriocarcinoma invasion and metastasis. Inhibition of this signaling could serve as the basis to develop a novel therapy for patients with choriocarcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Kawamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Gibney GT, Aziz SA, Camp RL, Conrad P, Schwartz BE, Chen CR, Kelly WK, Kluger HM. c-Met is a prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Ann Oncol 2013; 24:343-349. [PMID: 23022995 PMCID: PMC3551486 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mds463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2012] [Revised: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of the c-Met pathway occurs in a range of malignancies, including papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Its activity in clear cell RCC is less clear. We investigated c-Met expression and inhibition in a large cohort of RCC tumors and cell lines. METHODS c-Met protein expression was determined by automated quantitative analysis (AQUA) on a tissue microarray (TMA) constructed from 330 RCC tumors paired with adjacent normal renal tissue. c-Met expression and selective inhibition with SU11274 and ARQ 197 were studied in clear cell RCC cell lines. RESULTS Higher c-Met expression was detected in all RCC subtypes than in the adjacent normal renal tissue (P < 0.0001). Expression was highest in papillary and sarcomatoid subtypes, and high-grade and stage tumors. Higher c-Met expression correlated with worse disease-specific survival [risk ratio = 1.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-1.74; P = 0.0091] and was an independent predictor of survival, maintained in clear cell subset analyses. c-Met protein was activated in all cell lines, and proliferation (and colony formation) was blocked by SU11274 and ARQ 197. CONCLUSIONS c-Met is associated with poor pathologic features and prognosis in RCC. c-Met inhibition demonstrates in vitro activity against clear cell RCC. Further study of ARQ 197 with appropriate biomarker studies in RCC is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G T Gibney
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa.
| | - S A Aziz
- Section of Medical Oncology, Yale Cancer Center
| | - R L Camp
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven
| | - P Conrad
- Section of Medical Oncology, Yale Cancer Center
| | | | - C R Chen
- Clinical Development, ArQule, Inc., Woburn
| | - W K Kelly
- Departments of Medical Oncology and Urology, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - H M Kluger
- Section of Medical Oncology, Yale Cancer Center
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Kawamura K, Kawamura N, Kawagoe Y, Kumagai J, Fujimoto T, Terada Y. Suppression of hydatidiform molar growth by inhibiting endogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase B signaling. Endocrinology 2012; 153:3972-81. [PMID: 22719055 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) receptor signaling promotes trophoblast growth in normal and abnormal pregnancy. It also regulates the growth of malignant trophoblastic, choriocarcinoma cells. However, possible involvement of this signaling system in hydatidiform mole, another major gestational trophoblastic disease, has not been determined. Here, we found the expression of BDNF in syncytiotrophoblasts and its receptor, TrkB, in cytotrophoblasts of hydatidiform mole using real-time RT-PCR and immunoassays. In molar explant cultures, treatment with soluble TrkB ectodomain or a Trk receptor inhibitor K252a inhibited trophoblast outgrowth as well as decreased cytotrophoblast proliferation and cellular viability based on histopathological analyses and glucose metabolism monitoring. These inhibitors also increased apoptosis and caspase-3/7 activities. In an in vivo model of hydatidiform molar growth based on xenotransplantation of molar tissues into kidney capsules of SCID mice, treatment with K252a suppressed molar growth as reflected by decreased trophoblast proliferation and their invasion into mouse kidney, reduced tissue levels of chorionic gonadotropin-β, and increased apoptosis. Based on PCR array analyses to identify changes in expression profiles of cell cycle- and apoptosis-related genes in cultured molar explants, suppression of endogenous TrkB signaling led to decreases in key cell cycle-stimulatory and checkpoint genes together with the down-regulation of different antiapoptotic genes. Our findings demonstrate the importance of paracrine signaling by the BDNF/TrkB system in the proliferation and survival of molar trophoblasts. Inhibition of BDNF/TrkB signaling could provide a novel medical treatment for hydatidiform mole.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Kawamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita 010-8543, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Makino K, Kawamura K, Sato W, Kawamura N, Fujimoto T, Terada Y. Inhibition of uterine sarcoma cell growth through suppression of endogenous tyrosine kinase B signaling. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41049. [PMID: 22911740 PMCID: PMC3402458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma is an aggressive tumor typically found at advanced stages due to difficulties with early diagnosis. Because uterine leiomyosarcoma is resistant to conventional radiation and chemotherapy, the development of more potent medical therapeutics is anticipated. Using quantitative real-time RT-PCR and immunostaining, we found the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotropin-4/5, together with their receptor, tyrosine kinase B (TrkB), in different uterine sarcoma cell lines and primary tumor samples from uterine leiomyosarcoma patients. We noted that levels of BDNF were more abundant than those of neurotropin-4/5. Moreover, the expression of TrkB and its ligands was elevated in a multidrug-resistant cell line and samples obtained from patients with leiomyosarcoma. In cultured uterine sarcoma cells, inhibition of endogenous TrkB signaling by treatment with either the soluble TrkB ectodomain or the Trk receptor inhibitor, K252a, suppressed cell proliferation and increased apoptosis based on cell viability and proliferation, in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated 2′-deoxyuridine 5′-triphosphate nick end-labeling and caspase-3/7 assays, whereas an inactive plasma membrane nonpermeable K252b was ineffective. Correspondingly, treatment with exogenous BDNF increased cell proliferation. In in vivo studies in athymic nude mice bearing multidrug-resistant uterine sarcoma cell tumors, we demonstrate suppression of tumor growth by treatment with K252a, but not K252b, as reflected by decreased cell proliferation and increased levels of apoptosis and caspase-3/7 activities without obvious side effects. Our findings indicated that endogenous signaling of the TrkB pathway contributed to uterine sarcoma cell growth, and inhibition of TrkB signaling in these tumors could provide a novel medical therapy for patients with uterine sarcomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Makino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kawamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Wataru Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Nanami Kawamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
- Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Akita University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Toshio Fujimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Terada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Shen C, Kaelin WG. The VHL/HIF axis in clear cell renal carcinoma. Semin Cancer Biol 2012; 23:18-25. [PMID: 22705278 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2012.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 284] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Inactivation of the VHL tumor suppressor protein (pVHL) is a common event in clear cell renal carcinoma, which is the most common form of kidney cancer. pVHL performs many functions, including serving as the substrate recognition module of an ubiquitin ligase complex that targets the alpha subunits of the heterodimeric HIF transcription factor for proteasomal degradation. Deregulation of HIF2α appears to be a driving force in pVHL-defective clear cell renal carcinomas. In contrast, genetic and functional studies suggest that HIF1α serves as a tumor suppressor and is a likely target of the 14q deletions that are characteristic of this tumor type. Drugs that inhibit HIF2α, or its downstream targets such as VEGF, are in various stages of clinical testing. Indeed, clear cell renal carcinomas are exquisitely sensitive to VEGF deprivation and four VEGF inhibitors have now been approved for the treatment of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Shen
- Howard Hughes Medical Insititute, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|