1
|
Han L, Xiang X, Fu Y, Wei S, Zhang C, Li L, Liu Y, Lv H, Shan B, Zhao L. Periplcymarin targets glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Implication in anti-cancer therapy. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155539. [PMID: 38522311 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the predominant histological subtype of esophageal cancer (EC) in China, and demonstrates varying levels of resistance to multiple chemotherapeutic agents. Our previous studies have proved that periplocin (CPP), derived from the extract of cortex periplocae, exhibiting the capacity to hinder proliferation and induce apoptosis in ESCC cells. Several studies have identified additional anti-cancer constituents in the extract of cortex periplocae, named periplcymarin (PPM), sharing similar compound structure with CPP. Nevertheless, the inhibitory effects of PPM on ESCC and their underlying mechanisms remain to be further elucidated. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate function of PPM inhibiting the growth of ESCC in vivo and in vitro and to explore its underlying mechanism, providing the potential anti-tumor drug for ESCC. METHODS Initially, a comparative analysis was conducted on the inhibitory activity of three naturally compounds obtained from the extract of cortex periplocae on ESCC cells. Among these compounds, PPM was chosen for subsequent investigation owing to its comparatively structure and anti-tumor activity simultaneously. Subsequently, a series of biological functional experiments were carried out to assess the impact of PPM on the proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of ESCC cells in vitro. In order to elucidate the molecular mechanism of PPM, various methodologies were employed, including bioinformatics analyses and mechanistic experiments such as high-performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), cell glycolysis pressure and mitochondrial pressure test. Additionally, the anti-tumor effects of PPM on ESCC cells and potential toxic side effects were evaluated in vivo using the nude mice xenograft assay. RESULTS Our study revealed that PPM possesses the ability to impede the proliferation of ESCC cells, induce apoptosis, and arrest the cell cycle of ESCC cells in the G2/M phase in vitro. Mechanistically, PPM exerted its effects by modulating glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), as confirmed by glycolysis pressure and mitochondrial pressure tests. Moreover, rescue assays demonstrated that PPM inhibits glycolysis and OXPHOS in ESCC cells through the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. Additionally, we substantiated that PPM effectively suppresses the growth of ESCC cells in vivo, with only modest potential toxic side effects. CONCLUSION Our study provides novel evidence that PPM has the potential to simultaneously target glycolysis and mitochondrial OXPHOS in ESCC cells. This finding highlights the need for further investigation into PPM as a promising therapeutic agent that targets the tumor glucose metabolism pathway in ESCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lujuan Han
- Research Center, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12, Shijiazhuang, 050011, PR China; Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, Zhongshan Road 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, PR China
| | - Xiaohan Xiang
- Research Center, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12, Shijiazhuang, 050011, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Gene Diagnosis, Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Oncology Research Center, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050011, PR China
| | - Yuhui Fu
- Research Center, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12, Shijiazhuang, 050011, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Gene Diagnosis, Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Oncology Research Center, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050011, PR China
| | - Sisi Wei
- Research Center, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12, Shijiazhuang, 050011, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Gene Diagnosis, Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Oncology Research Center, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050011, PR China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Research Center, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12, Shijiazhuang, 050011, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Gene Diagnosis, Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Oncology Research Center, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050011, PR China
| | - Lei Li
- Research Center, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12, Shijiazhuang, 050011, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Gene Diagnosis, Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Oncology Research Center, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050011, PR China
| | - Yueping Liu
- Department of Pathology, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12, Shijiazhuang, 050011, PR China
| | - Huilai Lv
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12, Shijiazhuang, 050011, PR China
| | - Baoen Shan
- Research Center, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12, Shijiazhuang, 050011, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Gene Diagnosis, Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Oncology Research Center, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050011, PR China.
| | - Lianmei Zhao
- Research Center, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12, Shijiazhuang, 050011, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Gene Diagnosis, Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Oncology Research Center, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050011, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li S, Juengpanich S, Topatana W, Xie T, Hou L, Zhu Y, Chen J, Shan Y, Han Y, Lu Z, Chen T, Topatana C, Zhang B, Cao J, Hu J, Yan J, Chen Y, Gu Z, Yu J, Cai X, Chen M. Adavosertib-encapsulated metal-organic frameworks for p53-mutated gallbladder cancer treatment via synthetic lethality. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2024; 69:1286-1301. [PMID: 38519399 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.02.039] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Adavosertib (ADA) is a WEE1 inhibitor that exhibits a synthetic lethal effect on p53-mutated gallbladder cancer (GBC). However, drug resistance due to DNA damage response compensation pathways and high toxicity limits further applications. Herein, estrone-targeted ADA-encapsulated metal-organic frameworks (ADA@MOF-EPL) for GBC synthetic lethal treatment by inducing conditional factors are developed. The high expression of estrogen receptors in GBC enables ADA@MOF-EPL to quickly enter and accumulate near the cell nucleus through estrone-mediated endocytosis and release ADA to inhibit WEE1 upon entering the acidic tumor microenvironment. Ultrasound irradiation induces ADA@MOF-EPL to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which leads to a further increase in DNA damage, resulting in a higher sensitivity of p53-mutated cancer cells to WEE1 inhibitor and promoting cell death via conditional synthetic lethality. The conditional factor induced by ADA@MOF-EPL further enhances the antitumor efficacy while significantly reducing systemic toxicity. Moreover, ADA@MOF-EPL demonstrates similar antitumor abilities in other p53-mutated solid tumors, revealing its potential as a broad-spectrum antitumor drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Li
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Sarun Juengpanich
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Win Topatana
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Tianao Xie
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lidan Hou
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Yiyuan Zhu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiadong Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Yukai Shan
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Yina Han
- Department of Pathology, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Ziyi Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Tianen Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Charlie Topatana
- International College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Jiasheng Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Jiahao Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Jiafei Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Yingxin Chen
- Institute of Advanced Magnetic Materials and International Research Center for EM Metamaterials, College of Materials & Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Zhen Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Advanced Drug Delivery Systems, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua 321299, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jicheng Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Advanced Drug Delivery Systems, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua 321299, China.
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China.
| | - Mingyu Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Muniz IDAF, Araujo M, Bouassaly J, Farshadi F, Atique M, Esfahani K, Bonan PRF, Hier M, Mascarella M, Mlynarek A, Alaoui-Jamali M, da Silva SD. Therapeutic Advances and Challenges for the Management of HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4009. [PMID: 38612819 PMCID: PMC11012756 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of conventional chemotherapy in conjunction with targeted and immunotherapy drugs has emerged as an option to limit the severity of side effects in patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer (HNC), particularly oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). OPC prevalence has increased exponentially in the past 30 years due to the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This study reports a comprehensive review of clinical trials registered in public databases and reported in the literature (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and ISI web of science databases). Of the 55 clinical trials identified, the majority (83.3%) were conducted after 2015, of which 77.7% were performed in the United States alone. Eight drugs have been approved by the FDA for HNC, including both generic and commercial forms: bleomycin sulfate, cetuximab (Erbitux), docetaxel (Taxotere), hydroxyurea (Hydrea), pembrolizumab (Keytruda), loqtorzi (Toripalimab-tpzi), methotrexate sodium (Trexall), and nivolumab (Opdivo). The most common drugs to treat HPV-associated OPC under these clinical trials and implemented as well for HPV-negative HNC include cisplatin, nivolumab, cetuximab, paclitaxel, pembrolizumab, 5-fluorouracil, and docetaxel. Few studies have highlighted the necessity for new drugs specifically tailored to patients with HPV-associated OPC, where molecular mechanisms and clinical prognosis are distinct from HPV-negative tumors. In this context, we identified most mutated genes found in HPV-associated OPC that can represent potential targets for drug development. These include TP53, PIK3CA, PTEN, NOTCH1, RB1, FAT1, FBXW7, HRAS, KRAS, and CDKN2A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isis de Araújo Ferreira Muniz
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC HC3 1E2, Canada; (I.d.A.F.M.); (F.F.); (M.A.); (P.R.F.B.); (M.H.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (M.A.-J.)
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Megan Araujo
- Division of Experimental Medicine and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC HC3 1E2, Canada; (M.A.); (J.B.)
| | - Jenna Bouassaly
- Division of Experimental Medicine and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC HC3 1E2, Canada; (M.A.); (J.B.)
| | - Fatemeh Farshadi
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC HC3 1E2, Canada; (I.d.A.F.M.); (F.F.); (M.A.); (P.R.F.B.); (M.H.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (M.A.-J.)
- Division of Experimental Medicine and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC HC3 1E2, Canada; (M.A.); (J.B.)
| | - Mai Atique
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC HC3 1E2, Canada; (I.d.A.F.M.); (F.F.); (M.A.); (P.R.F.B.); (M.H.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (M.A.-J.)
| | - Khashayar Esfahani
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC HC3 1E2, Canada;
| | - Paulo Rogerio Ferreti Bonan
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC HC3 1E2, Canada; (I.d.A.F.M.); (F.F.); (M.A.); (P.R.F.B.); (M.H.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (M.A.-J.)
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Michael Hier
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC HC3 1E2, Canada; (I.d.A.F.M.); (F.F.); (M.A.); (P.R.F.B.); (M.H.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (M.A.-J.)
| | - Marco Mascarella
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC HC3 1E2, Canada; (I.d.A.F.M.); (F.F.); (M.A.); (P.R.F.B.); (M.H.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (M.A.-J.)
| | - Alex Mlynarek
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC HC3 1E2, Canada; (I.d.A.F.M.); (F.F.); (M.A.); (P.R.F.B.); (M.H.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (M.A.-J.)
| | - Moulay Alaoui-Jamali
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC HC3 1E2, Canada; (I.d.A.F.M.); (F.F.); (M.A.); (P.R.F.B.); (M.H.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (M.A.-J.)
| | - Sabrina Daniela da Silva
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC HC3 1E2, Canada; (I.d.A.F.M.); (F.F.); (M.A.); (P.R.F.B.); (M.H.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (M.A.-J.)
- Division of Experimental Medicine and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC HC3 1E2, Canada; (M.A.); (J.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kondo S, Katsuya Y, Yonemori K, Komuro K, Sugeno M, Kawata T, Ghiorghiu D, Meulendijks D, Yamamoto N. Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of adavosertib in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors: A phase I, open-label study. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2024; 39:100809. [PMID: 38593512 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2024.100809] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to assess the safety, pharmacokinetic profile, and antitumor activity of adavosertib monotherapy in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a single-center, open-label, phase I study with two consecutive cohorts (250 mg and 200 mg cohorts). Patients received adavosertib at 250 mg or 200 mg, orally once daily for 5 days on and 2 days off for Weeks 1 and 2 of a 21-day cycle. RESULTS Dose-limiting toxicities (Grade 3 febrile neutropenia) occurred in 2/6 patients in the 250 mg cohort. None of the three patients in the 200 mg cohort developed dose-limiting toxicities. The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse event was nausea (250 mg: 83.3 %; 200 mg: 100.0 %). Median time to peak drug concentration was 4.03 and 2.08 h after the first dose and 2.82 and 1.90 h after multiple dosing in the 250 and 200 mg cohorts, respectively; respective mean terminal elimination half-lives were 7.36 and 7.30 h (first dose) and 10.55 and 8.88 h (multiple dosing). Systemic exposure increased in a slightly more than dose-proportional manner. No RECIST v1.1 response was observed. Disease control rate was 0 % and 33.3 % in the 250 and 200 mg cohorts, respectively. One patient (33.3 %) in the 200 mg cohort showed a best overall response of stable disease at ≥ 8 weeks; the rest showed progressive disease. CONCLUSIONS Adavosertib 200 mg once daily was well tolerated in this patient population and no safety concerns were raised. Exposure increased in a slightly more than dose-proportional manner and limited antitumor activity was shown. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04462952.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Kondo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan.
| | - Yuki Katsuya
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Kan Yonemori
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Keiko Komuro
- Research and Development, AstraZeneca K.K., 3-1-1, Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0023, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Sugeno
- Research and Development, AstraZeneca K.K., 3-1, Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
| | - Toshio Kawata
- Research and Development, AstraZeneca K.K., 3-1, Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
| | - Dana Ghiorghiu
- Late Development Oncology, AstraZeneca, City House, 132 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 1RY, UK
| | - Didier Meulendijks
- Late Development Oncology, AstraZeneca, City House, 132 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 1RY, UK
| | - Noboru Yamamoto
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alam W, Tayara H, Chong KT. Unlocking the therapeutic potential of drug combinations through synergy prediction using graph transformer networks. Comput Biol Med 2024; 170:108007. [PMID: 38242015 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108007] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Drug combinations are frequently used to treat cancer to reduce side effects and increase efficacy. The experimental discovery of drug combination synergy is time-consuming and expensive for large datasets. Therefore, an efficient and reliable computational approach is required to investigate these drug combinations. Advancements in deep learning can handle large datasets with various biological problems. In this study, we developed a SynergyGTN model based on the Graph Transformer Network to predict the synergistic drug combinations against an untreated cancer cell line expression profile. We represent the drug via a graph, with each node and edge of the graph containing nine types of atomic feature vectors and four bonds features, respectively. The cell lines represent based on their gene expression profiles. The drug graph was passed through the GTN layers to extract a generalized feature map for each drug pairs. The drug pair extracted features and cell-line gene expression profiles were concatenated and subsequently subjected to processing through multiple densely connected layers. SynergyGTN outperformed the state-of-the-art methods, with a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve improvement of 5% on the 5-fold cross-validation. The accuracy of SynergyGTN was further verified through three types of cross-validation tests strategies namely leave-drug-out, leave-combination-out, and leave-tissue-out, resulting in improvement in accuracy of 8%, 1%, and 2%, respectively. The Astrazeneca Dream dataset was utilized as an independent dataset to validate and assess the generalizability of the proposed method, resulting in an improvement in balanced accuracy of 13%. In conclusion, SynergyGTN is a reliable and efficient computational approach for predicting drug combination synergy in cancer treatment. Finally, we developed a web server tool to facilitate the pharmaceutical industry and researchers, as available at: http://nsclbio.jbnu.ac.kr/tools/SynergyGTN/.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Waleed Alam
- Department of Electronics and Information Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, South Korea
| | - Hilal Tayara
- School of International Engineering and Science, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, South Korea.
| | - Kil To Chong
- Department of Electronics and Information Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, South Korea; Advanced Electronics and Information Research Center, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Khamidullina AI, Abramenko YE, Bruter AV, Tatarskiy VV. Key Proteins of Replication Stress Response and Cell Cycle Control as Cancer Therapy Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1263. [PMID: 38279263 PMCID: PMC10816012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Replication stress (RS) is a characteristic state of cancer cells as they tend to exchange precision of replication for fast proliferation and increased genomic instability. To overcome the consequences of improper replication control, malignant cells frequently inactivate parts of their DNA damage response (DDR) pathways (the ATM-CHK2-p53 pathway), while relying on other pathways which help to maintain replication fork stability (ATR-CHK1). This creates a dependency on the remaining DDR pathways, vulnerability to further destabilization of replication and synthetic lethality of DDR inhibitors with common oncogenic alterations such as mutations of TP53, RB1, ATM, amplifications of MYC, CCNE1 and others. The response to RS is normally limited by coordination of cell cycle, transcription and replication. Inhibition of WEE1 and PKMYT1 kinases, which prevent unscheduled mitosis entry, leads to fragility of under-replicated sites. Recent evidence also shows that inhibition of Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), such as CDK4/6, CDK2, CDK8/19 and CDK12/13 can contribute to RS through disruption of DNA repair and replication control. Here, we review the main causes of RS in cancers as well as main therapeutic targets-ATR, CHK1, PARP and their inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alvina I. Khamidullina
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncobiology, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (Y.E.A.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yaroslav E. Abramenko
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncobiology, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (Y.E.A.)
| | - Alexandra V. Bruter
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor V. Tatarskiy
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncobiology, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (Y.E.A.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang Z, Li W, Li F, Xiao R. An update of predictive biomarkers related to WEE1 inhibition in cancer therapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:13. [PMID: 38231277 PMCID: PMC10794259 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05527-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE WEE1 is a crucial kinase involved in the regulation of G2/M checkpoint within the cell cycle. This article aims to comprehensively review the existing knowledge on the implication of WEE1 as a therapeutic target in tumor progression and drug resistance. Furthermore, we summarize the current predictive biomarkers employed to treat cancer with WEE1 inhibitors. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted to analyze the association between WEE1 inhibition and cancer progression, including tumor advancement and drug resistance. Special attention was paid to the identification and utilization of predictive biomarkers related to therapeutic response to WEE1 inhibitors. RESULTS The review highlights the intricate involvement of WEE1 in tumor progression and drug resistance. It synthesizes the current knowledge on predictive biomarkers employed in WEE1 inhibitor treatments, offering insights into their prognostic significance. Notably, the article elucidates the potential for precision medicine by understanding these biomarkers in the context of tumor treatment outcomes. CONCLUSION WEE1 plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and is a promising therapeutic target. Distinguishing patients that would benefit from WEE1 inhibition will be a major direction of future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zizhuo Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenting Li
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuxia Li
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Rourou Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang Y, Wang C, Liu T, Qi H, Chen S, Cai X, Zhang M, Aliper A, Ren F, Ding X, Zhavoronkov A. Discovery of Tetrahydropyrazolopyrazine Derivatives as Potent and Selective MYT1 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Cancer. J Med Chem 2024; 67:420-432. [PMID: 38146659 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Breast and gynecological cancers are among the leading causes of death in women worldwide, illustrating the urgent need for innovative treatment options. We identified MYT1 as a promising new therapeutic target for breast and gynecological cancer using PandaOmics, an AI-driven target discovery platform. The synthetic lethal relationship of MYT1 in tumor cell lines with CCNE1 amplification enhanced this rationale. Through structure-based drug design, we developed a series of novel, potent, and highly selective inhibitors specifically targeting MYT1. Importantly, our lead compound, featuring a tetrahydropyrazolopyrazine ring, exhibits remarkable selectivity over WEE1, a related kinase associated with bone marrow suppression upon inhibition. Optimization of potency and physical properties resulted in the discovery of compound 21, a novel MYT1 inhibitor, exhibiting optimal pharmacokinetic properties and promising in vivo antitumor efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yazhou Wang
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongyun Qi
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shan Chen
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xin Cai
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Man Zhang
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Alex Aliper
- Insilico Medicine AI Limited, Masdar City 145748, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Feng Ren
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiao Ding
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
- Insilico Medicine AI Limited, Masdar City 145748, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Renavikar PS, Auen TJ, Wagner DG, Lele SM. Mucin-producing urothelial-type adenocarcinoma of the prostate with sarcomatoid features and novel molecular phenotype. IJU Case Rep 2024; 7:77-82. [PMID: 38173453 PMCID: PMC10758892 DOI: 10.1002/iju5.12672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mucin-producing urothelial-type adenocarcinoma of the prostate is a rare tumor that may not elevate serum prostate-specific antigen, creating significant diagnostic and monitoring challenges. We evaluate our case in detail and review prior studies to demonstrate that the pathologic and molecular features of this tumor are distinct from conventional prostate adenocarcinoma. Case presentation Our patient had a remote history of radiation-treated conventional prostate adenocarcinoma and presented many years later with an abscess-like prostate mass leading to urinary obstruction and hematuria. Biopsy revealed mucin-producing urothelial-type adenocarcinoma of the prostate with concurrent sarcomatoid features. Molecular studies showed a unique phenotype involving alterations in the KRAS, PTEN, RAD21, and TP53 genes. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report that describes sarcomatoid features and molecular mutations in mucin-producing urothelial-type adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pranav S Renavikar
- Department of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Thomas J Auen
- Department of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - David G Wagner
- Department of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Subodh M Lele
- Department of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang C, Peng K, Liu Q, Huang Q, Liu T. Adavosertib and beyond: Biomarkers, drug combination and toxicity of WEE1 inhibitors. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 193:104233. [PMID: 38103761 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104233] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
WEE1 kinase is renowned as an S-G2 checkpoint inhibitor activated by ATR-CHK1 in response to replication stress. WEE1 inhibition enhances replication stress and effectively circumvents checkpoints into mitosis, which triggers significant genetic impairs and culminates in cell death. This approach has been validated clinically for its promising anti-tumor efficacy across various cancer types, notably in cases of ovarian cancers. Nonetheless, the initial stage of clinical trials has shown that the first-in-human WEE1 inhibitor adavosertib is limited by dose-limiting adverse events. As a result, recent efforts have been made to explore predictive biomarkers and smart combination schedules to alleviate adverse effects. In this review, we focused on the exploration of therapeutic biomarkers, as well as schedules of combination utilizing WEE1 inhibitors and canonical anticancer drugs, according to the latest preclinical and clinical studies, indicating that the optimal application of WEE1 inhibitors will likely be as part of dose-reducing combination and be tailored to specific patient populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Peng
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qihong Huang
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tianshu Liu
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Siak PY, Heng WS, Teoh SSH, Lwin YY, Cheah SC. Precision medicine in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: comprehensive review of past, present, and future prospect. J Transl Med 2023; 21:786. [PMID: 37932756 PMCID: PMC10629096 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04673-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an aggressive malignancy with high propensity for lymphatic spread and distant metastasis. It is prominent as an endemic malignancy in Southern China and Southeast Asia regions. Studies on NPC pathogenesis mechanism in the past decades such as through Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection and oncogenic molecular aberrations have explored several potential targets for therapy and diagnosis. The EBV infection introduces oncoviral proteins that consequently hyperactivate many promitotic pathways and block cell-death inducers. EBV infection is so prevalent in NPC patients such that EBV serological tests were used to diagnose and screen NPC patients. On the other hand, as the downstream effectors of oncogenic mechanisms, the promitotic pathways can potentially be exploited therapeutically. With the apparent heterogeneity and distinct molecular aberrations of NPC tumor, the focus has turned into a more personalized treatment in NPC. Herein in this comprehensive review, we depict the current status of screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in NPC. Subsequently, based on the limitations on those aspects, we look at their potential improvements in moving towards the path of precision medicine. The importance of recent advances on the key molecular aberration involved in pathogenesis of NPC for precision medicine progression has also been reported in the present review. Besides, the challenge and future outlook of NPC management will also be highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pui Yan Siak
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Bandar Springhill, 71010, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Win Sen Heng
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Bandar Springhill, 71010, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Sharon Siew Hoon Teoh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Bandar Springhill, 71010, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Yu Yu Lwin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Medicine, Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - Shiau-Chuen Cheah
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Bandar Springhill, 71010, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hsieh CY, Lin CC, Chang WC. Taxanes in the Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2887. [PMID: 38001888 PMCID: PMC10669519 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Taxanes, particularly docetaxel (DTX), has been widely used for combination therapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). For locally advanced unresectable HNSCC, DTX combined with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil as a revolutionary treatment revealed an advantage in the improvement of patient outcome. In addition, DTX plus immune check inhibitors (ICIs) showed low toxicity and an increased response of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC (R/M HNSCC). Accumulated data indicate that taxanes not only function as antimitotics but also impair diverse oncogenic signalings, including angiogenesis, inflammatory response, ROS production, and apoptosis induction. However, despite an initial response, the development of resistance remains a major obstacle to treatment response. Taxane resistance could result from intrinsic mechanisms, such as enhanced DNA/RNA damage repair, increased drug efflux, and apoptosis inhibition, and extrinsic effects, such as angiogenesis and interactions between tumor cells and immune cells. This review provides an overview of taxanes therapy applied in different stages of HNSCC and describe the mechanisms of taxane resistance in HNSCC. Through a detailed understanding, the mechanisms of resistance may help in developing the potential therapeutic methods and the effective combination strategies to overcome drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Yun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
| | - Ching-Chan Lin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
| | - Wei-Chao Chang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Li M, Sun D, Song N, Chen X, Zhang X, Zheng W, Yu Y, Han C. Mutant p53 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Molecular mechanism of gain‑of‑function and targeting therapy (Review). Oncol Rep 2023; 50:162. [PMID: 37449494 PMCID: PMC10394732 DOI: 10.3892/or.2023.8599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most widespread malignancies worldwide. p53, as a transcription factor, can play its role in tumor suppression by activating the expression of numerous target genes. However, p53 is one of the most commonly mutated genes, which frequently harbors missense mutations. These missense mutations are nucleotide substitutions that result in the substitution of an amino acid in the DNA binding domain. Most p53 mutations in HNSCC are missense mutations and the mutation rate of p53 reaches 65‑85%. p53 mutation not only inhibits the tumor suppressive function of p53 but also provides novel functions to facilitate tumor recurrence, called gain‑of‑function (GOF). The present study focused on the prevalence and clinical relevance of p53 mutations in HNSCC, and further described how mutant p53 accumulates. Moreover, mutant p53 in HNSCC can interact with proteins, RNA, and exosomes to exert effects on proliferation, migration, invasion, immunosuppression, and metabolism. Finally, several treatment strategies have been proposed to abolish the tumor‑promoting function of mutant p53; these strategies include reactivation of mutant p53 into wild‑type p53, induction of mutant p53 degradation, enhancement of the synthetic lethality of mutant p53, and treatment with immunotherapy. Due to the high frequency of p53 mutations in HNSCC, a further understanding of the mechanism of mutant p53 may provide potential applications for targeted therapy in patients with HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minmin Li
- School of Stomatology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Dongyuan Sun
- School of Stomatology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
- Department of Dentistry, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Ning Song
- School of Stomatology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Xi Chen
- School of Stomatology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- School of Stomatology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Wentian Zheng
- School of Stomatology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yu
- School of Stomatology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
- Department of Dentistry, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Chengbing Han
- Department of Stomatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yu X, Zhu L, Wang T, Li L, Liu J, Che G, Zhou Q. Enhancing the anti-tumor response by combining DNA damage repair inhibitors in the treatment of solid tumors. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188910. [PMID: 37172653 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188910] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The anti-cancer efficacy of anti-malignancy therapies is related to DNA damage. However, DNA damage-response mechanisms can repair DNA damage, failing anti-tumor therapy. The resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy remains a clinical challenge. Thus, new strategies to overcome these therapeutic resistance mechanisms are needed. DNA damage repair inhibitors (DDRis) continue to be investigated, with polyadenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase inhibitors being the most studied inhibitors. Evidence of their clinical benefits and therapeutic potential in preclinical studies is growing. In addition to their potential as a monotherapy, DDRis may play an important synergistic role with other anti-cancer therapies or in reversing acquired treatment resistance. Here we review the impact of DDRis on solid tumors and the potential value of combinations of different treatment modalities with DDRis for solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianzhe Yu
- Lung Cancer Institute/Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Chengdu Second People's Hospital, No. 10 Qinyun Nan Street, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingling Zhu
- Lung Cancer Institute/Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Wang
- Lung Cancer Institute/Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Li
- Lung Cancer Institute/Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiewei Liu
- Lung Cancer Institute/Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guowei Che
- Lung Cancer Institute/Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Lung Cancer Institute/Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Silva JPN, Pinto B, Monteiro L, Silva PMA, Bousbaa H. Combination Therapy as a Promising Way to Fight Oral Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1653. [PMID: 37376101 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer is a highly aggressive tumor with invasive properties that can lead to metastasis and high mortality rates. Conventional treatment strategies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, alone or in combination, are associated with significant side effects. Currently, combination therapy has become the standard practice for the treatment of locally advanced oral cancer, emerging as an effective approach in improving outcomes. In this review, we present an in-depth analysis of the current advancements in combination therapies for oral cancer. The review explores the current therapeutic options and highlights the limitations of monotherapy approaches. It then focuses on combinatorial approaches that target microtubules, as well as various signaling pathway components implicated in oral cancer progression, namely, DNA repair players, the epidermal growth factor receptor, cyclin-dependent kinases, epigenetic readers, and immune checkpoint proteins. The review discusses the rationale behind combining different agents and examines the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of these combinations, emphasizing their ability to enhance treatment response and overcome drug resistance. Challenges and limitations associated with combination therapy are discussed, including potential toxicity and the need for personalized treatment approaches. A future perspective is also provided to highlight the existing challenges and possible resolutions toward the clinical translation of current oral cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João P N Silva
- UNIPRO-Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Pinto
- UNIPRO-Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Luís Monteiro
- UNIPRO-Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Patrícia M A Silva
- UNIPRO-Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Hassan Bousbaa
- UNIPRO-Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
DNA Damage Response Mechanisms in Head and Neck Cancer: Significant Implications for Therapy and Survival. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032760. [PMID: 36769087 PMCID: PMC9917521 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a term collectively used to describe a heterogeneous group of tumors that arise in the oral cavity, larynx, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx, and represents the sixth most common type of malignancy worldwide. Despite advances in multimodality treatment, the disease has a recurrence rate of around 50%, and the prognosis of metastatic patients remains poor. HNCs are characterized by a high degree of genomic instability, which involves a vicious circle of accumulating DNA damage, defective DNA damage repair (DDR), and replication stress. Nonetheless, the damage that is induced on tumor cells by chemo and radiotherapy relies on defective DDR processes for a successful response to treatment, and may play an important role in the development of novel and more effective therapies. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the genes and proteins that appear to be deregulated in DDR pathways, their implication in HNC pathogenesis, and the rationale behind targeting these genes and pathways for the development of new therapies. We give particular emphasis on the therapeutic targets that have shown promising results at the pre-clinical stage and on those that have so far been associated with a therapeutic advantage in the clinical setting.
Collapse
|
17
|
da Costa AABA, Chowdhury D, Shapiro GI, D'Andrea AD, Konstantinopoulos PA. Targeting replication stress in cancer therapy. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:38-58. [PMID: 36202931 PMCID: PMC11132912 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00558-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 98.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Replication stress is a major cause of genomic instability and a crucial vulnerability of cancer cells. This vulnerability can be therapeutically targeted by inhibiting kinases that coordinate the DNA damage response with cell cycle control, including ATR, CHK1, WEE1 and MYT1 checkpoint kinases. In addition, inhibiting the DNA damage response releases DNA fragments into the cytoplasm, eliciting an innate immune response. Therefore, several ATR, CHK1, WEE1 and MYT1 inhibitors are undergoing clinical evaluation as monotherapies or in combination with chemotherapy, poly[ADP-ribose]polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, or immune checkpoint inhibitors to capitalize on high replication stress, overcome therapeutic resistance and promote effective antitumour immunity. Here, we review current and emerging approaches for targeting replication stress in cancer, from preclinical and biomarker development to clinical trial evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dipanjan Chowdhury
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Geoffrey I Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alan D D'Andrea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Center for DNA Damage and Repair, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Evolving DNA repair synthetic lethality targets in cancer. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:232162. [PMID: 36420962 PMCID: PMC9760629 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20221713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA damage signaling response and repair (DDR) is a critical defense mechanism against genomic instability. Impaired DNA repair capacity is an important risk factor for cancer development. On the other hand, up-regulation of DDR mechanisms is a feature of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy resistance. Advances in our understanding of DDR and its complex role in cancer has led to several translational DNA repair-targeted investigations culminating in clinically viable precision oncology strategy using poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. While PARP directed synthetic lethality has improved outcomes for many patients, the lack of sustained clinical response and the development of resistance pose significant clinical challenges. Therefore, the search for additional DDR-directed drug targets and novel synthetic lethality approaches is highly desirable and is an area of intense preclinical and clinical investigation. Here, we provide an overview of the mammalian DNA repair pathways and then focus on current state of PARP inhibitors (PARPi) and other emerging DNA repair inhibitors for synthetic lethality in cancer.
Collapse
|
19
|
Rodriguez CP, Kang H, Geiger JL, Burtness B, Chung CH, Pickering CR, Fakhry C, Le QT, Yom SS, Galloway TJ, Golemis E, Li A, Shoop J, Wong S, Mehra R, Skinner H, Saba NF, Flores ER, Myers JN, Ford JM, Karchin R, Ferris RL, Kunos C, Lynn JM, Malik S. Clinical Trial Development in TP53-Mutated Locally Advanced and Recurrent and/or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Natl Cancer Inst 2022; 114:1619-1627. [PMID: 36053203 PMCID: PMC9745425 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djac163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
TP53 mutation is the most frequent genetic event in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), found in more than 80% of patients with human papillomavirus-negative disease. As mutations in the TP53 gene are associated with worse outcomes in HNSCC, novel therapeutic approaches are needed for patients with TP53-mutated tumors. The National Cancer Institute sponsored a Clinical Trials Planning Meeting to address the issues of identifying and developing clinical trials for patients with TP53 mutations. Subcommittees, or breakout groups, were tasked with developing clinical studies in both the locally advanced and recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) disease settings as well as considering signal-seeking trial designs. A fourth breakout group was focused on identifying and standardizing biomarker integration into trial design; this information was provided to the other breakout groups prior to the meeting to aid in study development. A total of 4 concepts were prioritized to move forward for further development and implementation. This article summarizes the proceedings of the Clinical Trials Planning Meeting with the goal of developing clinical trials for patients with TP53-mutant HNSCC that can be conducted within the National Clinical Trials Network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyunseok Kang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jessica L Geiger
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Christine H Chung
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffit Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Curtis R Pickering
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carole Fakhry
- Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Quynh Thu Le
- Department of Radiation Oncology-Radiation Therapy, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Sue S Yom
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas J Galloway
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Erica Golemis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alice Li
- Kaiser Permanente Oakland, Oakland, CA, USA
| | | | - Stuart Wong
- Division of Neoplastic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ranee Mehra
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Heath Skinner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nabil F Saba
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elsa R Flores
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Moffit Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - James M Ford
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Rachel Karchin
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Jean M Lynn
- National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shakun Malik
- National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chen C, Wang Y, Hu MQ, Li H, Chen X, Qiang G, Sun Y, Zhu Y, Li B. Discovery of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-based molecules as a Wee1 inhibitor template. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 75:128973. [PMID: 36075370 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128973] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, Wee1 inhibition has received widespread attention as a cancer therapy. Our research aims to discover effective, selective and drug-like Wee1 inhibitors. Herein, a series of compounds with pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-based heterocycles were designed, synthesized and confirmed to inhibit Wee1 kinase. The inhibitors afforded good potency in Wee1 Kinase inhibitory activity in enzymatic assays. These compounds showed strong proliferation inhibition against NCI-1299 cell lines and had acceptable pharmacokinetic properties. These derivatives are promising inhibitors that warrant further evaluation, towards the development of potential anticancer drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changjun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Medicinal Chemistry Department, Shouyao Holdings (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Yeliu Wang
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Shouyao Holdings (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Min-Qi Hu
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Shouyao Holdings (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Hongjuan Li
- Discovery Biology Department, Shouyao Holdings (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Shouyao Holdings (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Gan Qiang
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing,China
| | - Yinghui Sun
- Discovery Biology Department, Shouyao Holdings (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Shouyao Holdings (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China.
| | - Binghui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lei H, He A, Jiang Y, Ruan M, Han N. Targeting DNA damage response as a potential therapeutic strategy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1031944. [PMID: 36338767 PMCID: PMC9634729 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1031944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells experience both endogenous and exogenous DNA damage daily. To maintain genome integrity and suppress tumorigenesis, individuals have evolutionarily acquired a series of repair functions, termed DNA damage response (DDR), to repair DNA damage and ensure the accurate transmission of genetic information. Defects in DNA damage repair pathways may lead to various diseases, including tumors. Accumulating evidence suggests that alterations in DDR-related genes, such as somatic or germline mutations, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and promoter methylation, are closely related to the occurrence, development, and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite recent advances in surgery combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, there has been no substantial improvement in the survival rate of patients with HNSCC. Therefore, targeting DNA repair pathways may be a promising treatment for HNSCC. In this review, we summarized the sources of DNA damage and DNA damage repair pathways. Further, the role of DNA damage repair pathways in the development of HNSCC and the application of small molecule inhibitors targeting these pathways in the treatment of HNSCC were focused.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Lei
- School of Stomatology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Ading He
- School of Stomatology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yingying Jiang
- School of Stomatology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Min Ruan
- School of Stomatology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Oral Maxillofacio-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Nannan Han
- School of Stomatology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Oral Maxillofacio-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Mitotic Checkpoints and the Role of WEE1 Inhibition in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer J 2022; 28:381-386. [PMID: 36165727 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The WEE1 kinase family plays a crucial role in cell cycle regulation and DNA damage response pathways in malignant cells. Inhibition of WEE1 effectively overrides G2 cell cycle arrest and results in the accumulation of extensive DNA damage within dividing cells, potentiating mitotic catastrophe and cell death. As such, the development of WEE1 inhibitors as antineoplastic therapeutics has gained increasing interest in recent years. In particular, the role of WEE1 inhibitors for treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas remains an area of active research with both preclinical and clinical studies investigating their use as both single-agent therapy and chemosensitizers when used in tandem with traditional chemotherapy, particularly in the context of TP53-mutant tumors. Here, we review the relevant available preclinical and clinical data on hand investigating the efficacy of WEE1 inhibitors for the treatment of head and neck cancers.
Collapse
|
23
|
Roering P, Siddiqui A, Heuser VD, Potdar S, Mikkonen P, Oikkonen J, Li Y, Pikkusaari S, Wennerberg K, Hynninen J, Grenman S, Huhtinen K, Auranen A, Carpén O, Kaipio K. Effects of Wee1 inhibitor adavosertib on patient-derived high-grade serous ovarian cancer cells are multiple and independent of homologous recombination status. Front Oncol 2022; 12:954430. [PMID: 36081565 PMCID: PMC9445195 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.954430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective A major challenge in the treatment of platinum-resistant high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is lack of effective therapies. Much of ongoing research on drug candidates relies on HGSOC cell lines that are poorly documented. The goal of this study was to screen for effective, state-of-the-art drug candidates using primary HGSOC cells. In addition, our aim was to dissect the inhibitory activities of Wee1 inhibitor adavosertib on primary and conventional HGSOC cell lines. Methods A comprehensive drug sensitivity and resistance testing (DSRT) on 306 drug compounds was performed on three patient-derived genetically unique HGSOC cell lines and two commonly used ovarian cancer cell lines. The effect of adavosertib on the cell lines was tested in several assays, including cell-cycle analysis, apoptosis induction, proliferation, wound healing, DNA damage, and effect on nuclear integrity. Results Several compounds exerted cytotoxic activity toward all cell lines, when tested in both adherent and spheroid conditions. In further cytotoxicity tests, adavosertib exerted the most consistent cytotoxic activity. Adavosertib affected cell-cycle control in patient-derived and conventional HGSOC cells, inducing G2/M accumulation and reducing cyclin B1 levels. It induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation and migration in all cell lines. Furthermore, the DNA damage marker γH2AX and the number of abnormal cell nuclei were clearly increased following adavosertib treatment. Based on the homologous recombination (HR) signature and functional HR assays of the cell lines, the effects of adavosertib were independent of the cells' HR status. Conclusion Our study indicates that Wee1 inhibitor adavosertib affects several critical functions related to proliferation, cell cycle and division, apoptosis, and invasion. Importantly, the effects are consistent in all tested cell lines, including primary HGSOC cells, and independent of the HR status of the cells. Wee1 inhibition may thus provide treatment opportunities especially for patients, whose cancer has acquired resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy or PARP inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pia Roering
- Institute of Biomedicine and Finnish Cancer Center (FICAN) West Cancer Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- *Correspondence: Pia Roering, ; Olli Carpén,
| | - Arafat Siddiqui
- Institute of Biomedicine and Finnish Cancer Center (FICAN) West Cancer Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Vanina D. Heuser
- Institute of Biomedicine and Finnish Cancer Center (FICAN) West Cancer Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Swapnil Potdar
- High Throughput Biomedicine Unit, Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Piia Mikkonen
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Oikkonen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yilin Li
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sanna Pikkusaari
- Institute of Biomedicine and Finnish Cancer Center (FICAN) West Cancer Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Krister Wennerberg
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johanna Hynninen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Seija Grenman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Kaisa Huhtinen
- Institute of Biomedicine and Finnish Cancer Center (FICAN) West Cancer Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annika Auranen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Olli Carpén
- Department of Pathology, Precision Cancer Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- *Correspondence: Pia Roering, ; Olli Carpén,
| | - Katja Kaipio
- Institute of Biomedicine and Finnish Cancer Center (FICAN) West Cancer Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hu Z, Viswanathan R, Cheng H, Chen J, Yang X, Huynh A, Clavijo P, An Y, Robbins Y, Silvin C, Allen C, Ormanoglu P, Martin S, Cornelius S, Saleh A, Chen Z, Van Waes C, Morgan EL. Inhibiting WEE1 and IKK-RELA Crosstalk Overcomes TNFα Resistance in Head and Neck Cancers. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:867-882. [PMID: 35176168 PMCID: PMC9177594 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
TNFα is a key mediator of immune and radiotherapy-induced cytotoxicity, but many cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), display TNF resistance due to activation of the canonical IKK-NF-κB/RELA pro-survival pathway. However, toxicities associated with direct targeting of the canonical pathway point to the need to identify mechanism(s) contributing to TNFα resistance and synthetic lethal targets to overcome such resistance in cancer cells. Here, RNAi screening for modulators of TNFα-NF-κB reporter activity and cell survival unexpectedly implicated the WEE1 and CDC2 G2-M checkpoint kinases. The IKKα/β-RELA and WEE1-CDC2 signaling pathways are activated by TNFα and form a complex in cell lines derived from both human papillomavirus (-) and (+) subtypes of HNSCC. WEE1 inhibitor AZD1775 reduced IKK/RELA phosphorylation and the expression of NF-κB-dependent pro-survival proteins Cyclin D1 and BCL2. Combination of TNFα and AZD1775 enhanced caspase-mediated apoptosis in vitro, and combination treatment with radiotherapy and AZD1775 potentiated inhibition of HNSCC tumor xenograft growth in vivo, which could be significantly attenuated by TNFα depletion. These data offer new insight into the interplay between NF-κB signaling and WEE1-mediated regulation of the G2-M cell-cycle checkpoint in HNSCC. IMPLICATIONS Inhibiting WEE1 and IKK-RELA crosstalk could potentially enhance the effects of therapies mediated by TNFα with less systemic immune suppression and toxicity than observed with direct interruption of IKK-NF-κB/RELA signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengbo Hu
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Shaoguan First People’s Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shaoguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Ramya Viswanathan
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Hui Cheng
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jianghong Chen
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Xinping Yang
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Angel Huynh
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Paul Clavijo
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yi An
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yvette Robbins
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Christopher Silvin
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Clint Allen
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Pinar Ormanoglu
- RNAi Screening Facility, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Scott Martin
- RNAi Screening Facility, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Shaleeka Cornelius
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Anthony Saleh
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Zhong Chen
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Carter Van Waes
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Contributed equally as senior authors
| | - Ethan L. Morgan
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Contributed equally as senior authors
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Moser R, Gurley KE, Nikolova O, Qin G, Joshi R, Mendez E, Shmulevich I, Ashley A, Grandori C, Kemp CJ. Synthetic lethal kinases in Ras/p53 mutant squamous cell carcinoma. Oncogene 2022; 41:3355-3369. [PMID: 35538224 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02330-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The oncogene Ras and the tumor suppressor gene p53 are frequently co-mutated in human cancer and mutations in Ras and p53 can cooperate to generate a more malignant cell state. To discover novel druggable targets for cancers carrying co-mutations in Ras and p53, we performed arrayed, kinome focused siRNA and oncology drug phenotypic screening utilizing a set of syngeneic Ras mutant squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines that also carried co-mutations in selected p53 pathway genes. These cell lines were derived from SCCs from carcinogen-treated inbred mice which harbored germline deletions or mutations in Trp53, p19Arf, Atm, or Prkdc. Both siRNA and drug phenotypic screening converge to implicate the phosphoinositol kinases, receptor tyrosine kinases, MAP kinases, as well as cell cycle and DNA damage response genes as targetable dependencies in SCC. Differences in functional kinome profiles between Ras mutant cell lines reflect incomplete penetrance of Ras synthetic lethal kinases and indicate that co-mutations cause a rewiring of survival pathways in Ras mutant tumors. This study describes the functional kinomic landscape of Ras/p53 mutant chemically-induced squamous cell carcinoma in both the baseline unperturbed state and following DNA damage and nominates candidate therapeutic targets, including the Nek4 kinase, for further development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Russell Moser
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kay E Gurley
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Olga Nikolova
- Division of Oncological Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Rashmi Joshi
- New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Christopher J Kemp
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Targeting Wee1 kinase to suppress proliferation and survival of cisplatin-resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2022; 89:469-478. [PMID: 35212780 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-022-04410-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the role of Wee1 kinase in cisplatin-resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in multiple cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cell lines and determined the efficacy of either Wee1 inhibitor, AZD1775 alone, or in combination with cisplatin, on cisplatin-resistant HNSCC inhibition. METHODS Phosphorylation and total protein levels of cells were assessed by Western blot analysis. Cell viability and apoptosis were examined by MTS assay and flow cytometry, respectively. RESULTS Wee1 kinase protein expression levels in five cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cell types were higher than those in their parental cisplatin-sensitive partners. Importantly, Wee1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and re-sensitized cells to cisplatin treatment. Interestingly, previous studies have also shown that Wee1 inhibitor AZD1775 synergizes with cisplatin to suppress cell proliferation of cisplatin-sensitive HNSCC. We found that AZD1775 inhibited both cisplatin-sensitive and resistant HNSCC with similar IC50 values, which suggested that AZD1775 could overcome cisplatin resistance in cisplatin-resistant HNSCC. Mechanistically, AZD1775 and cisplatin cooperatively induced DNA damage and apoptosis. CONCLUSION Wee1 inhibitor, AZD1775, and cisplatin coordinately suppressed proliferation and survival of HNSCC.
Collapse
|
27
|
Bukhari AB, Chan GK, Gamper AM. Targeting the DNA Damage Response for Cancer Therapy by Inhibiting the Kinase Wee1. Front Oncol 2022; 12:828684. [PMID: 35251998 PMCID: PMC8891215 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.828684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells typically heavily rely on the G2/M checkpoint to survive endogenous and exogenous DNA damage, such as genotoxic stress due to genome instability or radiation and chemotherapy. The key regulator of the G2/M checkpoint, the cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), is tightly controlled, including by its phosphorylation state. This posttranslational modification, which is determined by the opposing activities of the phosphatase cdc25 and the kinase Wee1, allows for a more rapid response to cellular stress than via the synthesis or degradation of modulatory interacting proteins, such as p21 or cyclin B. Reducing Wee1 activity results in ectopic activation of CDK1 activity and drives premature entry into mitosis with unrepaired or under-replicated DNA and causing mitotic catastrophe. Here, we review efforts to use small molecule inhibitors of Wee1 for therapeutic purposes, including strategies to combine Wee1 inhibition with genotoxic agents, such as radiation therapy or drugs inducing replication stress, or inhibitors of pathways that show synthetic lethality with Wee1. Furthermore, it become increasingly clear that Wee1 inhibition can also modulate therapeutic immune responses. We will discuss the mechanisms underlying combination treatments identifying both cell intrinsic and systemic anti-tumor activities.
Collapse
|
28
|
Mueller S, Cooney T, Yang X, Pal S, Ermoian R, Gajjar A, Liu X, Prem K, Minard CG, Reid JM, Nelson M, Haas-Kogan D, Fox E, Weigel BJ. Wee1 kinase inhibitor adavosertib with radiation in newly diagnosed diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: A Children's Oncology Group phase I consortium study. Neurooncol Adv 2022; 4:vdac073. [PMID: 35733515 PMCID: PMC9209747 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdac073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Children with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) have a dismal prognosis. Adavosertib (AZD1775) is an orally available, blood-brain barrier penetrant, Wee1 kinase inhibitor. Preclinical efficacy against DIPG is heightened by radiation induced replication stress. Methods Using a rolling six design, 7 adavosertib dose levels (DLs) (50 mg/m2 alternating weeks, 50 mg/m2 alternating with weeks of every other day, 50 mg/m2, then 95, 130, 160, 200 mg/m2) were assessed. Adavosertib was only given on days of cranial radiation therapy (CRT).The duration of CRT (54 Gy over 30 fractions; 6 weeks) constituted the dose limiting toxicity (DLT) period. Endpoints included tolerability, pharmacokinetics, overall survival (OS) and peripheral blood γH2AX levels as a marker of DNA damage. Results A total of 46 eligible patients with newly diagnosed DIPG [median (range) age 6 (3-21) years; 52% female] were enrolled. The recommend phase 2 dose (RP2D) of adavosertib was 200 mg/m2/d during days of CRT. Dose limiting toxicity included ALT elevation (n = 1, DL4) and neutropenia (n = 1, DL7). The mean Tmax, T1/2 and Clp on Day 1 were 2 h, 4.4 h, and 45.2 L/hr/m2, respectively. Modest accumulation of adavosertib was observed comparing day 5 versus day 1 AUC0-8h (accumulation ratio = 1.6). OS was 11.1 months (95% CI: 9.4, 12.5) and did not differ from historical control. Conclusion Adavosertib in combination with CRT is well tolerated in children with newly diagnosed DIPG, however, compared to historical controls, did not improve OS. These results can inform future trial design in children with high-risk cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Mueller
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Tabitha Cooney
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xiaodong Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Sharmistha Pal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ralph Ermoian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Amar Gajjar
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenesse
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- Children’s Oncology Group, Monrovia, California
| | - Komal Prem
- Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Charles G Minard
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Joel M Reid
- Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Marvin Nelson
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Radiology, Keck USC School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Daphne Haas-Kogan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth Fox
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenesse
| | - Brenda J Weigel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Vakili-Samiani S, Turki Jalil A, Abdelbasset WK, Yumashev AV, Karpisheh V, Jalali P, Adibfar S, Ahmadi M, Hosseinpour Feizi AA, Jadidi-Niaragh F. Targeting Wee1 kinase as a therapeutic approach in Hematological Malignancies. DNA Repair (Amst) 2021; 107:103203. [PMID: 34390915 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2021.103203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Hematologic malignancies include various diseases that develop from hematopoietic stem cells of bone marrow or lymphatic organs. Currently, conventional DNA-damage-based chemotherapy drugs are approved as standard therapeutic regimens for these malignancies. Although many improvements have been made, patients with relapsed or refractory hematological malignancies have a poor prognosis. Therefore, novel and practical therapeutic approaches are required for the treatment of these diseases. Interestingly several studies have shown that targeting Wee1 kinase in the Hematological malignancies, including AML, ALL, CML, CLL, DLBCL, BL, MCL, etc., can be an effective therapeutic strategy. It plays an essential role in regulating the cell cycle process by abrogating the G2-M cell-cycle checkpoint, which provides time for DNA damage repair before mitotic entry. Consistently, Wee1 overexpression is observed in various Hematological malignancies. Also, in healthy normal cells, repairing DNA damages occurs due to G1-S checkpoint function; however, in the cancer cells, which have an impaired G1-S checkpoint, the damaged DNA repair process depends on the G2-M checkpoint function. Thus, Wee1 inhibition could be a promising target in the presence of DNA damage in order to potentiate multiple therapeutic drugs. This review summarized the potentials and challenges of Wee1 inhibition combined with other therapies as a novel effective therapeutic strategy in Hematological malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Vakili-Samiani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Walid Kamal Abdelbasset
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia; Department of Physical Therapy, Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Vahid Karpisheh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Pooya Jalali
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sara Adibfar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Majid Ahmadi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ashworth IW, Frodsham L, Moore P, Ronson TO. Evidence of Rate Limiting Proton Transfer in an S NAr Aminolysis in Acetonitrile under Synthetically Relevant Conditions. J Org Chem 2021; 87:2111-2119. [PMID: 34694113 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c01768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
An early synthetic step in the synthesis of adavosertib, AZD1775, is the SNAr reaction between 4-fluoronitrobenzene and 1-methylpiperazine in acetonitrile. A simple kinetics-based design of four reaction profiling experiments was used to investigate the kinetics of the reaction for the purpose of building a kinetic model. Fitting of the reaction profile data from two experiments conducted at 70 °C with a different excess of 1-methylpiperazine showed the reaction to follow a third-order rate law with a second-order dependence upon 1-methylpiperazine. This was rationalized in terms of the reaction following a rate-limiting proton transfer mechanism (base catalyzed) in which the progress to product is driven by a proton transfer involving a second molecule of 1-methylpiperazine. The experimentally determined entropy of activation of -180 J K-1 is consistent with this mechanism. The formation of a low level impurity was found to be due to the presence of traces of piperazine in the 1-methylpiperazine, which was shown to react approximately 15 times faster than 1-methylpiperazine at 70 °C. The rate constants for the 1-methylpiperazine catalyzed reaction of piperazine, 1-methylpiperazine, and the piperazine derived impurity were found to correlate in a Brønsted type analysis with the pKa's (acetonitrile) of the amine nucleophile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian W Ashworth
- Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, SK10 2NA, U.K
| | - Lianne Frodsham
- Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, SK10 2NA, U.K
| | - Peter Moore
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, SK10 2NA, U.K
| | - Thomas O Ronson
- Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, SK10 2NA, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hu J, Cao J, Topatana W, Juengpanich S, Li S, Zhang B, Shen J, Cai L, Cai X, Chen M. Targeting mutant p53 for cancer therapy: direct and indirect strategies. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:157. [PMID: 34583722 PMCID: PMC8480024 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01169-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
TP53 is a critical tumor-suppressor gene that is mutated in more than half of all human cancers. Mutations in TP53 not only impair its antitumor activity, but also confer mutant p53 protein oncogenic properties. The p53-targeted therapy approach began with the identification of compounds capable of restoring/reactivating wild-type p53 functions or eliminating mutant p53. Treatments that directly target mutant p53 are extremely structure and drug-species-dependent. Due to the mutation of wild-type p53, multiple survival pathways that are normally maintained by wild-type p53 are disrupted, necessitating the activation of compensatory genes or pathways to promote cancer cell survival. Additionally, because the oncogenic functions of mutant p53 contribute to cancer proliferation and metastasis, targeting the signaling pathways altered by p53 mutation appears to be an attractive strategy. Synthetic lethality implies that while disruption of either gene alone is permissible among two genes with synthetic lethal interactions, complete disruption of both genes results in cell death. Thus, rather than directly targeting p53, exploiting mutant p53 synthetic lethal genes may provide additional therapeutic benefits. Additionally, research progress on the functions of noncoding RNAs has made it clear that disrupting noncoding RNA networks has a favorable antitumor effect, supporting the hypothesis that targeting noncoding RNAs may have potential synthetic lethal effects in cancers with p53 mutations. The purpose of this review is to discuss treatments for cancers with mutant p53 that focus on directly targeting mutant p53, restoring wild-type functions, and exploiting synthetic lethal interactions with mutant p53. Additionally, the possibility of noncoding RNAs acting as synthetic lethal targets for mutant p53 will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, No. 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jiasheng Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, No. 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Win Topatana
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, No. 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | | | - Shijie Li
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jiliang Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, No. 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Liuxin Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, No. 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, No. 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Cognitive Healthcare of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Endoscopic Technique Research of Zhejiang Province, No. 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Mingyu Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, No. 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Cognitive Healthcare of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Huang PQ, Boren BC, Hegde SG, Liu H, Unni AK, Abraham S, Hopkins CD, Paliwal S, Samatar AA, Li J, Bunker KD. Discovery of ZN-c3, a Highly Potent and Selective Wee1 Inhibitor Undergoing Evaluation in Clinical Trials for the Treatment of Cancer. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13004-13024. [PMID: 34423975 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Wee1 inhibition has received great attention in the past decade as a promising therapy for cancer treatment. Therefore, a potent and selective Wee1 inhibitor is highly desirable. Our efforts to make safer and more efficacious Wee1 inhibitors led to the discovery of compound 16, a highly selective Wee1 inhibitor with balanced potency, ADME, and pharmacokinetic properties. The chiral ethyl moiety of compound 16 provided an unexpected improvement of Wee1 potency. Compound 16, known as ZN-c3, showed excellent in vivo efficacy and is currently being evaluated in phase 2 clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Q Huang
- Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Brant C Boren
- Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Sayee G Hegde
- Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Hui Liu
- Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Aditya K Unni
- Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Sunny Abraham
- Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Chad D Hopkins
- Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Sunil Paliwal
- Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Ahmed A Samatar
- Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jiali Li
- Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Kevin D Bunker
- Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Li R, Chen J, Gao X, Jiang G. Transcription factor KLF2 enhances the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to cisplatin by suppressing kinase WEE1. Cancer Biol Ther 2021; 22:465-477. [PMID: 34486497 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2021.1949228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent in facilitating the inhibition of proliferation, migration, and invasion in cancerous cells. However, the detailed mechanism of the regulation by cisplatin of human breast cancer cells is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) transcription factor in cisplatin therapy for breast cancer. RT-qPCR was performed to quantify the expression of KLF2 and WEE1 in clinical tissue samples from breast cancer patients and in MDA-MB-231 cells. ChIP assay and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to analyze the potential-binding sites of KLF2 and WEE1 promoter. Gain- or loss-of-function approaches were used to manipulate KLF2 and WEE1 in cisplatin-treated MDA-MB-231 cells, and the mechanism of KLF2 in breast cancer was evaluated both via CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, Transwell assay, and Western blot. Further validation of the KLF2 was performed on nude mouse models. Breast cancer tissues and cells showed a relative decline of KLF2 expression and abundant WEE1 expression. Cisplatin inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. Overexpression of KLF2 enhanced the inhibitory effect of cisplatin on the malignant characteristics of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro. KLF2 targeted WEE1 and negatively regulated its expression, thus enhancing the sensitivity to cisplatin of breast cancer cells as well as tumor-bearing mice. Overall, these results suggest that KLF2 can potentially inhibit WEE1 expression and sensitize breast cancer cells to cisplatin, thus presenting a promising adjunct treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Li
- Department of Throat and Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow P.R. China
| | - Jiejing Chen
- Department of Throat and Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou P.R. China
| | - Xiaokang Gao
- Department of Throat and Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou P.R. China
| | - Guoqin Jiang
- Department of Throat and Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Fasano M, Perri F, Della Corte CM, Di Liello R, Della Vittoria Scarpati G, Cascella M, Ottaiano A, Ciardiello F, Solla R. Translational Insights and New Therapeutic Perspectives in Head and Neck Tumors. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1045. [PMID: 34440249 PMCID: PMC8391435 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by a high mortality rate owing to very few available oncological treatments. For many years, a combination of platinum-based chemotherapy and anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab has represented the only available option for first-line therapy. Recently, immunotherapy has been presented an alternative for positive PD-L1 HNSCC. However, the oncologists' community foresees that a new therapeutic era is approaching. In fact, no-chemo options and some molecular targets are on the horizon. This narrative review addresses past, present, and future therapeutic options for HNSCC from a translational point of view.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morena Fasano
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (C.M.D.C.); (R.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesco Perri
- Medical and Experimental Head and Neck Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale-IRCCS di Napoli, Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carminia Maria Della Corte
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (C.M.D.C.); (R.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Raimondo Di Liello
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (C.M.D.C.); (R.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | | | - Marco Cascella
- Division of Anesthesia, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80100 Naples, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Ottaiano
- SSD Innovative Therapies for Abdominal Metastases, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80100 Naples, Italy;
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (C.M.D.C.); (R.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Raffaele Solla
- Italian National Research Council, Institute of Biostructure & Bioimaging, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Chera BS, Sheth SH, Patel SA, Goldin D, Douglas KE, Green RL, Shen CJ, Gupta GP, Moore DT, Grilley Olson JE, Weiss JM. Phase 1 trial of adavosertib (AZD1775) in combination with concurrent radiation and cisplatin for intermediate-risk and high-risk head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer 2021; 127:4447-4454. [PMID: 34379792 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adavosertib (AZD1775) is an inhibitor of the Wee1 kinase. The authors conducted a phase 1b trial to evaluate the safety of adavosertib in combination with definitive chemoradiotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed, intermediate-risk/high-risk, locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS Twelve patients with intermediate-risk/high-risk HNSCC were enrolled, including those with p16-negative tumors of the oropharynx, p16-positive tumors of the oropharynx with ≥10 tobacco pack-years, and tumors of the larynx/hypopharynx regardless of p16 status. All patients were treated with an 8-week course of concurrent intensity-modulated radiotherapy at 70 grays (Gy) (2 Gy daily in weeks 1-7), cisplatin 30 mg/m2 weekly (in weeks 1-7), and adavosertib (twice daily on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of weeks 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8). The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose and the recommended phase 2 dose of adavosertib given concurrently with radiation and cisplatin. Secondary objectives were to determine the 12-week objective response rate and progression-free and overall survival. RESULTS Three patients (25%) experienced a dose-limiting toxicity, including febrile neutropenia (n = 2) and grade 4 thromboembolism (n = 1). Two dose-limiting toxicities occurred with adavosertib at 150 mg. The median follow-up was 14.7 months. The 12-week posttreatment objective response rate determined by positron emission tomography/computed tomography was 100%. The 1-year progression-free and overall survival rates were both 90%. The maximum tolerated dose of adavosertib was 100 mg. CONCLUSIONS Adavosertib 100 mg (twice daily on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of weeks 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8), in combination with 70 Gy of intensity-modulated radiotherapy and cisplatin 30 mg/m2 , is the recommended phase 2 dose for patients with HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhishamjit S Chera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Siddharth H Sheth
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Shetal A Patel
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Dan Goldin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kathe E Douglas
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Rebecca L Green
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Colette J Shen
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Gaorav P Gupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Dominic T Moore
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Juneko E Grilley Olson
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jared M Weiss
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
Purpose of Review WEE1 inhibitor has been shown to potential chemotherapy or radiotherapy sensitivity in preclinical models, particularly in p53-mutated or deficient cancer cells although not exclusively. Here, we review the clinical development of WEE1 inhibitor in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy as well as its combination with different novel agents. Recent Findings Although several clinical trials have shown that WEE1 inhibitor can be safely combined with different chemotherapy agents as well as radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy, its clinical development has been hampered by the higher rate of grade 3 toxicities when added to standard treatments. A few clinical trials had also been conducted to test WEE1 inhibitor using TP53 mutation as a predictive biomarker. However, TP53 mutation has not been shown to be the most reliable predictive biomarker and the benefit of adding WEE1 inhibitor to chemotherapy has been modest, even in TP53 biomarker-driven studies. Summary There are ongoing clinical trials testing WEE1 inhibitor with novel agents such as ATR and PAPR inhibitors as well as anti-PDL1 immunotherapy, which may better define the role of WEE1 inhibitor in the future if any of the novel treatment combination will show superior anti-tumor efficacy with a good safety profile compared to monotherapy and/or standard treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Kong
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies (InHANSE), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. .,Comprehensive Cancer Centre, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Hisham Mehanna
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies (InHANSE), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Takebe N, Naqash AR, O'Sullivan Coyne G, Kummar S, Do K, Bruns A, Juwara L, Zlott J, Rubinstein L, Piekarz R, Sharon E, Streicher H, Mittra A, Miller SB, Ji J, Wilsker D, Kinders RJ, Parchment RE, Chen L, Chang TC, Das B, Mugundu G, Doroshow JH, Chen AP. Safety, Antitumor Activity, and Biomarker Analysis in a Phase I Trial of the Once-daily Wee1 Inhibitor Adavosertib (AZD1775) in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:3834-3844. [PMID: 33863809 PMCID: PMC8282703 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-0329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Wee1 kinase inhibitor adavosertib abrogates cell-cycle arrest, leading to cell death. Prior testing of twice-daily adavosertib in patients with advanced solid tumors determined the recommended phase II dose (RPh2D). Here, we report results for once-daily adavosertib. PATIENTS AND METHODS A 3 + 3 dose-escalation design was used, with adavosertib given once daily on days 1 to 5 and 8 to 12 in 21-day cycles. Molecular biomarkers of Wee1 activity, including tyrosine 15-phosphorylated Cdk1/2 (pY15-Cdk), were assessed in paired tumor biopsies. Whole-exome sequencing and RNA sequencing of remaining tumor tissue identified potential predictive biomarkers. RESULTS Among the 42 patients enrolled, the most common toxicities were gastrointestinal and hematologic; dose-limiting toxicities were grade 4 hematologic toxicity and grade 3 fatigue. The once-daily RPh2D was 300 mg. Six patients (14%) had confirmed partial responses: four ovarian, two endometrial. Adavosertib plasma exposures were similar to those from twice-daily dosing. On cycle 1 day 8 (pre-dose), tumor pY15-Cdk levels were higher than baseline in four of eight patients, suggesting target rebound during the day 5 to 8 dosing break. One patient who progressed rapidly had a tumor WEE1 mutation and potentially compensatory PKMYT1 overexpression. Baseline CCNE1 overexpression occurred in both of two responding patients, only one of whom had CCNE1 amplification, and in zero of three nonresponding patients. CONCLUSIONS We determined the once-daily adavosertib RPh2D and observed activity in patients with ovarian or endometrial carcinoma, including two with baseline CCNE1 mRNA overexpression. Future studies will determine whether CCNE1 overexpression is a predictive biomarker for adavosertib.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Takebe
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Geraldine O'Sullivan Coyne
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Shivaani Kummar
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Khanh Do
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ashley Bruns
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lamin Juwara
- Clinical Monitoring Research Program, Clinical Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Jennifer Zlott
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Larry Rubinstein
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Richard Piekarz
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Elad Sharon
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Howard Streicher
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Arjun Mittra
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sarah B Miller
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jiuping Ji
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Deborah Wilsker
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Robert J Kinders
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Ralph E Parchment
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Li Chen
- Molecular Characterization Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Ting-Chia Chang
- Molecular Characterization Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Biswajit Das
- Molecular Characterization Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Ganesh Mugundu
- AstraZeneca, Clinical Pharmacology, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - James H Doroshow
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Alice P Chen
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland.
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Efficacy and Biomarker Analysis of Adavosertib in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143487. [PMID: 34298699 PMCID: PMC8306685 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients are usually known for their excellent prognoses. However, some patients with DTC develop refractory disease and require novel therapies with different therapeutic mechanisms. Targeting Wee1 with adavosertib has emerged as a novel strategy for cancer therapy. We determined the effects of adavosertib in four DTC cell lines. Adavosertib induces cell growth inhibition in a dose-dependent fashion. Cell cycle analyses revealed that cells were accumulated in the G2/M phase and apoptosis was induced by adavosertib in the four DTC tumor cell lines. The sensitivity of adavosertib correlated with baseline Wee1 expression. In vivo studies showed that adavosertib significantly inhibited the xenograft growth of papillary and follicular thyroid cancer tumor models. Adavosertib therapy, combined with dabrafenib and trametinib, had strong synergism in vitro, and revealed robust tumor growth suppression in vivo in a xenograft model of papillary thyroid cancer harboring mutant BRAFV600E, without appreciable toxicity. Furthermore, combination of adavosertib with lenvatinib was more effective than either agent alone in a xenograft model of follicular thyroid cancer. These results show that adavosertib has the potential in treating DTC.
Collapse
|
39
|
Bos T, Ratti JA, Harada H. Targeting Stress-Response Pathways and Therapeutic Resistance in Head and Neck Cancer. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2021; 2:676643. [PMID: 35048023 PMCID: PMC8757684 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2021.676643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is the sixth leading cancer worldwide; head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) accounts for more than 90% of incident cases. In the US, cases of HNSCC associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) have been growing in proportion amongst a younger demographic with superior outcomes to the same treatments, relative to cases associated with tobacco. Yet failures to improve the long-term prognosis of advanced HNSCC over the last three decades persist in part due to intrinsic and acquired mechanisms of resistance. Deregulation of the pathways to respond to stress, such as apoptosis and autophagy, often contributes to drug resistance and tumor progression. Here we review the stress-response pathways in drug response and resistance in HNSCC to explore strategies to overcome these resistance mechanisms. We focus on the mechanisms of resistance to current standard cares, such as chemotherapy (i.e., cisplatin), radiation, and cetuximab. Then, we discuss the strategies to overcome these resistances, including novel combinations and immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hisashi Harada
- School of Dentistry, Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
van Harten AM, Brakenhoff RH. Targeted Treatment of Head and Neck (Pre)Cancer: Preclinical Target Identification and Development of Novel Therapeutic Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2774. [PMID: 34204886 PMCID: PMC8199752 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) develop in the mucosal lining of the upper-aerodigestive tract. In carcinogen-induced HNSCC, tumors emerge from premalignant mucosal changes characterized by tumor-associated genetic alterations, also coined as 'fields' that are occasionally visible as leukoplakia or erythroplakia lesions but are mostly invisible. Consequently, HNSCC is generally diagnosed de novo at more advanced stages in about 70% of new diagnosis. Despite intense multimodality treatment protocols, the overall 5-years survival rate is 50-60% for patients with advanced stage of disease and seems to have reached a plateau. Of notable concern is the lack of further improvement in prognosis despite advances in treatment. This can be attributed to the late clinical presentation, failure of advanced HNSCC to respond to treatment, the deficit of effective targeted therapies to eradicate tumors and precancerous changes, and the lack of suitable markers for screening and personalized therapy. The molecular landscape of head and neck cancer has been elucidated in great detail, but the absence of oncogenic mutations hampers the identification of druggable targets for therapy to improve outcome of HNSCC. Currently, functional genomic approaches are being explored to identify potential therapeutic targets. Identification and validation of essential genes for both HNSCC and oral premalignancies, accompanied with biomarkers for therapy response, are being investigated. Attentive diagnosis and targeted therapy of the preceding oral premalignant (preHNSCC) changes may prevent the development of tumors. As classic oncogene addiction through activating mutations is not a realistic concept for treatment of HNSCC, synthetic lethality and collateral lethality need to be exploited, next to immune therapies. In recent studies it was shown that cell cycle regulation and DNA damage response pathways become significantly altered in HNSCC causing replication stress, which is an avenue that deserves further exploitation as an HNSCC vulnerability for treatment. The focus of this review is to summarize the current literature on the preclinical identification of potential druggable targets for therapy of (pre)HNSCC, emerging from the variety of gene knockdown and knockout strategies, and the testing of targeted inhibitors. We will conclude with a future perspective on targeted therapy of HNSCC and premalignant changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. van Harten
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tumor Biology & Immunology Section, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; or
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Ruud H. Brakenhoff
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tumor Biology & Immunology Section, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; or
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zhou ZH, Liang SY, Zhao TC, Chen XZ, Cao XK, Qi M, Huang YY, Ju WT, Yang M, Zhu DW, Pang YC, Zhong LP. Overcoming chemotherapy resistance using pH-sensitive hollow MnO 2 nanoshells that target the hypoxic tumor microenvironment of metastasized oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:157. [PMID: 34039370 PMCID: PMC8157461 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00901-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smart nanoscale drug delivery systems that target acidic tumor microenvironments (TME) could offer controlled release of drugs and modulate the hypoxic TME to enhance cancer therapy. The majority of previously reported MnO2 nanostructures are nanoparticles, nanosheets, or nanocomposites incorporated with other types of nanoparticles, which may not offer the most effective method for drug loading or for the controlled release of therapeutic payloads. Previous studies have designed MnO2 nanoshells that achieve tumor-specific and enhanced combination therapy for localized advanced cancer. However, the therapeutic effect of MnO2 nanoshells on metastatic cancer is still uncertain. RESULT Here, intelligent "theranostic" platforms were synthesized based on hollow mesoporous MnO2 (H-MnO2) nanoshells that were loaded with chemotherapy agents docetaxel and cisplatin (TP) to form H-MnO2-PEG/TP nanoshells, which were designed to alleviate tumor hypoxia, attenuate angiogenesis, trigger the dissolution of Mn2+, and synergize the efficacy of first-class anticancer chemotherapy. The obtained H-MnO2-PEG/TP nanoshells decomposed in the acidic TME, releasing the loaded drugs (TP) and simultaneously attenuated tumor hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression by inducing endogenous tumor hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) decomposition. In vitro experiments showed that compared with the control group, the proliferation, colony formation and migration ability of CAL27 and SCC7 cells were significantly reduced in H-MnO2-PEG/TP group, while cell apoptosis was enhanced, and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) was down-regulated. In vivo experiments showed that tumor to normal organ uptake ratio (T/N ratio) of mice in H-MnO2-PEG/TP group was significantly higher than that in TP group alone (without the nanoparticle), and tumor growth was partially delayed. In the H-MnO2-PEG/TP treatment group, HE staining showed that most of the tumor cells were severely damaged, and TUNEL assay showed cell apoptosis was up-regulated. He staining of renal and liver sections showed no obvious fibrosis, necrosis or hypertrophy, indicating good biosafety. Fluorescence staining showed that HIF-1α expression was decreased, suggesting that the accumulation of MnO2 in the tumor caused the decomposition of H2O2 into O2 and alleviated the hypoxia of the tumor. CONCLUSION In conclusion, a remarkable in vivo and in vitro synergistic therapeutic effect is achieved through the combination of TP chemotherapy, which simultaneously triggered a series of antiangiogenic and oxidative antitumor reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hang Zhou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Yuan Liang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong-Chao Zhao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu-Zhuo Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center of Stomatology, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oral Surgery, Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xian-Kun Cao
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Qi
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Ion-Beam Application (MOE), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Ying Huang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wu-Tong Ju
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Wang Zhu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center of Stomatology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi-Chuan Pang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.301 Yanchang Middle Road, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Lai-Ping Zhong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center of Stomatology, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Lindemann A, Patel AA, Tang L, Tanaka N, Gleber-Netto FO, Bartels MD, Wang L, McGrail DJ, Lin SY, Frank SJ, Frederick MJ, Myers JN, Osman AA. Combined Inhibition of Rad51 and Wee1 Enhances Cell Killing in HNSCC Through Induction of Apoptosis Associated With Excessive DNA Damage and Replication Stress. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1257-1269. [PMID: 33947685 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, there are limited treatment options for advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and survival remains very poor. Therefore, effective therapies are desperately needed. Recently, selective exploitation of DNA damage and replication stress responses has become a novel approach for cancer treatment. Wee1 kinase and Rad51 recombinase are two proteins involved in regulating replication stress and homologous recombination repair in cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the combined effect of Rad51 inhibitor (B02) and Wee1 inhibitor (AZD1775) in vitro and in vivo in various HNSCC cell lines. Clonogenic survival assays demonstrated that B02 synergized with AZD1775 in vitro in all HNSCC cell lines tested. The synergy between these drugs was associated with forced CDK1 activation and reduced Chk1 phosphorylation leading to induction of excessive DNA damage and replication stress, culminating in aberrant mitosis and apoptosis. Our results showed that elevated Rad51 mRNA expression correlated with worse survival in HNSCC patients with HPV-positive tumors. The combination of B02 and AZD1775 significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo in mice bearing HPV-positive HNSCC tumors as compared to HPV-negative HNSCC. This differential sensitivity appears to be linked to HPV-positive tumors having more in vivo endogenous replication stress owing to transformation by E6 and E7 oncogenes. Furthermore, addition of B02 radiosensitized the HPV-negative HNSCC tumors in vitro and in vivo In conclusion, our data implicate that a novel rational combination with Rad51 and Wee1 inhibitors holds promise as synthetic lethal therapy, particularly in high-risk HPV-positive HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antje Lindemann
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ameeta A Patel
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lin Tang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Noriaki Tanaka
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Osaka Police Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Frederico O Gleber-Netto
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mason D Bartels
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Daniel J McGrail
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Shiaw-Yih Lin
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Steven J Frank
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mitchell J Frederick
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jeffrey N Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Abdullah A Osman
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Lu YL, Huang YT, Wu MH, Chou TC, Wong RJ, Lin SF. Efficacy of adavosertib therapy against anaplastic thyroid cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2021; 28:311-324. [PMID: 33769310 PMCID: PMC8197631 DOI: 10.1530/erc-21-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Wee1 is a kinase that regulates the G2/M progression by the inhibition of CDK1, which is critical for ensuring DNA damage repair before initiation of mitotic entry. Targeting Wee1 may be a potential strategy in the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer, a rare but lethal disease. The therapeutic effects of adavosertib, a Wee1 inhibitor for anaplastic thyroid cancer was evaluated in this study. Adavosertib inhibited cell growth in three anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis revealed cells were accumulated in the G2/M phase. Adavosertib induced caspase-3 activity and led to apoptosis. Adavosertib monotherapy showed significant retardation of the growth of two anaplastic thyroid cancer tumor models. The combination of adavosertib with dabrafenib and trametinib revealed strong synergism in vitro and demonstrated robust suppression of tumor growth in vivo in anaplastic thyroid cancer xenograft models with BRAFV600E mutation. The combination of adavosertib with either sorafenib or lenvatinib also demonstrated synergism in vitro and had strong inhibition of tumor growth in vivo in an anaplastic thyroid cancer xenograft model. No appreciable toxicity appeared in mice treated with either a single agent or combination treatment. Our findings suggest adavosertib holds the promise for the treatment of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tung Huang
- Center for Big Data Analytics and Statistics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsien Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Chao Chou
- Laboratory of Preclinical Pharmacology Core, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Current address: PD Science, LLC., 599 Mill Run, Paramus, NJ, USA
| | - Richard J. Wong
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shu-Fu Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Corresponding author: Shu-Fu Lin, Department of Internal Medicine, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; ; Tel: +886 2 22630588 Ext 6178; Fax: +886 3 3288257
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ortiz-Cuaran S, Bouaoud J, Karabajakian A, Fayette J, Saintigny P. Precision Medicine Approaches to Overcome Resistance to Therapy in Head and Neck Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 11:614332. [PMID: 33718169 PMCID: PMC7947611 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.614332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most incident cancer worldwide. More than half of HNSCC patients experience locoregional or distant relapse to treatment despite aggressive multimodal therapeutic approaches that include surgical resection, radiation therapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Before the arrival of immunotherapy, systemic chemotherapy was previously employed as the standard first-line protocol with an association of cisplatin or carboplatin plus 5-fluorouracil plus cetuximab (anti-EFGR antibody). Unfortunately, acquisition of therapy resistance is common in patients with HNSCC and often results in local and distant failure. Despite our better understanding of HNSCC biology, no other molecular-targeted agent has been approved for HNSCC. In this review, we outline the mechanisms of resistance to the therapeutic strategies currently used in HNSCC, discuss combination treatment strategies to overcome them, and summarize the therapeutic regimens that are presently being evaluated in early- and late-phase clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ortiz-Cuaran
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jebrane Bouaoud
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Stomatology, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Pierre et Marie Curie University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Andy Karabajakian
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Jérôme Fayette
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Pierre Saintigny
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Gruener RF, Ling A, Chang YF, Morrison G, Geeleher P, Greene GL, Huang RS. Facilitating Drug Discovery in Breast Cancer by Virtually Screening Patients Using In Vitro Drug Response Modeling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:885. [PMID: 33672646 PMCID: PMC7924213 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Drug imputation methods often aim to translate in vitro drug response to in vivo drug efficacy predictions. While commonly used in retrospective analyses, our aim is to investigate the use of drug prediction methods for the generation of novel drug discovery hypotheses. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a severe clinical challenge in need of new therapies. (2) Methods: We used an established machine learning approach to build models of drug response based on cell line transcriptome data, which we then applied to patient tumor data to obtain predicted sensitivity scores for hundreds of drugs in over 1000 breast cancer patients. We then examined the relationships between predicted drug response and patient clinical features. (3) Results: Our analysis recapitulated several suspected vulnerabilities in TNBC and identified a number of compounds-of-interest. AZD-1775, a Wee1 inhibitor, was predicted to have preferential activity in TNBC (p < 2.2 × 10-16) and its efficacy was highly associated with TP53 mutations (p = 1.2 × 10-46). We validated these findings using independent cell line screening data and pathway analysis. Additionally, co-administration of AZD-1775 with standard-of-care paclitaxel was able to inhibit tumor growth (p < 0.05) and increase survival (p < 0.01) in a xenograft mouse model of TNBC. (4) Conclusions: Overall, this study provides a framework to turn any cancer transcriptomic dataset into a dataset for drug discovery. Using this framework, one can quickly generate meaningful drug discovery hypotheses for a cancer population of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert F. Gruener
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (R.F.G.); (Y.-F.C.); (G.L.G.)
| | - Alexander Ling
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Ya-Fang Chang
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (R.F.G.); (Y.-F.C.); (G.L.G.)
| | - Gladys Morrison
- Committee for Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA;
| | - Paul Geeleher
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
| | - Geoffrey L. Greene
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (R.F.G.); (Y.-F.C.); (G.L.G.)
| | - R. Stephanie Huang
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Keenan TE, Li T, Vallius T, Guerriero JL, Tayob N, Kochupurakkal B, Davis J, Pastorello R, Tahara RK, Anderson L, Conway J, He MX, Shannon E, Godin RE, Sorger PK, D'Andrea A, Overmoyer B, Winer EP, Mittendorf EA, Van Allen EM, Shapiro GI, Tolaney SM. Clinical Efficacy and Molecular Response Correlates of the WEE1 Inhibitor Adavosertib Combined with Cisplatin in Patients with Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:983-991. [PMID: 33257427 PMCID: PMC7887044 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-3089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We report results from a phase II study assessing the efficacy of the WEE1 inhibitor adavosertib with cisplatin in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with mTNBC treated with 0-1 prior lines of chemotherapy received cisplatin 75 mg/m2 i.v. followed 21 days later by cisplatin plus adavosertib 200 mg oral twice daily for five doses every 21 days. The study had 90% power to detect the difference between null (20%) and alternative (40%) objective response rates (ORR) with a one-sided type I error of 0.1: an ORR >30% was predefined as making the regimen worthy of further study. RNA sequencing and multiplex cyclic immunofluorescence on pre- and post-adavosertib tumor biopsies, as well as targeted next-generation sequencing on archival tissue, were correlated with clinical benefit, defined as stable disease ≥6 months or complete or partial response. RESULTS A total of 34 patients initiated protocol therapy; median age was 56 years, 2 patients (6%) had BRCA2 mutations, and 14 (41%) had one prior chemotherapy. ORR was 26% [95% confidence interval (CI), 13-44], and median progression-free survival was 4.9 months (95% CI, 2.3-5.7). Treatment-related grade 3-5 adverse events occurred in 53% of patients, most commonly diarrhea in 21%. One death occurred because of sepsis, possibly related to study therapy. Tumors from patients with clinical benefit demonstrated enriched immune gene expression and T-cell infiltration. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with mTNBC treated with 0-1 prior lines, adavosertib combined with cisplatin missed the prespecified ORR cutoff of >30%. The finding of immune-infiltrated tumors in patients with clinical benefit warrants validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya E Keenan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tianyu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tuulia Vallius
- Breast Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer L Guerriero
- Breast Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nabihah Tayob
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bose Kochupurakkal
- Center for DNA Damage and Repair, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Janae Davis
- Breast Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ricardo Pastorello
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rie K Tahara
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leilani Anderson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jake Conway
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Meng X He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Harvard Graduate Program in Biophysics, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Erin Shannon
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Peter K Sorger
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alan D'Andrea
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for DNA Damage and Repair, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Beth Overmoyer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eric P Winer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth A Mittendorf
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eliezer M Van Allen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Geoffrey I Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sara M Tolaney
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Gorecki L, Andrs M, Korabecny J. Clinical Candidates Targeting the ATR-CHK1-WEE1 Axis in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:795. [PMID: 33672884 PMCID: PMC7918546 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Selective killing of cancer cells while sparing healthy ones is the principle of the perfect cancer treatment and the primary aim of many oncologists, molecular biologists, and medicinal chemists. To achieve this goal, it is crucial to understand the molecular mechanisms that distinguish cancer cells from healthy ones. Accordingly, several clinical candidates that use particular mutations in cell-cycle progressions have been developed to kill cancer cells. As the majority of cancer cells have defects in G1 control, targeting the subsequent intra‑S or G2/M checkpoints has also been extensively pursued. This review focuses on clinical candidates that target the kinases involved in intra‑S and G2/M checkpoints, namely, ATR, CHK1, and WEE1 inhibitors. It provides insight into their current status and future perspectives for anticancer treatment. Overall, even though CHK1 inhibitors are still far from clinical establishment, promising accomplishments with ATR and WEE1 inhibitors in phase II trials present a positive outlook for patient survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Gorecki
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (L.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Martin Andrs
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (L.G.); (M.A.)
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Korabecny
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (L.G.); (M.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Docetaxel: An update on its molecular mechanisms, therapeutic trajectory and nanotechnology in the treatment of breast, lung and prostate cancer. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2020.101959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
49
|
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) associated with high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is a growing clinical problem. The WEE1 kinase inhibitor AZD1775 (WEE1i) overrides cell cycle checkpoints and is being studied in HNSCC regimens. We show that the HPV16 E6/E7 oncoproteins sensitize HNSCC cells to single-agent WEE1i treatment through activation of a FOXM1-CDK1 circuit that drives mitotic gene expression and DNA damage. An isogenic cell system indicated that E6 largely accounts for these phenotypes in ways that extend beyond p53 inactivation. A targeted genomic analysis implicated FOXM1 signaling downstream of E6/E7 expression and analyses of primary tumors and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data revealed an activated FOXM1-directed promitotic transcriptional signature in HPV+ versus HPV- HNSCCs. Finally, we demonstrate the causality of FOXM1 in driving WEE1i sensitivity. These data suggest that elevated basal FOXM1 activity predisposes HPV+ HNSCC to WEE1i-induced toxicity and provide mechanistic insights into WEE1i and HPV+ HNSCC therapies.
Collapse
|
50
|
Ghelli Luserna di Rorà A, Cerchione C, Martinelli G, Simonetti G. A WEE1 family business: regulation of mitosis, cancer progression, and therapeutic target. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:126. [PMID: 32958072 PMCID: PMC7507691 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00959-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The inhibition of the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway in the treatment of cancer has recently gained interest, and different DDR inhibitors have been developed. Among them, the most promising ones target the WEE1 kinase family, which has a crucial role in cell cycle regulation and DNA damage identification and repair in both nonmalignant and cancer cells. This review recapitulates and discusses the most recent findings on the biological function of WEE1/PKMYT1 during the cell cycle and in the DNA damage repair, with a focus on their dual role as tumor suppressors in nonmalignant cells and pseudo-oncogenes in cancer cells. We here report the available data on the molecular and functional alterations of WEE1/PKMYT1 kinases in both hematological and solid tumors. Moreover, we summarize the preclinical information on 36 chemo/radiotherapy agents, and in particular their effect on cell cycle checkpoints and on the cellular WEE1/PKMYT1-dependent response. Finally, this review outlines the most important pre-clinical and clinical data available on the efficacy of WEE1/PKMYT1 inhibitors in monotherapy and in combination with chemo/radiotherapy agents or with other selective inhibitors currently used or under evaluation for the treatment of cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ghelli Luserna di Rorà
- Biosciences Laboratory (Onco-hematology Unit), Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Claudio Cerchione
- Biosciences Laboratory (Onco-hematology Unit), Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinelli
- Biosciences Laboratory (Onco-hematology Unit), Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Giorgia Simonetti
- Biosciences Laboratory (Onco-hematology Unit), Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|