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Boichuk S, Dunaev P, Galembikova A, Valeeva E. Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2) Activates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Signaling in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST): An Autocrine Mechanism Contributing to Imatinib Mesylate (IM) Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:3103. [PMID: 39272961 PMCID: PMC11394061 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16173103] [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: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
We showed previously that the autocrine activation of the FGFR-mediated pathway in GIST lacking secondary KIT mutations was a result of the inhibition of KIT signaling. We show here that the FGF2/FGFR pathway regulates VEGF-A/VEGFR signaling in IM-resistant GIST cells. Indeed, recombinant FGF2 increased the production of VEGF-A by IM-naive and resistant GIST cells. VEGF-A production was also increased in KIT-inhibited GIST, whereas the neutralization of FGF2 by anti-FGF2 mAb attenuated VEGFR signaling. Of note, BGJ 398, pan FGFR inhibitor, effectively and time-dependently inhibited VEGFR signaling in IM-resistant GIST T-1R cells, thereby revealing the regulatory role of the FGFR pathway in VEGFR signaling for this particular GIST cell line. This also resulted in significant synergy between BGJ 398 and VEGFR inhibitors (i.e., sunitinib and regorafenib) by enhancing their pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative activities. The high potency of the combined use of VEGFR and FGFR inhibitors in IM-resistant GISTs was revealed by the impressive synergy scores observed for regorafenib or sunitinib and BGJ 398. Moreover, FGFR1/2 and VEGFR1/2 were co-localized in IM-resistant GIST T-1R cells, and the direct interaction between the aforementioned RTKs was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. In contrast, IM-resistant GIST 430 cells expressed lower basal levels of FGF2 and VEGF-A. Despite the increased expression VEGFR1 and FGFR1/2 in GIST 430 cells, these RTKs were not co-localized and co-immunoprecipitated. Moreover, no synergy between FGFR and VEGFR inhibitors was observed for the IM-resistant GIST 430 cell line. Collectively, the dual targeting of FGFR and VEGFR pathways in IM-resistant GISTs is not limited to the synergistic anti-angiogenic treatment effects. The dual inhibition of FGFR and VEGFR pathways in IM-resistant GISTs potentiates the proapoptotic and anti-proliferative activities of the corresponding RTKi. Mechanistically, the FGF2-induced activation of the FGFR pathway turns on VEGFR signaling via the overproduction of VEGF-A, induces the interaction between FGFR1/2 and VEGFR1, and thereby renders cancer cells highly sensitive to the dual inhibition of the aforementioned RTKs. Thus, our data uncovers the novel mechanism of the cross-talk between the aforementioned RTKs in IM-resistant GISTs lacking secondary KIT mutations and suggests that the dual blockade of FGFR and VEGFR signaling might be an effective treatment strategy for patients with GIST-acquired IM resistance via KIT-independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei Boichuk
- Department of Pathology, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan 420012, Russia
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiology, Faculty of Surgery, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow 125993, Russia
- "Biomarker" Research Laboratory, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - Pavel Dunaev
- Department of Pathology, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan 420012, Russia
| | - Aigul Galembikova
- Department of Pathology, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan 420012, Russia
| | - Elena Valeeva
- Central Research Laboratory, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan 420012, Russia
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Gómez-Peregrina D, Cicala CM, Serrano C. Monitoring advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor with circulating tumor DNA. Curr Opin Oncol 2024; 36:282-290. [PMID: 38726808 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000001040] [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: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review explores the role of circulating tumor (ct)DNA as a biomarker for clinical decision-making and monitoring purposes in metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients. We discuss key insights from recent clinical trials and anticipate the future perspectives of ctDNA profiling within the clinical landscape of GIST. RECENT FINDINGS The identification and molecular characterization of KIT/platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) mutations from ctDNA in metastatic GIST is feasible and reliable. Such identification through ctDNA serves as a predictor of clinical outcomes to tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in metastatic patients. Additionally, conjoined ctDNA analysis from clinical trials reveal the evolving mutational landscapes and increase in intratumoral heterogeneity across treatment lines. Together, this data positions ctDNA determination as a valuable tool for monitoring disease progression and guiding therapy in metastatic patients. These collective efforts culminated in the initiation of a ctDNA-based randomized clinical trial in GIST, marking a significant milestone in integrating ctDNA testing into the clinical care of GIST patients. SUMMARY The dynamic field of ctDNA technologies is rapidly evolving and holds significant promise for research. Several trials have successfully validated the clinical utility of ctDNA in metastatic GIST, laying the foundations for its prospective integration into the routine clinical management of GIST patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gómez-Peregrina
- Sarcoma Translational Research Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO)
| | - Carlo Maria Cicala
- Sarcoma Translational Research Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - César Serrano
- Sarcoma Translational Research Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
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Thirasastr P, Sutton TL, Joseph CP, Lin H, Amini B, Mayo SC, Araujo D, Benjamin RS, Conley AP, Livingston JA, Ludwig J, Patel S, Ratan R, Ravi V, Zarzour MA, Nassif Haddad EF, Nakazawa MS, Zhou X, Heinrich MC, Somaiah N. Outcomes of Late-Line Systemic Treatment in GIST: Does Sequence Matter? Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:904. [PMID: 38473266 PMCID: PMC10931337 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050904] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Ripretinib and avapritinib have demonstrated activity in the late-line treatment of gastrointestinal stomal tumors (GISTs). We investigated whether patients previously treated with ripretinib benefit from avapritinib, and vice versa. Patients diagnosed with metastatic/unresectable GIST and treated with both drugs at two institutions in 2000-2021 were included. Patients were grouped by drug sequence: ripretinib-avapritinib (RA) or avapritinib-ripretinib (AR). Radiographic response was evaluated using RECIST 1.1. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used to compare time-to-progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS). Thirty-four patients (17 per group) were identified, with a median age of 48 years. The most common primary site was the small bowel (17/34, 50%), followed by the stomach (10/34, 29.4%). Baseline characteristics and tumor mutations were not significantly different between groups. Response rates (RRs) for ripretinib were 18% for RA and 12% for AR; RRs for avapritinib were 12% for AR and 18% for RA. Median TTPs for ripretinib were 3.65 months (95%CI 2-5.95) for RA and 4.73 months (1.87-15.84) for AR. Median TTPs for avapritinib were 5.39 months (2.86-18.99) for AR and 4.11 months (1.91-11.4) for RA. Median OS rates following RA or AR initiation were 29.63 (95%CI 13.8-50.53) and 33.7 (20.03-50.57) months, respectively. Both ripretinib and avapritinib were efficacious in the late-line treatment of GIST, with no evidence that efficacy depended on sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prapassorn Thirasastr
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.T.); (C.P.J.); (D.A.); (R.S.B.); (A.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.L.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (V.R.); (M.A.Z.); (E.F.N.H.); (M.S.N.); (X.Z.)
| | - Thomas L. Sutton
- Division of Surgical Oncology, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, OR 97239, USA; (T.L.S.)
| | - Cissimol P. Joseph
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.T.); (C.P.J.); (D.A.); (R.S.B.); (A.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.L.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (V.R.); (M.A.Z.); (E.F.N.H.); (M.S.N.); (X.Z.)
| | - Heather Lin
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Behrang Amini
- Department of Musculoskeletal Imaging, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Skye C. Mayo
- Division of Surgical Oncology, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, OR 97239, USA; (T.L.S.)
| | - Dejka Araujo
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.T.); (C.P.J.); (D.A.); (R.S.B.); (A.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.L.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (V.R.); (M.A.Z.); (E.F.N.H.); (M.S.N.); (X.Z.)
| | - Robert S. Benjamin
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.T.); (C.P.J.); (D.A.); (R.S.B.); (A.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.L.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (V.R.); (M.A.Z.); (E.F.N.H.); (M.S.N.); (X.Z.)
| | - Anthony P. Conley
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.T.); (C.P.J.); (D.A.); (R.S.B.); (A.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.L.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (V.R.); (M.A.Z.); (E.F.N.H.); (M.S.N.); (X.Z.)
| | - John A. Livingston
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.T.); (C.P.J.); (D.A.); (R.S.B.); (A.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.L.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (V.R.); (M.A.Z.); (E.F.N.H.); (M.S.N.); (X.Z.)
| | - Joseph Ludwig
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.T.); (C.P.J.); (D.A.); (R.S.B.); (A.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.L.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (V.R.); (M.A.Z.); (E.F.N.H.); (M.S.N.); (X.Z.)
| | - Shreyaskumar Patel
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.T.); (C.P.J.); (D.A.); (R.S.B.); (A.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.L.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (V.R.); (M.A.Z.); (E.F.N.H.); (M.S.N.); (X.Z.)
| | - Ravin Ratan
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.T.); (C.P.J.); (D.A.); (R.S.B.); (A.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.L.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (V.R.); (M.A.Z.); (E.F.N.H.); (M.S.N.); (X.Z.)
| | - Vinod Ravi
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.T.); (C.P.J.); (D.A.); (R.S.B.); (A.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.L.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (V.R.); (M.A.Z.); (E.F.N.H.); (M.S.N.); (X.Z.)
| | - Maria A. Zarzour
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.T.); (C.P.J.); (D.A.); (R.S.B.); (A.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.L.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (V.R.); (M.A.Z.); (E.F.N.H.); (M.S.N.); (X.Z.)
| | - Elise F. Nassif Haddad
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.T.); (C.P.J.); (D.A.); (R.S.B.); (A.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.L.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (V.R.); (M.A.Z.); (E.F.N.H.); (M.S.N.); (X.Z.)
| | - Michael S. Nakazawa
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.T.); (C.P.J.); (D.A.); (R.S.B.); (A.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.L.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (V.R.); (M.A.Z.); (E.F.N.H.); (M.S.N.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiao Zhou
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.T.); (C.P.J.); (D.A.); (R.S.B.); (A.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.L.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (V.R.); (M.A.Z.); (E.F.N.H.); (M.S.N.); (X.Z.)
| | - Michael C. Heinrich
- Cell and Developmental Biology, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Neeta Somaiah
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.T.); (C.P.J.); (D.A.); (R.S.B.); (A.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.L.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (V.R.); (M.A.Z.); (E.F.N.H.); (M.S.N.); (X.Z.)
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