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Ruglioni M, Crucitta S, Luculli GI, Tancredi G, Del Giudice ML, Mechelli S, Galimberti S, Danesi R, Del Re M. Understanding mechanisms of resistance to FLT3 inhibitors in adult FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia to guide treatment strategy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 201:104424. [PMID: 38917943 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104424] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The presence of FLT3 mutations, including the most common FLT3-ITD (internal tandem duplications) and FLT3-TKD (tyrosine kinase domain), is associated with an unfavorable prognosis in patients affected by acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this setting, in recent years, new FLT3 inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in improving survival and treatment response. Nevertheless, the development of primary and secondary mechanisms of resistance poses a significant obstacle to their efficacy. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing novel therapeutic approaches to overcome resistance and improve the outcomes of patients. In this context, the use of novel FLT3 inhibitors and the combination of different targeted therapies have been studied. This review provides an update on the molecular alterations involved in the resistance to FLT3 inhibitors, and describes how the molecular monitoring may be used to guide treatment strategy in FLT3-mutated AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ruglioni
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Crucitta
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanna Irene Luculli
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Gaspare Tancredi
- Unit of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Livia Del Giudice
- Unit of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Sandra Mechelli
- Unit of Internal Medicine 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Galimberti
- Unit of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Romano Danesi
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Italy.
| | - Marzia Del Re
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
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2
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Levis M, Perl A, Schiller G, Fathi AT, Roboz G, Wang ES, Altman J, Rajkhowa T, Ando M, Suzuki T, Subach RA, Maier G, Madden T, Johansen M, Cheung K, Kurman M, Smith C. A phase 1 study of the irreversible FLT3 inhibitor FF-10101 in relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Adv 2024; 8:2527-2535. [PMID: 38502195 PMCID: PMC11131057 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have clinical efficacy for patients with FLT3-mutated AML (acute myeloid leukemia), but their impact is limited by resistance in the setting of monotherapy and by tolerability problems when used in combination therapies. FF-10101 is a novel compound that covalently binds to a cysteine residue near the active site of FLT3, irreversibly inhibiting receptor signaling. It is effective against most FLT3 activating mutations, and, unlike other inhibitors, is minimally vulnerable to resistance induced by FLT3 ligand. We conducted a phase 1 dose escalation study of oral FF-10101 in patients with relapsed and/or refractory AML, the majority of whom harbored FLT3-activating mutations and/or had prior exposure to FLT3 inhibitors. Fifty-four participants enrolled in cohorts receiving doses ranging from 10 to 225 mg per day and 50 to 100 mg twice daily (BID). The dose limiting toxicities were diarrhea and QT prolongation. Among 40 response-evaluable participants, the composite complete response rate was 10%, and the overall response rate (including partial responses) was 12.5%, including patients who had progressed on gilteritinib. Overall, 56% of participants had prior exposure to FLT3 inhibitors. The recommended phase 2 dose was 75 mg BID. FF-10101 potentially represents a next-generation advance in the management of FLT3-mutated AML. This trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT03194685.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Levis
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Alexander Perl
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Gary Schiller
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Amir T. Fathi
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Gail Roboz
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Eunice S. Wang
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY
| | - Jessica Altman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Trivikram Rajkhowa
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | | | | | | | - Gary Maier
- FUJIFILM Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc, Cambridge, MA
| | | | | | - Kin Cheung
- FUJIFILM Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Catherine Smith
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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3
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Macečková D, Vaňková L, Holubová M, Jindra P, Klieber R, Jandová E, Pitule P. Current knowledge about FLT3 gene mutations, exploring the isoforms, and protein importance in AML. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:521. [PMID: 38625438 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09452-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a complex haematological malignancy characterised by diverse genetic alterations leading to abnormal proliferation of myeloid precursor cells. One of the most significant genetic alterations in AML involves mutations in the FLT3 gene, which plays a critical role in haematopoiesis and haematopoietic homeostasis. This review explores the current understanding of FLT3 gene mutations and isoforms and the importance of the FLT3 protein in AML. FLT3 mutations, including internal tandem duplications (FLT3-ITD) and point mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain (FLT3-TKD), occur in 25-30% in AML and are associated with poor prognosis. FLT3-ITD mutations lead to constitutive activation of the FLT3 signalling pathway, promoting cell survival and proliferation. FLT3-TKD mutations affect the tyrosine kinase domain and affect AML prognosis in various ways. Furthermore, FLT3 isoforms, including shorter variants, contribute to the complexity of FLT3 biology. Additionally, nonpathological polymorphisms in FLT3 are being explored for their potential impact on AML prognosis and treatment response. This review also discusses the development of molecular treatments targeting FLT3, including first-generation and next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors, highlighting the challenges of resistance that often arise during therapy. The final chapter describes FLT3 protein domain rearrangements and their relevance to AML pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Macečková
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Immunotherapy Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 76, Pilsen, 32300, Czechia.
| | - Lenka Vaňková
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Monika Holubová
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Immunotherapy Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 76, Pilsen, 32300, Czechia
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Pilsen, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Pavel Jindra
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Pilsen, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Robin Klieber
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Immunotherapy Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 76, Pilsen, 32300, Czechia
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Pilsen, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Eliška Jandová
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Immunotherapy Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 76, Pilsen, 32300, Czechia
| | - Pavel Pitule
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Immunotherapy Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 76, Pilsen, 32300, Czechia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
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4
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Ansari AS, K C R, Morales LC, Nasrullah M, Meenakshi Sundaram DN, Kucharski C, Jiang X, Brandwein J, Uludağ H. Lipopolymer mediated siRNA delivery targeting aberrant oncogenes for effective therapy of myeloid leukemia in preclinical animal models. J Control Release 2024; 367:821-836. [PMID: 38360178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.018] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The clinical development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) has led to great strides in improving the survival of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. But even the new generation TKIs are rendered futile in the face of evolving landscape of acquired mutations leading to drug resistance, necessitating the pursuit of alternative therapeutic approaches. In contrast to exploiting proteins as targets like most conventional drugs and TKIs, RNA Interference (RNAi) exerts its therapeutic action towards disease-driving aberrant genes. To realize the potential of RNAi, the major challenge is to efficiently deliver the therapeutic mediator of RNAi, small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules. In this study, we explored the feasibility of using aliphatic lipid (linoleic acid and lauric acid)-grafted polymers (lipopolymers) for the delivery of siRNAs against the FLT3 oncogene in AML and BCR-ABL oncogene in CML. The lipopolymer delivered siRNA potently suppressed the proliferation AML and CML cells via silencing of the targeted oncogenes. In both AML and CML subcutaneous xenografts generated in NCG mice, intravenously administered lipopolymer/siRNA complexes displayed significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth. Combining siFLT3 complexes with gilteritinib allowed for reduction of effective drug dosage, longer duration of remission, and enhanced survival after relapse, compared to gilteritinib monotherapy. Anti-leukemic activity of siBCR-ABL complexes was similar in wild-type and TKI-resistant cells, and therapeutic efficacy was confirmed in vivo through prolonged survival of the NCG hosts systemically implanted with TKI-resistant cells. These results demonstrate the preclinical efficacy of lipopolymer facilitated siRNA delivery, providing a novel therapeutic platform for myeloid leukemias.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Animals
- Mice
- RNA, Small Interfering
- Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl/genetics
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Oncogenes
- Models, Animal
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Aniline Compounds
- Pyrazines
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha S Ansari
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 1H9, Alberta, Canada
| | - Remant K C
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 1H9, Alberta, Canada
| | - Luis C Morales
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 1H9, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mohammad Nasrullah
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2H1, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Cezary Kucharski
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 1H9, Alberta, Canada
| | - Xiaoyan Jiang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Terry Fox Labs, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joseph Brandwein
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2E1, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hasan Uludağ
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 1H9, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2H1, Alberta, Canada.
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5
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Joshi SK, Pittsenbarger J, Kennedy VE, Peretz CAC, Perl AE, Smith CC, Tyner JW, Druker BJ, Traer E. The FLT3 N701K mutation causes clinical AML resistance to gilteritinib and triggers TKI sensitivity switch to quizartinib. Am J Hematol 2023; 98:E364-E368. [PMID: 37815132 PMCID: PMC10842343 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sunil K Joshi
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Janét Pittsenbarger
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Vanessa E Kennedy
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Cheryl A C Peretz
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alexander E Perl
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Catherine C Smith
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Tyner
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Brian J Druker
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Elie Traer
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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6
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Popescu B, Stahlhut C, Tarver TC, Wishner S, Lee BJ, Peretz CAC, Luck C, Phojanakong P, Camara Serrano JA, Hongo H, Rivera JM, Xirenayi S, Chukinas JA, Steri V, Tasian SK, Stieglitz E, Smith CC. Allosteric SHP2 inhibition increases apoptotic dependency on BCL2 and synergizes with venetoclax in FLT3- and KIT-mutant AML. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101290. [PMID: 37992684 PMCID: PMC10694768 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101290] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) FLT3 and KIT are frequent and associated with poor outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although selective FLT3 inhibitors (FLT3i) are clinically effective, remissions are short-lived due to secondary resistance characterized by acquired mutations constitutively activating the RAS/MAPK pathway. Hereby, we report the pre-clinical efficacy of co-targeting SHP2, a critical node in MAPK signaling, and BCL2 in RTK-driven AML. The allosteric SHP2 inhibitor RMC-4550 suppresses proliferation of AML cell lines with FLT3 and KIT mutations, including cell lines with acquired resistance to FLT3i. We demonstrate that pharmacologic SHP2 inhibition unveils an Achilles' heel of RTK-driven AML, increasing apoptotic dependency on BCL2 via MAPK-dependent mechanisms, including upregulation of BMF and downregulation of MCL1. Consequently, RMC-4550 and venetoclax are synergistically lethal in AML cell lines and in clinically relevant xenograft models. Our results provide mechanistic rationale and pre-clinical evidence for co-targeting SHP2 and BCL2 in RTK-driven AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Popescu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Theodore C Tarver
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sydney Wishner
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bianca J Lee
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Cheryl A C Peretz
- Department of Pediatrics, Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cuyler Luck
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Paul Phojanakong
- Preclinical Therapeutics Core, Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Juan Antonio Camara Serrano
- Preclinical Therapeutics Core, Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Henry Hongo
- Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jose M Rivera
- Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Simayijiang Xirenayi
- Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John A Chukinas
- Division of Oncology, Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Veronica Steri
- Preclinical Therapeutics Core, Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sarah K Tasian
- Division of Oncology, Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elliot Stieglitz
- Department of Pediatrics, Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Catherine C Smith
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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7
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Abdel-Aziz AK, Dokla EME, Saadeldin MK. FLT3 inhibitors and novel therapeutic strategies to reverse AML resistance: An updated comprehensive review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 191:104139. [PMID: 37717880 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104139] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations occur in almost 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Despite the initial clinical efficacy of FLT3 inhibitors, many treated AML patients with mutated FLT3 eventually relapse. This review critically discusses the opportunities and challenges of FLT3-targeted therapies and sheds light on their drug interactions as well as potential biomarkers. Furthermore, we focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying the resistance of FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) AMLs to FLT3 inhibitors alongside novel therapeutic strategies to reverse resistance. Notably, dynamic heterogeneous patterns of clonal selection and evolution contribute to the resistance of FLT3-ITD AMLs to FLT3 inhibitors. Ongoing preclinical research and clinical trials are actively directed towards devising rational "personalized" or "patient-tailored" combinatorial therapeutic regimens to effectively treat patients with FLT3 mutated AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Kamal Abdel-Aziz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt; Smart Health Initiative, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Eman M E Dokla
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Mona Kamal Saadeldin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Leahy Drive, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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8
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Molica M, Perrone S, Rossi M. Gilteritinib: The Story of a Proceeding Success into Hard-to-Treat FLT3-Mutated AML Patients. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113647. [PMID: 37297842 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113647] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The traditionally dismal outcome of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients carrying the FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations has been mitigated by the recent introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) into clinics, such as midostaurin and gilteritinib. The present work summarizes the clinical data that led to the use of gilteritinib in clinical practice. Gilteritinib is a second-generation TKI with deeper single-agent activity than first-generation drugs against both FLT3-ITD and TKD mutations in human studies. Moreover, the phase I/II dose-escalation, dose-expansion Chrysalis trial showed an acceptable safety profile of gilteritinib (diarrhea, elevated aspartate aminotransferase, febrile neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, sepsis, and pneumonia) and a 49% overall response rate (ORR) in 191 FLT3-mutated relapsed/refractory (R/R) AML patients. In 2019, the pivotal ADMIRAL trial showed that the median overall survival was significantly longer in patients treated with gilteritinib than among those receiving chemotherapy (9.3 vs. 5.6 months, respectively) and the ORR to gilteritinib was 67.6%, outperforming the 25.8% for chemotherapy arm and leading to the license for its clinical use by the US Food and Drug Administration. Since then, several real-world experiences have confirmed the positive results in the R/R AML setting. Finally, gilteritinib-based combinations currently under investigation, with several compounds (venetoclax, azacitidine, conventional chemotherapy, etc.) and some practical tips (maintenance after allogeneic transplantation, interaction with antifungal drugs, extramedullary disease, and onset of resistance), will be analyzed in detail in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Molica
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Pugliese-Ciaccio, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Salvatore Perrone
- Department of Hematology, Polo Universitario Pontino, S.M. Goretti Hospital, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Marco Rossi
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Pugliese-Ciaccio, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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9
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Kayser S, Levis MJ. The clinical impact of the molecular landscape of acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2023; 108:308-320. [PMID: 36722402 PMCID: PMC9890016 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2022.280801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Research into the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has led to remarkable advances in our understanding of the disease. Mutations now allow us to explore the enormous diversity among cytogenetically defined subsets of AML, particularly the large subset of cytogenetically normal AML. Despite the progress in unraveling the tumor genome, only a small number of recurrent mutations have been incorporated into risk-stratification schemes and have been proven to be clinically relevant, targetable lesions. The current World Health Organization Classification of myeloid neoplasms and leukemia includes eight AML categories defined by recurrent genetic abnormalities as well as three categories defined by gene mutations. We here discuss the utility of molecular markers in AML in prognostication and treatment decision-making. New therapies based on targetable markers include IDH inhibitors (ivosidenib, enasidenib), venetoclax-based therapy, FLT3 inhibitors (midostaurin, gilteritinib, and quizartinib), gemtuzumab ozogamicin, magrolimab and menin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Kayser
- NCT Trial Center, National Center of Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg.
| | - Mark J. Levis
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD, USA
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10
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Garciaz S, Hospital MA. FMS-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: An Update on the Emerging Evidence and Safety Profile. Onco Targets Ther 2023; 16:31-45. [PMID: 36698434 PMCID: PMC9869913 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s236740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is one of the most frequently mutated genes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Approximately 30% of the adult cases harbor an internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) and 5-10% a tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) amino acid substitution (FLT3-TKD). The treatment paradigm of AML patients harboring FLT3 mutations (30%) has been modified by the discovery of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. First- and second-generation inhibitors classify FLT3 inhibitors according to FLT3 specificity: first-generation FLT3 inhibitors include sorafenib and midostaurin and second-generation inhibitors are represented by quizartinib, gilteritinib and crenolanib, among others. Activity of these inhibitors depends on their mechanism of receptor binding (active vs inactive conformation) and efficacy against the FLT3-ITD and -TKD mutations (type 1 inhibitors are active both on FLT3-ITD and TKD, whereas type 2 inhibitors are active only on FLT3-ITD). The FLT3 inhibitors sorafenib, midostaurin, quizartinib and gilteritinib have been tested in monotherapy in several settings including refractory or relapsed AML (R/R AML), post-transplant maintenance as well as in combination with intensive chemotherapy (ICT) or non-intensity regimens. The results of published randomized studies support the use of sorafenib in a post-transplant setting (SORMAIN trial), midostaurin in combination with ICT based (RATIFY trial) and gilteritinib for R/R AML (ADMIRAL trial). Gilteritinib in combination with hypomethylating agent as well as quizartinib are not supported by solid randomized trial results for their use in FLT3-mutated AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Garciaz
- Department of Hematology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7258, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068, Marseille, France,Correspondence: Sylvain Garciaz, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Hematology Department, 232 Bd Sainte-Marguerite, Marseille, 13009, France, Tel + 33 4 91 22 37 54, Fax + 33 4 91 22 30 63, Email
| | - Marie-Anne Hospital
- Department of Hematology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7258, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068, Marseille, France
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Tecik M, Adan A. Therapeutic Targeting of FLT3 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Current Status and Novel Approaches. Onco Targets Ther 2022; 15:1449-1478. [PMID: 36474506 PMCID: PMC9719701 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s384293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is mutated in approximately 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. The presence of FLT3-ITD (internal tandem duplication, 20-25%) mutation and, to a lesser extent, FLT3-TKD (tyrosine kinase domain, 5-10%) mutation is associated with poorer diagnosis and therapy response since the leukemic cells become hyperproliferative and resistant to apoptosis after continuous activation of FLT3 signaling. Targeting FLT3 has been the focus of many pre-clinical and clinical studies. Hence, many small-molecule FLT3 inhibitors (FLT3is) have been developed, some of which are approved such as midostaurin and gilteritinib to be used in different clinical settings, either in combination with chemotherapy or alone. However, many questions regarding the best treatment strategy remain to be answered. On the other hand, various FLT3-dependent and -independent resistance mechanisms could be evolved during FLT3i therapy which limit their clinical impact. Therefore, identifying molecular mechanisms of resistance and developing novel strategies to overcome this obstacle is a current interest in the field. In this review, recent studies of approved FLT3i and knowledge about major resistance mechanisms of clinically approved FLT3i's will be discussed together with novel treatment approaches such as designing novel FLT3i and dual FLT3i and combination strategies including approved FLT3i plus small-molecule agents targeting altered molecules in the resistant cells to abrogate resistance. Moreover, how to choose an appropriate FLT3i for the patients will be summarized based on what is currently known from available clinical data. In addition, strategies beyond FLT3i's including immunotherapeutics, small-molecule FLT3 degraders, and flavonoids will be summarized to highlight potential alternatives in FLT3-mutated AML therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melisa Tecik
- Bioengineering Program, Graduate School of Engineering and Science, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Aysun Adan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri, Turkey
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Song MK, Park BB, Uhm JE. Clinical Efficacies of FLT3 Inhibitors in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012708. [PMID: 36293564 PMCID: PMC9604443 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
FLT3 mutations are the most common genomic alteration detected in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a worse clinical prognosis. The highly frequent FLT3 mutations, together with the side effects associated with clinical prognosis, make FLT3 promising treatment targets and have provoked the advancement of FLT3 inhibitors. Recently, numerous FLT3 inhibitors were actively developed, and thus the outcomes of this aggressive subtype of AML were significantly improved. Recently, midostaurin and gilteritinib were approved as frontline treatment of AML and as therapeutic agents in the recurred disease by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Recently, numerous promising clinical trials attempted to seek appropriate management in frontline settings, in relapsed/refractory disease, or after stem cell transplantation in AML. This review follows numerous clinical trials about the usefulness of FLT3 inhibitors as frontline therapy, as relapsed/refractory conditioning, and as maintenance therapy of stem cell transplantation. The cumulative data of FLT3 inhibitors would be important clinical evidence for further management with FLT3 inhibitors in AML patients with FLT3 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moo-Kon Song
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Hanyang University Hanmaeum Changwon Hospital, Changwon 51497, Korea
| | - Byeong-Bae Park
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2290-8114; Fax: +82-2-2290-7112
| | - Ji-Eun Uhm
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul 04763, Korea
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