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Alfei S, Zuccari G. Attempts to Improve Lipophilic Drugs' Solubility and Bioavailability: A Focus on Fenretinide. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:579. [PMID: 38794242 PMCID: PMC11125266 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050579] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of numerous drugs is often arrested at clinical testing stages, due to their unfavorable biopharmaceutical characteristics. It is the case of fenretinide (4-HPR), a second-generation retinoid, that demonstrated promising in vitro cytotoxic activity against several cancer cell lines. Unfortunately, response rates in early clinical trials with 4-HPR did not confirm the in vitro findings, mainly due to the low bioavailability of the oral capsular formulation that was initially developed. Capsular 4-HPR provided variable and insufficient drug plasma levels attributable to the high hepatic first-pass effect and poor drug water solubility. To improve 4-HPR bioavailability, several approaches have been put forward and tested in preclinical and early-phase clinical trials, demonstrating generally improved plasma levels and minimal systemic toxicities, but also modest antitumor efficacy. The challenge is thus currently still far from being met. To redirect the diminished interest of pharmaceutical companies toward 4-HPR and promote its further clinical development, this manuscript reviewed the attempts made so far by researchers to enhance 4-HPR bioavailability. A comparison of the available data was performed, and future directions were proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Guendalina Zuccari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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2
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Bercier P, de Thé H. History of Developing Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Treatment and Role of Promyelocytic Leukemia Bodies. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1351. [PMID: 38611029 PMCID: PMC11011038 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071351] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The story of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) discovery, physiopathology, and treatment is a unique journey, transforming the most aggressive form of leukemia to the most curable. It followed an empirical route fueled by clinical breakthroughs driving major advances in biochemistry and cell biology, including the discovery of PML nuclear bodies (PML NBs) and their central role in APL physiopathology. Beyond APL, PML NBs have emerged as key players in a wide variety of biological functions, including tumor-suppression and SUMO-initiated protein degradation, underscoring their broad importance. The APL story is an example of how clinical observations led to the incremental development of the first targeted leukemia therapy. The understanding of APL pathogenesis and the basis for cure now opens new insights in the treatment of other diseases, especially other acute myeloid leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Bercier
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75231 Paris, France;
- GenCellDis, Inserm U944, CNRS UMR7212, Université Paris Cité, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Hugues de Thé
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75231 Paris, France;
- GenCellDis, Inserm U944, CNRS UMR7212, Université Paris Cité, 75010 Paris, France
- Hematology Laboratory, Hôpital St Louis, AP/HP, 75010 Paris, France
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3
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Fleischmann M, Bechwar J, Voigtländer D, Fischer M, Schnetzke U, Hochhaus A, Scholl S. Synergistic Effects of the RAR alpha Agonist Tamibarotene and the Menin Inhibitor Revumenib in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells with KMT2A Rearrangement or NPM1 Mutation. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1311. [PMID: 38610989 PMCID: PMC11011083 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071311] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of menin in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) harboring histone-lysine-N-methyltransferase 2A rearrangement (KMT2Ar) or the mutated Nucleophosmin gene (NPM1c) is considered a novel and effective treatment approach in these patients. However, rapid acquisition of resistance mutations can impair treatment success. In patients with elevated retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARA) expression levels, promising effects are demonstrated by the next-generation RARalpha agonist tamibarotene, which restores differentiation or induces apoptosis. In this study, the combination of revumenib and tamibarotene was investigated in various KMT2Ar or NPM1c AML cell lines and patient-derived blasts, focusing on the potential synergistic induction of differentiation or apoptosis. Both effects were analyzed by flow cytometry and validated by Western blot analysis. Synergy calculations were performed using viability assays. Regulation of the relevant key mediators for the MLL complex were quantified by RT-qPCR. In MV4:11 cells characterized by the highest relative mRNA levels of RARA, highly synergistic induction of apoptosis is demonstrated upon combination treatment. Induction of apoptosis by combined treatment of MV4:11 cells is accompanied by pronounced induction of the pro-apoptotic protein BAX and a synergistic reduction in CDK6 mRNA levels. In MOLM13 and OCI-AML3 cells, an increase in differentiation markers like PU.1 or a decreased ratio of phosphorylated to total CEBPA is demonstrated. In parts, corresponding effects were observed in patient-derived AML cells carrying either KMT2Ar or NPM1c. The impact of revumenib on KMT2Ar or NPM1c AML cells was significantly enhanced when combined with tamibarotene, demonstrating synergistic differentiation or apoptosis initiation. These findings propose promising strategies for relapsed/refractory AML patients with defined molecular characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sebastian Scholl
- Abteilung Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Comprehensive Cancer Central Germany—Campus Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (M.F.); (J.B.); (D.V.); (M.F.); (U.S.); (A.H.)
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4
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Hochman MJ, DeZern AE. SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions: An Update on Higher Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2024:S2152-2650(24)00113-7. [PMID: 38594129 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS) are clonal myeloid neoplasms that cause life-limiting complications from severe cytopenias and leukemic transformation. Efforts to better classify, prognosticate, and assess therapeutic responses in HR-MDS have resulted in publication of new clinical tools in the last several years. Given limited current treatment options and suboptimal outcomes, HR-MDS stands to benefit from the study of investigational agents.Higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS) are a heterogenous group of clonal myeloid-lineage malignancies often characterized by high-risk genetic lesions, increased blood transfusion needs, constitutional symptoms, elevated risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and therapeutic need for allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Use of blast percentage and other morphologic features to define myelodysplastic neoplasm subtypes is rapidly shifting to incorporate genetics, resulting in a subset of former HR-MDS patients now being considered as AML in presence of leukemia-defining genetic alterations. A proliferation of prognostic tools has further focused use of genetic features to drive decision making in clinical management. Recently, criteria to assess response of HR-MDS to therapy were revised to incorporate more clinically meaningful endpoints and better match AML response criteria. Basic science investigations have resulted in improved understanding of the relationship between MDS genetic lesions, bone marrow stromal changes, germline predispositions, and disease phenotype. However, therapeutic advances have been more limited. There has been import of the IDH1 inhibitor ivosidenib, initially approved for AML; the Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax and liposomal daunorubicin/cytarabine (CPX-351) are under active investigation as well. Unfortunately, effective treatment of TP53-mutated disease remains elusive, though preliminary evidence suggests improved outcomes with oral decitabine/cedazuridine over parenteral hypomethylating agent monotherapy. Investigational agents with novel mechanisms of action may help expand the repertoire of treatment options for HR-MDS and trials continue to offer a hopeful therapeutic avenue for suitable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Hochman
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Amy E DeZern
- Division of Hematological Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.
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5
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Marr AR, Halpin M, Corbin DL, Asemelash Y, Sher S, Gordon BK, Whipp EC, Mitchell S, Harrington BK, Orwick S, Benrashid S, Goettl VM, Yildiz V, Mitchell AD, Cahn O, Mims AS, Larkin KTM, Long M, Blachly J, Woyach JA, Lapalombella R, Grieselhuber NR. The multi-CDK inhibitor dinaciclib reverses bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitor resistance in acute myeloid leukemia via inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:27. [PMID: 38438856 PMCID: PMC10913666 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00483-w] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly aggressive hematologic cancer with poor survival across a broad range of molecular subtypes. Development of efficacious and well-tolerable therapies encompassing the range of mutations that can arise in AML remains an unmet need. The bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins represents an attractive therapeutic target in AML due to their crucial roles in many cellular functions, regardless of any specific mutation. Many BET inhibitors (BETi) are currently in pre-clinical and early clinical development, but acquisition of resistance continues to remain an obstacle for the drug class. Novel methods to circumvent this development of resistance could be instrumental for the future use of BET inhibitors in AML, both as monotherapy and in combination. To date, many investigations into possible drug combinations of BETi with CDK inhibitors have focused on CDK9, which has a known physical and functional interaction with the BET protein BRD4. Therefore, we wished to investigate possible synergy and additive effects between inhibitors of these targets in AML. Here, we describe combination therapy with the multi-CDK inhibitor dinaciclib and the BETi PLX51107 in pre-clinical models of AML. Dinaciclib and PLX51107 demonstrate additive effects in AML cell lines, primary AML samples, and in vivo. Further, we demonstrate novel activity of dinaciclib through inhibition of the canonical/β-catenin dependent Wnt signaling pathway, a known resistance mechanism to BETi in AML. We show dinaciclib inhibits Wnt signaling at multiple levels, including downregulation of β-catenin, the Wnt co-receptor LRP6, as well as many Wnt pathway components and targets. Moreover, dinaciclib sensitivity remains unaffected in a setting of BET resistance, demonstrating similar inhibitory effects on Wnt signaling when compared to BET-sensitive cells. Ultimately, our results demonstrate rationale for combination CDKi and BETi in AML. In addition, our novel finding of Wnt signaling inhibition could have potential implications in other cancers where Wnt signaling is dysregulated and demonstrates one possible approach to circumvent development of BET resistance in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R Marr
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Madeline Halpin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dominique L Corbin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yerdanos Asemelash
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Steven Sher
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Britten K Gordon
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ethan C Whipp
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Shelley Orwick
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Samon Benrashid
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Virginia M Goettl
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Vedat Yildiz
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Andrew D Mitchell
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Olivia Cahn
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alice S Mims
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Karilyn T M Larkin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Meixao Long
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - James Blachly
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Leukemia Research Program, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jennifer A Woyach
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Leukemia Research Program, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rosa Lapalombella
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Leukemia Research Program, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nicole R Grieselhuber
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Leukemia Research Program, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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6
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Merz AMA, Platzbecker U. Beyond the horizon: emerging therapeutic approaches in myelodysplastic neoplasms. Exp Hematol 2024; 130:104130. [PMID: 38036096 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2023.11.004] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Management of myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) requires a personalized approach, with a focus on improving quality of life and extending lifespan. The International Prognostic Scoring System-Revised and the molecular International Prognostic Scoring System are key tools for risk stratification and management of MDS. They provide a framework for predicting survival and the risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia. However, a major challenge in MDS management remains the limited therapeutic options available, especially after the failure of first-line therapies. In lower-risk MDS, the failure of erythropoietin-stimulating agents often leaves few alternatives, although in higher-risk MDS, the prognosis after hypomethylating agent failure is dismal. This highlights the urgent need for novel, more personalized therapeutic approaches. In this review, we discuss emerging novel therapeutic approaches in the treatment of MDS. Several new therapeutic targets are currently being evaluated, offering hope for improved management of MDS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almuth Maria Anni Merz
- Department of Hematology, Cellular Therapy, Hemostaseology and Infectious Disease, University Hospital of Leipzig, University of Leipzig Faculty of Medicine Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Uwe Platzbecker
- Department of Hematology, Cellular Therapy, Hemostaseology and Infectious Disease, University Hospital of Leipzig, University of Leipzig Faculty of Medicine Leipzig, Germany.
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7
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Merz AMA, Sébert M, Sonntag J, Kubasch AS, Platzbecker U, Adès L. Phase to phase: Navigating drug combinations with hypomethylating agents in higher-risk MDS trials for optimal outcomes. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 123:102673. [PMID: 38176221 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102673] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Recent developments in high-risk Myelodysplastic Neoplasms (HR MDS) treatment are confronted with challenges in study design due to evolving drug combinations with Hypomethylating Agents (HMAs). The shift from the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) to its molecular revision (IPSS-M) has notably influenced research and clinical practice. Introducing concepts like the MDS/AML overlap complicate classifications and including chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) in MDS studies introduces another layer of complexity. The International Consortium for MDS emphasizes aligning HR MDS criteria with the 2022 ELN criteria for AML. Differences in advancements between AML and MDS treatments and hematological toxicity in HR MDS underline the importance of detailed trial designs. Effective therapeutic strategies require accurate reporting of adverse events, highlighting the need for clarity in criteria like the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). We provide an overview on negative clinical trials in HR MDS, analyze possible reasons and explore possibilities to optimize future clinical trials in this challenging patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almuth Maria Anni Merz
- Department of Hematology, Cellular Therapy, Hemostaseology and Infectious Disease, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marie Sébert
- Service Hématologie Séniors, Hôpital Saint-Louis (AP-HP), Paris Cité University and INSERM U944, Paris, France
| | - Jan Sonntag
- Department of Hematology, Cellular Therapy, Hemostaseology and Infectious Disease, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anne Sophie Kubasch
- Department of Hematology, Cellular Therapy, Hemostaseology and Infectious Disease, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uwe Platzbecker
- Department of Hematology, Cellular Therapy, Hemostaseology and Infectious Disease, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Lionel Adès
- Service Hématologie Séniors, Hôpital Saint-Louis (AP-HP), Paris Cité University and INSERM U944, Paris, France.
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8
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Stein EM, de Botton S, Cluzeau T, Pigneux A, Liesveld JL, Cook RJ, Rousselot P, Rizzieri DA, Braun T, Roboz GJ, Lebon D, Heiblig M, Baker K, Volkert A, Paul S, Rajagopal N, Roth DA, Kelly M, Peterlin P. Use of tamibarotene, a potent and selective RARα agonist, in combination with azacitidine in patients with relapsed and refractory AML with RARA gene overexpression. Leuk Lymphoma 2023; 64:1992-2001. [PMID: 37571998 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2023.2243356] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Tamibarotene-based therapy is a novel targeted approach for the treatment of relapsed/refractory (R/R) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARA) gene overexpression. Approximately, 50% of higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients and approximately 30% of AML patients are positive for RARA overexpression using a blood-based biomarker test that measures RARA expression in peripheral blasts. A phase 2 study investigating the activity of tamibarotene in patients with RARA overexpression was conducted in patients with AML and MDS (NCT02807558). In 28 patients with R/R AML and RARA overexpression treated with tamibarotene in combination with azacitidine, the median overall survival was 5.9 months. In 21 response-evaluable patients, the complete remission/complete remission with incomplete hematologic recovery (CR/CRi) rate was 19%, and median time to initial CR/CRi was 1.2 months. The favorable safety profile and preliminary clinical activity support the development of combination therapies with tamibarotene in myeloid malignancies with RARA overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eytan M Stein
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Thomas Cluzeau
- Côte d'Azur University, CHU de Nice Hôpital, Nice, France
| | - Arnaud Pigneux
- Hematology Clinic, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Rachel J Cook
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Philippe Rousselot
- Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Université Paris-Saclay, Versailles, France
| | | | - Thorsten Braun
- Centre Hospitalier Universitiaire Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France
| | - Gail J Roboz
- Weill Cornell Medicine and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Mael Heiblig
- Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | | | | | - Sofia Paul
- Syros Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
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9
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Montalban-Bravo G, Kanagal-Shamanna R, Li Z, Hammond D, Chien K, Rodriguez-Sevilla JJ, Sasaki K, Jabbour E, DiNardo C, Takahashi K, Short N, Issa GC, Pemmaraju N, Kadia T, Ravandi F, Daver N, Borthakur G, Loghavi S, Pierce S, Bueso-Ramos C, Kantarjian H, Garcia-Manero G. Phenotypic subtypes of leukaemic transformation in chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2023; 203:581-592. [PMID: 37608562 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) is a haematological disorder with high risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). To characterize the phenotypic and genomic patterns of CMML progression, we evaluated a cohort of 189 patients with AML evolving from CMML. We found that transformation occurs through distinct trajectories characterized by genomic profiles and clonal evolution: monocytic (Mo-AML, 53%), immature myeloid (My-AML, 43%) or erythroid (Ery-AML, 2%). Mo-AML, characterized by expansion of monoblasts and promonocytes (low CD34, CD117 expression; high CD14, CD33, CD56 and CD64 expression), were defined by SRSF2, TET2 and RAS pathway mutation co-dominance and were more likely to evolve from SRSF2-TET2 co-mutant CMML through emergence/expansion of RAS pathway mutant clones. Conversely, My-AML, characterized by expansion of immature myeloid blasts (high frequency of CD34, CD38, CD117; low frequency of CD14, CD64 and CD56 expression) were less likely to exhibit SRSF2-TET2 co-mutations or RAS pathway mutations and had higher frequency of CEBPA mutations. Ery-AML was defined by complex karyotypes and TP53 mutations. A trend towards improved OS and EFS with hypomethylating agent-venetoclax combination was observed in My-AML, but not Mo-AML. These findings define distinct progression of CMML and set the basis for future studies evaluating the role of phenotype-specific therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rashmi Kanagal-Shamanna
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ziyi Li
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Danielle Hammond
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kelly Chien
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Koji Sasaki
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Elias Jabbour
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Courtney DiNardo
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Koichi Takahashi
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nicholas Short
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ghayas C Issa
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Naveen Pemmaraju
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tapan Kadia
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Farhad Ravandi
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Naval Daver
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gautam Borthakur
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sanam Loghavi
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sherry Pierce
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Carlos Bueso-Ramos
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hagop Kantarjian
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Guillermo Garcia-Manero
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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10
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Nagai Y, Ambinder AJ. The Promise of Retinoids in the Treatment of Cancer: Neither Burnt Out Nor Fading Away. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3535. [PMID: 37509198 PMCID: PMC10377082 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the introduction of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has become a highly curable malignancy, especially in combination with arsenic trioxide (ATO). ATRA's success has deepened our understanding of the role of the RARα pathway in normal hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis, and it has influenced a generation of cancer drug development. Retinoids have also demonstrated some efficacy in a handful of other disease entities, including as a maintenance therapy for neuroblastoma and in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas; nevertheless, the promise of retinoids as a differentiating therapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) more broadly, and as a cancer preventative, have largely gone unfulfilled. Recent research into the mechanisms of ATRA resistance and the biomarkers of RARα pathway dysregulation in AML have reinvigorated efforts to successfully deploy retinoid therapy in a broader subset of myeloid malignancies. Recent studies have demonstrated that the bone marrow environment is highly protected from exogenous ATRA via local homeostasis controlled by stromal cells expressing CYP26, a key enzyme responsible for ATRA inactivation. Synthetic CYP26-resistant retinoids such as tamibarotene bypass this stromal protection and have shown superior anti-leukemic effects. Furthermore, recent super-enhancer (SE) analysis has identified a novel AML subgroup characterized by high expression of RARα through strong SE levels in the gene locus and increased sensitivity to tamibarotene. Combined with a hypomethylating agent, synthetic retinoids have shown synergistic anti-leukemic effects in non-APL AML preclinical models and are now being studied in phase II and III clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Nagai
- Department of Hematology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe 650-0047, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Alexander J Ambinder
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
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11
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Turkalj S, Radtke FA, Vyas P. An Overview of Targeted Therapies in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e914. [PMID: 37304938 PMCID: PMC10256410 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000914] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most aggressive adult leukemia, characterized by clonal differentiation arrest of progenitor or precursor hematopoietic cells. Intense preclinical and clinical research has led to regulatory approval of several targeted therapeutics, administered either as single agents or as combination therapies. However, the majority of patients still face a poor prognosis and disease relapse frequently occurs due to selection of therapy-resistant clones. Hence, more effective novel therapies, most likely as innovative, rational combination therapies, are urgently needed. Chromosomal aberrations, gene mutations, and epigenetic alterations drive AML pathogenesis but concurrently provide vulnerabilities to specifically target leukemic cells. Other molecules, either aberrantly active and/or overexpressed in leukemic stem cells, may also be leveraged for therapeutic benefit. This concise review of targeted therapies for AML treatment, which are either approved or are being actively investigated in clinical trials or recent preclinical studies, provides a flavor of the direction of travel, but also highlights the current challenges in AML treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Turkalj
- MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Centre for Hematology, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Felix A. Radtke
- MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Centre for Hematology, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paresh Vyas
- MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Centre for Hematology, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Hematology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Ciotti G, Marconi G, Sperotto A, Giannini MB, Gottardi M, Martinelli G. Biological therapy in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023; 23:175-194. [PMID: 36715330 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2174015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The introduction of target molecules and immunological therapies is changing the treatment landscape of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AREAS COVERED We recapitulate the biological therapies that can be employed in the treatment of elderly patients with AML. Alongside small molecules inhibitors that target specific gene mutations, antibodies, tumor microenvironment modulators, and cellular therapies are being developed for the cure of the disease. Here, we report the biological activities, the efficacy and toxicities of humanized antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates that targets surface antigens as CD33 (gemtuzumab ozogamicine) or CD123 (pivekimab sunirine). We further explore mechanisms and effectiveness of medications that modify the microenvironment, such as glasdegib, or that harness the immune system against leukemia, such as CD47 antibody magrolimab, PD1/PDL1 inhibitors pembrolizumab and nivolumab, TIM3 inhibitor sabatolimab, T-cell and NK-cell engagers. Cellular therapies are considered, even if a large trial is still pending for the feasibility of the approach. In this scenario, a brief overview of the mechanism of action of target agents is provided, particularly with respect to their biological mechanisms. EXPERT OPINION Overall, this therapeutic armamentarium will constitute the basis for multimodal and personalized combinations that, in the idea of precision medicine, will enormously benefit elderly AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ciotti
- Onco Hematology, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marconi
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sperotto
- Onco Hematology, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria B Giannini
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Michele Gottardi
- Onco Hematology, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinelli
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
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