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Miller ED, Jethwa KR, Wojcieszynski AP, Ashman JB, Sanford NN, Hawkins MA, Kim H, Chuong MD. Upping the Ante in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 120:555-557. [PMID: 39244354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2024.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Miller
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio.
| | - Krishan R Jethwa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | | | - Nina N Sanford
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
| | - Maria A Hawkins
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Michael D Chuong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Miami, Florida
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2
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Moosavi F, Hassani B, Nazari S, Saso L, Firuzi O. Targeting DNA damage response in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A review of preclinical and clinical evidence. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189185. [PMID: 39326802 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189185] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 09/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with one of the most unfavorable prognoses across all malignancies. In this review, we investigate the role of inhibitors targeting crucial regulators of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways, either as single treatments or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents and targeted therapies in PDAC. The most prominent clinical benefit of PARP inhibitors' monotherapy is related to the principle of synthetic lethality in individuals harboring BRCA1/2 and other DDR gene mutations as predictive biomarkers. Moreover, induction of BRCAness with inhibitors of RTKs, including VEGFR and c-MET and their downstream signaling pathways, RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR in order to expand the application of PARP inhibitors in patients without DDR mutations, has also been addressed. Other DDR-targeting agents beyond PARP inhibitors, including inhibitors of ATM, ATR, CHEK1/2, and WEE1 have also demonstrated their potential in preclinical models of PDAC and may hold promise in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Moosavi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahareh Hassani
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Somayeh Nazari
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Omidreza Firuzi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Xiong C, Ling H, Huang Y, Dong H, Xie B, Hao Q, Zhou X. AZD1775 synergizes with SLC7A11 inhibition to promote ferroptosis. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-023-2589-1. [PMID: 39245684 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2589-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Tumor suppressor p53-mediated cell cycle arrest and DNA damage repair may exert cytoprotective effects against cancer therapies, including WEE1 inhibition. Considering that p53 activation can also lead to multiple types of cell death, the role of this tumor suppressor in WEE1 inhibitor-based therapies remains disputed. In this study, we reported that nucleolar stress-mediated p53 activation enhanced the WEE1 inhibitor AZD1775-induced ferroptosis to suppress lung cancer growth. Our findings showed that AZD1775 promoted ferroptosis by blocking cystine uptake, an action similar to that of Erastin. Meanwhile, inhibition of WEE1 by the WEE1 inhibitors or siRNAs induced compensatory upregulation of SLC7A11, which conferred resistance to ferroptosis. Mechanistically, AZD1775 prevented the enrichment of H3K9me3, a histone marker of transcriptional repression, on the SLC7A11 promoter by repressing the expression of the histone methyltransferase SETDB1, thereby enhancing NRF2-mediated SLC7A11 transcription. This finding was also validated using the H3K9me3 inhibitor BRD4770. Remarkably, we found that the nucleolar stress-inducing agent Actinomycin D (Act. D) inhibited SLC7A11 expression by activating p53, thus augmenting AZD1775-induced ferroptosis. Moreover, the combination of AZD1775 and Act. D synergistically suppressed wild-type p53-harboring lung cancer cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, our study demonstrates that AZD1775 promotes ferroptosis by targeting cystine uptake but also mediates the adaptive activation of SLC7A11 through the WEE1-SETDB1 cascade and NRF2-induced transcription, and inhibition of SLC7A11 by Act. D boosts the anti-tumor efficacy of AZD1775 by enhancing ferroptosis in cancers with wild-type p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xiong
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hong Ling
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yingdan Huang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hanzhi Dong
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Bangxiang Xie
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Precision Medicine and Transformation of Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Qian Hao
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Melia E, Parsons JL. The Potential for Targeting G 2/M Cell Cycle Checkpoint Kinases in Enhancing the Efficacy of Radiotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:3016. [PMID: 39272874 PMCID: PMC11394570 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16173016] [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: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one of the main cancer treatments being used for ~50% of all cancer patients. Conventional radiotherapy typically utilises X-rays (photons); however, there is increasing use of particle beam therapy (PBT), such as protons and carbon ions. This is because PBT elicits significant benefits through more precise dose delivery to the cancer than X-rays, but also due to the increases in linear energy transfer (LET) that lead to more enhanced biological effectiveness. Despite the radiotherapy type, the introduction of DNA damage ultimately drives the therapeutic response through stimulating cancer cell death. To combat this, cells harbour cell cycle checkpoints that enables time for efficient DNA damage repair. Interestingly, cancer cells frequently have mutations in key genes such as TP53 and ATM that drive the G1/S checkpoint, whereas the G2/M checkpoint driven through ATR, Chk1 and Wee1 remains intact. Therefore, targeting the G2/M checkpoint through specific inhibitors is considered an important strategy for enhancing the efficacy of radiotherapy. In this review, we focus on inhibitors of Chk1 and Wee1 kinases and present the current biological evidence supporting their utility as radiosensitisers with different radiotherapy modalities, as well as clinical trials that have and are investigating their potential for cancer patient benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Melia
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Jason L Parsons
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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Hieber C, Mustafa AHM, Neuroth S, Henninger S, Wollscheid HP, Zabkiewicz J, Lazenby M, Alvares C, Mahboobi S, Butter F, Brenner W, Bros M, Krämer OH. Inhibitors of the tyrosine kinases FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 and WEE1 induce apoptosis and DNA damage synergistically in acute myeloid leukemia cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117076. [PMID: 38971011 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117076] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperactive FMS-like receptor tyrosine kinase-3 mutants with internal tandem duplications (FLT3-ITD) are frequent driver mutations of aggressive acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Inhibitors of FLT3 produce promising results in rationally designed cotreatment schemes. Since FLT3-ITD modulates DNA replication and DNA repair, valid anti-leukemia strategies could rely on a combined inhibition of FLT3-ITD and regulators of cell cycle progression and DNA integrity. These include the WEE1 kinase which controls cell cycle progression, nucleotide synthesis, and DNA replication origin firing. We investigated how pharmacological inhibition of FLT3 and WEE1 affected the survival and genomic integrity of AML cell lines and primary AML cells. We reveal that promising clinical grade and preclinical inhibitors of FLT3 and WEE1 synergistically trigger apoptosis in leukemic cells that express FLT3-ITD. An accumulation of single and double strand DNA damage precedes this process. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analyses show that FLT3-ITD and WEE1 sustain the expression of the ribonucleotide reductase subunit RRM2, which provides dNTPs for DNA replication. Unlike their strong pro-apoptotic effects on leukemia cells with FLT3-ITD, inhibitors of FLT3 and WEE1 do not damage healthy human blood cells and murine hematopoietic stem cells. Thus, pharmacological inhibition of FLT3-ITD and WEE1 might become an improved, rationally designed therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Hieber
- Institute of Toxicology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz 55131, Germany; Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz 55131, Germany.
| | - Al-Hassan M Mustafa
- Institute of Toxicology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz 55131, Germany; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt.
| | - Sarah Neuroth
- Institute of Toxicology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz 55131, Germany.
| | - Sven Henninger
- Institute of Toxicology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz 55131, Germany.
| | | | - Joanna Zabkiewicz
- Department of Haematology, Cardiff Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cardiff University, Wales, UK.
| | - Michelle Lazenby
- Department of Haematology, Cardiff Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cardiff University, Wales, UK.
| | - Caroline Alvares
- Department of Haematology, Cardiff Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cardiff University, Wales, UK.
| | - Siavosh Mahboobi
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93040, Germany.
| | - Falk Butter
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Ackermannweg 4, Mainz 55128, Germany; Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology (IMVZ), Friedrich Loeffler Institute, Greifswald 17493, Germany.
| | - Walburgis Brenner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Mainz 55131, Germany.
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz 55131, Germany.
| | - Oliver H Krämer
- Institute of Toxicology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz 55131, Germany.
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Fukuda K, Takeuchi S, Arai S, Nanjo S, Sato S, Kotani H, Kita K, Nishiyama A, Sakaguchi H, Ohtsubo K, Yano S. Targeting WEE1 enhances the antitumor effect of KRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer harboring TP53 mutations. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101578. [PMID: 38776912 PMCID: PMC11228449 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101578] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The clinical development of Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS)-G12C inhibitors for the treatment of KRAS-mutant lung cancer is limited by the presence of co-mutations, intrinsic resistance, and the emergence of acquired resistance. Therefore, innovative strategies for enhancing apoptosis in KRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are urgently needed. Through CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening using a library of 746 crRNAs and drug screening with a custom library of 432 compounds, we discover that WEE1 kinase inhibitors are potent enhancers of apoptosis, particularly in KRAS-mutant NSCLC cells harboring TP53 mutations. Mechanistically, WEE1 inhibition promotes G2/M transition and reduces checkpoint kinase 2 (CHK2) and Rad51 expression in the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway, which is associated with apoptosis and the repair of DNA double-strand breaks, leading to mitotic catastrophe. Notably, the combined inhibition of KRAS-G12C and WEE1 consistently suppresses tumor growth. Our results suggest targeting WEE1 as a promising therapeutic strategy for KRAS-mutated NSCLC with TP53 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Fukuda
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan; Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.
| | - Shinji Takeuchi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan; Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.
| | - Sachiko Arai
- Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shigeki Nanjo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shigeki Sato
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kotani
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kenji Kita
- Central Research Resource Branch, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Akihiro Nishiyama
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sakaguchi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Koshiro Ohtsubo
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Seiji Yano
- Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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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.
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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.
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Sriramulu S, Thoidingjam S, Siddiqui F, Brown SL, Movsas B, Walker E, Nyati S. BUB1 Inhibition Sensitizes TNBC Cell Lines to Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. Biomolecules 2024; 14:625. [PMID: 38927028 PMCID: PMC11202206 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060625] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BUB1 is overexpressed in most human solid cancers, including breast cancer. Higher BUB1 levels are associated with a poor prognosis, especially in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Women with TNBC often develop resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which are still the mainstay of treatment for TNBC. Our previous studies demonstrated that a BUB1 kinase inhibitor (BAY1816032) reduced tumor cell proliferation and significantly enhanced radiotherapy efficacy in TNBC. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of BAY1816032 with a PARP inhibitor (olaparib), platinum agent (cisplatin), and microtubule poison (paclitaxel) alone or in combination with radiotherapy using cytotoxicity and clonogenic survival assays. BUB1 inhibitors sensitized BRCA1/2 wild-type SUM159 and MDA-MB-231 cells to olaparib, cisplatin, and paclitaxel synergistically (combination index; CI < 1). BAY1816032 significantly increased the radiation sensitization of SUM159 and MDA-MB-231 by olaparib, cisplatin, or paclitaxel at non-toxic concentrations (doses well below the IC50 concentrations). Importantly, the small molecular inhibitor of BUB1 synergistically (CI < 1) sensitized the BRCA mutant TNBC cell line HCC1937 to olaparib. Furthermore, the BUB1 inhibitor significantly increased the radiation enhancement ratio (rER) in HCC1937 cells (rER 1.34) compared to either agent alone (BUB1i rER 1.19; PARPi rER 1.04). The data presented here are significant as they provide proof that inhibition of BUB1 kinase activity sensitizes TNBC cell lines to a PARP inhibitor and radiation, irrespective of BRCA1/2 mutation status. Due to the ability of the BUB1 inhibitor to sensitize TNBC to different classes of drugs (platinum, PARPi, microtubule depolarization inhibitors), this work strongly supports the role of BUB1 as a novel molecular target to improve chemoradiation efficacy in TNBC and provides a rationale for the clinical evaluation of BAY1816032 as a chemosensitizer and chemoradiosensitizer in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushmitha Sriramulu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Shivani Thoidingjam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Farzan Siddiqui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Stephen L. Brown
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Benjamin Movsas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Eleanor Walker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Shyam Nyati
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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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] [MESH Headings] [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.
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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
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10
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Zhou M, Duan L, Chen J, Li Y, Yin Z, Song S, Cao Y, Luo P, Hu F, Yang G, Xu J, Liao T, Jin Y. The dynamic role of nucleoprotein SHCBP1 in the cancer cell cycle and its potential as a synergistic target for DNA-damaging agents in cancer therapy. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:131. [PMID: 38365687 PMCID: PMC10874017 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01513-0] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant tumours seriously threaten human life and health, and effective treatments for cancer are still being explored. The ability of SHC SH2 domain-binding protein 1 (SHCBP1) to induce cell cycle disturbance and inhibit tumour growth has been increasingly studied, but its dynamic role in the tumour cell cycle and corresponding effects leading to mitotic catastrophe and DNA damage have rarely been studied. RESULTS In this paper, we found that the nucleoprotein SHCBP1 exhibits dynamic spatiotemporal expression during the tumour cell cycle, and SHCBP1 knockdown slowed cell cycle progression by inducing spindle disorder, as reflected by premature mitotic entry and multipolar spindle formation. This dysfunction was caused by G2/M checkpoint impairment mediated by downregulated WEE1 kinase and NEK7 (a member of the mammalian NIMA-related kinase family) expression and upregulated centromere/kinetochore protein Zeste White 10 (ZW10) expression. Moreover, both in vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed the significant inhibitory effects of SHCBP1 knockdown on tumour growth. Based on these findings, SHCBP1 knockdown in combination with low-dose DNA-damaging agents had synergistic tumouricidal effects on tumour cells. In response to this treatment, tumour cells were forced into the mitotic phase with considerable unrepaired DNA lesions, inducing mitotic catastrophe. These synergistic effects were attributed not only to the abrogation of the G2/M checkpoint and disrupted spindle function but also to the impairment of the DNA damage repair system, as demonstrated by mass spectrometry-based proteomic and western blotting analyses. Consistently, patients with low SHCBP1 expression in tumour tissue were more sensitive to radiotherapy. However, SHCBP1 knockdown combined with tubulin-toxic drugs weakened the killing effect of the drugs on tumour cells, which may guide the choice of chemotherapeutic agents in clinical practice. CONCLUSION In summary, we elucidated the role of the nucleoprotein SHCBP1 in tumour cell cycle progression and described a novel mechanism by which SHCBP1 regulates tumour progression and through which targeting SHCBP1 increases sensitivity to DNA-damaging agent therapy, indicating its potential as a cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Major Respiratory Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, MOE Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Engineering Research Center for Tumour-Targeted Biochemotherapy, Union HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Limin Duan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Major Respiratory Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, MOE Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Engineering Research Center for Tumour-Targeted Biochemotherapy, Union HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jiangbin Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Major Respiratory Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, MOE Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Engineering Research Center for Tumour-Targeted Biochemotherapy, Union HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Yumei Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Major Respiratory Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, MOE Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Engineering Research Center for Tumour-Targeted Biochemotherapy, Union HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Zhengrong Yin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Major Respiratory Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, MOE Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Engineering Research Center for Tumour-Targeted Biochemotherapy, Union HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Siwei Song
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Major Respiratory Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, MOE Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Engineering Research Center for Tumour-Targeted Biochemotherapy, Union HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Yaqi Cao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Major Respiratory Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, MOE Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Engineering Research Center for Tumour-Targeted Biochemotherapy, Union HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Ping Luo
- Department of Translational Medicine Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Fan Hu
- Medical Subcenter of HUST Analytical & Testing Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Guanghai Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Juanjuan Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Major Respiratory Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, MOE Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Engineering Research Center for Tumour-Targeted Biochemotherapy, Union HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Tingting Liao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Major Respiratory Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, MOE Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Engineering Research Center for Tumour-Targeted Biochemotherapy, Union HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Yang Jin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Major Respiratory Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, MOE Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China.
- Hubei Province Engineering Research Center for Tumour-Targeted Biochemotherapy, Union HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China.
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11
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Li D, Weng S, Zeng K, Xu H, Wang W, Shi J, Chen J, Chen C. Long non-coding RNAs and tyrosine kinase-mediated drug resistance in pancreatic cancer. Gene 2024; 895:148007. [PMID: 37981080 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148007] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most malignant tumors with a dismal survival rate, this is primarily due to inevitable chemoresistance. Dysfunctional tyrosine kinases (TKs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) affect the drug resistance and prognosis of PC. Here, we summarize the mechanisms by which TKs or lncRNAs mediate drug resistance and other malignant phenotypes. We also discuss that lncRNAs play oncogenic or tumor suppressor roles and different mechanisms including lncRNA-proteins/microRNAs to mediate drug resistance. Furthermore, we highlight that lncRNAs serve as upstream regulators of TKs mediating drug resistance. Finally, we display the clinical significance of TKs (AXL, EGFR, IGF1R, and MET), clinical trials, and lncRNAs (LINC00460, PVT1, HIF1A-AS1). In the future, TKs and lncRNAs may become diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or drug targets to overcome the drug resistance of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dangran Li
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Shiting Weng
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Kai Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Hanmiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Wenyueyang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jinsong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Jinghua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Chen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
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12
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Kong A, Kirkham AJ, Savage JS, Mant R, Lax S, Good J, Forster MD, Sacco JJ, Schipani S, Harrington KJ, Yap C, Mehanna H. Results and lessons learnt from the WISTERIA phase I trial combining AZD1775 with cisplatin pre- or post-operatively in head and neck cancer. BJC REPORTS 2024; 2:6. [PMID: 39220748 PMCID: PMC11357979 DOI: 10.1038/s44276-023-00026-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Background Pre-clinical studies suggest AZD1775, a WEE1 kinase inhibitor, potentiates the activity of various chemotherapeutic agents. Methods WISTERIA was a prospective, parallel two-group, open-label, dose-finding, phase I clinical trial. Eligible patients had histologically confirmed oral, laryngeal, or hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, ECOG performance status 0/1, and aged ≥18-to-≤70 years. Primary outcomes were adverse events and defining recommended dose and schedule of AZD1775 in combination with cisplatin in pre-operative (Group A), or with cisplatin/radiotherapy in post-operative (Group B) patients. Dose determination was guided by a modified time-to-event continual reassessment method (mTITE-CRM). Results Between 30-Oct-2017 and 15-Jul-2019, nine patients were registered: Three into Group A and six into Group B. WISTERIA was closed early due to poor recruitment. Five dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were reported in four Group B patients. Seven serious adverse events were reported in four patients: One in Group A, and three in Group B. Three were related to treatment. No treatment-related deaths were reported. Conclusions WISTERIA did not complete its primary objectives due to poor recruitment and toxicities reported in Group B. However, use of the novel mTITE-CRM improved flexibility in reducing accrual suspension periods and should be considered for future trials in complex patient populations. Clinical Trial Registration ISRCTN76291951.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda J. Kirkham
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Cancer and Genomics Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Joshua S. Savage
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Cancer and Genomics Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rhys Mant
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Cancer and Genomics Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Siân Lax
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Cancer and Genomics Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - James Good
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Martin D. Forster
- UCL Cancer Institute / University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Joseph J. Sacco
- The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Wirral/University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stephano Schipani
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Christina Yap
- Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Hisham Mehanna
- InHANSE, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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13
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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.
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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
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14
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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.
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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.
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15
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Buckley CW, O’Reilly EM. Next-generation therapies for pancreatic cancer. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 18:55-72. [PMID: 38415709 PMCID: PMC10960610 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2024.2322648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a frequently lethal malignancy that poses unique therapeutic challenges. The current mainstay of therapy for metastatic PDAC (mPDAC) is cytotoxic chemotherapy. NALIRIFOX (liposomal irinotecan, fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin) is an emerging standard of care in the metastatic setting. An evolving understanding of PDAC pathogenesis is driving a shift toward targeted therapy. Olaparib, a poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, has regulatory approval for maintenance therapy in BRCA-mutated mPDAC along with other targeted agents receiving disease-agnostic approvals including for PDAC with rare fusions and mismatch repair deficiency. Ongoing research continues to identify and evaluate an expanding array of targeted therapies for PDAC. AREAS COVERED This review provides a brief overview of standard therapies for PDAC and an emphasis on current and emerging targeted therapies. EXPERT OPINION There is notable potential for targeted therapies for KRAS-mutated PDAC with opportunity for meaningful benefit for a sizable portion of patients with this disease. Further, emerging approaches are focused on novel immune, tumor microenvironment, and synthetic lethality strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor W. Buckley
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Eileen M. O’Reilly
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
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16
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Wang W, Yang F, Zhang L, Wang M, Yin L, Dong X, Xiao H, Xing N. Targeting DNA Damage and Repair Machinery via Delivering WEE1 Inhibitor and Platinum (IV) Prodrugs to Stimulate STING Pathway for Maximizing Chemo-Immunotherapy in Bladder Cancer. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2308762. [PMID: 37849029 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202308762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Both cisplatin-based chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs)-based immunotherapy are the first-line treatments for patients with advanced bladder cancer. Cancer cells can develop resistance to cisplatin through extensive DNA repair, while a low response rate to ICBs is mostly due to the presence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment and low PD-L1 expression. Herein, a glutathione (GSH)-responsive nanoparticle (NP2) loaded with cisplatin prodrug (Pt (IV)) and WEE1 inhibitor (MK1775) is designed. NP2 can be triggered by GSH in cancer cells, and the released MK1775 can inhibit the activity of WEE1 protein, which ultimately increases DNA damage by cisplatin. Genome-wide RNA sequencing first reveals that NP2 can inhibit DNA repair machinery by interfering with the cell cycle and significantly activate the stimulator of interferon genes pathway. Tumor growth is significantly inhibited by NP2 in vivo. As innate and adaptive immune responses are stimulated, the immunosuppressive microenvironment is modified, and the "immune cold tumor" is transformed into an "immune hot tumor". In addition, NP2 can upregulate PD-L1 expression in tumor cells, thereby increasing the response rate of PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (αPD-L1) and eliciting long-term immune responses in both primary and metastatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkuan Wang
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Feiya Yang
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lingpu Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Mingshuai Wang
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lu Yin
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiying Dong
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Haihua Xiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Nianzeng Xing
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of Urology, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, 030013, China
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17
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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.
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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.
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18
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Viktorsson K, Rieckmann T, Fleischmann M, Diefenhardt M, Hehlgans S, Rödel F. Advances in molecular targeted therapies to increase efficacy of (chemo)radiation therapy. Strahlenther Onkol 2023; 199:1091-1109. [PMID: 37041372 PMCID: PMC10673805 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02064-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in understanding the tumor's biology in line with a constantly growing number of innovative technologies have prompted characterization of patients' individual malignancies and may display a prerequisite to treat cancer at its patient individual tumor vulnerability. In recent decades, radiation- induced signaling and tumor promoting local events for radiation sensitization were explored in detail, resulting the development of novel molecular targets. A multitude of pharmacological, genetic, and immunological principles, including small molecule- and antibody-based targeted strategies, have been developed that are suitable for combined concepts with radiation (RT) or chemoradiation therapy (CRT). Despite a plethora of promising experimental and preclinical findings, however, so far, only a very limited number of clinical trials have demonstrated a better outcome and/or patient benefit when RT or CRT are combined with targeted agents. The current review aims to summarize recent progress in molecular therapies targeting oncogenic drivers, DNA damage and cell cycle response, apoptosis signaling pathways, cell adhesion molecules, hypoxia, and the tumor microenvironment to impact therapy refractoriness and to boost radiation response. In addition, we will discuss recent advances in nanotechnology, e.g., RNA technologies and protein-degrading proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that may open new and innovative ways to benefit from molecular-targeted therapy approaches with improved efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Viktorsson
- Department of Oncology/Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Visionsgatan 4, 17164, Solna, Sweden
| | - Thorsten Rieckmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Fleischmann
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University of Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Markus Diefenhardt
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University of Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hehlgans
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Franz Rödel
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University of Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site: Frankfurt, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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19
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Tam A, Mercier BD, Thomas RM, Tizpa E, Wong IG, Shi J, Garg R, Hampel H, Gray SW, Williams T, Bazan JG, Li YR. Moving the Needle Forward in Genomically-Guided Precision Radiation Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5314. [PMID: 38001574 PMCID: PMC10669735 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225314] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation treatment (RT) is a mainstay treatment for many types of cancer. Recommendations for RT and the radiation plan are individualized to each patient, taking into consideration the patient's tumor pathology, staging, anatomy, and other clinical characteristics. Information on germline mutations and somatic tumor mutations is at present rarely used to guide specific clinical decisions in RT. Many genes, such as ATM, and BRCA1/2, have been identified in the laboratory to confer radiation sensitivity. However, our understanding of the clinical significance of mutations in these genes remains limited and, as individual mutations in such genes can be rare, their impact on tumor response and toxicity remains unclear. Current guidelines, including those from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), provide limited guidance on how genetic results should be integrated into RT recommendations. With an increasing understanding of the molecular underpinning of radiation response, genomically-guided RT can inform decisions surrounding RT dose, volume, concurrent therapies, and even omission to further improve oncologic outcomes and reduce risks of toxicities. Here, we review existing evidence from laboratory, pre-clinical, and clinical studies with regard to how genetic alterations may affect radiosensitivity. We also summarize recent data from clinical trials and explore potential future directions to utilize genetic data to support clinical decision-making in developing a pathway toward personalized RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Tam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.); (B.D.M.); (R.M.T.); (E.T.); (I.G.W.); (J.S.); (R.G.); (T.W.)
| | - Benjamin D. Mercier
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.); (B.D.M.); (R.M.T.); (E.T.); (I.G.W.); (J.S.); (R.G.); (T.W.)
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (H.H.); (S.W.G.)
| | - Reeny M. Thomas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.); (B.D.M.); (R.M.T.); (E.T.); (I.G.W.); (J.S.); (R.G.); (T.W.)
| | - Eemon Tizpa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.); (B.D.M.); (R.M.T.); (E.T.); (I.G.W.); (J.S.); (R.G.); (T.W.)
| | - Irene G. Wong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.); (B.D.M.); (R.M.T.); (E.T.); (I.G.W.); (J.S.); (R.G.); (T.W.)
| | - Juncong Shi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.); (B.D.M.); (R.M.T.); (E.T.); (I.G.W.); (J.S.); (R.G.); (T.W.)
| | - Rishabh Garg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.); (B.D.M.); (R.M.T.); (E.T.); (I.G.W.); (J.S.); (R.G.); (T.W.)
| | - Heather Hampel
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (H.H.); (S.W.G.)
| | - Stacy W. Gray
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (H.H.); (S.W.G.)
| | - Terence Williams
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.); (B.D.M.); (R.M.T.); (E.T.); (I.G.W.); (J.S.); (R.G.); (T.W.)
| | - Jose G. Bazan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.); (B.D.M.); (R.M.T.); (E.T.); (I.G.W.); (J.S.); (R.G.); (T.W.)
| | - Yun R. Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.); (B.D.M.); (R.M.T.); (E.T.); (I.G.W.); (J.S.); (R.G.); (T.W.)
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Division of Quantitative Medicine & Systems Biology, Translational Genomics Research Institute, 445 N. Fifth Street, Phoenix, AZ 85022, USA
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20
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DiPeri TP, Evans KW, Raso MG, Zhao M, Rizvi YQ, Zheng X, Wang B, Kirby BP, Kong K, Kahle M, Yap TA, Dumbrava EE, Ajani JA, Fu S, Keyomarsi K, Meric-Bernstam F. Adavosertib Enhances Antitumor Activity of Trastuzumab Deruxtecan in HER2-Expressing Cancers. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:4385-4398. [PMID: 37279095 PMCID: PMC10618648 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0103] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cyclin E (CCNE1) has been proposed as a biomarker of sensitivity to adavosertib, a Wee1 kinase inhibitor, and a mechanism of resistance to HER2-targeted therapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Copy number and genomic sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and MD Anderson Cancer Center databases were analyzed to assess ERBB2 and CCNE1 expression. Molecular characteristics of tumors and patient-derived xenografts (PDX) were assessed by next-generation sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, fluorescent in situ hybridization, and IHC. In vitro, CCNE1 was overexpressed or knocked down in HER2+ cell lines to evaluate drug combination efficacy. In vivo, NSG mice bearing PDXs were subjected to combinatorial therapy with various treatment regimens, followed by tumor growth assessment. Pharmacodynamic markers in PDXs were characterized by IHC and reverse-phase protein array. RESULTS Among several ERBB2-amplified cancers, CCNE1 co-amplification was identified (gastric 37%, endometroid 43%, and ovarian serous adenocarcinoma 41%). We hypothesized that adavosertib may enhance activity of HER2 antibody-drug conjugate trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd). In vitro, sensitivity to T-DXd was decreased by cyclin E overexpression and increased by knockdown, and adavosertib was synergistic with topoisomerase I inhibitor DXd. In vivo, the T-DXd + adavosertib combination significantly increased γH2AX and antitumor activity in HER2 low, cyclin E amplified gastroesophageal cancer PDX models and prolonged event-free survival (EFS) in a HER2-overexpressing gastroesophageal cancer model. T-DXd + adavosertib treatment also increased EFS in other HER2-expressing tumor types, including a T-DXd-treated colon cancer model. CONCLUSIONS We provide rationale for combining T-DXd with adavosertib in HER2-expressing cancers, especially with co-occuring CCNE1 amplifications. See related commentary by Rolfo et al., p. 4317.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy P. DiPeri
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Kurt W. Evans
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Maria Gabriela Raso
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yasmeen Q. Rizvi
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Xiaofeng Zheng
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Bailiang Wang
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Bryce P. Kirby
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Kathleen Kong
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael Kahle
- Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Timothy A. Yap
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ecaterina E. Dumbrava
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jaffer A. Ajani
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Siqing Fu
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Khandan Keyomarsi
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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21
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Chen CP, Yeh CN, Pan YR, Huang WK, Hsiao YT, Lo CH, Wu CE. Wee1 inhibition by MK1775 potentiates gemcitabine through accumulated replication stress leading to apoptosis in biliary tract cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115389. [PMID: 37659202 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115389] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) have a poor prognosis, and novel treatments are needed. Gemcitabine, the standard of care for BTC, induces DNA damage; however, the ability of cancer cells to repair DNA dampens its effects. To improve the efficacy of gemcitabine, we combined it with MK1775, a Wee1 inhibitor that prevents activation of the G2/M checkpoint. BTC cell lines were treated with gemcitabine only or in combination with MK1775 to determine the therapeutic potential of BTC. Gemcitabine inhibited the growth and induced the apoptosis of four BTC cell lines to a greater extent when added with MK1775 than when added alone. The effects of the combination treatment were observed in both p53 wild-type and p53 mutant cell lines and were unaffected by knockdown of wild-type p53. The combination treatment increased the percentage of apoptotic cells and decreased the percentage of cells synthesizing DNA, suggesting that it caused DNA-damaged cells to accumulate and possibly die in S phase. It did not induce apoptosis when cells were arrested in mitosis using nocodazole. In a xenograft mouse model, gemcitabine plus MK1775 (but not either alone) inhibited the growth of tumors generated from inoculated BTC cells. Our results show that MK1775 highly enhances gemcitabine cytotoxicity in BTC regardless of p53 status. We suggest that the combination treatment elicits a DNA damage response and consequent apoptosis. Our preclinical study provides a basis for future clinical trials of gemcitabine plus MK1775 in patients with BTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiao-Ping Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Nan Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of General Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ru Pan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of General Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Kuan Huang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tien Hsiao
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hong Lo
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-En Wu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
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22
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Li Q, Qian W, Zhang Y, Hu L, Chen S, Xia Y. A new wave of innovations within the DNA damage response. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:338. [PMID: 37679326 PMCID: PMC10485079 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01548-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome instability has been identified as one of the enabling hallmarks in cancer. DNA damage response (DDR) network is responsible for maintenance of genome integrity in cells. As cancer cells frequently carry DDR gene deficiencies or suffer from replicative stress, targeting DDR processes could induce excessive DNA damages (or unrepaired DNA) that eventually lead to cell death. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have brought impressive benefit to patients with breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutation or homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), which proves the concept of synthetic lethality in cancer treatment. Moreover, the other two scenarios of DDR inhibitor application, replication stress and combination with chemo- or radio- therapy, are under active clinical exploration. In this review, we revisited the progress of DDR targeting therapy beyond the launched first-generation PARP inhibitors. Next generation PARP1 selective inhibitors, which could maintain the efficacy while mitigating side effects, may diversify the application scenarios of PARP inhibitor in clinic. Albeit with unavoidable on-mechanism toxicities, several small molecules targeting DNA damage checkpoints (gatekeepers) have shown great promise in preliminary clinical results, which may warrant further evaluations. In addition, inhibitors for other DNA repair pathways (caretakers) are also under active preclinical or clinical development. With these progresses and efforts, we envision that a new wave of innovations within DDR has come of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyuan Qian
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihong Hu
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuhui Chen
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanfeng Xia
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China.
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23
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Milletti G, Colicchia V, Cecconi F. Cyclers' kinases in cell division: from molecules to cancer therapy. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:2035-2052. [PMID: 37516809 PMCID: PMC10482880 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01196-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Faithful eucaryotic cell division requires spatio-temporal orchestration of multiple sequential events. To ensure the dynamic nature of these molecular and morphological transitions, a swift modulation of key regulatory pathways is necessary. The molecular process that most certainly fits this description is phosphorylation, the post-translational modification provided by kinases, that is crucial to allowing the progression of the cell cycle and that culminates with the separation of two identical daughter cells. In detail, from the early stages of the interphase to the cytokinesis, each critical step of this process is tightly regulated by multiple families of kinases including the Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), kinases of the Aurora, Polo, Wee1 families, and many others. While cell-cycle-related CDKs control the timing of the different phases, preventing replication machinery errors, the latter modulate the centrosome cycle and the spindle function, avoiding karyotypic abnormalities typical of chromosome instability. Such chromosomal abnormalities may result from replication stress (RS) and chromosome mis-segregation and are considered a hallmark of poor prognosis, therapeutic resistance, and metastasis in cancer patients. Here, we discuss recent advances in the understanding of how different families of kinases concur to govern cell cycle, preventing RS and mitotic infidelity. Additionally, considering the growing number of clinical trials targeting these molecules, we review to what extent and in which tumor context cell-cycle-related kinases inhibitors are worth exploiting as an effective therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Milletti
- DNA Replication and Cancer Group, Danish Cancer Institute, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.
| | - Valeria Colicchia
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- IRBM S.p.A., Via Pontina Km 30.60, 00070, Pomezia, Italy
| | - Francesco Cecconi
- Cell Stress and Survival Group, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease (CARD), Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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24
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Gonzalez-Ochoa E, Milosevic M, Corr B, Abbruzzese JL, Girda E, Miller RW, Croke J, Mackay H, Lee YC, Bowering V, Ramsahai J, Wang L, D'Souza A, Kunos CA, Oza AM, Lheureux S. A phase I study of the Wee1 kinase inhibitor adavosertib (AZD1775) in combination with chemoradiation in cervical, upper vaginal, and uterine cancers. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2023; 33:1208-1214. [PMID: 37380217 PMCID: PMC10711936 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2023-004491] [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] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Wee1 kinase is a crucial regulator of the G2/M checkpoint which prevents entry of damaged DNA into mitosis. Adavosertib (AZD1775), a selective inhibitor of Wee1, induces G2 escape and increases cytotoxicity when combined with DNA damaging agents. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of adavosertib in combination with definitive pelvic radiotherapy and concurrent cisplatin in patients with gynecological cancers. METHODS A multi-institutional, open-label phase I trial was designed to assess dose escalation (3+3 design) of adavosertib in combination with standard chemoradiation. Eligible patients with locally advanced cervical, endometrial or vaginal tumors were treated with a 5-week course of pelvic external beam radiation 45-50 Gy in 1.8-2 Gy daily fractions plus concurrent weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m2 and adavosertib 100 mg/m2 on days 1, 3 and 5 of each week during chemoradiation. The primary endpoint was to determine the recommended phase II dose of adavosertib. Secondary endpoints included toxicity profile and preliminary efficacy. RESULTS Ten patients were enrolled (nine locally advanced cervical and one endometrial cancer). Two patients experienced a dose-limiting toxicity at dose level 1 (adavosertib 100 mg by mouth daily on days 1, 3 and 5), including one patient with grade 4 thrombocytopenia, and one with treatment hold >1 week due to grade 1 creatinine elevation and grade 1 thrombocytopenia. At dose level -1 (adavosertib 100 mg by mouth daily on days 3 and 5), one out of five patients enrolled had a dose-limiting toxicity in the form of persistent grade 3 diarrhea. The overall response rate at 4 months was 71.4%, including four complete responses. At 2 years follow-up, 86% of patients were alive and progression-free. CONCLUSION The recommended phase II dose could not be determined due to clinical toxicity and early trial closure. Preliminary efficacy appears promising, yet selecting the adequate dose/schedule in combination chemoradiation warrants further investigation to limit overlapping toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Gonzalez-Ochoa
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Milosevic
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bradley Corr
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - James L Abbruzzese
- Division of Medical Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eugenia Girda
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rachel W Miller
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jennifer Croke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Helen Mackay
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yeh Chen Lee
- University of New South Wales Prince of Wales Clinical School, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Valerie Bowering
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Janelle Ramsahai
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - April D'Souza
- Drug Development Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charles A Kunos
- National Cancer Institute Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Amit M Oza
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie Lheureux
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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25
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Okabe S, Tanaka Y, Moriyama M, Gotoh A. WEE1 and PARP-1 play critical roles in myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia treatment. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:128. [PMID: 37370065 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02961-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a clonal bone marrow disorder defined by cytopenia and is associated with an increased risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The outcome of MDS is poor, so alternative therapeutic approaches are needed to improve survival. The inhibition of the DNA damage response pathway, including poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), has been approved to treat several cancers. In addition, WEE1, a nuclear kinase, is overexpressed in many cancers. Therefore, a WEE1 inhibitor combined with a PARP-1 inhibitor could inhibit the proliferation of MDS and AML. METHODS We analyzed whether WEE1 was regulated in the progression of MDS and AML. We also evaluated the efficacy of MK-1775 (WEE1 inhibitor) and talazoparib (PARP-1 inhibitor). RESULTS PARP-1 expression was higher in the AML cells than in the MDS cells. However, WEE1 expression remained unchanged. MK-1775 or talazoparib alone inhibited MDS and AML cells after 72 h, and cellular cytotoxicity and caspase 3/7 activity were increased. The combined use of MK-1775 and talazoparib produced superior efficacy than either drug alone and SKM-1 colony formation was reduced. Significant cell populations in the sub-G1 phase were found in the cell-cycle analyses. Additionally, γ-H2AX expression and caspase 3 activity were increased. The combined treatment also changed the mitochondrial membrane potential. CONCLUSIONS The combination of a WEE1 inhibitor and PARP-1 inhibitor had enhanced efficacy and is proposed as a new therapeutic option for patients with MDS or AML. Our findings have clinical implications for a potential novel therapeutic strategy for MDS and AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiichi Okabe
- Department of Hematology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, 160-0023, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yuko Tanaka
- Department of Hematology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, 160-0023, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Moriyama
- Department of Hematology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, 160-0023, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Gotoh
- Department of Hematology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, 160-0023, Tokyo, Japan
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Bauer TM, Moore KN, Rader JS, Simpkins F, Mita AC, Beck JT, Hart L, Chu Q, Oza A, Tinker AV, Imedio ER, Kumar S, Mugundu G, Jenkins S, Chmielecki J, Jones S, Spigel D, Fu S. A Phase Ib Study Assessing the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of the First-in-Class Wee1 Inhibitor Adavosertib (AZD1775) as Monotherapy in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. Target Oncol 2023:10.1007/s11523-023-00965-7. [PMID: 37278879 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-023-00965-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adavosertib (AZD1775) is a first-in-class, selective, small-molecule inhibitor of Wee1. OBJECTIVE The safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of adavosertib monotherapy were evaluated in patients with various solid-tumor types and molecular profiles. PATIENTS AND METHODS Eligible patients had the following: confirmed diagnosis of ovarian cancer (OC), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), or small-cell lung cancer (SCLC); previous treatment for metastatic/recurrent disease; and measurable disease. Patients were grouped into six matched cohorts based on tumor type and presence/absence of biomarkers and received oral adavosertib 175 mg twice a day on days 1-3 and 8-10 of a 21-day treatment cycle. RESULTS Eighty patients received treatment in the expansion phase; median total treatment duration was 2.4 months. The most common treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were diarrhea (56.3%), nausea (42.5%), fatigue (36.3%), vomiting (18.8%), and decreased appetite (12.5%). Treatment-related grade ≥ 3 AEs and serious AEs were reported in 32.5% and 10.0% of patients, respectively. AEs led to dose interruptions in 22.5%, reductions in 11.3%, and discontinuations in 16.3% of patients. One patient died following serious AEs of deep vein thrombosis (treatment related) and respiratory failure (not treatment related). Objective response rate, disease control rate, and progression-free survival were as follows: 6.3%, 68.8%, 4.5 months (OC BRCA wild type); 3.3%, 76.7%, 3.9 months (OC BRCA mutation); 0%, 69.2%, 3.1 months (TNBC biomarker [CCNE1/MYC/MYCL1/MYCN] non-amplified [NA]); 0%, 50%, 2 months (TNBC biomarker amplified); 8.3%, 33.3%, 1.3 months (SCLC biomarker NA); and 0%, 33.3%, 1.2 months (SCLC biomarker amplified). CONCLUSION Adavosertib monotherapy was tolerated and demonstrated some antitumor activity in patients with advanced solid tumors. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02482311; registered June 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd M Bauer
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
- Tennessee Oncology, PLLC, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kathleen N Moore
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
- Stephenson Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | - Fiona Simpkins
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alain C Mita
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Lowell Hart
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Fort Myers, FL, USA
| | - Quincy Chu
- University of Alberta Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Amit Oza
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Ganesh Mugundu
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, AstraZeneca, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Suzanne Jenkins
- Precision Medicine and Biosamples, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Juliann Chmielecki
- Translational Medicine, Oncology Research and Early Development, AstraZeneca, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - David Spigel
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
- Tennessee Oncology, PLLC, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Siqing Fu
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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27
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Li Y, Wang X, Hou X, Ma X. Could Inhibiting the DNA Damage Repair Checkpoint Rescue Immune-Checkpoint-Inhibitor-Resistant Endometrial Cancer? J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12083014. [PMID: 37109350 PMCID: PMC10144486 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12083014] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is increasingly undermining female health worldwide, with poor survival rates for advanced or recurrent/metastatic diseases. The application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has opened a window of opportunity for patients with first-line therapy failure. However, there is a subset of patients with endometrial cancer who remain insensitive to immunotherapy alone. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new therapeutic agents and further explore reliable combinational strategies to optimize the efficacy of immunotherapy. DNA damage repair (DDR) inhibitors as novel targeted drugs are able to generate genomic toxicity and induce cell death in solid tumors, including EC. Recently, growing evidence has demonstrated the DDR pathway modulates innate and adaptive immunity in tumors. In this review, we concentrate on the exploration of the intrinsic correlation between DDR pathways, especially the ATM-CHK2-P53 pathway and the ATR-CHK1-WEE1 pathway, and oncologic immune response, as well as the feasibility of adding DDR inhibitors to ICIs for the treatment of patients with advanced or recurrent/metastatic EC. We hope that this review will offer some beneficial references to the investigation of immunotherapy and provide a reasonable basis for "double-checkpoint inhibition" in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinuo Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xin Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiangyi Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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Micevic G, Bosenberg MW, Yan Q. The Crossroads of Cancer Epigenetics and Immune Checkpoint Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:1173-1182. [PMID: 36449280 PMCID: PMC10073242 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have significantly improved treatment outcomes for several types of cancer over the past decade, but significant challenges that limit wider effectiveness of current immunotherapies remain to be addressed. Certain "cold" tumor types, such as pancreatic cancer, exhibit very low response rates to ICI due to intrinsically low immunogenicity. In addition, many patients who initially respond to ICI lack a sustained response due to T-cell exhaustion. Several recent studies show that epigenetic modifiers, such as SETDB1 and LSD1, can play critical roles in regulating both tumor cell-intrinsic immunity and T-cell exhaustion. Here, we review the evidence showing that multiple epigenetic regulators silence the expression of endogenous antigens, and their loss induces viral mimicry responses bolstering the response of "cold" tumors to ICI in preclinical models. Similarly, a previously unappreciated role for epigenetic enzymes is emerging in the establishment and maintenance of stem-like T-cell populations that are critical mediators of response to ICI. Targeting the crossroads of epigenetics and immune checkpoint therapy has tremendous potential to improve antitumor immune responses and herald the next generation of sustained responses in immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Micevic
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Marcus W. Bosenberg
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Center for Immuno-Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Qin Yan
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Center for Immuno-Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
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29
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Fu S, Yao S, Yuan Y, Previs RA, Elias AD, Carvajal RD, George TJ, Yuan Y, Yu L, Westin SN, Xing Y, Dumbrava EE, Karp DD, Piha-Paul SA, Tsimberidou AM, Ahnert JR, Takebe N, Lu K, Keyomarsi K, Meric-Bernstam F. Multicenter Phase II Trial of the WEE1 Inhibitor Adavosertib in Refractory Solid Tumors Harboring CCNE1 Amplification. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:1725-1734. [PMID: 36469840 PMCID: PMC10489509 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.00830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Preclinical cancer models harboring CCNE1 amplification were more sensitive to adavosertib treatment, a WEE1 kinase inhibitor, than models without amplification. Thus, we conducted this phase II study to assess the antitumor activity of adavosertib in patients with CCNE1-amplified, advanced refractory solid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients aged ≥ 18 years with measurable disease and refractory solid tumors harboring CCNE1 amplification, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1, and adequate organ function were studied. Patients received 300 mg of adavosertib once daily on days 1 through 5 and 8 through 12 of a 21-day cycle. The trial followed Bayesian optimal phase II design. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR). RESULTS Thirty patients were enrolled. The median follow-up duration was 9.9 months. Eight patients had partial responses (PRs), and three had stable disease (SD) ≥ 6 months, with an ORR of 27% (95% CI, 12 to 46), a SD ≥ 6 months/PR rate of 37% (95% CI, 20 to 56), a median progression-free survival duration of 4.1 months (95% CI, 1.8 to 6.4), and a median overall survival duration of 9.9 months (95% CI, 4.8 to 15). Fourteen patients with epithelial ovarian cancer showed an ORR of 36% (95% CI, 13 to 65) and SD ≥ 6 months/PR of 57% (95% CI, 29 to 82), a median progression-free survival duration of 6.3 months (95% CI, 2.4 to 10.2), and a median overall survival duration of 14.9 months (95% CI, 8.9 to 20.9). Common treatment-related toxicities were GI, hematologic toxicities, and fatigue. CONCLUSION Adavosertib monotherapy demonstrates a manageable toxicity profile and promising clinical activity in refractory solid tumors harboring CCNE1 amplification, especially in epithelial ovarian cancer. Further study of adavosertib, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, in CCNE1-amplified epithelial ovarian cancer is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqing Fu
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Shuyang Yao
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Yuan Yuan
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ying Yuan
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Lihou Yu
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Yan Xing
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA
| | | | - Daniel D. Karp
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | | | | | - Naoko Takebe
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Karen Lu
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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30
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Schutte T, Embaby A, Steeghs N, van der Mierden S, van Driel W, Rijlaarsdam M, Huitema A, Opdam F. Clinical development of WEE1 inhibitors in gynecological cancers: A systematic review. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 115:102531. [PMID: 36893690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The anti-tumor activity of WEE1 inhibitors (WEE1i) in gynecological malignancies has recently been demonstrated in clinical trials and its rationale is based on biological/molecular features of gynecological cancers. With this systematic review, we aim to outline the clinical development and current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of these targeted agents in in this patient group. METHODS Systematic literature review of trials including patients with gynecological cancers treated with a WEE1i. The primary objective was to summarize the efficacy of WEE1i in gynecological malignancies regarding objective response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary objectives included toxicity profile, Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, drug-drug interactions and exploratory objectives such as biomarkers for response. RESULTS 26 records were included for data extraction. Almost all trials used the first-in-class WEE1i adavosertib; one conference abstract reported about Zn-c3. The majority of the trials included diverse solid tumors (n = 16). Six records reported efficacy results of WEE1i in gynecological malignancies (n = 6). Objective response rates of adavosertib monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy ranged between 23% and 43% in these trials. Median PFS ranged from 3.0 to 9.9 months. The most common adverse events were bone marrow suppression, gastrointestinal toxicities and fatigue. Mainly alterations in cell cycle regulator genes TP53 and CCNE1 were potential predictors of response. CONCLUSION This report summarizes encouraging clinical development of WEE1i in gynecological cancers and considers its application in future studies. Biomarker-driven patient selection might be essential to increase the response rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Schutte
- Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Alaa Embaby
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Neeltje Steeghs
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Stevie van der Mierden
- Scientific Information Service, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Willemien van Driel
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Insitute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martin Rijlaarsdam
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Alwin Huitema
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Pharmacology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Frans Opdam
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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31
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The Landscape and Therapeutic Targeting of BRCA1, BRCA2 and Other DNA Damage Response Genes in Pancreatic Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:2105-2120. [PMID: 36975505 PMCID: PMC10047276 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45030135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genes participating in the cellular response to damaged DNA have an important function to protect genetic information from alterations due to extrinsic and intrinsic cellular insults. In cancer cells, alterations in these genes are a source of genetic instability, which is advantageous for cancer progression by providing background for adaptation to adverse environments and attack by the immune system. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have been known for decades to predispose to familial breast and ovarian cancers, and, more recently, prostate and pancreatic cancers have been added to the constellation of cancers that show increased prevalence in these families. Cancers associated with these genetic syndromes are currently treated with PARP inhibitors based on the exquisite sensitivity of cells lacking BRCA1 or BRCA2 function to inhibition of the PARP enzyme. In contrast, the sensitivity of pancreatic cancers with somatic BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and with mutations in other homologous recombination (HR) repair genes to PARP inhibitors is less established and the subject of ongoing investigations. This paper reviews the prevalence of pancreatic cancers with HR gene defects and treatment of pancreatic cancer patients with defects in HR with PARP inhibitors and other drugs in development that target these molecular defects.
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32
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Anichini G, Raggi C, Pastore M, Carrassa L, Maresca L, Crivaro E, Lottini T, Duwe L, Andersen JB, Tofani L, Di Tommaso L, Banales JM, Arcangeli A, Marra F, Stecca B. Combined Inhibition of Smoothened and the DNA Damage Checkpoint WEE1 Exerts Antitumor Activity in Cholangiocarcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:343-356. [PMID: 36807728 PMCID: PMC9978885 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is characterized by resistance to chemotherapy and a poor prognosis. Therefore, treatments that can effectively suppress tumor growth are urgently needed. Aberrant activation of hedgehog (HH) signaling has been implicated in several cancers, including those of the hepatobiliary tract. However, the role of HH signaling in intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) has not been completely elucidated. In this study, we addressed the function of the main transducer Smoothened (SMO) and the transcription factors (TFs) GLI1 and GLI2 in iCCA. In addition, we evaluated the potential benefits of the combined inhibition of SMO and the DNA damage kinase WEE1. Transcriptomic analysis of 152 human iCCA samples showed increased expression of GLI1, GLI2, and Patched 1 (PTCH1) in tumor tissues compared with nontumor tissues. Genetic silencing of SMO, GLI1, and GLI2 inhibited the growth, survival, invasiveness, and self-renewal of iCCA cells. Pharmacologic inhibition of SMO reduced iCCA growth and viability in vitro, by inducing double-strand break DNA damage, leading to mitotic arrest and apoptotic cell death. Importantly, SMO inhibition resulted in the activation of the G2-M checkpoint and DNA damage kinase WEE1, increasing the vulnerability to WEE1 inhibition. Hence, the combination of MRT-92 with the WEE1 inhibitor AZD-1775 showed increased antitumor activity in vitro and in iCCA xenografts compared with single treatments. These data indicate that combined inhibition of SMO and WEE1 reduces tumor burden and may represent a strategy for the clinical development of novel therapeutic approaches in iCCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Anichini
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Raggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mirella Pastore
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Carrassa
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Luisa Maresca
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Enrica Crivaro
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Tiziano Lottini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lea Duwe
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Dept. of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper B Andersen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Dept. of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lorenzo Tofani
- Department of Statistics, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Di Tommaso
- Pathology Department, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Jesus M Banales
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute - Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain.,National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, "Instituto de Salud Carlos III"), Madrid, Spain.,Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Annarosa Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Marra
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
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33
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Parsels LA, Wahl DR, Koschmann C, Morgan MA, Zhang Q. Developing H3K27M mutant selective radiosensitization strategies in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. Neoplasia 2023; 37:100881. [PMID: 36724689 PMCID: PMC9918797 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a rare but highly lethal pediatric and adolescent tumor located in the pons of the brainstem. DIPGs harbor unique and specific pathological and molecular alterations, such as the hallmark lysine 27-to-methionine (H3K27M) mutation in histone H3, which lead to global changes in the epigenetic landscape and drive tumorigenesis. While fractionated radiotherapy, the current standard of care, improves symptoms and delays tumor progression, DIPGs inevitably recur, and despite extensive efforts chemotherapy-driven radiosensitization strategies have failed to improve survival. Advances in our understanding of the role of epigenetics in the cellular response to radiation-induced DNA damage, however, offer new opportunities to develop combinational therapeutic strategies selective for DIPGs expressing H3K27M. In this review, we provide an overview of preclinical studies that explore potential radiosensitization strategies targeting the unique epigenetic landscape of H3K27M mutant DIPG. We further discuss opportunities to selectively radiosensitize DIPG through strategic inhibition of the radiation-induced DNA damage response. Finally, we discuss the potential for using radiation to induce anti-tumor immune responses that may be potentiated in DIPG by radiosensitizing-therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie A Parsels
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Daniel R Wahl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Carl Koschmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Meredith A Morgan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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Groelly FJ, Fawkes M, Dagg RA, Blackford AN, Tarsounas M. Targeting DNA damage response pathways in cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:78-94. [PMID: 36471053 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00535-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 233.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cells have evolved a complex network of biochemical pathways, collectively known as the DNA damage response (DDR), to prevent detrimental mutations from being passed on to their progeny. The DDR coordinates DNA repair with cell-cycle checkpoint activation and other global cellular responses. Genes encoding DDR factors are frequently mutated in cancer, causing genomic instability, an intrinsic feature of many tumours that underlies their ability to grow, metastasize and respond to treatments that inflict DNA damage (such as radiotherapy). One instance where we have greater insight into how genetic DDR abrogation impacts on therapy responses is in tumours with mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2. Due to compromised homologous recombination DNA repair, these tumours rely on alternative repair mechanisms and are susceptible to chemical inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), which specifically kill homologous recombination-deficient cancer cells, and have become a paradigm for targeted cancer therapy. It is now clear that many other synthetic-lethal relationships exist between DDR genes. Crucially, some of these interactions could be exploited in the clinic to target tumours that become resistant to PARP inhibition. In this Review, we discuss state-of-the-art strategies for DDR inactivation using small-molecule inhibitors and highlight those compounds currently being evaluated in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian J Groelly
- Genome Stability and Tumourigenesis Group, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew Fawkes
- Department of Oncology, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Rebecca A Dagg
- Genome Stability and Tumourigenesis Group, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew N Blackford
- Department of Oncology, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
| | - Madalena Tarsounas
- Genome Stability and Tumourigenesis Group, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Cetin MH, Rieckmann T, Hoffer K, Riepen B, Christiansen S, Gatzemeier F, Feyerabend S, Schoof M, Schüller U, Petersen C, Mynarek M, Rothkamm K, Kriegs M, Struve N. G2 checkpoint targeting via Wee1 inhibition radiosensitizes EGFRvIII-positive glioblastoma cells. Radiat Oncol 2023; 18:19. [PMID: 36709315 PMCID: PMC9884419 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-023-02210-x] [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: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gene of the Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the most frequently altered genes in glioblastoma (GBM), with deletions of exons 2-7 (EGFRvIII) being amongst the most common genomic mutations. EGFRvIII is heterogeneously expressed in GBM. We already showed that EGFRvIII expression has an impact on chemosensitivity, replication stress, and the DNA damage response. Wee1 kinase is a major regulator of the DNA damage induced G2 checkpoint. It is highly expressed in GBM and its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis. Since Wee1 inhibition can lead to radiosensitization of EGFRvIII-negative (EGFRvIII-) GBM cells, we asked, if Wee1 inhibition is sufficient to radiosensitize also EGFRvIII-positive (EGFRvIII+) GBM cells. METHODS We used the clinically relevant Wee1 inhibitor adavosertib and two pairs of isogenetic GBM cell lines with and without endogenous EGFRvIII expression exhibiting different TP53 status. Moreover, human GBM samples displaying heterogenous EGFRvIII expression were analyzed. Expression of Wee1 was assessed by Western blot and respectively immunohistochemistry. The impact of Wee1 inhibition in combination with irradiation on cell cycle and cell survival was analyzed by flow cytometry and colony formation assay. RESULTS Analysis of GBM cells and patient samples revealed a higher expression of Wee1 in EGFRvIII+ cells compared to their EGFRvIII- counterparts. Downregulation of EGFRvIII expression by siRNA resulted in a strong decrease in Wee1 expression. Wee1 inhibition efficiently abrogated radiation-induced G2-arrest and caused radiosensitization, without obvious differences between EGFRvIII- and EGFRvIII+ GBM cells. CONCLUSION We conclude that the inhibition of Wee1 is an effective targeting approach for the radiosensitization of both EGFRvIII- and EGFRvIII+ GBM cells and may therefore represent a promising new therapeutic option to increase response to radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryem H. Cetin
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Radiobiology & Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Rieckmann
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Radiobiology & Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany ,grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484 Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Konstantin Hoffer
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Radiobiology & Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Britta Riepen
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Radiobiology & Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Christiansen
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Radiobiology & Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fruzsina Gatzemeier
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Radiobiology & Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simon Feyerabend
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Radiobiology & Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Schoof
- grid.470174.1Research Institute Children’s Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schüller
- grid.470174.1Research Institute Children’s Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cordula Petersen
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Radiobiology & Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Mynarek
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Mildred-Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCs4, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kai Rothkamm
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Radiobiology & Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malte Kriegs
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Radiobiology & Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nina Struve
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Radiobiology & Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany ,grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Mildred-Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCs4, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Benkhaled S, Peters C, Jullian N, Arsenijevic T, Navez J, Van Gestel D, Moretti L, Van Laethem JL, Bouchart C. Combination, Modulation and Interplay of Modern Radiotherapy with the Tumor Microenvironment and Targeted Therapies in Pancreatic Cancer: Which Candidates to Boost Radiotherapy? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030768. [PMID: 36765726 PMCID: PMC9913158 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030768] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancer (PDAC) is a highly diverse disease with low tumor immunogenicity. PDAC is also one of the deadliest solid tumor and will remain a common cause of cancer death in the future. Treatment options are limited, and tumors frequently develop resistance to current treatment modalities. Since PDAC patients do not respond well to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), novel methods for overcoming resistance are being explored. Compared to other solid tumors, the PDAC's tumor microenvironment (TME) is unique and complex and prevents systemic agents from effectively penetrating and killing tumor cells. Radiotherapy (RT) has the potential to modulate the TME (e.g., by exposing tumor-specific antigens, recruiting, and infiltrating immune cells) and, therefore, enhance the effectiveness of targeted systemic therapies. Interestingly, combining ICI with RT and/or chemotherapy has yielded promising preclinical results which were not successful when translated into clinical trials. In this context, current standards of care need to be challenged and transformed with modern treatment techniques and novel therapeutic combinations. One way to reconcile these findings is to abandon the concept that the TME is a well-compartmented population with spatial, temporal, physical, and chemical elements acting independently. This review will focus on the most interesting advancements of RT and describe the main components of the TME and their known modulation after RT in PDAC. Furthermore, we will provide a summary of current clinical data for combinations of RT/targeted therapy (tRT) and give an overview of the most promising future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofian Benkhaled
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Rue Meylenmeersch 90, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UNIL-CHUV, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cedric Peters
- Department of Radiation Oncology, AZ Turnhout, Rubensstraat 166, 2300 Turnhout, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Jullian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Rue Meylenmeersch 90, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tatjana Arsenijevic
- Laboratory of Experimental Gastroenterology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Digestive Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles H.U.B. CUB Hopital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Navez
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles H.U.B. CUB Hopital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dirk Van Gestel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Rue Meylenmeersch 90, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luigi Moretti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Rue Meylenmeersch 90, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Luc Van Laethem
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Digestive Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles H.U.B. CUB Hopital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christelle Bouchart
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Rue Meylenmeersch 90, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-25-413-800
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mRNA-From COVID-19 Treatment to Cancer Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020308. [PMID: 36830845 PMCID: PMC9953480 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides an overview covering mRNA from its use in the COVID-19 pandemic to cancer immunotherapy, starting from the selection of appropriate antigens, tumor-associated and tumor-specific antigens, neoantigens, the basics of optimizing the mRNA molecule in terms of stability, efficacy, and tolerability, choosing the best formulation and the optimal route of administration, to summarizing current clinical trials of mRNA vaccines in tumor therapy.
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Malla M, Fekrmandi F, Malik N, Hatoum H, George S, Goldberg RM, Mukherjee S. The evolving role of radiation in pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1060885. [PMID: 36713520 PMCID: PMC9875560 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1060885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States. Chemotherapy in resectable pancreatic cancer has improved survival by 10-20%. It only converted 10-30% of the borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancers to be surgically resectable. Radiation therapy has a documented role in managing localized pancreatic cancer, more so for borderline and locally advanced pancreatic cancer, where it can potentially improve the resectability rate of a given neoadjuvant treatment. The role of radiation therapy in resected pancreatic cancer is controversial, but it is used routinely to treat positive margins after pancreatic cancer surgery. Radiation therapy paradigms continue to evolve with advancements in treatment modalities, delivery techniques, and combination approaches. Despite the advances, there continues to be a controversy on the role of radiation therapy in managing this disease. In this review article, we discuss the recent updates, delivery techniques, and motion management in radiation therapy and dissect the applicability of this therapy in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Midhun Malla
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Fatemeh Fekrmandi
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Nadia Malik
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Hassan Hatoum
- Hematology/Oncology, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Sagila George
- Hematology/Oncology, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | | | - Sarbajit Mukherjee
- Department of Medicine, GI Medical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States,*Correspondence: Sarbajit Mukherjee,
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Xu X, Kumari R, Zhou J, Chen J, Mao B, Wang J, Zheng M, Tu X, An X, Chen X, Zhang L, Tian X, Wang H, Dong X, Bao Z, Guo S, Ouyang X, Shang L, Wang F, Yan X, Zhang R, Vries RGJ, Clevers H, Li QX. A living biobank of matched pairs of patient-derived xenografts and organoids for cancer pharmacology. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279821. [PMID: 36602988 PMCID: PMC9815646 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX)/organoid (PDO), driven by cancer stem cells (CSC), are considered the most predictive models for translational oncology. Large PDX collections reflective of patient populations have been created and used extensively to test various investigational therapies, including population-trials as surrogate subjects in vivo. PDOs are recognized as in vitro surrogates for patients amenable for high-throughput screening (HTS). We have built a biobank of carcinoma PDX-derived organoids (PDXOs) by converting an existing PDX library and confirmed high degree of similarities between PDXOs and parental PDXs in genomics, histopathology and pharmacology, suggesting "biological equivalence or interchangeability" between the two. Here we demonstrate the applications of PDXO biobank for HTS "matrix" screening for both lead compounds and indications, immune cell co-cultures for immune-therapies and engineering enables in vitro/in vivo imaging. This large biobank of >550 matched pairs of PDXs/PDXOs across different cancers could become powerful tools for the future cancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxi Xu
- Crown Bioscience Inc., Beijing, China
| | - Rajendra Kumari
- Crown Bioscience Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Jun Zhou
- Crown Bioscience Inc., Taicang City, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Crown Bioscience Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Binchen Mao
- Crown Bioscience Inc., Taicang City, Jiangsu, China
| | | | | | - Xiaolong Tu
- Crown Bioscience Inc., Taicang City, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyu An
- Crown Bioscience Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | | | | | - Xiaoli Tian
- Shanghai Yihao Biological Technology, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
| | - Haojie Wang
- Suzhou NeoLogics Bioscience Co, LTD, Suzhou, China
| | - Xin Dong
- Suzhou NeoLogics Bioscience Co, LTD, Suzhou, China
| | | | - Sheng Guo
- Crown Bioscience Inc., Taicang City, Jiangsu, China
| | | | | | - Fei Wang
- Crown Bioscience Inc., Taicang City, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuefei Yan
- Crown Bioscience Inc., Taicang City, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Crown Bioscience Inc., Taicang City, Jiangsu, China
| | - Robert G. J. Vries
- Hubrecht Organoid Technology (HUB), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Qi-Xiang Li
- Crown Bioscience Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
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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: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 106.0] [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.
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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.
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Cai W, Zhu Y, Teng Z, Li D, Feng Q, Jiang Z, Cong R, Chen Z, Liu S, Zhao X, Ma X. Combined CT and serum CA19-9 for stratifying risk for progression in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer receiving intraoperative radiotherapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1155555. [PMID: 37124483 PMCID: PMC10140514 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1155555] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of baseline computed tomography (CT) imaging features and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) in predicting prognosis of locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) receiving intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) and to establish a progression risk nomogram that helps to identify the potential beneficiary of IORT. Methods A total of 88 LAPC patients with IORT as their initial treatment were enrolled retrospectively. Clinical data and CT imaging features were analyzed. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify the independent risk factors for progression-free survival (PFS) and to establish a nomogram. A risk-score was calculated by the coefficients of the regression model to stratify the risk of progression. Results Multivariate analyses revealed that relative enhanced value in portal-venous phase (REV-PVP), peripancreatic fat infiltration, necrosis, and CA19-9 were significantly associated with PFS (all p < 0.05). The nomogram was constructed according to the above variables and showed a good performance in predicting the risk of progression with a concordance index (C-index) of 0.779. Our nomogram stratified patients with LAPC into low- and high-risk groups with distinct differences in progression after IORT (p < 0.001). Conclusion The integrated nomogram would help clinicians to identify appropriate patients who might benefit from IORT before treatment and to adapt an individualized treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cai
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yongjian Zhu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ze Teng
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dengfeng Li
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qinfu Feng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichao Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Cong
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaowei Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Siyun Liu
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Research, General Electric Healthcare (China), Beijing, China
| | - Xinming Zhao
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohong Ma
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaohong Ma,
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Huang CY, Lai ZY, Hsu TJ, Chou FI, Liu HM, Chuang YJ. Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Eliminates Radioresistant Liver Cancer Cells by Targeting DNA Damage and Repair Responses. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:1385-1401. [PMID: 36600987 PMCID: PMC9807134 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s383959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction For advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), resistance to conservative treatments remains a challenge. In previous studies, the therapeutic effectiveness and DNA damage responses of boric acid-mediated boron neutron capture therapy (BA-BNCT) in HCC have been demonstrated in animal models and HCC cell line. On the other hand, numerous studies have shown that high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation can overcome tumor resistance. Since BNCT yields a mixture of high and low LET radiation, we aimed to explore whether and how BA-BNCT could eliminate radioresistant HCC cells. Methods Radioresistant human HCC (HepG2-R) cells were established from HepG2 cells via intermittent irradiation. HepG2 and HepG2-R cells were then irradiated with either γ-ray or neutron radiation of BA-BNCT. Colony formation assays were used to assess cell survival and the relative biological effectiveness (RBE). The expression of phosphorylated H2AX (γH2AX) was also examined by immunocytochemistry and Western blot assays to evaluate the extent of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Finally, the expression levels of DNA damage response-associated proteins were determined, followed by cell cycle analysis and caspase-3 activity analysis. Results Our data demonstrated that under the same dose by γ-ray, BNCT effectively eliminated radioresistant HCC by increasing the number of DNA DSBs (p < 0.05) and impeding their repair (p < 0.05), which verified the high RBE of BNCT. We also found that BNCT resulted in delayed homologous recombination (HR) and inhibited the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway during DNA repair. Markedly, BNCT increased cell arrest (p < 0.05) in the G2/M phase by altering G2 checkpoint signaling and increased PUMA-mediated apoptosis (p < 0.05). Conclusion Our data suggest that DNA damage and repair responses could affect the anticancer efficiency of BNCT in radioresistant HepG2-R cells, which highlights the potential of BNCT as a viable treatment option for recurrent HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-Yu Huang
- School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Nuclear Science and Technology Development Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Zih-Yin Lai
- School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Nuclear Science and Technology Development Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Jung Hsu
- School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Nuclear Science and Technology Development Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Fong-In Chou
- Nuclear Science and Technology Development Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Ming Liu
- Nuclear Science and Technology Development Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Jen Chuang
- School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Nuclear Science and Technology Development Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Correspondence: Yung-Jen Chuang, School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan, Tel +886-3-5742764, Fax +886-3-5715934, Email
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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.
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Temporal phosphoproteomics reveals WEE1-dependent control of 53BP1 pathway. iScience 2022; 26:105806. [PMID: 36632060 PMCID: PMC9827073 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105806] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Wee1-like protein kinase (WEE1) restrains activities of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) in S and G2 phase. Inhibition of WEE1 evokes drastic increase in CDK activity, which perturbs replication dynamics and compromises cell cycle checkpoints. Notably, WEE1 inhibitors such as adavosertib are tested in cancer treatment trials; however, WEE1-regulated phosphoproteomes and their dynamics have not been systematically investigated. In this study, we identified acute time-resolved alterations in the cellular phosphoproteome following WEE1 inhibition with adavosertib. These treatments acutely elevated CDK activities with distinct phosphorylation dynamics revealing more than 600 potential uncharacterized CDK sites. Moreover, we identified a major role for WEE1 in controlling CDK-dependent phosphorylation of multiple clustered sites in the key DNA repair factors MDC1, 53BP1, and RIF1. Functional analysis revealed that WEE1 fine-tunes CDK activities to permit recruitment of 53BP1 to chromatin. Thus, our findings uncover WEE1-controlled targets and pathways with translational potential for the clinical application of WEE1 inhibitors.
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Advances in Radiation Oncology for Pancreatic Cancer: An Updated Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235725. [PMID: 36497207 PMCID: PMC9736314 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to summarize the recent advances in radiation oncology for pancreatic cancer. A systematic search of the MEDLINE/PubMed database and Clinicaltrials.gov was performed, focusing on studies published within the last 10 years. Our search queried "locally advanced pancreatic cancer [AND] stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) [OR] hypofractionation [OR] magnetic resonance guidance radiation therapy (MRgRT) [OR] proton" and "borderline resectable pancreatic cancer [AND] neoadjuvant radiation" and was limited only to prospective and retrospective studies and metanalyses. For locally advanced pancreatic cancers (LAPC), retrospective evidence supports the notion of radiation dose escalation to improve overall survival (OS). Novel methods for increasing the dose to high risk areas while avoiding dose to organs at risk (OARs) include SBRT or ablative hypofractionation using a simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) technique, MRgRT, or charged particle therapy. The use of molecularly targeted agents with radiation to improve radiosensitization has also shown promise in several prospective studies. For resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancers (RPC and BRPC), several randomized trials are currently underway to study whether current neoadjuvant regimens using radiation may be improved with the use of the multi-drug regimen FOLFIRINOX or immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Toulany M. Targeting K-Ras-mediated DNA damage response in radiation oncology: Current status, challenges and future perspectives. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2022; 38:6-14. [PMID: 36313934 PMCID: PMC9596599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 60% of cancer patients receive curative or palliative radiation. Despite the significant role of radiotherapy (RT) as a curative approach for many solid tumors, tumor recurrence occurs, partially because of intrinsic radioresistance. Accumulating evidence indicates that the success of RT is hampered by activation of the DNA damage response (DDR). The intensity of DDR signaling is affected by multiple parameters, e.g., loss-of-function mutations in tumor suppressor genes, gain-of-function mutations in protooncogenes as well as radiation-induced alterations in signal-transduction pathways. Therefore, the response to irradiation differs in tumors of different types, which makes the individualization of RT as a rational but challenging goal. One contributor to tumor cell radiation survival is signaling through the Ras pathway. Three RAS genes encode 4 Ras isoforms: K-Ras4A, K-Ras4B, H-Ras, and N-Ras. RAS family members are found to be mutated in approximately 19% of human cancers. Mutations in RAS lead to constitutive activation of the gene product and activation of multiple Ras-dependent signal-transduction cascades. Preclinical studies have shown that the expression of mutant KRAS affects DDR and increases cell survival after irradiation. Approximately 70% of RAS mutations occur in KRAS. Thus, applying targeted therapies directly against K-Ras as well as K-Ras upstream activators and downstream effectors might be a tumor-specific approach to overcome K-Ras-mediated RT resistance. In this review, the role of K-Ras in the activation of DDR signaling will be summarized. Recent progress in targeting DDR in KRAS-mutated tumors in combination with radiochemotherapy will be discussed.
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Moser R, Annis J, Nikolova O, Whatcott C, Gurley K, Mendez E, Moran-Jones K, Dorrell C, Sears RC, Kuo C, Han H, Biankin A, Grandori C, Von Hoff DD, Kemp CJ. Pharmacologic Targeting of TFIIH Suppresses KRAS-Mutant Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Synergizes with TRAIL. Cancer Res 2022; 82:3375-3393. [PMID: 35819261 PMCID: PMC9481717 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-4222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) typically presents as metastatic disease at diagnosis and remains refractory to treatment. Next-generation sequencing efforts have described the genomic landscape, classified molecular subtypes, and confirmed frequent alterations in major driver genes, with coexistent alterations in KRAS and TP53 correlating with the highest metastatic burden and poorest outcomes. However, translating this information to guide therapy remains a challenge. By integrating genomic analysis with an arrayed RNAi druggable genome screen and drug profiling of a KRAS/TP53 mutant PDAC cell line derived from a patient-derived xenograft (PDCL), we identified numerous targetable vulnerabilities that reveal both known and novel functional aspects of pancreatic cancer biology. A dependence on the general transcription and DNA repair factor TFIIH complex, particularly the XPB subunit and the CAK complex (CDK7/CyclinH/MAT1), was identified and further validated utilizing a panel of genomically subtyped KRAS mutant PDCLs. TFIIH function was inhibited with a covalent inhibitor of CDK7/12/13 (THZ1), a CDK7/CDK9 kinase inhibitor (SNS-032), and a covalent inhibitor of XPB (triptolide), which led to disruption of the protein stability of the RNA polymerase II subunit RPB1. Loss of RPB1 following TFIIH inhibition led to downregulation of key transcriptional effectors of KRAS-mutant signaling and negative regulators of apoptosis, including MCL1, XIAP, and CFLAR, initiating caspase-8 dependent apoptosis. All three drugs exhibited synergy in combination with a multivalent TRAIL, effectively reinforcing mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. These findings present a novel combination therapy, with direct translational implications for current clinical trials on metastatic pancreatic cancer patients. Significance: This study utilizes functional genetic and pharmacological profiling of KRAS-mutant pancreatic adenocarcinoma to identify therapeutic strategies and finds that TFIIH inhibition synergizes with TRAIL to induce apoptosis in KRAS-driven pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Moser
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - James Annis
- Quellos High Throughput Facility, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington Medicine Research, Seattle, Washington
| | - Olga Nikolova
- Department of Computational Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Cliff Whatcott
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Molecular Medicine Division, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Kay Gurley
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Eduardo Mendez
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kim Moran-Jones
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Dorrell
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Rosalie C Sears
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Calvin Kuo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Haiyong Han
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Molecular Medicine Division, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Andrew Biankin
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Molecular Medicine Division, Phoenix, Arizona
| | | | - Daniel D Von Hoff
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Molecular Medicine Division, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Christopher J Kemp
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
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Ngoi NYL, Westin SN, Yap TA. Targeting the DNA damage response beyond poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors: novel agents and rational combinations. Curr Opin Oncol 2022; 34:559-569. [PMID: 35787597 PMCID: PMC9371461 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have transformed treatment paradigms in multiple cancer types defined by homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) and have become the archetypal example of synthetic lethal targeting within the DNA damage response (DDR). Despite this success, primary and acquired resistance to PARP inhibition inevitability threaten the efficacy and durability of response to these drugs. Beyond PARP inhibitors, recent advances in large-scale functional genomic screens have led to the identification of a steadily growing list of genetic dependencies across the DDR landscape. This has led to a wide array of novel synthetic lethal targets and corresponding inhibitors, which hold promise to widen the application of DDR inhibitors beyond HRD and potentially address PARP inhibitor resistance. RECENT FINDINGS In this review, we describe key synthetic lethal interactions that have been identified across the DDR landscape, summarize the early phase clinical development of the most promising DDR inhibitors, and highlight relevant combinations of DDR inhibitors with chemotherapy and other novel cancer therapies, which are anticipated to make an impact in rationally selected patient populations. SUMMARY The DDR landscape holds multiple opportunities for synthetic lethal targeting with multiple novel DDR inhibitors being evaluated on early phase clinical trials. Key challenges remain in optimizing the therapeutic window of ATR and WEE1 inhibitors as monotherapy and in combination approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Y L Ngoi
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine
| | - Shannon N Westin
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Surgery
| | - Timothy A Yap
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine
- The Institute for Applied Cancer Science
- Khalifa Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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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.
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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
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Monge-Cadet J, Moyal E, Supiot S, Guimas V. DNA repair inhibitors and radiotherapy. Cancer Radiother 2022; 26:947-954. [PMID: 35987813 DOI: 10.1016/j.canrad.2022.06.019] [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: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the main cancer treatments and grows in importance due to improved techniques. DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation creates DNA strand breaks that trigger an intervention of DNA repair pathways involving numerous proteins and enzymes. In recent years, we have identified DNA repair inhibitors as targets for inhibiting cellular repair systems and thus causing cell death. Combining RT with these DNA repair inhibitors appears to be a new approach for cancer treatment, but safety and real efficiency of this combination in practice is unclear. Numerous trials are underway in various diseases and initial results are promising overall, yet remain controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Monge-Cadet
- Radiothérapie, institut universitaire du cancer de Toulouse, 1, avenue Irène-Joliot-Curie, 31100 Toulouse, France.
| | - E Moyal
- Radiothérapie, institut universitaire du cancer de Toulouse, 1, avenue Irène-Joliot-Curie, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | - S Supiot
- Radiothérapie, institut de cancérologie de l'Ouest, boulevard Professeur Jacques-Monod, 44800 Saint-Herblain, France
| | - V Guimas
- Radiothérapie, institut de cancérologie de l'Ouest, boulevard Professeur Jacques-Monod, 44800 Saint-Herblain, France
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