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Bai JW, Qiu SQ, Zhang GJ. Molecular and functional imaging in cancer-targeted therapy: current applications and future directions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:89. [PMID: 36849435 PMCID: PMC9971190 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01366-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted anticancer drugs block cancer cell growth by interfering with specific signaling pathways vital to carcinogenesis and tumor growth rather than harming all rapidly dividing cells as in cytotoxic chemotherapy. The Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (RECIST) system has been used to assess tumor response to therapy via changes in the size of target lesions as measured by calipers, conventional anatomically based imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other imaging methods. However, RECIST is sometimes inaccurate in assessing the efficacy of targeted therapy drugs because of the poor correlation between tumor size and treatment-induced tumor necrosis or shrinkage. This approach might also result in delayed identification of response when the therapy does confer a reduction in tumor size. Innovative molecular imaging techniques have rapidly gained importance in the dawning era of targeted therapy as they can visualize, characterize, and quantify biological processes at the cellular, subcellular, or even molecular level rather than at the anatomical level. This review summarizes different targeted cell signaling pathways, various molecular imaging techniques, and developed probes. Moreover, the application of molecular imaging for evaluating treatment response and related clinical outcome is also systematically outlined. In the future, more attention should be paid to promoting the clinical translation of molecular imaging in evaluating the sensitivity to targeted therapy with biocompatible probes. In particular, multimodal imaging technologies incorporating advanced artificial intelligence should be developed to comprehensively and accurately assess cancer-targeted therapy, in addition to RECIST-based methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Wen Bai
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Breast Cancer, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast and Thyroid Cancers, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China
- Cancer Research Center of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China
| | - Si-Qi Qiu
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Breast Diseases, Clinical Research Center, Shantou Central Hospital, 515041, Shantou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Shantou University Medical College, 515041, Shantou, China
| | - Guo-Jun Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Breast Cancer, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China.
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China.
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast and Thyroid Cancers, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China.
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China.
- Cancer Research Center of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China.
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2
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Bainbridge A, Walker S, Smith J, Patterson K, Dutt A, Ng YM, Thomas HD, Wilson L, McCullough B, Jones D, Maan A, Banks P, McCracken SR, Gaughan L, Robson CN, Coffey K. IKBKE activity enhances AR levels in advanced prostate cancer via modulation of the Hippo pathway. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:5366-5382. [PMID: 32324216 PMCID: PMC7261174 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to androgen receptor (AR) targeting therapeutics in prostate cancer (PC) is a significant clinical problem. Mechanisms by which this is accomplished include AR amplification and expression of AR splice variants, demonstrating that AR remains a key therapeutic target in advanced disease. For the first time we show that IKBKE drives AR signalling in advanced PC. Significant inhibition of AR regulated gene expression was observed upon siRNA-mediated IKBKE depletion or pharmacological inhibition due to inhibited AR gene expression in multiple cell line models including a LNCaP derivative cell line resistant to the anti-androgen, enzalutamide (LNCaP-EnzR). Phenotypically, this resulted in significant inhibition of proliferation, migration and colony forming ability suggesting that targeting IKBKE could circumvent resistance to AR targeting therapies. Indeed, pharmacological inhibition in the CWR22Rv1 xenograft mouse model reduced tumour size and enhanced survival. Critically, this was validated in patient-derived explants where enzymatic inactivation of IKBKE reduced cell proliferation and AR expression. Mechanistically, we provide evidence that IKBKE regulates AR levels via Hippo pathway inhibition to reduce c-MYC levels at cis-regulatory elements within the AR gene. Thus, IKBKE is a therapeutic target in advanced PC suggesting repurposing of clinically tested IKBKE inhibitors could be beneficial to castrate resistant PC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Bainbridge
- Solid Tumour Target Discovery Laboratory, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Scott Walker
- Solid Tumour Target Discovery Laboratory, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Joseph Smith
- Solid Tumour Target Discovery Laboratory, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Kathryn Patterson
- Solid Tumour Target Discovery Laboratory, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Aparna Dutt
- Solid Tumour Target Discovery Laboratory, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Yi Min Ng
- Solid Tumour Target Discovery Laboratory, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Huw D Thomas
- Drug Discovery, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Laura Wilson
- Solid Tumour Target Discovery Laboratory, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Benjamin McCullough
- Solid Tumour Target Discovery Laboratory, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Dominic Jones
- Solid Tumour Target Discovery Laboratory, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Arussa Maan
- Solid Tumour Target Discovery Laboratory, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Peter Banks
- Bio Screening Facility, Newcastle University, Cookson Building, The Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Stuart R McCracken
- Solid Tumour Target Discovery Laboratory, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Luke Gaughan
- Solid Tumour Target Discovery Laboratory, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Craig N Robson
- Solid Tumour Target Discovery Laboratory, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Kelly Coffey
- Solid Tumour Target Discovery Laboratory, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
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Iommelli F, De Rosa V, Terlizzi C, Fonti R, Del Vecchio S. Preclinical Imaging in Targeted Cancer Therapies. Semin Nucl Med 2019; 49:369-381. [PMID: 31470932 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical imaging with radiolabeled probes can provide noninvasive tools to test the efficacy of targeted agents in tumors harboring specific genetic alterations and to identify imaging parameters that can be used as pharmacodynamics markers in cancer patients. The present review will primarily focus on preclinical imaging studies that can accelerate the clinical approval of targeted agents and promote the development of imaging biomarkers for clinical applications. Since only subgroups of patients may benefit from treatment with targeted anticancer agents, the identification of a patient population expressing the target is of primary importance for the success of clinical trials. Preclinical imaging studies tested the ability of new radiolabeled compounds to recognize mutant, amplified, or overexpressed targets and some of these tracers were transferred to the clinical setting. More common tracers such as 18F-Fluorothymidine and 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose were employed in animal models to test the inhibition of the target and downstream pathways through the evaluation of early changes of proliferation and glucose metabolism allowing the identification of sensitive and resistant tumors. Furthermore, since the majority of patients treated with targeted anticancer agents will invariably develop resistance, preclinical imaging studies were performed to test the efficacy of reversal agents to overcome resistance. These studies provided consistent evidence that imaging with radiolabeled probes can monitor the reversal of drug resistance by newly designed alternative compounds. Finally, despite many difficulties and challenges, preclinical imaging studies targeting the expression of immune checkpoints proved the principle that it is feasible to select patients for immunotherapy based on imaging findings. In conclusion, preclinical imaging can be considered as an integral part of the complex translational process that moves a newly developed targeted agent from laboratory to clinical application intervening in all clinically relevant steps including patient selection, early monitoring of drug effects and reversal of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Iommelli
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Viviana De Rosa
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Terlizzi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Fonti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvana Del Vecchio
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
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Narayanankutty A. PI3K/ Akt/ mTOR Pathway as a Therapeutic Target for Colorectal Cancer: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Evidence. Curr Drug Targets 2019; 20:1217-1226. [DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190618123846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background:
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3Ks) is a member of intracellular lipid kinases
and involved in the regulation of cellular proliferation, differentiation and survival. Overexpression of
the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling has been reported in various forms of cancers, especially in colorectal
cancers (CRC). Due to their significant roles in the initiation and progression events of colorectal cancer,
they are recognized as a striking therapeutic target.
Objective:
The present review is aimed to provide a detailed outline on the role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR
pathway in the initiation and progression events of colorectal cancers as well as its function in drug
resistance. Further, the role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors alone and in combination with other chemotherapeutic
drugs, in alleviating colorectal cancer is also discussed. The review contains preclinical
and clinical evidence as well as patent literature of the pathway inhibitors which are natural
and synthetic in origin.
Methods:
The data were obtained from PubMed/Medline databases, Scopus and Google patent literature.
Results:
PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling is an important event in colorectal carcinogenesis. In addition, it
plays significant roles in acquiring drug resistance as well as metastatic initiation events of CRCs.
Several small molecules of natural and synthetic origin have been found to be potent inhibitors of
CRCs by effectively downregulating the pathway. Data from various clinical studies also support
these pathway inhibitors and several among them are patented.
Conclusion:
Inhibitors of the PI3K/mTOR pathway have been successful for the treatment of primary
and metastatic colorectal cancers, rendering the pathway as a promising clinical cancer therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunaksharan Narayanankutty
- Post Graduate & Research Department of Zoologyid1, St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Devagiri, Calicut, Kerala, 673008, India
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Thakuri PS, Gupta M, Joshi R, Singh S, Tavana H. Synergistic Inhibition of Kinase Pathways Overcomes Resistance of Colorectal Cancer Spheroids to Cyclic Targeted Therapies. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2019; 2:275-284. [PMID: 32259061 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.9b00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells often adapt to single-agent treatments with chemotherapeutics. Activation of alternative survival pathways is a major mechanism of drug resistance. A potential approach to block this feedback signaling is using combination treatments of a pair of drugs, although toxicity has been a limiting factor. Preclinical tumor models to identify mechanisms of drug resistance and determine low but effective combination doses are critical to effectively suppress tumor growth with reduced toxicity to patients. Using our aqueous two-phase system microtechnology, we developed colorectal tumor spheroids in high-throughput and evaluated resistance of cancer cells to three mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors (MAPKi) in long-term cyclic treatments. Our quantitative analysis showed that the efficacy of MAPKi significantly reduced over time, leading to an increase in proliferation of HCT116 colorectal cancer cells and growth of spheroids. We established that resistance was due to feedback activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Using high-throughput, dose-dependent combinations of each MAPKi and a PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, we identified low-dose, synergistic combinations that blocked resistance to MAPKi and effectively suppressed the growth of colorectal tumor spheroids in long-term treatments. Our approach to study drug resistance offers the potential to determine high priority treatments to test in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradip Shahi Thakuri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Megha Gupta
- Department of Arts and Sciences, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Ramila Joshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Sunil Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Hossein Tavana
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
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Shahi Thakuri P, Luker GD, Tavana H. Cyclical Treatment of Colorectal Tumor Spheroids Induces Resistance to MEK Inhibitors. Transl Oncol 2018; 12:404-416. [PMID: 30550927 PMCID: PMC6299152 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2018.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive drug resistance is a major obstacle to successful treatment of colorectal cancers. Physiologic tumor models of drug resistance are crucial to understand mechanisms of treatment failure and improve therapy by developing new therapeutics and treatment strategies. Using our aqueous two-phase system microtechnology, we developed colorectal tumor spheroids and periodically treated them with sub-lethal concentrations of three Mitogen Activated Kinase inhibitors (MEKi) used in clinical trials. We used long-term, periodic treatment and recovery of spheroids to mimic cycles of clinical chemotherapy and implemented a growth rate metric to quantitatively assess efficacy of the MEKi during treatment. Our results showed that efficacy of the MEKi significantly reduced with increased treatment cycles. Using a comprehensive molecular analysis, we established that resistance of colorectal tumor spheroids to the MEKi developed through activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. We also showed that other potential feedback mechanisms, such as STAT3 activation or amplified B-RAF, did not account for resistance to the MEKi. We combined each of the three MEKi with a PI3K/mTOR inhibitor and showed that the combination treatments synergistically blocked resistance to the MEKi. Importantly, and unlike the individual inhibitors, we demonstrated that synergistic concentrations of combinations of MEK and PI3K/mTOR inhibitors effectively inhibited growth of colorectal tumor spheroids in long-term treatments. This proof-of-concept study to model treatment-induced drug resistance of cancer cells using 3D cultures offers a unique approach to identify underlying molecular mechanisms and develop effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradip Shahi Thakuri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Gary D Luker
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Hossein Tavana
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA.
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Haagensen EJ, Thomas HD, Schmalix WA, Payne AC, Kevorkian L, Allen RA, Bevan P, Maxwell RJ, Newell DR. Enhanced anti-tumour activity of the combination of the novel MEK inhibitor WX-554 and the novel PI3K inhibitor WX-037. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2016; 78:1269-1281. [PMID: 27837257 PMCID: PMC5114336 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-016-3186-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumours frequently have defects in multiple oncogenic pathways, e.g. MAPK and PI3K signalling pathways, and combinations of targeted therapies may be required for optimal activity. This study evaluated the novel MEK inhibitor WX-554 and the novel PI3K inhibitor WX-037, as single agents and in combination, in colorectal carcinoma cell lines and tumour xenograft-bearing mice. METHODS In vitro growth inhibition, survival and signal transduction were measured using the Sulforhodamine B, clonogenic and Western blotting assays, respectively, in HCT116 and HT29 cell lines. In vivo anti-tumour efficacy and pharmacokinetic properties were assessed in HCT116 and HT29 human colorectal cancer xenograft tumour-bearing mice. RESULTS The combination of WX-554 and WX-037 exhibited marked synergistic growth inhibition in vitro, which was associated with increased cytotoxicity and enhanced inhibition of ERK and S6 phosphorylation, compared to either agent alone. Pharmacokinetic analyses indicated that there was no PK interaction between the two drugs at low doses, but that at higher doses, WX-037 may delay the tumour uptake of WX-554. In vivo efficacy studies revealed that the combination of WX-037 and WX-554 was non-toxic and exhibited marked tumour growth inhibition greater than observed with either agent alone. CONCLUSION These studies show for the first time that combination treatment with the novel MEK inhibitor WX-554 and the novel PI3K inhibitor WX-037 can induce synergistic growth inhibition in vitro, which translates into enhanced anti-tumour efficacy in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Haagensen
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Huw D Thomas
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Paul Bevan
- Wilex AG, Grillparzerstrasse 18, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Ross J Maxwell
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - David R Newell
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
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Beale G, Haagensen EJ, Thomas HD, Wang LZ, Revill CH, Payne SL, Golding BT, Hardcastle IR, Newell DR, Griffin RJ, Cano C. Combined PI3K and CDK2 inhibition induces cell death and enhances in vivo antitumour activity in colorectal cancer. Br J Cancer 2016; 115:682-90. [PMID: 27529512 PMCID: PMC5023777 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2016.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/mTOR) pathway is commonly deregulated in human cancer, hence many PI3K and mTOR inhibitors have been developed and have now reached clinical trials. Similarly, CDKs have been investigated as cancer drug targets. METHODS We have synthesised and characterised a series of 6-aminopyrimidines identified from a kinase screen that inhibit PI3K and/or mTOR and/or CDK2. Kinase inhibition, tumour cell growth, cell cycle distribution, cytotoxicity and signalling experiments were undertaken in HCT116 and HT29 colorectal cancer cell lines, and in vivo HT29 efficacy studies. RESULTS 2,6-Diaminopyrimidines with an O(4)-cyclohexylmethyl substituent and a C-5-nitroso or cyano group (1,2,5) induced cell cycle phase alterations and were growth inhibitory (GI50<20 μM). Compound 1, but not 2 or 5, potently inhibits CDK2 (IC50=0.1 nM) as well as PI3K, and was cytotoxic at growth inhibitory concentrations. Consistent with kinase inhibition data, compound 1 reduced phospho-Rb and phospho-rS6 at GI50 concentrations. Combination of NU6102 (CDK2 inhibitor) and pictilisib (GDC-0941; pan-PI3K inhibitor) resulted in synergistic growth inhibition, and enhanced cytotoxicity in HT29 cells in vitro and HT29 tumour growth inhibition in vivo. CONCLUSIONS These studies identified a novel series of mixed CDK2/PI3K inhibitors and demonstrate that dual targeting of CDK2 and PI3K can result in enhanced antitumour activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Beale
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Emma J Haagensen
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Huw D Thomas
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Lan-Zhen Wang
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Charlotte H Revill
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, School of Chemistry, Newcastle University, Bedson Building, Newcastle NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Sara L Payne
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, School of Chemistry, Newcastle University, Bedson Building, Newcastle NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Bernard T Golding
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, School of Chemistry, Newcastle University, Bedson Building, Newcastle NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Ian R Hardcastle
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, School of Chemistry, Newcastle University, Bedson Building, Newcastle NE1 7RU, UK
| | - David R Newell
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Roger J Griffin
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, School of Chemistry, Newcastle University, Bedson Building, Newcastle NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Celine Cano
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, School of Chemistry, Newcastle University, Bedson Building, Newcastle NE1 7RU, UK
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Josephs DH, Sarker D. Pharmacodynamic Biomarker Development for PI3K Pathway Therapeutics. TRANSLATIONAL ONCOGENOMICS 2016; 7:33-49. [PMID: 26917948 PMCID: PMC4762492 DOI: 10.4137/tog.s30529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is integral to many essential cell processes, including cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, motility, and metabolism. Somatic mutations and genetic amplifications that result in activation of the pathway are frequently detected in cancer. This has led to the development of rationally designed therapeutics targeting key members of the pathway. Critical to the successful development of these drugs are pharmacodynamic biomarkers that aim to define the degree of target and pathway inhibition. In this review, we discuss the pharmacodynamic biomarkers that have been utilized in early-phase clinical trials of PI3K pathway inhibitors. We focus on the challenges related to development and interpretation of these assays, their optimal integration with pharmacokinetic and predictive biomarkers, and future strategies to ensure successful development of PI3K pathway inhibitors within a personalized medicine paradigm for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra H Josephs
- Department of Research Oncology, Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Debashis Sarker
- Department of Research Oncology, Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
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10
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Jensen MM, Kjaer A. Monitoring of anti-cancer treatment with (18)F-FDG and (18)F-FLT PET: a comprehensive review of pre-clinical studies. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING 2015; 5:431-456. [PMID: 26550536 PMCID: PMC4620172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Functional imaging of solid tumors with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is an evolving field with continuous development of new PET tracers and discovery of new applications for already implemented PET tracers. During treatment of cancer patients, a general challenge is to measure treatment effect early in a treatment course and by that to stratify patients into responders and non-responders. With 2-deoxy-2-[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG) and 3'-deoxy-3'-[(18)F]fluorothymidine((18)F-FLT) two of the cancer hallmarks, altered energy metabolism and increased cell proliferation, can be visualized and quantified non-invasively by PET. With (18)F-FDG and (18)F-FLT PET changes in energy metabolism and cell proliferation can thereby be determined after initiation of cancer treatment in both clinical and pre-clinical studies in order to predict, at an early time-point, treatment response. It is hypothesized that decreases in glycolysis and cell proliferation may occur in tumors that are sensitive to the applied cancer therapeutics and that tumors that are resistant to treatment will show unchanged glucose metabolism and cell proliferation. Whether (18)F-FDG and/or (18)F-FLT PET can be used for prediction of treatment response has been analyzed in many studies both following treatment with conventional chemotherapeutic agents but also following treatment with different targeted therapies, e.g. monoclonal antibodies and small molecules inhibitors. The results from these studies have been most variable; in some studies early changes in (18)F-FDG and (18)F-FLT uptake predicted later tumor regression whereas in other studies no change in tracer uptake was observed despite the treatment being effective. The present review gives an overview of pre-clinical studies that have used (18)F-FDG and/or (18)F-FLT PET for response monitoring of cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Munk Jensen
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine & PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Andreas Kjaer
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine & PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen Denmark
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11
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Hojjat-Farsangi M. Targeting non-receptor tyrosine kinases using small molecule inhibitors: an overview of recent advances. J Drug Target 2015. [DOI: 10.3109/1061186x.2015.1068319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hojjat-Farsangi
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Immune and Gene Therapy Lab, Cancer Center Karolinska (CCK), Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden and
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
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Chen T, Wang X, Guo L, Wu M, Duan Z, Lv J, Tai W, Renganathan H, Didier R, Li J, Sun D, Chen X, He X, Fan J, Young W, Ren Y. Embryonic Stem Cells Promoting Macrophage Survival and Function are Crucial for Teratoma Development. Front Immunol 2014; 5:275. [PMID: 25071759 PMCID: PMC4082241 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapies have had tremendous potential application for many diseases in recent years. However, the tumorigenic properties of stem cells restrict their potential clinical application; therefore, strategies for reducing the tumorigenic potential of stem cells must be established prior to transplantation. We have demonstrated that syngeneic transplantation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) provokes an inflammatory response that involves the rapid recruitment of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). ESCs are able to prevent mature macrophages from macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) withdrawal-induced apoptosis, and thus prolong macrophage lifespan significantly by blocking various apoptotic pathways in an M-CSF-independent manner. ESCs express and secrete IL-34, which may be responsible for ESC-promoted macrophage survival. This anti-apoptotic effect of ESCs involves activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and PI3K/Akt pathways and thus, inhibition of ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT activation decreases ESC-induced macrophage survival. Functionally, ESC-treated macrophages also showed a higher level of phagocytic activity. ESCs further serve to polarize BMDMs into M2-like macrophages that exhibit most tumor-associated macrophage phenotypic and functional features. ESC-educated macrophages produce high levels of arginase-1, Tie-2, and TNF-α, which participate in angiogenesis and contribute to teratoma progression. Our study suggests that induction of M2-like macrophage activation is an important mechanism for teratoma development. Strategies targeting macrophages to inhibit teratoma development would increase the safety of ESC-based therapies, inasmuch as the depletion of macrophages completely inhibits ESC-induced angiogenesis and teratoma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxiang Chen
- W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , New Jersey, NJ , USA ; Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , China
| | - Xi Wang
- W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , New Jersey, NJ , USA ; Institute of Neurosciences, The Fourth Military Medical University , Xian , China
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine , Tallahassee, FL , USA ; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University , Xian , China
| | - Mingmei Wu
- W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , New Jersey, NJ , USA
| | - Zhaoxia Duan
- W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , New Jersey, NJ , USA
| | - Jing Lv
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine , Tallahassee, FL , USA
| | - Wenjiao Tai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine , Tallahassee, FL , USA
| | - Hemamalini Renganathan
- W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , New Jersey, NJ , USA
| | - Ruth Didier
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine , Tallahassee, FL , USA
| | - Jinhua Li
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University , Clayton, VIC , Australia
| | - Dongming Sun
- W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , New Jersey, NJ , USA
| | - Xiaoming Chen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , China
| | - Xijing He
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University , Xian , China
| | - Jianqing Fan
- Statistics Laboratory, Princeton University , Princeton, NJ , USA
| | - Wise Young
- W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , New Jersey, NJ , USA
| | - Yi Ren
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine , Tallahassee, FL , USA
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Jahn SC, Law ME, Corsino PE, Davis BJ, Harrison JK, Law BK. Signaling mechanisms that suppress the cytostatic actions of rapamycin. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99927. [PMID: 24927123 PMCID: PMC4057458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While rapamycin and the "rapalogs" Everolimus and Temsirolimus have been approved for clinical use in the treatment of a number of forms of cancer, they have not met overarching success. Some tumors are largely refractory to rapamycin treatment, with some even undergoing an increase in growth rates. However the mechanisms by which this occurs are largely unknown. The results presented here reveal novel cell-signaling mechanisms that may lead to this resistance. The absence of TGFβ signaling results in resistance to rapamycin. Additionally, we observed that treatment of some cancer cell lines with rapamycin and its analogs not only potentiates mitogenic signaling and proliferation induced by HGF, but also stimulates the pro-survival kinase Akt. Together, the data show that the effectiveness of rapamycin treatment can be influenced by a number of factors and bring to light potential biomarkers for the prediction of responsiveness to treatment, and suggest combination therapies to optimize rapalog anticancer efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan C. Jahn
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- University of Florida-Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Mary E. Law
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- University of Florida-Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Patrick E. Corsino
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- University of Florida-Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Bradley J. Davis
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- University of Florida-Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey K. Harrison
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- University of Florida-Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Brian K. Law
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- University of Florida-Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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