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Ünsal Ü, Cüvitoğlu A, Turhan K, Işık Z. NMSDR: Drug repurposing approach based on transcriptome data and network module similarity. Mol Inform 2023; 42:e2200077. [PMID: 36411244 DOI: 10.1002/minf.202200077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Computational drug repurposing aims to discover new treatment regimens by analyzing approved drugs on the market. This study proposes previously approved compounds that can change the expression profile of disease-causing proteins by developing a network theory-based drug repurposing approach. The novelty of the proposed approach is an exploration of module similarity between a disease-causing network and a compound-specific interaction network; thus, such an association leads to more realistic modeling of molecular cell responses at a system biology level. The overlap of the disease network and each compound-specific network is calculated based on a shortest-path similarity of networks by accounting for all protein pairs between networks. A higher similarity score indicates a significant potential of a compound. The approach was validated for breast and lung cancers. When all compounds are sorted by their normalized-similarity scores, 36 and 16 drugs are proposed as new candidates for breast and lung cancer treatment, respectively. A literature survey on candidate compounds revealed that some of our predictions have been clinically investigated in phase II/III trials for the treatment of two cancer types. As a summary, the proposed approach has provided promising initial results by modeling biochemical cell responses in a network-level data representation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ülkü Ünsal
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Karadeniz Technical University, 61080, Trabzon, Türkiye.,Department of Health Management, Karadeniz Technical University, 61080, Trabzon, Türkiye
| | - Ali Cüvitoğlu
- Department of Computer Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, 35390, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Kemal Turhan
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Karadeniz Technical University, 61080, Trabzon, Türkiye
| | - Zerrin Işık
- Department of Computer Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, 35390, İzmir, Türkiye
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2
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Daoui O, Elkhattabi S, Bakhouch M, Belaidi S, Bhandare RR, Shaik AB, Mali SN, Chtita S. Cyclohexane-1,3-dione Derivatives as Future Therapeutic Agents for NSCLC: QSAR Modeling, In Silico ADME-Tox Properties, and Structure-Based Drug Designing Approach. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:4294-4319. [PMID: 36743017 PMCID: PMC9893467 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The abnormal expression of the c-Met tyrosine kinase has been linked to the proliferation of several human cancer cell lines, including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this context, the identification of new c-Met inhibitors based on heterocyclic small molecules could pave the way for the development of a new cancer therapeutic pathway. Using multiple linear regression (MLR)-quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) and artificial neural network (ANN)-QSAR modeling techniques, we look at the quantitative relationship between the biological inhibitory activity of 40 small molecules derived from cyclohexane-1,3-dione and their topological, physicochemical, and electronic properties against NSCLC cells. In this regard, screening methods based on QSAR modeling with density-functional theory (DFT) computations, in silico pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (ADME-Tox) modeling, and molecular docking with molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) computations were used. Using physicochemical (stretch-bend, hydrogen bond acceptor, Connolly molecular area, polar surface area, total connectivity) and electronic (total energy, highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels) molecular descriptors, compound 6d is identified as the optimal scaffold for drug design based on in silico screening tests. The computer-aided modeling developed in this study allowed us to design, optimize, and screen a new class of 36 small molecules based on cyclohexane-1,3-dione as potential c-Met inhibitors against NSCLC cell growth. The in silico rational drug design approach used in this study led to the identification of nine lead compounds for NSCLC therapy via c-Met protein targeting. Finally, the findings are validated using a 100 ns series of molecular dynamics simulations in an aqueous environment on c-Met free and complexed with samples of the proposed lead compounds and Foretinib drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ossama Daoui
- Laboratory
of Engineering, Systems and Applications, National School of Applied
Sciences, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah-Fez
University, BP Box 72, Fez30000, Morocco
| | - Souad Elkhattabi
- Laboratory
of Engineering, Systems and Applications, National School of Applied
Sciences, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah-Fez
University, BP Box 72, Fez30000, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Bakhouch
- Laboratory
of Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaïb Doukkali University, P.O. Box 24, 24000El Jadida, Morocco
| | - Salah Belaidi
- Group
of Computational and Medicinal Chemistry, LMCE Laboratory, University of Biskra,
BP 145, Biskra707000, Algeria
| | - Richie R. Bhandare
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman346, United Arab Emirates
- Center of Medical and Bio-allied
Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 340, 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Afzal B. Shaik
- St. Mary’s
College of Pharmacy, St. Mary’s Group
of Institutions Guntur, Affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Technological
University Kakinada, Chebrolu, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh522212, India
| | - Suraj N. Mali
- Department
of Pharmacy, Government College of Pharmacy, Karad, Affiliated to Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra415124, India
| | - Samir Chtita
- Laboratory
of Analytical and Molecular Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Sik, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca7955, Morocco
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Barzaman K, Vafaei R, Samadi M, Kazemi MH, Hosseinzadeh A, Merikhian P, Moradi-Kalbolandi S, Eisavand MR, Dinvari H, Farahmand L. Anti-cancer therapeutic strategies based on HGF/MET, EpCAM, and tumor-stromal cross talk. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:259. [PMID: 35986321 PMCID: PMC9389806 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02658-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
As an intelligent disease, tumors apply several pathways to evade the immune system. It can use alternative routes to bypass intracellular signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Wnt, and mitogen-activated protein (MAP)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Therefore, these mechanisms lead to therapeutic resistance in cancer. Also, these pathways play important roles in the proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion of cells. In most cancers, these signaling pathways are overactivated, caused by mutation, overexpression, etc. Since numerous molecules share these signaling pathways, the identification of key molecules is crucial to achieve favorable consequences in cancer therapy. One of the key molecules is the mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET; c-Met) and its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Another molecule is the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), which its binding is hemophilic. Although both of them are involved in many physiologic processes (especially in embryonic stages), in some cancers, they are overexpressed on epithelial cells. Since they share intracellular pathways, targeting them simultaneously may inhibit substitute pathways that tumor uses to evade the immune system and resistant to therapeutic agents.
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Fogli S, Tabbò F, Capuano A, Re MD, Passiglia F, Cucchiara F, Scavone C, Gori V, Novello S, Schmidinger M, Danesi R. The expanding family of c-Met inhibitors in solid tumors: a comparative analysis of their pharmacologic and clinical differences. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 172:103602. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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5
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When the MET receptor kicks in to resist targeted therapies. Oncogene 2021; 40:4061-4078. [PMID: 34031544 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01835-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Although targeted therapies have increased the life expectancy of patients with druggable molecular alterations directly involved in tumor development, the efficacy of these therapies is limited by acquired resistances leading to treatment failure. Most targeted therapies, including ones exploiting therapeutic antibodies and kinase inhibitors, are directed against receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) or major signaling hubs. Resistances to these therapies arise when inhibition of these targets is bypassed through activation of alternative signaling pathways. In recent years, activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase MET has been shown to promote resistance to various targeted therapies. This casts MET as important actor in resistance. In this review, we describe how the MET receptor triggers resistance to targeted therapies against RTKs such as EGFR, VEGFR, and HER2 and against signaling hubs such as BRAF. We also describe how MET can be its own resistance factor, as illustrated by on-target resistance of lung tumors harboring activating mutations causing MET exon 14 skipping. Interestingly, investigation of all these situations reveals functional physiological relationships between MET and the target of the therapy to which the cancer becomes resistant, suggesting that resistance stems from preexisting mechanisms. Identification of MET as a resistance factor opens the way to co-treatment strategies that are being tested in current clinical trials.
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Zhong L, Li Y, Xiong L, Wang W, Wu M, Yuan T, Yang W, Tian C, Miao Z, Wang T, Yang S. Small molecules in targeted cancer therapy: advances, challenges, and future perspectives. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:201. [PMID: 34054126 PMCID: PMC8165101 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00572-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 595] [Impact Index Per Article: 198.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the advantages in efficacy and safety compared with traditional chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapeutic drugs have become mainstream cancer treatments. Since the first tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib was approved to enter the market by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001, an increasing number of small-molecule targeted drugs have been developed for the treatment of malignancies. By December 2020, 89 small-molecule targeted antitumor drugs have been approved by the US FDA and the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China. Despite great progress, small-molecule targeted anti-cancer drugs still face many challenges, such as a low response rate and drug resistance. To better promote the development of targeted anti-cancer drugs, we conducted a comprehensive review of small-molecule targeted anti-cancer drugs according to the target classification. We present all the approved drugs as well as important drug candidates in clinical trials for each target, discuss the current challenges, and provide insights and perspectives for the research and development of anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yueshan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Yuan
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenyu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuang Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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Gortany NK, Panahi G, Ghafari H, Shekari M, Ghazi-Khansari M. Foretinib induces G2/M cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and invasion in human glioblastoma cells through c-MET inhibition. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2021; 87:827-842. [PMID: 33688998 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-021-04242-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive human cancers. The c-MET receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) which is frequently deregulated in GBM is considered as a promising target for GBM treatment. The c-MET plays a key role in cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Here, we investigated the anti-tumour activity of foretinib, a c-MET inhibitor, on three human GBM cells (T98G, U87MG and U251). METHODS Anti-proliferative effect of foretinib was determined using MTT, crystal violet staining, and clonogenic assays. PI and Annexin V/PI staining flow cytometry were used to evaluate the effects of foretinib on cell cycle and apoptosis, respectively. Scratch assay, qRT-PCR, western blot, and zymography analyses were applied to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-tumour activity of foretinib. RESULTS Foretinib treatment reduced phosphorylation of c-MET on T98G and U251 cells, but not in U87MG cells. The highest inhibitory effect was observed in T98G cells (IC50 = 4.66 ± 0.29 µM) and the lowest one in U87MG cells (IC50 = 29.99 ± 1.31 µM). The results showed that foretinib inhibited the proliferation of GBM cells through a G2/M cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in association with alternation in expression of the related genes and protein-regulated G2/M phase and apoptosis. Foretinib diminished GBM cell invasion through downregulation of the proteolytic cascade of MMP2, uPA and uPAR and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes. A different GBM cell sensitivity pattern was noticeable in all experiments which demonstrated T98G as a sensitive and U87MG as a resistant phenotype to foretinib treatment. CONCLUSION The results indicated that foretinib might have the therapeutic potential against human GBM which deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges K Gortany
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Cancer Institute of I.R. Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 13145-784, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghodratollah Panahi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homanaz Ghafari
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 13145-784, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shekari
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 13145-784, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Ghazi-Khansari
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Cancer Institute of I.R. Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 13145-784, Tehran, Iran.
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8
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Chen CJ, Liu YP. MERTK Inhibition: Potential as a Treatment Strategy in EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Resistant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14020130. [PMID: 33562150 PMCID: PMC7915726 DOI: 10.3390/ph14020130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are currently the most effective treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, who carry primary EGFR mutations. However, the patients eventually develop drug resistance to EGFR-TKIs after approximately one year. In addition to the acquisition of the EGFR T790M mutation, the activation of alternative receptor-mediated signaling pathways is a common mechanism for conferring the insensitivity of EGFR-TKI in NSCLC. Upregulation of the Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (MERTK), which is a member of the Tyro3-Axl-MERTK (TAM) family, is associated with a poor prognosis of many cancers. The binding of specific ligands, such as Gas6 and PROS1, to MERTK activates phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, which are the signaling pathways shared by EGFR. Therefore, the inhibition of MERTK can be considered a new therapeutic strategy for overcoming the resistance of NSCLC to EGFR-targeted agents. Although several small molecules and monoclonal antibodies targeting the TAM family are being developed and have been described to enhance the chemosensitivity and converse the resistance of EGFR-TKI, few have specifically been developed as MERTK inhibitors. The further development and investigation of biomarkers which can accurately predict MERTK activity and the response to MERTK inhibitors and MERTK-specific drugs are vitally important for obtaining appropriate patient stratification and increased benefits in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Ju Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Peng Liu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-7-3121101
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Huelse J, Fridlyand D, Earp S, DeRyckere D, Graham DK. MERTK in cancer therapy: Targeting the receptor tyrosine kinase in tumor cells and the immune system. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 213:107577. [PMID: 32417270 PMCID: PMC9847360 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase MERTK is aberrantly expressed in numerous human malignancies, and is a novel target in cancer therapeutics. Physiologic roles of MERTK include regulation of tissue homeostasis and repair, innate immune control, and platelet aggregation. However, aberrant expression in a wide range of liquid and solid malignancies promotes neoplasia via growth factor independence, cell cycle progression, proliferation and tumor growth, resistance to apoptosis, and promotion of tumor metastases. Additionally, MERTK signaling contributes to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment via induction of an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile and regulation of the PD-1 axis, as well as regulation of macrophage, myeloid-derived suppressor cell, natural killer cell and T cell functions. Various MERTK-directed therapies are in preclinical development, and clinical trials are underway. In this review we discuss MERTK inhibition as an emerging strategy for cancer therapy, focusing on MERTK expression and function in neoplasia and its role in mediating resistance to cytotoxic and targeted therapies as well as in suppressing anti-tumor immunity. Additionally, we review preclinical and clinical pharmacological strategies to target MERTK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus Huelse
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Diana Fridlyand
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shelton Earp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Douglas K. Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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10
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Huelse JM, Fridlyand DM, Earp S, DeRyckere D, Graham DK. MERTK in cancer therapy: Targeting the receptor tyrosine kinase in tumor cells and the immune system. Pharmacol Ther 2020. [PMID: 32417270 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107577107577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase MERTK is aberrantly expressed in numerous human malignancies, and is a novel target in cancer therapeutics. Physiologic roles of MERTK include regulation of tissue homeostasis and repair, innate immune control, and platelet aggregation. However, aberrant expression in a wide range of liquid and solid malignancies promotes neoplasia via growth factor independence, cell cycle progression, proliferation and tumor growth, resistance to apoptosis, and promotion of tumor metastases. Additionally, MERTK signaling contributes to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment via induction of an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile and regulation of the PD-1 axis, as well as regulation of macrophage, myeloid-derived suppressor cell, natural killer cell and T cell functions. Various MERTK-directed therapies are in preclinical development, and clinical trials are underway. In this review we discuss MERTK inhibition as an emerging strategy for cancer therapy, focusing on MERTK expression and function in neoplasia and its role in mediating resistance to cytotoxic and targeted therapies as well as in suppressing anti-tumor immunity. Additionally, we review preclinical and clinical pharmacological strategies to target MERTK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus M Huelse
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Diana M Fridlyand
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shelton Earp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Douglas K Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Wang SJ, Li R, Ng TSC, Luthria G, Oudin MJ, Prytyskach M, Kohler RH, Weissleder R, Lauffenburger DA, Miller MA. Efficient blockade of locally reciprocated tumor-macrophage signaling using a TAM-avid nanotherapy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaaz8521. [PMID: 32494745 PMCID: PMC7244320 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz8521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Interpreting how multicellular interactions in the tumor affect resistance pathways to BRAF and MEK1/2 MAPK inhibitors (MAPKi) remains a challenge. To investigate this, we profiled global ligand-receptor interactions among tumor and stromal/immune cells from biopsies of MAPK-driven disease. MAPKi increased tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in some patients, which correlated with poor clinical response, and MAPKi coamplified bidirectional tumor-TAM signaling via receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) including AXL, MERTK, and their ligand GAS6. In xenograft tumors, intravital microscopy simultaneously monitored in situ single-cell activities of multiple kinases downstream of RTKs, revealing MAPKi increased TAMs and enhanced bypass signaling in TAM-proximal tumor cells. As a proof-of-principle strategy to block this signaling, we developed a multi-RTK kinase inhibitor nanoformulation that accumulated in TAMs and delayed disease progression. Thus, bypass signaling can reciprocally amplify across nearby cell types, offering new opportunities for therapeutic design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J. Wang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ran Li
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas S. C. Ng
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gaurav Luthria
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Madeleine J. Oudin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Mark Prytyskach
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rainer H. Kohler
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ralph Weissleder
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Miles A. Miller
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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Ezzeldin E, Iqbal M, Asiri YA, Ali AA, El Nahhas T. UPLC-MS/MS assay for quantification of an inhibitor of kinases (Foretinib) in plasma: Application to a pharmacokinetic study in rats. Saudi Pharm J 2020; 28:381-386. [PMID: 32273795 PMCID: PMC7132596 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Foretinib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, is known to have anti-tumor effects against cancers. The doses and the levels of foretinib vary based on the type of cancer to be treated. An accurate and precise method is required to determine the level of foretinib and its pharmacokinetics. Here, we developed such a method, which was validated based on the guidelines of the FDA and EMA. Foretinib and ibrutinib (the internal standard (IS)) were extracted using tert-butyl methyl ether. Foretinib and IS were eluted in approximately 1.2 min. Thus, a linear, fast, accurate, and precise method was developed. The calibration curve was linear (r2 ˃ 0.997) in the range of 0.5-400.0 ng/mL and the lowest limit of quantitation was 0.5 ng/mL. The average recovery, accuracy, and precision were 87.9%, 88.7%, and ≤7.8%, respectively. The analyte was deemed stable using various stability tests. The validated assay was then fruitfully applied to a pharmacokinetics study in rats, which revealed that foretinib was absorbed and the maximum concentration achieved at 4.0 h after the administration of a single dose of foretinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essam Ezzeldin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Bioavailability Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Muzaffar Iqbal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Bioavailability Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yousif A. Asiri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azza A. Ali
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Toqa El Nahhas
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Liang H, Wang M. MET Oncogene in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Mechanism of MET Dysregulation and Agents Targeting the HGF/c-Met Axis. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:2491-2510. [PMID: 32273721 PMCID: PMC7104217 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s231257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and has a poor prognosis. Current treatments for advanced NSCLC included traditional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The efficacy of targeted therapy relies on oncogene addiction. Mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) gene can encode unconventional receptor tyrosine kinases with pleiotropic functions, when signals are abnormally activated, it can initiate and maintain tumor transformation, promote cell proliferation, survival, tumor invasion and angiogenesis. Thus, it is a promising therapeutic target. Previous studies have shown that elevated levels of HGF and/or overexpression of c-Met are associated with poor prognosis in lung cancer. In preclinical and clinical trials, c-MET inhibitors have shown some antitumor activity in NSCLC. Although the efficacy results of MET inhibitors in Phase III clinical trials are disappointing, given the molecular heterogeneity of NSCLC, only subgroups of patients with MET gene alterations may benefit from c-MET inhibitors. The challenge for the future is to screen out the potential beneficiaries. To solve this problem, there is need for large data analysis for the detection methods and treatment effects, to establish standards that meet the MET activation status, and determine reliable thresholds to achieve effective patient stratification and clinical decision making. This article summarized the structure of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met axis, the different mechanisms of MET addiction, as well as MET amplification as acquired resistance mechanism to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the latest advances of MET inhibitors, and immuotherapy in the treatment of NSCLC with MET alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongge Liang
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing100730, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengzhao Wang
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing100730, People’s Republic of China
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14
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AXL receptor tyrosine kinase as a promising anti-cancer approach: functions, molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:153. [PMID: 31684958 PMCID: PMC6827209 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-019-1090-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular targeted therapy for cancer has been a research hotspot for decades. AXL is a member of the TAM family with the high-affinity ligand growth arrest-specific protein 6 (GAS6). The Gas6/AXL signalling pathway is associated with tumour cell growth, metastasis, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, drug resistance, immune regulation and stem cell maintenance. Different therapeutic agents targeting AXL have been developed, typically including small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), nucleotide aptamers, soluble receptors, and several natural compounds. In this review, we first provide a comprehensive discussion of the structure, function, regulation, and signalling pathways of AXL. Then, we highlight recent strategies for targeting AXL in the treatment of cancer.AXL-targeted drugs, either as single agents or in combination with conventional chemotherapy or other small molecule inhibitors, are likely to improve the survival of many patients. However, future investigations into AXL molecular signalling networks and robust predictive biomarkers are warranted to select patients who could receive clinical benefit and to avoid potential toxicities.
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Abstract
Papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) is a subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounting for approximately 15-20% of cases and further divided into Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 PRCC tends to have more alterations in the MET tyrosine kinase receptor than Type 2 PRCC. Treatment for RCC patients is based on studies with minimal participation from patients with PRCC; consequently, conventional therapies tend to be less effective for RCC patients with a subtype other than ccRCC (non-ccRCC). Since MET is a known alteration in PRCC, it is potential target for directed therapy. There have been many attempts to develop MET inhibitors for use in solid tumors including PRCC. The following review will discuss the current research regarding MET-targeted therapy, MET inhibitors in clinical trials, and future directions for MET inhibitors in PRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mehmet Asim Bilen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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16
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Shen B, Wu F, Ye J, Liang R, Wang R, Yu R, Wu X, Shao YW, Feng J. Crizotinib-resistant MET mutations in gastric cancer patients are sensitive to type II tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Future Oncol 2019; 15:2585-2593. [PMID: 31339066 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2019-0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Crizotinib has been used to counter MET amplification in different human malignancies. However, transient responses were observed in some patients with rapid acquisition of resistant mutations in MET. Materials & methods: MET mutations stably expressed Ba/F3 cell lines were used for IC50 detection. Signaling pathway analysis was done using 293T cell line. Results: Four MET mutations conferred resistance to crizotinib with sustained activation of downstream signaling pathways of MET. On the other hand, the four MET mutations displayed different response to type II tyrosine kinase inhibitors with variable deterioration of the downstream signals. Conclusion: This study suggested that patients carrying MET V1092L, D1228G or Y1230H mutations could benefit from type II tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment, but not patients with G1163R or D1228Y/N mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Shen
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Feixiang Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, PR China.,Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment Engineering & Technology Research Center, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Early Prevention & Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Ministry of Education, PR China
| | - Jiazhou Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, PR China
| | - Rong Liang
- Department of Digestive Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, PR China
| | - Ruping Wang
- Department of Research & Development, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology, Inc., Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ruoying Yu
- Translational Medicine Research Institute, Geneseeq Technology, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, M5G1L7, Canada
| | - Xue Wu
- Translational Medicine Research Institute, Geneseeq Technology, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, M5G1L7, Canada
| | - Yang W Shao
- Translational Medicine Research Institute, Geneseeq Technology, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, M5G1L7, Canada
| | - Jifeng Feng
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
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Kim SA, Lee KH, Lee DH, Lee JK, Lim SC, Joo YE, Chung IJ, Noh MG, Yoon TM. Receptor tyrosine kinase, RON, promotes tumor progression by regulating EMT and the MAPK signaling pathway in human oral squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2019; 55:513-526. [PMID: 31268163 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase, recepteur d'origine nantais (RON), is known to be associated with the progression, metastasis, and prognosis of various types of cancers. Nevertheless, the role of RON in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is unclear. This study evaluated whether RON affects oncogenic behavior, oncogenic signaling pathways, and clinical outcomes, including survival, in human OSCC. Reverse transcription‑PCR, quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemical staining were used to determine mRNA and protein expression levels of RON. Cell invasion, migration and apoptosis assays were used to assess the functional effects of small interfering RNA‑mediated knockdown of RON or snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (SLUG). RON knockdown suppressed tumor cell invasion and migration and enhanced apoptosis in human OSCC cells. RON knockdown also decreased the phosphorylation of MAPK signaling proteins, such as ERK1/2, JNK and p38. In addition, RON knockdown suppressed the expression of the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)‑related transcription factor, SLUG. SLUG knockdown blocked the enhancement of cell invasion and migration induced by macrophage‑stimulation protein (MSP)‑mediated RON activation in OSCC cells. The cell morphology was changed to spindle‑like shape under MSP‑mediated RON activation in OSCC cells. RON was overexpressed in both fresh and paraffin‑embedded human OSCC tissues. Taken together, these results indicate that RON contributed to tumor progression by regulating the EMT‑related factor, SLUG, and the MAPK pathway in OSCC. This study may provide a theoretical basis for the application of RON‑targeting agents, currently being studied in various cancer fields, for the treatment of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Ae Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Chonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Hwa Lee
- Department of Pathology, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Chonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hoon Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Chonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Kyoo Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Chonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Chul Lim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Chonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Eun Joo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Chonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Ik-Joo Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Chonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Giun Noh
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Mi Yoon
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Chonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
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Puccini A, Marín-Ramos NI, Bergamo F, Schirripa M, Lonardi S, Lenz HJ, Loupakis F, Battaglin F. Safety and Tolerability of c-MET Inhibitors in Cancer. Drug Saf 2019; 42:211-233. [PMID: 30649748 PMCID: PMC7491978 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-018-0780-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The role of aberrant hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-MET, also known as tyrosine-protein kinase MET)/hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling in cancer progression and invasion has been extensively studied. c-MET inhibitors have shown promising pre-clinical and early phase clinical trial anti-tumor activity in several tumor types, although results of most phase III trials with these agents have been negative. To date, two small molecule c-MET inhibitors, cabozantinib and crizotinib, have been approved by regulatory authorities for the treatment of selected cancer types, but several novel c-MET inhibitors (either monoclonal antibodies or small molecule c-MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors) and treatment combinations are currently under study in different settings. Here we provide an overview of the mechanism of action and rationale of c-MET inhibition in cancer, the efficacy of approved agents, and novel promising c-MET-inhibitors and novel targeted combination strategies under development in different cancer types, with a focus on the safety profile and tolerability of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Puccini
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Suite 5410, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Nagore I Marín-Ramos
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Francesca Bergamo
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, Clinical and Experimental Oncology Department, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Marta Schirripa
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, Clinical and Experimental Oncology Department, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Lonardi
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, Clinical and Experimental Oncology Department, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Heinz-Josef Lenz
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Suite 5410, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Fotios Loupakis
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, Clinical and Experimental Oncology Department, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Battaglin
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Suite 5410, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, Clinical and Experimental Oncology Department, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy.
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Sun ZG, Yang YA, Zhang ZG, Zhu HL. Optimization techniques for novel c-Met kinase inhibitors. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 14:59-69. [PMID: 30518273 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1551355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Gang Sun
- Central Laboratory, Linyi Central Hospital, Linyi, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong-An Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Linyi Central Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Hai-Liang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Miranda O, Farooqui M, Siegfried JM. Status of Agents Targeting the HGF/c-Met Axis in Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10090280. [PMID: 30134579 PMCID: PMC6162713 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10090280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is the ligand for the tyrosine kinase receptor c-Met (Mesenchymal Epithelial Transition Factor also known as Hepatocyte Growth Factor Receptor, HGFR), a receptor with expression throughout epithelial and endothelial cell types. Activation of c-Met enhances cell proliferation, invasion, survival, angiogenesis, and motility. The c-Met pathway also stimulates tissue repair in normal cells. A body of past research shows that increased levels of HGF and/or overexpression of c-Met are associated with poor prognosis in several solid tumors, including lung cancer, as well as cancers of the head and neck, gastro-intestinal tract, breast, ovary and cervix. The HGF/c-Met signaling network is complex; both ligand-dependent and ligand-independent signaling occur. This article will provide an update on signaling through the HGF/c-Met axis, the mechanism of action of HGF/c-Met inhibitors, the lung cancer patient populations most likely to benefit, and possible mechanisms of resistance to these inhibitors. Although c-Met as a target in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) showed promise based on preclinical data, clinical responses in NSCLC patients have been disappointing in the absence of MET mutation or MET gene amplification. New therapeutics that selectively target c-Met or HGF, or that target c-Met and a wider spectrum of interacting tyrosine kinases, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oshin Miranda
- Department of Pharmacology and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Mariya Farooqui
- Department of Pharmacology and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Jill M Siegfried
- Department of Pharmacology and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, 321 Church Street SE, 6-120 Jackson Hall, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The role of the c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET) signaling pathway in tumor progression and invasion has been extensively studied. C-MET inhibitors have shown anti-tumor activity in NSCLC both in preclinical and in clinical trials. However, given the molecular heterogeneity of NSCLC, it is likely that only a specific subset of NSCLC patients will benefit from c-MET inhibitors. Emerging data also suggest that MET inhibitors in combination with EGFR-TKIs (epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors) may have a role in therapy for both EGFR-TKI resistant and EGFR-TKI naïve patients. The challenges ahead are in the identification of the molecular subtypes that benefit most. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the current understanding of c-MET biology in relation to studies evaluating c-MET inhibitors in the treatment of NSCLC. EXPERT OPINION MET inhibitors have the potential to benefit subsets of NSCLC patients with specific genetic alterations. Exon-14 skipping mutations appear so far to be the most promising molecular subset that is sensitive to MET inhibitors, whereas overexpression, amplification and point mutations of MET seem more challenging subgroups to target. Combination with other target agents, such as EGFR inhibitors, may represent a promising therapeutic strategy in specific areas (e.g. EGFR-TKI resistance).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pasquini
- a Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center , Georgetown University , Washington , DC , USA
| | - Giuseppe Giaccone
- a Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center , Georgetown University , Washington , DC , USA
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