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Xue Y, Zhai J. Strategy of combining CDK4/6 inhibitors with other therapies and mechanisms of resistance. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2024; 17:189-207. [PMID: 39114502 PMCID: PMC11301413 DOI: 10.62347/hgni4903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Cell cycle-dependent protein kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) is a crucial kinase that regulates the cell cycle, essential for cell division and proliferation. Hence, combining CDK4/6 inhibitors with other anti-tumor drugs is a pivotal clinical strategy. This strategy can efficiently inhibit the growth and division of tumor cells, reduce the side effects, and improve the quality of life of patients by reducing the dosage of combined anticancer drugs. Furthermore, the combination therapy strategy of CDK4/6 inhibitors could ameliorate the drug resistance of combined drugs and overcome the CDK4/6 resistance caused by CDK4/6 inhibitors. Various tumor treatment strategies combined with CDK4/6 inhibitors have entered the clinical trial stage, demonstrating their substantial clinical potential. This study reviews the research progress of CDK4/6 inhibitors from 2018 to 2022, the related resistance mechanism of CDK4/6 inhibitors, and the strategy of combination medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingfei Xue
- Tianjin University, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (SPST)Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jie Zhai
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of SciencesHangzhou 310022, Zhejiang, China
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2
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Athwal H, Kochiyanil A, Bhat V, Allan AL, Parsyan A. Centrosomes and associated proteins in pathogenesis and treatment of breast cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1370565. [PMID: 38606093 PMCID: PMC11007099 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1370565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide. Despite significant advances in treatment, it remains one of the leading causes of female mortality. The inability to effectively treat advanced and/or treatment-resistant breast cancer demonstrates the need to develop novel treatment strategies and targeted therapies. Centrosomes and their associated proteins have been shown to play key roles in the pathogenesis of breast cancer and thus represent promising targets for drug and biomarker development. Centrosomes are fundamental cellular structures in the mammalian cell that are responsible for error-free execution of cell division. Centrosome amplification and aberrant expression of its associated proteins such as Polo-like kinases (PLKs), Aurora kinases (AURKs) and Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) have been observed in various cancers, including breast cancer. These aberrations in breast cancer are thought to cause improper chromosomal segregation during mitosis, leading to chromosomal instability and uncontrolled cell division, allowing cancer cells to acquire new genetic changes that result in evasion of cell death and the promotion of tumor formation. Various chemical compounds developed against PLKs and AURKs have shown meaningful antitumorigenic effects in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of action of these inhibitors is likely related to exacerbation of numerical genomic instability, such as aneuploidy or polyploidy. Furthermore, growing evidence demonstrates enhanced antitumorigenic effects when inhibitors specific to centrosome-associated proteins are used in combination with either radiation or chemotherapy drugs in breast cancer. This review focuses on the current knowledge regarding the roles of centrosome and centrosome-associated proteins in breast cancer pathogenesis and their utility as novel targets for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harjot Athwal
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Arpitha Kochiyanil
- Faculty of Science, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Vasudeva Bhat
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Alison L. Allan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Armen Parsyan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, St. Joseph’s Health Care London and London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
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3
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Scheidemann ER, Demas DM, Hou C, Ma J, He W, Sharma G, Schultz E, Weilbaecher KN, Shajahan-Haq AN. Resistance to abemaciclib is associated with increased metastatic potential and lysosomal protein deregulation in breast cancer cells. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:209-223. [PMID: 37818798 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors such as abemaciclib are routinely used to treat metastatic estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. However, adaptive mechanisms inhibit their effectiveness and allow for disease progression. Using ER+ breast cancer cell models, we show that acquired resistance to abemaciclib is accompanied by increase in metastatic potential. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics from abemaciclib sensitive and resistant cells showed that lysosomal proteins including CTSD (cathepsin D), cathepsin A and CD68 were significantly increased in resistant cells. Combination of abemaciclib and a lysosomal destabilizer, such as hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) or bafilomycin A1, resensitized resistant cells to abemaciclib. Also, combination of abemaciclib and HCQ decreased migration and invasive potential and increased lysosomal membrane permeability in resistant cells. Prosurvival B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) protein levels were elevated in resistant cells, and a triple treatment with abemaciclib, HCQ, and BCL2 inhibitor, venetoclax, significantly inhibited cell growth compared to treatment with abemaciclib and HCQ. Furthermore, resistant cells showed increased levels of Transcription Factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of lysosomal-autophagy genes, and siRNA mediated knockdown of TFEB decreased invasion in resistant cells. TFEB was found to be mutated in a subset of invasive human breast cancer samples, and overall survival analysis in ER+, lymph node-positive breast cancer showed that increased TFEB expression correlated with decreased survival. Collectively, we show that acquired resistance to abemaciclib leads to increased metastatic potential and increased levels of protumorigenic lysosomal proteins. Therefore, the lysosomal pathway could be a therapeutic target in advanced ER+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin R Scheidemann
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Diane M Demas
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Chunyan Hou
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Junfeng Ma
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Wei He
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Eric Schultz
- Ocean Genomics Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Ayesha N Shajahan-Haq
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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4
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Fuentes‐Antrás J, Bedard PL, Cescon DW. Seize the engine: Emerging cell cycle targets in breast cancer. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1544. [PMID: 38264947 PMCID: PMC10807317 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer arises from a series of molecular alterations that disrupt cell cycle checkpoints, leading to aberrant cell proliferation and genomic instability. Targeted pharmacological inhibition of cell cycle regulators has long been considered a promising anti-cancer strategy. Initial attempts to drug critical cell cycle drivers were hampered by poor selectivity, modest efficacy and haematological toxicity. Advances in our understanding of the molecular basis of cell cycle disruption and the mechanisms of resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors have reignited interest in blocking specific components of the cell cycle machinery, such as CDK2, CDK4, CDK7, PLK4, WEE1, PKMYT1, AURKA and TTK. These targets play critical roles in regulating quiescence, DNA replication and chromosome segregation. Extensive preclinical data support their potential to overcome CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance, induce synthetic lethality or sensitise tumours to immune checkpoint inhibitors. This review provides a biological and drug development perspective on emerging cell cycle targets and novel inhibitors, many of which exhibit favourable safety profiles and promising activity in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Fuentes‐Antrás
- Division of Medical Oncology and HematologyDepartment of MedicinePrincess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health NetworkUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- NEXT OncologyHospital Universitario QuironSalud MadridMadridSpain
| | - Philippe L. Bedard
- Division of Medical Oncology and HematologyDepartment of MedicinePrincess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health NetworkUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - David W. Cescon
- Division of Medical Oncology and HematologyDepartment of MedicinePrincess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health NetworkUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
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Han B, Chen Y, Song C, Chen Y, Chen Y, Ferguson D, Yang Y, He A. Autophagy modulates the stability of Wee1 and cell cycle G2/M transition. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 677:63-69. [PMID: 37549603 PMCID: PMC10900895 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian cell cycle is divided into four sequential phases, namely G1 (Gap 1), S (synthesis), G2 (Gap 2), and M (mitosis). Wee1, whose turnover is tightly and finely regulated, is a well-known kinase serving as a gatekeeper for the G2/M transition. However, the mechanism underlying the turnover of Wee1 is not fully understood. Autophagy, a highly conserved cellular process, maintains cellular homeostasis by eliminating intracellular aggregations, damaged organelles, and individual proteins. In the present study, we found autophagy deficiency in mouse liver caused G2/M arrest in two mouse models, namely Fip200 and Atg7 liver-specific knockout mice. To uncover the link between autophagy deficiency and G2/M transition, we combined transcriptomic and proteomic analysis for liver samples from control and Atg7 liver-specific knockout mice. The data suggest that the inhibition of autophagy increases the protein level of Wee1 without any alteration of its mRNA abundance. Serum starvation, an autophagy stimulus, downregulates the protein level of Wee1 in vitro. In addition, the half-life of Wee1 is extended by the addition of chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor. LC3, a central autophagic protein functioning in autophagy substrate selection and autophagosome biogenesis, interacts with Wee1 as assessed by co-immunoprecipitation assay. Furthermore, overexpression of Wee1 leads to G2/M arrest both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our data indicate that autophagy could degrade Wee1-a gatekeeper of the G2/M transition, whereas the inhibition of autophagy leads to the accumulation of Wee1 and causes G2/M arrest in mouse liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biwei Han
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yajing Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chen Song
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yali Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yong Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Daniel Ferguson
- Division of Nutritional Science and Obesity Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, United States
| | - Yunzhi Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Anyuan He
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Gomes I, Abreu C, Costa L, Casimiro S. The Evolving Pathways of the Efficacy of and Resistance to CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4835. [PMID: 37835528 PMCID: PMC10571967 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The approval of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) in combination with endocrine therapy (ET) has remarkably improved the survival outcomes of patients with advanced hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer (BC), becoming the new standard of care treatment in these patients. Despite the efficacy of this therapeutic combination, intrinsic and acquired resistance inevitably occurs and represents a major clinical challenge. Several mechanisms associated with resistance to CDK4/6i have been identified, including both cell cycle-related and cell cycle-nonspecific mechanisms. This review discusses new insights underlying the mechanisms of action of CDK4/6i, which are more far-reaching than initially thought, and the currently available evidence of the mechanisms of resistance to CDK4/6i in BC. Finally, it highlights possible treatment strategies to improve CDK4/6i efficacy, summarizing the most relevant clinical data on novel combination therapies involving CDK4/6i.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Gomes
- Luis Costa Lab, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Catarina Abreu
- Oncology Division, Hospital de Santa Maria—Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Luis Costa
- Luis Costa Lab, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Oncology Division, Hospital de Santa Maria—Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Sandra Casimiro
- Luis Costa Lab, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
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Lee JS, Hackbart H, Cui X, Yuan Y. CDK4/6 Inhibitor Resistance in Hormone Receptor-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: Translational Research, Clinical Trials, and Future Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11791. [PMID: 37511548 PMCID: PMC10380517 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of CDK4/6 inhibitors, such as palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib, has revolutionized the treatment landscape for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. These agents have demonstrated significant clinical benefits in terms of both progression-free survival and overall survival. However, resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors remains a challenge, limiting their long-term efficacy. Understanding the complex mechanisms driving resistance is crucial for the development of novel therapeutic strategies and the improvement of patient outcomes. Translational research efforts, such as preclinical models and biomarker studies, offer valuable insight into resistance mechanisms and may guide the identification of novel combination therapies. This review paper aims to outline the reported mechanisms underlying CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance, drawing insights from both clinical data and translational research in order to help direct the future of treatment for hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Sun Lee
- Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Hannah Hackbart
- Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Xiaojiang Cui
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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8
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Zhu Z, Zhu Q. Differences in metabolic transport and resistance mechanisms of Abemaciclib, Palbociclib, and Ribociclib. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1212986. [PMID: 37475713 PMCID: PMC10354263 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1212986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) play a crucial role in cancer treatment, particularly in breast cancer, and their mechanism of drug resistance is a topic of global interest in research. Hence, it is vital to comprehend the distinctions between various CDK4/6i, including their mechanisms of action and resistance mechanisms. This article aims to summarize the metabolic and transport variations as well as the differences in resistance among the three FDA-approved CDK4/6 inhibitors: Abemaciclib, Palbociclib, and Ribociclib. It also aims to discuss how these differences impact the effectiveness and safety of anticancer drugs. It was conducted in March 2023 to search PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for literature related to this topic. Despite all being CDK4/6i, differences in their metabolism and transport were found, which are related to their chemical structure. Moreover, there are variations in preclinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical safety and efficacy of the different inhibitors. Genetic mutations, drug tolerance, and other factors may influence CDK4/6 resistance mechanisms. Currently, the resistance mechanisms differences of the three drugs remain largely unknown, and there are differences in the resistance mechanisms among them, necessitating further exploration and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiongni Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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He W, Demas DM, Shajahan-Haq AN, Baumann WT. Modeling breast cancer proliferation, drug synergies, and alternating therapies. iScience 2023; 26:106714. [PMID: 37234088 PMCID: PMC10206440 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer is responsive to a number of targeted therapies used clinically. Unfortunately, the continuous application of targeted therapy often results in resistance, driving the consideration of combination and alternating therapies. Toward this end, we developed a mathematical model that can simulate various mono, combination, and alternating therapies for ER + breast cancer cells at different doses over long time scales. The model is used to look for optimal drug combinations and predicts a significant synergism between Cdk4/6 inhibitors in combination with the anti-estrogen fulvestrant, which may help explain the clinical success of adding Cdk4/6 inhibitors to anti-estrogen therapy. Furthermore, the model is used to optimize an alternating treatment protocol so it works as well as monotherapy while using less total drug dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei He
- Program in Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, VT BIOTRANS, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Diane M. Demas
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Ayesha N. Shajahan-Haq
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - William T. Baumann
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Marvalim C, Datta A, Lee SC. Role of p53 in breast cancer progression: An insight into p53 targeted therapy. Theranostics 2023; 13:1421-1442. [PMID: 36923534 PMCID: PMC10008729 DOI: 10.7150/thno.81847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor p53 is an important regulator of a multitude of cellular processes. In the presence of genotoxic stress, p53 is activated to facilitate DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. In breast cancer, the tumor suppressive activities of p53 are frequently inactivated by either the overexpression of its negative regulator MDM2, or mutation which is present in 30-35% of all breast cancer cases. Notably, the frequency of p53 mutation is highly subtype dependent in breast cancers, with majority of hormone receptor-positive or luminal subtypes retaining the wild-type p53 status while hormone receptor-negative patients predominantly carry p53 mutations with gain-of-function oncogenic activities that contribute to poorer prognosis. Thus, a two-pronged strategy of targeting wild-type and mutant p53 in different subtypes of breast cancer can have clinical relevance. The development of p53-based therapies has rapidly progressed in recent years, and include unique small molecule chemical inhibitors, stapled peptides, PROTACs, as well as several genetic-based approaches using vectors and engineered antibodies. In this review, we highlight the therapeutic strategies that are in pre-clinical and clinical development to overcome p53 inactivation in both wild-type and mutant p53-bearing breast tumors, and discuss their efficacies and limitations in pre-clinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie Marvalim
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- ✉ Corresponding authors: C.M. E-mail: ; L.S.C. E-mail: ; Tel: (65) 6516 7282
| | - Arpita Datta
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Soo Chin Lee
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- ✉ Corresponding authors: C.M. E-mail: ; L.S.C. E-mail: ; Tel: (65) 6516 7282
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Abdelmalak M, Singh R, Anwer M, Ivanchenko P, Randhawa A, Ahmed M, Ashton AW, Du Y, Jiao X, Pestell R. The Renaissance of CDK Inhibitors in Breast Cancer Therapy: An Update on Clinical Trials and Therapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215388. [PMID: 36358806 PMCID: PMC9655989 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), and abemaciclib (Verzenio)), targeting aberrant cell-cycle activity have been evaluated extensively in clinical trials. Significant delays in progression free survival and overall survival are now documented with each agent in estrogen receptor positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor two negative advanced breast cancer including luminal B breast cancer. Therapy resistance, driven by chromosomal instability, results in genomic rearrangements, activation of cell-cycle components (cyclin E/cdk2 in Rb− tumors, cyclin D1 in growth factor activated pathways), and the immune response. Molecular analysis of therapy resistant tumors may provide the rational basis for new therapies (brivanib, CYC065, WEE1 kinase and other inhibitors). Luminal B breast cancer is enriched for cyclin D1 overexpression and the chromosomal instability gene signature. The molecular mechanisms governing chromosomal instability in luminal B breast cancer remain poorly understood. Co-targeting of chromosomal instability may potentially reduce the prevalent escape mechanisms that reduce the effectiveness of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Abstract Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) govern cell-cycle checkpoint transitions necessary for cancer cell proliferation. Recent developments have illustrated nuanced important differences between mono CDK inhibitor (CDKI) treatment and the combination therapies of breast cancers. The CDKIs that are currently FDA-approved for breast cancer therapy are oral agents that selectively inhibit CDK4 and CDK6, include palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), and abemaciclib (Verzenio). CDKI therapy is effective in hormone receptor positive (HR+), and human epidermal growth factor receptor two negative (HER2−) advanced breast cancers (ABC) malignancies, but remains susceptible due to estrogen and progesterone receptor overexpression. Adding a CDK4/6I to endocrine therapy increases efficacy and delays disease progression. Given the side effects of CDKI, identifying potential new treatments to enhance CDKI effectiveness is essential. Recent long-term studies with Palbociclib, including the PALLAS and PENELOPE B, which failed to meet their primary endpoints of influencing progression-free survival, suggest a deeper mechanistic understanding of cyclin/CDK functions is required. The impact of CDKI on the anti-tumor immune response represents an area of great promise. CDKI therapy resistance that arises provides the opportunity for specific types of new therapies currently in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Abdelmalak
- Xavier University School of Medicine, #23, Santa Helenastraat, Oranjestad, Aruba
| | - Rajanbir Singh
- Xavier University School of Medicine, #23, Santa Helenastraat, Oranjestad, Aruba
| | - Mohammed Anwer
- Xavier University School of Medicine, #23, Santa Helenastraat, Oranjestad, Aruba
| | - Pavel Ivanchenko
- Xavier University School of Medicine, #23, Santa Helenastraat, Oranjestad, Aruba
| | - Amritdeep Randhawa
- Xavier University School of Medicine, #23, Santa Helenastraat, Oranjestad, Aruba
| | - Myra Ahmed
- Xavier University School of Medicine, #23, Santa Helenastraat, Oranjestad, Aruba
| | - Anthony W. Ashton
- Xavier University School of Medicine, #23, Santa Helenastraat, Oranjestad, Aruba
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research Philadelphia, 100 East Lancaster Ave., Wynnewood, PA 19069, USA
| | - Yanming Du
- Pennsylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Xuanmao Jiao
- Pennsylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
- Xavier University School of Medicine, #23, Santa Helenastraat, Oranjestad, Aruba
- Correspondence: (X.J.); (R.P.)
| | - Richard Pestell
- Pennsylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
- Xavier University School of Medicine, #23, Santa Helenastraat, Oranjestad, Aruba
- The Wistar Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Correspondence: (X.J.); (R.P.)
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12
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Ashekyan O, Abdallah S, Shoukari AA, Chamandi G, Choubassy H, Itani ARS, Alwan N, Nasr R. Spotlight on Exosomal Non-Coding RNAs in Breast Cancer: An In Silico Analysis to Identify Potential lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-Target Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8351. [PMID: 35955480 PMCID: PMC9369058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) has recently become the most common cancer type worldwide, with metastatic disease being the main reason for disease mortality. This has brought about strategies for early detection, especially the utilization of minimally invasive biomarkers found in various bodily fluids. Exosomes have been proposed as novel extracellular vesicles, readily detectable in bodily fluids, secreted from BC-cells or BC-tumor microenvironment cells, and capable of conferring cellular signals over long distances via various cargo molecules. This cargo is composed of different biomolecules, among which are the novel non-coding genome products, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and the recently discovered circular RNA (circRNA), all of which were found to be implicated in BC pathology. In this review, the diverse roles of the ncRNA cargo of BC-derived exosomes will be discussed, shedding light on their primarily oncogenic and additionally tumor suppressor roles at different levels of BC tumor progression, and drug sensitivity/resistance, along with presenting their diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarker potential. Finally, benefiting from the miRNA sponging mechanism of action of lncRNAs and circRNAs, we established an experimentally validated breast cancer exosomal non-coding RNAs-regulated target gene axis from already published exosomal ncRNAs in BC. The resulting genes, pathways, gene ontology (GO) terms, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis could be a starting point to better understand BC and may pave the way for the development of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ohanes Ashekyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon;
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon; (S.A.); (G.C.); (H.C.)
| | - Samira Abdallah
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon; (S.A.); (G.C.); (H.C.)
| | - Ayman Al Shoukari
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon;
| | - Ghada Chamandi
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon; (S.A.); (G.C.); (H.C.)
- INSERM U976, HIPI, Pathophysiology of Breast Cancer Team, Université de Paris, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Hayat Choubassy
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon; (S.A.); (G.C.); (H.C.)
- Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon
| | - Abdul Rahman S. Itani
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Inflammatory Stress in Stem Cells, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nisreen Alwan
- College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi 59911, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rihab Nasr
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon; (S.A.); (G.C.); (H.C.)
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Rampioni Vinciguerra GL, Sonego M, Segatto I, Dall’Acqua A, Vecchione A, Baldassarre G, Belletti B. CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Combination Therapies: Better in Company Than Alone: A Mini Review. Front Oncol 2022; 12:891580. [PMID: 35712501 PMCID: PMC9197541 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.891580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyclin D-CDK4/6 complexes play a pivotal role in controlling the cell cycle. Deregulation in cyclin D-CDK4/6 pathway has been described in many types of cancer and it invariably leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Many efforts have been made to develop a target therapy able to inhibit CDK4/6 activity. To date, three selective CDK4/6 small inhibitors have been introduced in the clinic for the treatment of hormone positive advanced breast cancer patients, following the impressive results obtained in phase III clinical trials. However, since their approval, clinical evidences have demonstrated that about 30% of breast cancer is intrinsically resistant to CDK4/6 inhibitors and that prolonged treatment eventually leads to acquired resistance in many patients. So, on one hand, clinical and preclinical studies fully support to go beyond breast cancer and expand the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors in other tumor types; on the other hand, the question of primary and secondary resistance has to be taken into account, since it is now very clear that neoplastic cells rapidly develop adaptive strategies under treatment, eventually resulting in disease progression. Resistance mechanisms so far discovered involve both cell-cycle and non-cell-cycle related escape strategies. Full understanding is yet to be achieved but many different pathways that, if targeted, may lead to reversion of the resistant phenotype, have been already elucidated. Here, we aim to summarize the knowledge in this field, focusing on predictive biomarkers, to recognize intrinsically resistant tumors, and therapeutic strategies, to overcome acquired resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Luca Rampioni Vinciguerra
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Maura Sonego
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Ilenia Segatto
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dall’Acqua
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Andrea Vecchione
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gustavo Baldassarre
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Barbara Belletti
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
- *Correspondence: Barbara Belletti,
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14
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Bukhari AB, Chan GK, Gamper AM. Targeting the DNA Damage Response for Cancer Therapy by Inhibiting the Kinase Wee1. Front Oncol 2022; 12:828684. [PMID: 35251998 PMCID: PMC8891215 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.828684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells typically heavily rely on the G2/M checkpoint to survive endogenous and exogenous DNA damage, such as genotoxic stress due to genome instability or radiation and chemotherapy. The key regulator of the G2/M checkpoint, the cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), is tightly controlled, including by its phosphorylation state. This posttranslational modification, which is determined by the opposing activities of the phosphatase cdc25 and the kinase Wee1, allows for a more rapid response to cellular stress than via the synthesis or degradation of modulatory interacting proteins, such as p21 or cyclin B. Reducing Wee1 activity results in ectopic activation of CDK1 activity and drives premature entry into mitosis with unrepaired or under-replicated DNA and causing mitotic catastrophe. Here, we review efforts to use small molecule inhibitors of Wee1 for therapeutic purposes, including strategies to combine Wee1 inhibition with genotoxic agents, such as radiation therapy or drugs inducing replication stress, or inhibitors of pathways that show synthetic lethality with Wee1. Furthermore, it become increasingly clear that Wee1 inhibition can also modulate therapeutic immune responses. We will discuss the mechanisms underlying combination treatments identifying both cell intrinsic and systemic anti-tumor activities.
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15
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Scheidemann ER, Shajahan-Haq AN. Resistance to CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12292. [PMID: 34830174 PMCID: PMC8625090 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer is the most common form of breast cancer. Antiestrogens were the first therapy aimed at treating this subtype, but resistance to these warranted the development of a new treatment option. CDK4/6 inhibitors address this problem by halting cell cycle progression in ER+ cells, and have proven to be successful in the clinic. Unfortunately, both intrinsic and acquired resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors are common. Numerous mechanisms of how resistance occurs have been identified to date, including the activation of prominent growth signaling pathways, the loss of tumor-suppressive genes, and noncanonical cell cycle function. Many of these have been successfully targeted and demonstrate the ability to overcome resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors in preclinical and clinical trials. Future studies should focus on the development of biomarkers so that patients likely to be resistant to CDK4/6 inhibition can initially be given alternative methods of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayesha N. Shajahan-Haq
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
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