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Mohan CD, Shanmugam MK, Gowda SGS, Chinnathambi A, Rangappa KS, Sethi G. c-MET pathway in human malignancies and its targeting by natural compounds for cancer therapy. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155379. [PMID: 38503157 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND c-MET is a receptor tyrosine kinase which is classically activated by HGF to activate its downstream signaling cascades such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and STAT3. The c-MET modulates cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immune response, morphogenesis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. The c-MET has been shown to serve a prominent role in embryogenesis and early development. The c-MET pathway is deregulated in a broad range of malignancies, due to overexpression of ligands or receptors, genomic amplification, and MET mutations. The link between the deregulation of c-MET signaling and tumor progression has been well-documented. Overexpression or overactivation of c-MET is associated with dismal clinical outcomes and acquired resistance to targeted therapies. Since c-MET activation results in the triggering of oncogenic pathways, abrogating the c-MET pathway is considered to be a pivotal strategy in cancer therapeutics. Herein, an analysis of role of the c-MET pathway in human cancers and its relevance in bone metastasis and therapeutic resistance has been undertaken. Also, an attempt has been made to summarize the inhibitory activity of selected natural compounds towards c-MET signaling in cancers. METHODS The publications related to c-MET pathway in malignancies and its natural compound modulators were obtained from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar and summarized based on PRISMA guidelines. Some of the keywords used for extracting relevant literature are c-MET, natural compound inhibitors of c-MET, c-MET in liver cancer, c-MET in breast cancer, c-MET in lung cancer, c-MET in pancreatic cancer, c-MET in head and neck cancer, c-MET in bone metastasis, c-MET in therapeutic resistance, and combination of c-MET inhibitors and chemotherapeutic agents. The chemical structure of natural compounds was verified in PubChem database. RESULTS The search yielded 3935 publications, of which 195 reference publications were used for our analysis. Clinical trials were referenced using ClinicalTrials.gov identifier. The c-MET pathway has been recognized as a prominent target to combat the growth, metastasis, and chemotherapeutic resistance in cancers. The key role of the c-MET in bone metastasis as well as therapeutic resistance has been elaborated. Also, suppressive effect of selected natural compounds on the c-MET pathway in clinical/preclinical studies has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chakrabhavi Dhananjaya Mohan
- FEST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226 001, India
| | - Muthu K Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | | | - Arunachalam Chinnathambi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kanchugarakoppal S Rangappa
- Institution of Excellence, Vijnana Bhavan, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore, Karnataka 570006, India.
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore.
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Qin S, Pan H, Blanc JF, Grando V, Lim HY, Chang XY, O'Brate A, Stroh C, Friese-Hamim M, Albers J, Johne A, Faivre S. Activity of Tepotinib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma With High-Level MET Amplification: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence. JCO Precis Oncol 2024; 8:e2300328. [PMID: 38354329 DOI: 10.1200/po.23.00328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE MET amplification (METamp) has been reported in 1%-5% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and may be sensitive to MET inhibition. Tepotinib, a selective MET inhibitor, has shown promising activity in HCC with MET overexpression. We investigated the preclinical and clinical activity of tepotinib in HCC with METamp (MET gene copy number [GCN] ≥5), including high-level METamp (MET GCN ≥10). METHODS Preclinical antitumor activity of tepotinib 100 mg/kg (orally, days 1-5, every 7 days, 3-5 weeks; 3-12 replicates) was evaluated according to METamp status, as determined using the nCounter platform (NanoString), in 37 HCC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) in immunodeficient mice. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in patients with METamp by fluorescence in situ hybridization who received tepotinib 500 mg (450 mg active moiety) in two phase Ib/II trials in HCC with MET overexpression. RESULTS Across the PDX models, tepotinib induced complete or near-complete tumor regression in the only two models with high-level METamp. Median tumor volume reductions were 100% and 99.8% in models with MET GCN 47.1 and 44.0, respectively. Across the two clinical trials, 15/121 patients had METamp. Disease control was achieved by 11/15 patients with METamp (complete response [CR], n = 1; partial response [PR], n = 4; stable disease [SD], n = 6) and 4/4 with high-level METamp (CR, n = 1; PR, n = 2; SD, n = 1). All three patients with high-level METamp and objective response received treatment for >1 year, including one patient who received first-line tepotinib for >6 years. CONCLUSION High-level METamp may be an oncogenic driver in HCC that is sensitive to MET inhibitors such as tepotinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shukui Qin
- PLA Cancer Center, Nanjing Bayi Hospital, Nanjing, China
- Cancer Center of Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongming Pan
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Ho Yeong Lim
- Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Xin Ying Chang
- Global Clinical Development China, Merck Serono Co., Ltd, Beijing, China, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Aurora O'Brate
- The healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | | | - Joachim Albers
- The healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Andreas Johne
- The healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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Jeong YS, Eun YG, Lee SH, Kang SH, Yim SY, Kim EH, Noh JK, Sohn BH, Woo SR, Kong M, Nam DH, Jang HJ, Lee HS, Song S, Oh SC, Lee J, Ajani JA, Lee JS. Clinically conserved genomic subtypes of gastric adenocarcinoma. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:147. [PMID: 37674200 PMCID: PMC10481468 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01796-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) is a lethal disease characterized by genomic and clinical heterogeneity. By integrating 8 previously established genomic signatures for GAC subtypes, we identified 6 clinically and molecularly distinct genomic consensus subtypes (CGSs). CGS1 have the poorest prognosis, very high stem cell characteristics, and high IGF1 expression, but low genomic alterations. CGS2 is enriched with canonical epithelial gene expression. CGS3 and CGS4 have high copy number alterations and low immune reactivity. However, CGS3 and CGS4 differ in that CGS3 has high HER2 activation, while CGS4 has high SALL4 and KRAS activation. CGS5 has the high mutation burden and moderately high immune reactivity that are characteristic of microsatellite instable tumors. Most CGS6 tumors are positive for Epstein Barr virus and show extremely high levels of methylation and high immune reactivity. In a systematic analysis of genomic and proteomic data, we estimated the potential response rate of each consensus subtype to standard and experimental treatments such as radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Interestingly, CGS3 was significantly associated with a benefit from chemoradiation therapy owing to its high basal level of ferroptosis. In addition, we also identified potential therapeutic targets for each consensus subtype. Thus, the consensus subtypes produced a robust classification and provide for additional characterizations for subtype-based customized interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Seong Jeong
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1058, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Young-Gyu Eun
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Lee
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas, Department of Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Pocheon, Korea
| | - Sang-Hee Kang
- Department of Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Young Yim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eui Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joo Kyung Noh
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bo Hwa Sohn
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1058, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Seon Rang Woo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Moonkyoo Kong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Deok Hwa Nam
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1058, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hee-Jin Jang
- Systems Onco-Immunology Laboratory, David J. Sugarbaker Division of Thoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hyun-Sung Lee
- Systems Onco-Immunology Laboratory, David J. Sugarbaker Division of Thoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shumei Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sang Cheul Oh
- Division of Oncology/Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeeyun Lee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaffer A Ajani
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ju-Seog Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1058, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Yalkinoglu Ö, Becker A, Krebs-Brown A, Vetter C, Lüpfert C, Perrin D, Heuer J, Biedert H, Hirt S, Bytyqi A, Bachmann A, Strotmann R. Assessment of the potential of the MET inhibitor tepotinib to affect the pharmacokinetics of CYP3A4 and P-gp substrates. Invest New Drugs 2023; 41:596-605. [PMID: 37415001 PMCID: PMC10447267 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-023-01378-z] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Tepotinib is a highly selective, potent, mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) inhibitor, approved for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer harboring MET exon 14 skipping alterations. The aims of this work were to investigate the potential for drug-drug interactions via cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4/5 or P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibition. In vitro studies were conducted in human liver microsomes, human hepatocyte cultures and Caco-2 cell monolayers to investigate whether tepotinib or its major metabolite (MSC2571109A) inhibited or induced CYP3A4/5 or inhibited P-gp. Two clinical studies were conducted to investigate the effect of multiple dose tepotinib (500 mg once daily orally) on the single dose pharmacokinetics of a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate (midazolam 7.5 mg orally) and a P-gp substrate (dabigatran etexilate 75 mg orally) in healthy participants. Tepotinib and MSC2571109A showed little evidence of direct or time-dependent CYP3A4/5 inhibition (IC50 > 15 μM) in vitro, although MSC2571109A did show mechanism-based CYP3A4/5 inhibition. Tepotinib did not induce CYP3A4/5 activity in vitro, although both tepotinib and MSC2571109A increased CYP3A4 mRNA. In clinical studies, tepotinib had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of midazolam or its metabolite 1'-hydroxymidazolam. Tepotinib increased dabigatran maximum concentration and area under the curve extrapolated to infinity by 38% and 51%, respectively. These changes were not considered to be clinically relevant. Tepotinib was considered safe and well tolerated in both studies. The potential of tepotinib to cause clinically relevant DDI with CYP3A4- or P-gp-dependent drugs at the clinical dose is considered low. Study 1 (midazolam): NCT03628339 (registered 14 August 2018). Study 2 (dabigatran): NCT03492437 (registered 10 April 2018).
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Affiliation(s)
- Özkan Yalkinoglu
- Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Andreas Becker
- Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Axel Krebs-Brown
- Global Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Medical Writing, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Claudia Vetter
- Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christian Lüpfert
- Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Dominique Perrin
- NCE DMPK, Discovery and Development Technologies, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Jürgen Heuer
- Clinical Services, Nuvisan GmbH, Neu-Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Hirt
- LC/MS Bioanalysis, Nuvisan GmbH, Neu-Ulm, Germany
| | - Afrim Bytyqi
- Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Angelika Bachmann
- Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Rainer Strotmann
- Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
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Albers J, Friese-Hamim M, Clark A, Schadt O, Walter-Bausch G, Stroh C, Johne A, Karachaliou N, Blaukat A. The Preclinical Pharmacology of Tepotinib-A Highly Selective MET Inhibitor with Activity in Tumors Harboring MET Alterations. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:833-843. [PMID: 36999986 PMCID: PMC10320478 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
The mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) proto-oncogene encodes the MET receptor tyrosine kinase. MET aberrations drive tumorigenesis in several cancer types through a variety of molecular mechanisms, including MET mutations, gene amplification, rearrangement, and overexpression. Therefore, MET is a therapeutic target and the selective type Ib MET inhibitor, tepotinib, was designed to potently inhibit MET kinase activity. In vitro, tepotinib inhibits MET in a concentration-dependent manner irrespective of the mode of MET activation, and in vivo, tepotinib exhibits marked, dose-dependent antitumor activity in MET-dependent tumor models of various cancer indications. Tepotinib penetrates the blood-brain barrier and demonstrates strong antitumor activity in subcutaneous and orthotopic brain metastasis models, in-line with clinical activity observed in patients. MET amplification is an established mechanism of resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), and preclinical studies show that tepotinib in combination with EGFR TKIs can overcome this resistance. Tepotinib is currently approved for the treatment of adult patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer harboring MET exon 14 skipping alterations. This review focuses on the pharmacology of tepotinib in preclinical cancer models harboring MET alterations and demonstrates that strong adherence to the principles of the Pharmacological Audit Trail may result in a successful discovery and development of a precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Albers
- Research Unit Oncology, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Manja Friese-Hamim
- Corporate Animal Using Vendor and Vivarium Governance (SQ-AV), Corporate Sustainability, Quality, Trade Compliance (SQ), Animal Affairs (SQ-A), the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Anderson Clark
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, Massachusetts
| | - Oliver Schadt
- Global Medicinal Chemistry, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Gina Walter-Bausch
- Research Unit Oncology, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christopher Stroh
- Clinical Biomarkers and Companion Diagnostics, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Andreas Johne
- Global Clinical Development Unit, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Niki Karachaliou
- Global Clinical Development Unit, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Andree Blaukat
- Research Unit Oncology, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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Shaker ME, Gomaa HAM, Abdelgawad MA, El-Mesery M, Shaaban AA, Hazem SH. Emerging roles of tyrosine kinases in hepatic inflammatory diseases and therapeutic opportunities. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110373. [PMID: 37257270 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation has been convicted of causing and worsening many liver diseases like acute liver failure, fibrosis, cirrhosis, fatty liver and liver cancer. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) like TLRs 4 and 9 localized on resident or recruited immune cells are well known cellular detectors of pathogen and damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs/DAMPs). Stimulation of these receptors generates the sterile and non-sterile inflammatory responses in the liver. When these responses are repeated, there will be a sustained liver injury that may progress to fibrosis and its outcomes. Crosstalk between inflammatory/fibrogenic-dependent streams and certain tyrosine kinases (TKs) has recently evolved in the context of hepatic diseases. Because of TKs increasing importance, their role should be elucidated to highlight effective approaches to manage the diverse liver disorders. This review will give a brief overview of types and functions of some TKs like BTK, JAKs, Syk, PI3K, Src and c-Abl, as well as receptors for TAM, PDGF, EGF, VEGF and HGF. It will then move to discuss the roles of these TKs in the regulation of the proinflammatory, fibrogenic and tumorigenic responses in the liver. Lastly, the therapeutic opportunities for targeting TKs in hepatic inflammatory disorders will be addressed. Overall, this review sheds light on the diverse TKs that have substantial roles in hepatic disorders and potential therapeutics modulating their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed E Shaker
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Hesham A M Gomaa
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A Abdelgawad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed El-Mesery
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Division of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ahmed A Shaaban
- Department of Pharmacology & Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Sara H Hazem
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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Jung J, Park S, Jang Y, Lee SH, Jeong YS, Yim SY, Lee JS. Clinical Significance of Glycolytic Metabolic Activity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:186. [PMID: 36612182 PMCID: PMC9818850 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
High metabolic activity is a hallmark of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the molecular features of HCC with high metabolic activity contributing to clinical outcomes and the therapeutic implications of these characteristics are poorly understood. We aimed to define the features of HCC with high metabolic activity and uncover its association with response to current therapies. By integrating gene expression data from mouse liver tissues and tumor tissues from HCC patients (n = 1038), we uncovered three metabolically distinct HCC subtypes that differ in clinical outcomes and underlying molecular biology. The high metabolic subtype is characterized by poor survival, the strongest stem cell signature, high genomic instability, activation of EPCAM and SALL4, and low potential for benefitting from immunotherapy. Interestingly, immune cell analysis showed that regulatory T cells (Tregs) are highly enriched in high metabolic HCC tumors, suggesting that high metabolic activity of cancer cells may trigger activation or infiltration of Tregs, leading to cancer cells' evasion of anti-cancer immune cells. In summary, we identified clinically and metabolically distinct subtypes of HCC, potential biomarkers associated with these subtypes, and a potential mechanism of metabolism-mediated immune evasion by HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joann Jung
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sowon Park
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yeonwoo Jang
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sung-Hwan Lee
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei 03722, Republic of Korea
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas, Department of Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam 46371, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Seong Jeong
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sun Young Yim
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas, Department of Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam 46371, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Seog Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Buszka K, Ntzifa A, Owecka B, Kamińska P, Kolecka-Bednarczyk A, Zabel M, Nowicki M, Lianidou E, Budna-Tukan J. Liquid Biopsy Analysis as a Tool for TKI-Based Treatment in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:2871. [PMID: 36139444 PMCID: PMC9497234 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has recently evolved with the introduction of targeted therapy based on the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with certain gene alterations, including EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, and MET genes. Molecular targeted therapy based on TKIs has improved clinical outcomes in a large number of NSCLC patients with advanced disease, enabling significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS). Liquid biopsy is an increasingly popular diagnostic tool for treating TKI-based NSCLC. The studies presented in this article show that detection and analysis based on liquid biopsy elements such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cell-free DNA (cfDNA), exosomes, and/or tumor-educated platelets (TEPs) can contribute to the appropriate selection and monitoring of targeted therapy in NSCLC patients as complementary to invasive tissue biopsy. The detection of these elements, combined with their molecular analysis (using, e.g., digital PCR (dPCR), next generation sequencing (NGS), shallow whole genome sequencing (sWGS)), enables the detection of mutations, which are required for the TKI treatment. Despite such promising results obtained by many research teams, it is still necessary to carry out prospective studies on a larger group of patients in order to validate these methods before their application in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Buszka
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznan, Poland
| | - Aliki Ntzifa
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Lab of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Barbara Owecka
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
| | - Paula Kamińska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznan, Poland
| | - Agata Kolecka-Bednarczyk
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Zabel
- Division of Anatomy and Histology, University of Zielona Góra, 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Michał Nowicki
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
| | - Evi Lianidou
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Lab of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Joanna Budna-Tukan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
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MACC1 Promotes the Progression and Is a Novel Biomarker for Predicting Immunotherapy Response in Colorectal Cancer. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:8326940. [PMID: 35874635 PMCID: PMC9303487 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8326940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Aims As one of the most prevalent malignant diseases in the world, the mechanisms of metastasis in colon cancer are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the HGF/c-MET axis in the proliferation and metastasis in colon cancer. Methods The effect of MACC1 on cell proliferation and metastasis was analyzed through a series of in vitro experiments. The role of MACC1 in cancer cells was demonstrated by overexpression and silencing of MACC1 in gain or loss function experiments. To investigate the relationship between MACC1 and c-MET/HGF, we detected c-MET protein expression by disrupting with or overexpressing MACC1. The bioinformatics analysis was used to investigate the correlation between MACC1 and c-MET, and the c-MET expression after the interference of HGF with MACC1 was determined. Subsequently, the function of c-MET was verified in colon cancer cells by a series of experiments. The mouse tumor transplantation model experiment is most suitable in vivo. Results The results indicated that the overexpression of MACC1 could accelerate proliferation and facilitate metastasis in colon cancer cell lines. Furthermore, c-MET was determined to be the downstream regulator of MACC1. The addition of HGF could stimulate the expression of MACC1. With further exploration, we proved that c-MET is downstream of MACC1 in colon cancer and that overexpression of c-MET in colon cancer enhances cell proliferation and migration capability. At last, MACC1 expression level negatively correlates with the infiltration levels and several immune checkpoint biomarkers. High MACC1 expression has a lower response rate with ICIs in COAD. Conclusions We found that, under the regulation of the MACC1/HGF/c-MET axis, the proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer are increased by MACC1, which can be a novel biomarker for predicting ICIs response in colorectal cancer. Our findings provide a new idea for the targeted treatment of colorectal cancer.
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10
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Xiong W, Hietala SF, Nyberg J, Papasouliotis O, Johne A, Berghoff K, Goteti K, Dong J, Girard P, Venkatakrishnan K, Strotmann R. Exposure-response analyses for the MET inhibitor tepotinib including patients in the pivotal VISION trial: support for dosage recommendations. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2022; 90:53-69. [PMID: 35771259 PMCID: PMC9300558 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-022-04441-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Tepotinib is a highly selective MET inhibitor approved for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring METex14 skipping alterations. Analyses presented herein evaluated the relationship between tepotinib exposure, and efficacy and safety outcomes. Methods Exposure–efficacy analyses included data from an ongoing phase 2 study (VISION) investigating 500 mg/day tepotinib in NSCLC harboring METex14 skipping alterations. Efficacy endpoints included objective response, duration of response, and progression-free survival. Exposure–safety analyses included data from VISION, plus four completed studies in advanced solid tumors/hepatocellular carcinoma (30–1400 mg). Safety endpoints included edema, serum albumin, creatinine, amylase, lipase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and QT interval corrected using Fridericia’s method (QTcF). Results Tepotinib exhibited flat exposure–efficacy relationships for all endpoints within the exposure range observed with 500 mg/day. Tepotinib also exhibited flat exposure–safety relationships for all endpoints within the exposure range observed with 30–1400 mg doses. Edema is the most frequently reported adverse event and the most frequent cause of tepotinib dose reductions and interruptions; however, the effect plateaued at low exposures. Concentration-QTc analyses using data from 30 to 1400 mg tepotinib resulted in the upper bounds of the 90% confidence interval being less than 10 ms for the mean exposures at the therapeutic (500 mg) and supratherapeutic (1000 mg) doses. Conclusions These analyses provide important quantitative pharmacologic support for benefit/risk assessment of the 500 mg/day dosage of tepotinib as being appropriate for the treatment of NSCLC harboring METex14 skipping alterations. Registration Numbers NCT01014936, NCT01832506, NCT01988493, NCT02115373, NCT02864992. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00280-022-04441-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyuan Xiong
- Merck Institute of Pharmacometrics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kosalaram Goteti
- EMD Serono Research and Development Institute Inc., Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Dong
- EMD Serono Research and Development Institute Inc., Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Pascal Girard
- Merck Institute of Pharmacometrics, Lausanne, Switzerland
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11
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Jing G, Yu F, Xue H. Tepotinib suppresses proliferation, invasion, migration, and promotes apoptosis of melanoma cells via inhibiting MET and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Oncol Lett 2022; 23:170. [PMID: 35497936 PMCID: PMC9019857 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma seriously threatens public health and lowers the quality of life of the affected subjects. The present study was designed to explore the effects of tepotinib, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor of MET proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (MET), on the progression of melanoma. Firstly, MTT assays were used to detect the proliferation of tepotinib-treated WM451 cells. The cell invasive and migratory activities were assessed using Transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. In addition, TUNEL staining was employed to determine cell apoptosis. Western blot analysis was utilized for the evaluation of the expression levels of apoptotic and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related proteins, as well as of proteins involved in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Subsequently, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a natural agonist of MET, was administered to WM451 cells to unravel the detailed mechanism of action of tepotinib in melanoma. The results indicated that the proliferation of WM451 cells was significantly decreased by tepotinib treatment. The inhibitory effects of tepotinib on the proliferation of WM451 cells occurred in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the migratory and invasive activities of WM451 cells were significantly suppressed following tepotinib treatment. It was also shown that tepotinib exhibited promotive effects on the induction of apoptosis of WM451 cells. Moreover, activation of MET and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways may be blocked by tepotinib treatment, whereas addition of HGF to the cells reversed the effects of tepotinib treatment on the malignant progression of WM451 cells. In conclusion, the data demonstrated that tepotinib suppressed the proliferation, invasion and migration of melanoma cells, whereas it could also induce their apoptosis. This evidence may provide a new perspective for the improvement of malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guifang Jing
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 024005, P.R. China
| | - Fang Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 024005, P.R. China
| | - Huandong Xue
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 024005, P.R. China
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12
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Brain penetration and efficacy of tepotinib in orthotopic patient-derived xenograft models of MET-driven non-small cell lung cancer brain metastases. Lung Cancer 2021; 163:77-86. [PMID: 34942492 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2021.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Central nervous system-penetrant therapies with intracranial efficacy against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) brain metastases are urgently needed. We report preclinical studies investigating brain penetration and intracranial activity of the MET inhibitor tepotinib. After intravenous infusion of tepotinib in Wistar rats (n = 3), mean (±standard deviation) total tepotinib concentration was 2.87-fold higher in brain (505 ± 22 ng/g) than plasma (177 ± 20 ng/mL). In equilibrium dialysis experiments performed in triplicate, mean tepotinib unbound fraction was 0.35% at 0.3 and 3.0 µM tepotinib in rat brain tissue, and 4.0% at 0.3 and 1.0 µM tepotinib in rat plasma. The calculated unbound brain-to-plasma ratio was 0.25, indicating brain penetration sufficient for intracranial target inhibition. Of 20 screened subcutaneous patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models from lung cancer brain metastases (n = 1), two NSCLC brain metastases models (LU5349 and LU5406) were sensitive to the suboptimal dose of tepotinib of 30 mg/kg/qd (tumor volume change [%TV]: -12% and -88%, respectively). Molecular profiling (nCounter®; NanoString) revealed high-level MET amplification in both tumors (mean MET gene copy number: 11.2 and 24.2, respectively). Tepotinib sensitivity was confirmed for both subcutaneous models at a clinically relevant dose (125 mg/kg/qd; n = 5). LU5349 and LU5406 were orthotopically implanted into brains of mice and monitored by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Tepotinib 125 mg/kg/qd induced pronounced tumor regression, including complete or near-complete regressions, compared with vehicle in both orthotopic models (n = 10; median %TV: LU5349, -84%; LU5406, -63%). Intracranial antitumor activity of tepotinib did not appear to correlate with blood-brain barrier leakiness assessed in T1-weighted gadolinium contrast-enhanced MRI.
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13
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Chamaejasmenin E from Stellera chamaejasme induces apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting c-Met in vitro and in vivo. Bioorg Chem 2021; 119:105509. [PMID: 34844768 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent liver cancer, is considered one of the most lethal malignancies with a dismal outcome. There is an urgent need to find novel therapeutic approaches to treat HCC. At present, natural products have served as a valuable source for drug discovery. Here, we obtained five known biflavones from the root of Stellera chamaejasme and evaluated their activities against HCC Hep3B cells in vitro. Chamaejasmenin E (CE) exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect among these biflavones. Furthermore, we found that CE could suppress the cell proliferation and colony formation, as well as the migration ability of HCC cells, but there was no significant toxicity on normal liver cells. Additionally, CE induced mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, eventually leading to cellular apoptosis. Mechanistically, the potential target of CE was predicted by database screening, showing that the compound might exert an inhibitory effect by targeting at c-Met. Next, this result was confirmed by molecular docking, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), as well as RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Meanwhile, CE also reduced the downstream proteins of c-Met in HCC cells. In concordance with above results, CE is efficacious and non-toxic in tumor xenograft model. Taken together, our findings revealed an underlying tumor-suppressive mechanism of CE, which provided a foundation for identifying the target of biflavones.
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14
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Chen Q, Xie C, Feng K, Huang H, Xiong C, Lin T, Wang W, Xu M, Yang X, Zhong C. Response to crizotinib in a patient with MET-amplified hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatol Res 2021; 51:1164-1169. [PMID: 33991153 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Molecular profiling of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has helped identify actionable genomic alterations that could guide therapeutic decision-making and clinical trial enrollment. However, in clinical practice, next-generation sequencing (NGS) is not extensively used in routine clinical care to identify patients with HCC who are likely to benefit from genome-directed targeted therapies. METHODS Here, we describe the case of a 66-year-old man with advanced HCC. After rapid progression on transarterial chemoembolization, the tissue sample obtained from biopsy was subjected to NGS to verify whether precision therapy was an option. RESULTS Our analysis revealed high MET amplification. The patient received crizotinib (250 mg, bid) and showed a remarkable response. CONCLUSIONS Our case report suggests NGS could help identify patients with high MET amplification in HCC who were likely to benefit from MET inhibitors; moreover, this requires further investigation in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglian Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunfeng Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kunliang Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haijun Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengming Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tengjiao Lin
- Medical Department, OrigiMed Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Medical Department, OrigiMed Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Mian Xu
- Medical Department, OrigiMed Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianwei Yang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chong Zhong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Niu M, Yi M, Li N, Wu K, Wu K. Advances of Targeted Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:719896. [PMID: 34381735 PMCID: PMC8350567 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.719896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common and fatal malignancies, which is a significant global health problem. The clinical applicability of traditional surgery and other locoregional therapies is limited, and these therapeutic strategies are far from satisfactory in improving the outcomes of advanced HCC. In the past decade, targeted therapy had made a ground-breaking progress in advanced HCC. Those targeted therapies exert antitumor effects through specific signals, including anti-angiogenesis or cell cycle progression. As a standard systemic therapy option, it tremendously improves the survival of this devastating disease. Moreover, the combination of targeted therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has demonstrated more potent anticancer effects and becomes the hot topic in clinical studies. The combining medications bring about a paradigm shift in the treatment of advanced HCC. In this review, we presented all approved targeted agents for advanced HCC with an emphasis on their clinical efficacy, summarized the advances of multi-target drugs in research for HCC and potential therapeutic targets for drug development. We also discussed the exciting results of the combination between targeted therapy and ICI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kongju Wu
- Department of Nursing, Medical School of Pingdingshan University, Pingdingshan, China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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Decaens T, Barone C, Assenat E, Wermke M, Fasolo A, Merle P, Blanc JF, Grando V, Iacobellis A, Villa E, Trojan J, Straub J, Bruns R, Berghoff K, Scheele J, Raymond E, Faivre S. Phase 1b/2 trial of tepotinib in sorafenib pretreated advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with MET overexpression. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:190-199. [PMID: 33824476 PMCID: PMC8292404 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01334-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This Phase 1b/2 study evaluated tepotinib, a highly selective MET inhibitor, in US/European patients with sorafenib pretreated advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC) with MET overexpression. METHODS Eligible adults had aHCC, progression after ≥4 weeks of sorafenib, and, for Phase 2 only, MET overexpression. Tepotinib was administered once daily at 300 or 500 mg in Phase 1b ('3 + 3' design), and at the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) in Phase 2. Primary endpoints were dose-liming toxicities (DLTs; Phase 1b) and 12-week investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS; Phase 2). RESULTS In Phase 1b (n = 17), no DLTs occurred and the RP2D was confirmed as 500 mg. In Phase 2 (n = 49), the primary endpoint was met: 12-week PFS was 63.3% (90% CI: 50.5-74.7), which was significantly greater than the predefined null hypothesis of ≤15% (one-sided binomial exact test: P < 0.0001). Median time to progression was 4 months. In Phase 2, 28.6% of patients had treatment-related Grade ≥3 adverse events, including peripheral oedema and lipase increase (both 6.1%). CONCLUSIONS Tepotinib was generally well tolerated and the RP2D (500 mg) showed promising efficacy and, therefore, a positive benefit-risk balance in sorafenib pretreated aHCC with MET overexpression. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02115373.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Decaens
- University Grenoble Alpes, Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, Grenoble, France.
| | - Carlo Barone
- Medical Oncology, Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Roma, Italy
| | - Eric Assenat
- Medical Oncology, CHU Saint Eloi, Montpellier, France
| | - Martin Wermke
- NCT/UCC Early Clinical Trial Unit, University Hospital Carl-Gustav-Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Philippe Merle
- Service d'Hépato-Gastro-Entérologie, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Frédéric Blanc
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie et d'Oncologie Digestive, Groupe Hospitalier Haut-Lévêque, CHU Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | | | - Angelo Iacobellis
- Reparto di Gastroenterologia ed Endoscopia Digestiva, Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza IRCCS, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Erica Villa
- Division of Gastroenterology Policlinico di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Joerg Trojan
- Gastrointestinal Oncology, Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Josef Straub
- Clinical Biomarker & Companion Diagnostics, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Rolf Bruns
- Biostatistics, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Karin Berghoff
- Global Patient Safety Innovation, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Juergen Scheele
- Global Clinical Development Oncology, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Eric Raymond
- Medical Oncology, Paris-St Joseph Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Faivre
- Medical Oncology, Saint-Louis Hospital & Paris 7 University, Paris, France
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17
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Ryoo BY, Cheng AL, Ren Z, Kim TY, Pan H, Rau KM, Choi HJ, Park JW, Kim JH, Yen CJ, Lim HY, Zhou D, Straub J, Scheele J, Berghoff K, Qin S. Randomised Phase 1b/2 trial of tepotinib vs sorafenib in Asian patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with MET overexpression. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:200-208. [PMID: 33972742 PMCID: PMC8292411 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01380-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This open-label, Phase 1b/2 study evaluated the highly selective MET inhibitor tepotinib in systemic anticancer treatment (SACT)-naive Asian patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC) with MET overexpression. Methods In Phase 2b, tepotinib was orally administered once daily (300, 500 or 1,000 mg) to Asian adults with aHCC. The primary endpoints were dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and adverse events (AEs). Phase 2 randomised SACT-naive Asian adults with aHCC with MET overexpression to tepotinib (recommended Phase 2 dose [RP2D]) or sorafenib 400 mg twice daily. The primary endpoint was independently assessed time to progression (TTP). Results In Phase 1b (n = 27), no DLTs occurred; the RP2D was 500 mg. In Phase 2 (n = 90, 45 patients per arm), the primary endpoint was met: independently assessed TTP was significantly longer with tepotinib versus sorafenib (median 2.9 versus 1.4 months, HR = 0.42, 90% confidence interval: 0.26–0.70, P = 0.0043). Progression-free survival and objective response also favoured tepotinib. Treatment-related Grade ≥3 AE rates were 28.9% with tepotinib and 45.5% with sorafenib. Conclusions Tepotinib improved TTP versus sorafenib and was generally well tolerated in SACT-naive Asian patients with aHCC with MET overexpression. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01988493.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baek-Yeol Ryoo
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ann-Li Cheng
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Zhenggang Ren
- Liver Cancer Institute, Department of Hepatic Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tae-You Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongming Pan
- School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun-Ming Rau
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and E-Da Cancer Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hye Jin Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong-Won Park
- Center for Liver and Pancreatobiliary Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Chia Jui Yen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Ho Yeong Lim
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongli Zhou
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc. (A Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Josef Straub
- Clinical Biomarker & Companion Diagnostics, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Juergen Scheele
- Clinical Oncology, Global Research and Development, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Karin Berghoff
- Global Patient Safety Innovation, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Shukui Qin
- Medical Oncology Department, PLA Cancer Center, Nanjing Bayi Hospital, Nanjing, China
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Xiong W, Friese-Hamim M, Johne A, Stroh C, Klevesath M, Falchook GS, Hong DS, Girard P, El Bawab S. Translational pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of preclinical and clinical data of the oral MET inhibitor tepotinib to determine the recommended phase II dose. CPT-PHARMACOMETRICS & SYSTEMS PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 10:428-440. [PMID: 33818908 PMCID: PMC8129711 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Tepotinib is a highly selective and potent MET inhibitor in development for the treatment of patients with solid tumors. Given the favorable tolerability and safety profiles up to the maximum tested dose in the first‐in‐human (FIH) trial, an efficacy‐driven translational modeling approach was proposed to establish the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). To study the in vivo pharmacokinetics (PKs)/target inhibition/tumor growth inhibition relationship, a subcutaneous KP‐4 pancreatic cell‐line xenograft model in mice with sensitivity to MET pathway inhibition was selected as a surrogate tumor model. Further clinical PK and target inhibition data (derived from predose and postdose paired tumor biopsies) from a FIH study were integrated with the longitudinal PKs and target inhibition profiles from the mouse xenograft study to establish a translational PK/pharmacodynamic (PD) model. Preclinical data showed that tumor regression with tepotinib treatment in KP‐4 xenograft tumors corresponded to 95% target inhibition. We therefore concluded that a PD criterion of sustained, near‐to‐complete (>95%) phospho‐MET inhibition in tumors should be targeted for tepotinib to be effective. Simulations of dose‐dependent target inhibition profiles in human tumors that exceeded the PD threshold in more than 90% of patients established an RP2D of tepotinib 500 mg once daily. This translational mathematical modeling approach supports an efficacy‐driven rationale for tepotinib phase II dose selection of 500 mg once daily. Tepotinib at this dose has obtained regulatory approval for the treatment of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer harboring MET exon 14 skipping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyuan Xiong
- Merck Institute of Pharmacokinetics (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pascal Girard
- Merck Institute of Pharmacokinetics (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Lausanne, Switzerland
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Jiang W, Li T, Guo J, Wang J, Jia L, Shi X, Yang T, Jiao R, Wei X, Feng Z, Tang Q, Ji G. Bispecific c-Met/PD-L1 CAR-T Cells Have Enhanced Therapeutic Effects on Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:546586. [PMID: 33777728 PMCID: PMC7987916 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.546586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors, especially CD19 CAR-T cells have exhibited effective antitumor activities in B cell malignancies, but due to several factors such as antigen escape effects and tumor microenvironment, their curative potential in hepatocellular carcinoma has not been encouraging. To reduce the antigen escape risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, this study was to design and construct a bispecific CAR targeting c-Met and PD-L1. c-Met/PD-L1 CAR-T cells were obtained by lentiviral transfection, and the transfection efficiency was monitored by flow cytometry analysis. LDH release assays were used to elucidate the efficacy of c-Met/PD-L1 CAR-T cells on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In addition, xenograft models bearing human hepatocellular carcinoma were constructed to detect the antitumor effect of c-Met/PD-L1 CAR-T cells in vivo. The results shown that this bispecific CAR was manufactured successfully, T cells modified with this bispecific CAR demonstrated improved antitumor activities against c-Met and PD-L1 positive hepatocellular carcinoma cells when compared with those of monovalent c-Met CAR-T cells or PD-L1 CAR-T cells but shown no distinct cytotoxicity on hepatocytes in vitro. In vivo experiments shown that c-Met/PD-L1 CAR-T cells significantly inhibited tumor growth and improve survival persistence compared with other groups. These results suggested that the design of single-chain, bi-specific c-Met/PD-L1 CAR-T is more effective than that of monovalent c-Met CAR-T for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma., and this bi-specific c-Met/PD-L1 CAR is rational and implementable with current T-cell engineering technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaojiao Guo
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lizhou Jia
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruonan Jiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenqing Feng
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Tang
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guozhong Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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20
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Zhang Q, Lv L, Ma P, Zhang Y, Deng J, Zhang Y. Identification of an Autophagy-Related Pair Signature for Predicting Prognoses and Immune Activity in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:743938. [PMID: 34956177 PMCID: PMC8695429 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.743938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) spreads quickly and has a poor prognosis. Autophagy research on PAAD could reveal new biomarkers and targets for diagnosis and treatment. METHODS Autophagy-related genes were translated into autophagy-related gene pairs, and univariate Cox regression was performed to obtain overall survival (OS)-related IRGPs (P<0.001). LASSO Cox regression analyses were performed to construct an autophagy-related gene pair (ARGP) model for predicting OS. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-PAAD cohort was set as the training group for model construction. The model predictive value was validated in multiple external datasets. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate model performance. Tumor microenvironments and immune infiltration were compared between low- and high-risk groups with ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the groups were further analyzed by Gene Ontology biological process (GO-BP) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses and used to identify potential small-molecule compounds in L1000FWD. RESULTS Risk scores were calculated as follows: ATG4B|CHMP4C×(-0.31) + CHMP2B|MAP1LC3B×(0.30) + CHMP6|RIPK2 ×(-0.33) + LRSAM1|TRIM5×(-0.26) + MAP1LC3A|PAFAH1B2×(-0.15) + MAP1LC3A|TRIM21×(-0.08) + MET|MFN2×(0.38) + MET|MTDH×(0.47) + RASIP1|TRIM5×(-0.23) + RB1CC1|TPCN1×(0.22). OS was significantly shorter in the high-risk group than the low-risk group in each PAAD cohort. The ESTIMATE analysis showed no difference in stromal scores but a significant difference in immune scores (p=0.0045) and ESTIMATE scores (p=0.014) between the groups. CIBERSORT analysis showed higher naive B cell, Treg cell, CD8 T cell, and plasma cell levels in the low-risk group and higher M1 and M2 macrophage levels in the high-risk group. In addition, the results showed that naive B cells (r=-0.32, p<0.001), Treg cells (r=-0.31, p<0.001), CD8 T cells (r=-0.24, p=0.0092), and plasma cells (r=-0.2, p<0.026) were statistically correlated with the ARGP risk score. The top 3 enriched GO-BPs were signal release, regulation of transsynaptic signaling, and modulation of chemical synaptic transmission, and the top 3 enriched KEGG pathways were the insulin secretion, dopaminergic synapse, and NF-kappa B signaling pathways. Several potential small-molecule compounds targeting ARGs were also identified. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that the ARGP-based model may be a promising prognostic indicator for identifying drug targets in patients with PAAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Liping Lv
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Ma
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang Deng
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jiang Deng, ; Yanyu Zhang,
| | - Yanyu Zhang
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jiang Deng, ; Yanyu Zhang,
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21
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SIX4 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through upregulating YAP1 and c-MET. Oncogene 2020; 39:7279-7295. [PMID: 33046796 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01500-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the main reason for high mortality in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and the molecular mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the mechanism underlying HCC metastasis. Here, we report a novel role of SIX homeobox 4 (SIX4), one of the SIX gene family, in promoting HCC metastasis. The elevated expression of SIX4 was positively correlated with loss of tumor encapsulation, microvascular invasion, higher TNM stage, and poor prognosis in human HCC. SIX4 expression was an independent and significant risk factor for the recurrence and survival in HCC patients. Upregulation of SIX4 promoted HCC invasion and metastasis, whereas downregulation of SIX4 decreased HCC invasion and metastasis. SIX4 transactivated Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator (YAP1) and MET proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (MET) expression through directly binding to their promoters. Knockdown of YAP1 and c-MET inhibited SIX4-medicated HCC metastasis, while the stable overexpression of YAP1 and c-MET reversed the decreased metastasis induced by SIX4 knockdown. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), the specific ligand of c-MET, upregulated SIX4 expression through ERK/NF-κB pathway. Knockdown of SIX4 significantly decreased HGF-enhanced HCC metastasis. In human HCC tissues, SIX4 expression was positively correlated with nuclear YAP1, c-MET and HGF expression. Patients with positive coexpression of SIX4/ nuclear YAP1, SIX4/c-MET or HGF/SIX4 had the poorest prognosis. Moreover, the combination treatment of YAP1 inhibitor Verteporfin and c-MET inhibitor Capmatinib significantly suppressed SIX4-mediated HCC metastasis. In conclusion, SIX4 is a prognostic biomarker in HCC patients and targeting the HGF-SIX4-c-MET positive feedback loop may provide a promising strategy for the treatment of SIX4-driven HCC metastasis.
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22
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Shitara K, Yamazaki K, Tsushima T, Naito T, Matsubara N, Watanabe M, Sarholz B, Johne A, Doi T. Phase I trial of the MET inhibitor tepotinib in Japanese patients with solid tumors. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2020; 50:859-866. [PMID: 32328660 PMCID: PMC7401714 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyaa042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Tepotinib (MSC2156119J) is an oral, potent and highly selective small molecule mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) inhibitor for which the recommended Phase II dose of 500 mg once daily has been defined, based on the first-in-man trial conducted in the USA and Europe. We carried out a multicenter Phase I trial with a classic `3 + 3' design to determine the recommended Phase II dose in Japanese patients with solid tumors (NCT01832506). METHODS Patients aged ≥20 years with advanced solid tumors (refractory to standard therapy or for whom no effective standard therapy was available) received tepotinib at 215, 300 or 500 mg once daily in a 21-day cycle. Occurrence of dose-limiting toxicities during cycle 1 was used to determine the maximum tolerated dose. Efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics were also evaluated to support the dose assessment. RESULTS Twelve patients were treated. Tepotinib was generally well tolerated with no observed dose-limiting toxicities; treatment-related adverse events were mainly grades 1-2. The tolerability profile of tepotinib was similar to that observed in non-Japanese populations. Pharmacokinetics in Japanese and Western patients was comparable. One patient with gastric cancer and one patient with urachal cancer had stable disease of ≥12 weeks in duration. The observed safety profile and pharmacokinetics are comparable with those in patients from the USA and Europe, and the recommended Phase II dose of tepotinib in Japanese patients was confirmed as 500 mg once daily. CONCLUSIONS These results, including initial signals of antitumor activity, support further development of tepotinib in Japanese patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Shitara
- Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kentaro Yamazaki
- Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsushima
- Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tateaki Naito
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Matsubara
- Department of Breast and Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Toshihiko Doi
- Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan
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23
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Progress on treatment of MET signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer. Int J Clin Oncol 2020; 25:1450-1458. [PMID: 32440811 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-020-01702-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
MET activation includes gene mutation, amplification, and protein overexpression. Clinical evidence suggests that MET activation is both a primary oncogenic driver in lung cancer, and a secondary driver after acquired resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Several small molecule TKIs have already shown to be effective in the MET pathway. However, the activation form and the diagnostic criteria of MET oncogene are still controversial, especially in patients resistant to EGFR TKIs or ALK TKIs. With the development of new MET inhibitors, a quantity of emerging trials has focused on the mechanism of acquired resistance to MET TKIs and therapeutic strategies after resistance.
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24
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Huang X, Li E, Shen H, Wang X, Tang T, Zhang X, Xu J, Tang Z, Guo C, Bai X, Liang T. Targeting the HGF/MET Axis in Cancer Therapy: Challenges in Resistance and Opportunities for Improvement. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:152. [PMID: 32435640 PMCID: PMC7218174 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Among hundreds of thousands of signal receptors contributing to oncogenic activation, tumorigenesis, and metastasis, the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor - also called tyrosine kinase MET - is a promising target in cancer therapy as its axis is involved in several different cancer types. It is also associated with poor outcomes and is involved in the development of therapeutic resistance. Several HGF/MET-neutralizing antibodies and MET kinase-specific small molecule inhibitors have been developed, resulting in some context-dependent progress in multiple cancer treatments. Nevertheless, the concomitant therapeutic resistance largely inhibits the translation of such targeted drug candidates into clinical application. Until now, numerous studies have been performed to understand the molecular, cellular, and upstream mechanisms that regulate HGF/MET-targeted drug resistance, further explore novel strategies to reduce the occurrence of resistance, and improve therapeutic efficacy after resistance. Intriguingly, emerging evidence has revealed that, in addition to its conventional function as an oncogene, the HGF/MET axis stands at the crossroads of tumor autophagy, immunity, and microenvironment. Based on current progress, this review summarizes the current challenges and simultaneously proposes future opportunities for HGF/MET targeting for therapeutic cancer interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Enliang Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hang Shen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xun Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tianyu Tang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhen Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zengwei Tang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengxiang Guo
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueli Bai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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25
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Johne A, Scheible H, Becker A, van Lier JJ, Wolna P, Meyring M. Open-label, single-center, phase I trial to investigate the mass balance and absolute bioavailability of the highly selective oral MET inhibitor tepotinib in healthy volunteers. Invest New Drugs 2020; 38:1507-1519. [PMID: 32221754 PMCID: PMC7497692 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-020-00926-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tepotinib (MSC2156119J) is an oral, potent, highly selective MET inhibitor. This open-label, phase I study in healthy volunteers (EudraCT 2013-003226-86) investigated its mass balance (part A) and absolute bioavailability (part B). In part A, six participants received tepotinib orally (498 mg spiked with 2.67 MBq [14C]-tepotinib). Blood, plasma, urine, and feces were collected up to day 25 or until excretion of radioactivity was <1% of the administered dose. In part B, six participants received 500 mg tepotinib orally as a film-coated tablet, followed by an intravenous [14C]-tepotinib tracer dose (53–54 kBq) 4 h later. Blood samples were collected until day 14. In part A, a median of 92.5% (range, 87.1–96.9%) of the [14C]-tepotinib dose was recovered in excreta. Radioactivity was mainly excreted via feces (median, 78.7%; range, 69.4–82.5%). Urinary excretion was a minor route of elimination (median, 14.4% [8.8–17.7%]). Parent compound was the main constituent in excreta (45% [feces] and 7% [urine] of the radioactive dose). M506 was the only major metabolite. In part B, absolute bioavailability was 72% (range, 62–81%) after oral administration of 500 mg tablets (the dose and formulation used in phase II trials). In conclusion, tepotinib and its metabolites are mainly excreted via feces; parent drug is the major eliminated constituent. Oral bioavailability of tepotinib is high, supporting the use of the current tablet formulation in clinical trials. Tepotinib was well tolerated in this study with healthy volunteers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Johne
- Global Clinical Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany.
| | - Holger Scheible
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Merck KGaA, Grafing, Germany
| | - Andreas Becker
- Global Clinical Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Jan Jaap van Lier
- Pharmaceutical Research Association (PRA), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Wolna
- Global Clinical Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Michael Meyring
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Merck KGaA, Grafing, Germany
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26
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Wang H, Rao B, Lou J, Li J, Liu Z, Li A, Cui G, Ren Z, Yu Z. The Function of the HGF/c-Met Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:55. [PMID: 32117981 PMCID: PMC7018668 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, leading to a large global cancer burden. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its high-affinity receptor, mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-Met), are closely related to the onset, progression, and metastasis of multiple tumors. The HGF/c-Met axis is involved in cell proliferation, movement, differentiation, invasion, angiogenesis, and apoptosis by activating multiple downstream signaling pathways. In this review, we focus on the function of the HGF/c-Met axis in HCC. The HGF/c-Met axis promotes the onset, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of HCC. Moreover, it can serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as a therapeutic target for HCC. In addition, it is closely related to drug resistance during HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Benchen Rao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Lou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianhao Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guangying Cui
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zujiang Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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27
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Genova C, Rossi G, Tagliamento M, Rijavec E, Biello F, Cerbone L, Zullo L, Grossi F. Targeted therapy of oncogenic-driven advanced non-small cell lung cancer: recent advances and new perspectives. Expert Rev Respir Med 2020; 14:367-383. [DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2020.1714441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Genova
- Lung Cancer Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rossi
- Lung Cancer Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Marco Tagliamento
- Lung Cancer Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Erika Rijavec
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Biello
- Oncology Unit, Ospedale Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Luigi Cerbone
- Lung Cancer Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lodovica Zullo
- Lung Cancer Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Grossi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Nault JC, Martin Y, Caruso S, Hirsch TZ, Bayard Q, Calderaro J, Charpy C, Copie-Bergman C, Ziol M, Bioulac-Sage P, Couchy G, Blanc JF, Nahon P, Amaddeo G, Ganne-Carrie N, Morcrette G, Chiche L, Duvoux C, Faivre S, Laurent A, Imbeaud S, Rebouissou S, Llovet JM, Seror O, Letouzé E, Zucman-Rossi J. Clinical Impact of Genomic Diversity From Early to Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatology 2020; 71:164-182. [PMID: 31206197 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
To date, genomic analyses of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been limited to early stages obtained from liver resection. We aim to describe the genomic profiling of HCC from early to advanced stages. We analyzed 801 HCC from 720 patients (410 resections, 137 transplantations, 122 percutaneous ablations, and 52 noncurative) for 190 gene expressions and for 31 gene mutations. Forty-one advanced HCC and 156 whole exome of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) 0/A were analyzed by whole-exome sequencing. Genomic profiling was correlated with tumor stages, clinical features, and survival. Our cohort included patients classified in BCLC stage 0 (9.4%), A (59.5%), B (16.2%), and C (14.9%). Among the overall 801 HCC, the most frequently mutated genes were telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) (58.1%), catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1) (30.7%), tumor protein 53 (TP53; 18.7%), AT-rich interaction domain 1A (ARID1A) (13%), albumin (11.4%), apolipoprotein B (APOB) (9.4%), and AXIN1 (9.2%). Advanced-stage HCC (BCLC B/C) showed higher frequencies of splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1) (P = 0.0003), TP53 (P = 0.0006), and RB Transcriptional Corepressor 1 mutations (P = 0.03). G1-G6 transcriptomic classification and the molecular prognostic 5-gene score showed different distributions according to the stage of the disease and the type of treatment with an enrichment of G3 (P < 0.0001), poor prognostic score (P < 0.0001), and increased proliferation and dedifferentiation at the transcriptomic level in advanced HCC. The 5-gene score predicted survival in patients treated by resection (P < 0.0001) and ablation (P = 0.01) and in advanced HCC (P = 0.04). Twenty-two percent of advanced HCC harbored potentially druggable genetic alterations, and MET amplification was associated with complete tumor response in patients with advanced HCC treated by a specific MET inhibitor. Conclusion: Genomic analysis across the different stages of HCC revealed the mechanisms of tumor progression and helped to identify biomarkers of response to targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Charles Nault
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France.,Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bondy, France.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine, Université Paris 13, Communauté d'Universités et Etablissements Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Yoann Martin
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Stefano Caruso
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Théo Z Hirsch
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Quentin Bayard
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Julien Calderaro
- Service d'Anatomopathologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,Université Paris Est Créteil, Inserm U955, Team 18, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Cecile Charpy
- Service d'Anatomopathologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,Université Paris Est Créteil, Inserm U955, Team 18, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Christiane Copie-Bergman
- Service d'Anatomopathologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,Université Paris Est Créteil, Inserm U955, Team 18, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Marianne Ziol
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine, Université Paris 13, Communauté d'Universités et Etablissements Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Service d'Anatomopathologie, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bondy, France.,Centre de Ressources Biologiques (BB-0033-00027) Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bondy, France
| | - Paulette Bioulac-Sage
- University of Bordeaux, UMR1053 Bordeaux Research in Translational Oncology, BaRITOn, Bordeaux, France.,Service de Pathologie, Hôpital Pellegrin, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Gabrielle Couchy
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Frédéric Blanc
- Service Hépato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive, Centre Medico-Chirurgical Magellan, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre Nahon
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France.,Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bondy, France.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine, Université Paris 13, Communauté d'Universités et Etablissements Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Giuliana Amaddeo
- Service d'Hépatogastroentérologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Université Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Nathalie Ganne-Carrie
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France.,Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bondy, France.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine, Université Paris 13, Communauté d'Universités et Etablissements Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Morcrette
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Chiche
- Service de Chirurgie Digestive, Centre Medico-Chirurgical Magellan, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christophe Duvoux
- Service d'Hépatogastroentérologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Université Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Sandrine Faivre
- Service d'Oncologie Médicale, Hôpital Beaujon, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Clichy, France
| | - Alexis Laurent
- Service de Chirurgie Digestive, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,Université Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Sandrine Imbeaud
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Sandra Rebouissou
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Josep M Llovet
- Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.,Liver Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, BCLC Group, IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olivier Seror
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine, Université Paris 13, Communauté d'Universités et Etablissements Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bondy, France
| | - Eric Letouzé
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France.,Hôpital Europeen Georges Pompidou, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
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29
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Falchook GS, Kurzrock R, Amin HM, Xiong W, Fu S, Piha-Paul SA, Janku F, Eskandari G, Catenacci DV, Klevesath M, Bruns R, Stammberger U, Johne A, Bladt F, Friese-Hamim M, Girard P, El Bawab S, Hong DS. First-in-Man Phase I Trial of the Selective MET Inhibitor Tepotinib in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 26:1237-1246. [PMID: 31822497 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-2860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tepotinib is an oral, potent, highly selective MET inhibitor. This first-in-man phase I trial investigated the MTD of tepotinib to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients received tepotinib orally according to one of three dose escalation regimens (R) on a 21-day cycle: R1, 30-400 mg once daily for 14 days; R2, 30-315 mg once daily 3 times/week; or R3, 300-1,400 mg once daily. After two cycles, treatment could continue in patients with stable disease until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was incidence of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE). Secondary endpoints included safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor effects. RESULTS One hundred and forty-nine patients received tepotinib (R1: n = 42; R2: n = 45; R3: n = 62). Although six patients reported DLTs [one patient in R1 (115 mg), three patients in R2 (60, 100, 130 mg), two patients in R3 (1,000, 1,400 mg)], the MTD was not reached at the highest tested dose of 1,400 mg daily. The RP2D of tepotinib was established as 500 mg once daily, supported by translational modeling data as sufficient to achieve ≥95% MET inhibition in ≥90% of patients. Treatment-related TEAEs were mostly grade 1 or 2 fatigue, peripheral edema, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, and lipase increase. The best overall response in R3 was partial response in two patients, both with MET overexpression. CONCLUSIONS Tepotinib was well tolerated with clinical activity in MET-dysregulated tumors. The RP2D of tepotinib was established as 500 mg once daily. MET abnormalities can drive tumorigenesis. This first-in-man trial demonstrated that the potent, highly selective MET inhibitor tepotinib can reduce or stabilize tumor burden and is well tolerated at doses up to 1,400 mg once daily. An RP2D of 500 mg once daily, as determined from translational modeling and simulation integrating human population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data in tumor biopsies, is being used in ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, California
| | | | - Wenyuan Xiong
- Merck Institute of Pharmacometrics, Merck Serono SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Siqing Fu
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | | | - Daniel V Catenacci
- The University of Chicago Medical Center & Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pascal Girard
- Merck Institute of Pharmacometrics, Merck Serono SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
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30
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Van Der Steen N, Zwaenepoel K, Mazzaschi G, A. Luirink R, P. Geerke D, Op de Beeck K, Hermans C, Tiseo M, Van Schil P, Lardon F, Germonpré P, Rolfo C, Giovannetti E, J. Peters G, Pauwels P. The Role of c-Met as a Biomarker and Player in Innate and Acquired Resistance in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Two New Mutations Warrant Further Studies. Molecules 2019; 24:E4443. [PMID: 31817278 PMCID: PMC6943481 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24244443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The c-Met receptor is a therapeutically actionable target in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with one approved drug and several agents in development. Most suitable biomarkers for patient selection include c-Met amplification and exon-14 skipping. Our retrospective study focused on the frequency of different c-Met aberrations (overexpression, amplification and mutations) in 153 primary, therapy-naïve resection samples and their paired metastases, from Biobank@UZA. Furthermore, we determined the correlation of c-Met expression with clinicopathological factors, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-status and TP53 mutations. Our results showed that c-Met expression levels in primary tumors were comparable to their respective metastases. Five different mutations were detected by deep sequencing: three (E168D, S203T, N375S) previously described and two never reported (I333T, G783E). I333T, a new mutation in the Sema(phorin) domain of c-Met, might influence the binding of antibodies targeting the HGF-binding domain, potentially causing innate resistance. E168D and S203T mutations showed a trend towards a correlation with high c-Met expression (p = 0.058). We found a significant correlation between c-MET expression, EGFR expression (p = 0.010) and EGFR mutations (p = 0.013), as well as a trend (p = 0.057) with regards to TP53 mutant activity. In conclusion this study demonstrated a strong correlation between EGFR mutations, TP53 and c-Met expression in therapy-naïve primary resection samples. Moreover, we found two new c-Met mutations that warrant further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Van Der Steen
- Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (N.V.D.S.); (K.Z.); (K.O.d.B.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (P.G.); (C.R.)
- Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, CCA 1.42, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Karen Zwaenepoel
- Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (N.V.D.S.); (K.Z.); (K.O.d.B.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (P.G.); (C.R.)
- Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Giulia Mazzaschi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma and Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (G.M.); (M.T.)
| | - Rosa A. Luirink
- AIMMS Division of Molecular Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (R.A.L.); (D.P.G.)
| | - Daan P. Geerke
- AIMMS Division of Molecular Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (R.A.L.); (D.P.G.)
| | - Ken Op de Beeck
- Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (N.V.D.S.); (K.Z.); (K.O.d.B.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (P.G.); (C.R.)
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43, 2650 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christophe Hermans
- Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (N.V.D.S.); (K.Z.); (K.O.d.B.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (P.G.); (C.R.)
- Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marcello Tiseo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma and Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (G.M.); (M.T.)
| | - Paul Van Schil
- Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (N.V.D.S.); (K.Z.); (K.O.d.B.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (P.G.); (C.R.)
| | - Paul Germonpré
- Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (N.V.D.S.); (K.Z.); (K.O.d.B.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (P.G.); (C.R.)
- Department of Pneumology, AZ Maria Middelares, Kliniekstraat 27, 9050 Gentbrugge, Belgium
| | - Christian Rolfo
- Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (N.V.D.S.); (K.Z.); (K.O.d.B.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (P.G.); (C.R.)
- Phase I-Early Clinical Trials Unit, Oncology Department, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Antwerp, Belgium
- Thoracic Medical Oncology, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 20742, USA
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, CCA 1.42, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Via Giovannini 13, San Giuliano Terme, I-56017 Pisa, Italy
| | - Godefridus J. Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, CCA 1.42, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-844 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (N.V.D.S.); (K.Z.); (K.O.d.B.); (C.H.); (F.L.); (P.G.); (C.R.)
- Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Antwerp, Belgium
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31
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Noonan A, Pawlik TM. Hepatocellular carcinoma: an update on investigational drugs in phase I and II clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2019; 28:941-949. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1677606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Noonan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Timothy M. Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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32
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Del Re M, Crucitta S, Gianfilippo G, Passaro A, Petrini I, Restante G, Michelucci A, Fogli S, de Marinis F, Porta C, Chella A, Danesi R. Understanding the Mechanisms of Resistance in EGFR-Positive NSCLC: From Tissue to Liquid Biopsy to Guide Treatment Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20163951. [PMID: 31416192 PMCID: PMC6720634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20163951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy has emerged as an alternative source of nucleic acids for the management of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). The use of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has been recently introduced in clinical practice, resulting in the improvement of the identification of druggable EGFR mutations for the diagnosis and monitoring of response to targeted therapy. EGFR-dependent (T790M and C797S mutations) and independent (Mesenchymal Epithelial Transition [MET] gene amplification, Kirsten Rat Sarcoma [KRAS], Phosphatidyl-Inositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-Kinase Catalytic subunit Alpha isoform [PI3KCA], and RAF murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 [BRAF] gene mutations) mechanisms of resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been evaluated in plasma samples from NSCLC patients using highly sensitive methods (i.e., digital droplet PCR, Next Generation Sequencing), allowing for the switch to other therapies. Therefore, liquid biopsy is a non-invasive method able to detect the molecular dynamic changes that occur under the pressure of treatment, and to capture tumor heterogeneity more efficiently than is allowed by tissue biopsy. This review addresses how liquid biopsy may be used to guide the choice of treatment strategy in EGFR-mutant NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Del Re
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Stefania Crucitta
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Gianfilippo
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Passaro
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, 20141 Milano, Italy
| | - Iacopo Petrini
- General Pathology, Department of Translational Research & New Technologies in Surgery and Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuliana Restante
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Angela Michelucci
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Fogli
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo de Marinis
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, 20141 Milano, Italy
| | - Camillo Porta
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Division of Translational Oncology, I.R.C.C.S. Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Chella
- Unit of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Critical Area and Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Romano Danesi
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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33
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Ma Y, Zhang M, Wang J, Huang X, Kuai X, Zhu X, Chen Y, Jia L, Feng Z, Tang Q, Liu Z. High-Affinity Human Anti-c-Met IgG Conjugated to Oxaliplatin as Targeted Chemotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2019; 9:717. [PMID: 31428584 PMCID: PMC6688309 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most mortality-causing solid cancers globally and the second largest cause of death among malignancies. Oxaliplatin, a platinum-based drug, has been widely utilized in the treatment of malignancies such as colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, yet its usage is limited because of severe side effects of cytotoxicity to normal tissues. c-Met, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is expressed aberrantly on the surface of HCC. The purpose of this study was to synthesise a humanized antibody against c-Met (anti-c-Met IgG) and conjugate it to oxaliplatin to develop a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). Anti-c-Met IgG was detected to be loaded with ~4.35 moles oxaliplatin per mole of antibody. ELISA and FCM confirmed that ADC retained a high and selective binding affinity for c-Met protein and c-Met-positive HepG2 cells. In vitro, the cytotoxicity tests and biological function assay indicated that ADC showed much higher cytotoxicity and functioning in c-Met-positive HepG2 cells, compared with shMet-HepG2 cells expressing lower levels of c-Met. Furthermore, compared with free oxaliplatin, ADC significantly improved cytotoxicity to c-Met-positive tumours and avoided off-target cell toxicity in vivo. In conclusion, by targeting c-Met-expressing hepatoma cells, ADC can provide a platform to reduce drug toxicity and improve drug efficacy in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilan Ma
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingjiong Zhang
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiayan Wang
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaochen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingwang Kuai
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhu
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Otorhinolaryngological Department, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lizhou Jia
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenqing Feng
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Tang
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Huang X, Gan G, Wang X, Xu T, Xie W. The HGF-MET axis coordinates liver cancer metabolism and autophagy for chemotherapeutic resistance. Autophagy 2019; 15:1258-1279. [PMID: 30786811 PMCID: PMC6613896 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2019.1580105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Notwithstanding the numerous drugs available for liver cancer, emerging evidence suggests that chemotherapeutic resistance is a significant issue. HGF and its receptor MET play critical roles in liver carcinogenesis and metastasis, mainly dependent on the activity of receptor tyrosine kinase. However, for unknown reasons, all HGF-MET kinase activity-targeted drugs have failed or have been suspended in clinical trials thus far. Macroautophagy/autophagy is a protective ‘self-eating’ process for resisting metabolic stress by recycling obsolete components, whereas the impact of autophagy-mediated reprogrammed metabolism on therapeutic resistance is largely unclear, especially in liver cancer. In the present study, we first observed that HGF stimulus facilitated the Warburg effect and glutaminolysis to promote biogenesis in multiple liver cancer cells. We then identified the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) and GLS/GLS1 as crucial substrates of HGF-activated MET kinase; MET-mediated phosphorylation inhibits PDHC activity but activates GLS to promote cancer cell metabolism and biogenesis. We further found that the key residues of kinase activity in MET (Y1234/1235) also constitute a conserved LC3-interacting region motif (Y1234-Y1235-x-V1237). Therefore, on inhibiting HGF-mediated MET kinase activation, Y1234/1235-dephosphorylated MET induced autophagy to maintain biogenesis for cancer cell survival. Moreover, we verified that Y1234/1235-dephosphorylated MET correlated with autophagy in clinical liver cancer. Finally, a combination of MET inhibitor and autophagy suppressor significantly improved the therapeutic efficiency of liver cancer in vitro and in mice. Together, our findings reveal an HGF-MET axis-coordinated functional interaction between tyrosine kinase signaling and autophagy, and establish a MET-autophagy double-targeted strategy to overcome chemotherapeutic resistance in liver cancer. Abbreviations: ALDO: aldolase, fructose-bisphosphate; CQ: chloroquine; DLAT/PDCE2: dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase; EMT: epithelial-mesenchymal transition; ENO: enolase; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; GLS/GLS1: glutaminase; GLUL/GS: glutamine-ammonia ligase; GPI/PGI: glucose-6-phosphate isomerase; HCC: hepatocellular carcinoma; HGF: hepatocyte growth factor; HK: hexokinase; LDH: lactate dehydrogenase; LIHC: liver hepatocellular carcinoma; LIR: LC3-interacting region; PDH: pyruvate dehydrogenase; PDHA1: pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 alpha 1 subunit; PDHX: pyruvate dehydrogenase complex component X; PFK: phosphofructokinase; PK: pyruvate kinase; RTK: receptor tyrosine kinase; TCGA: The Cancer Genome Atlas
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Huang
- a The Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province , First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China.,b The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease , Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University , Nanjing , Jiangsu , China.,c The Therapeutic Antibody Research Center of SEU-Alphamab , Southeast University , Nanjing , China
| | - Guangming Gan
- b The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease , Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University , Nanjing , Jiangsu , China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- c The Therapeutic Antibody Research Center of SEU-Alphamab , Southeast University , Nanjing , China
| | - Ting Xu
- b The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease , Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University , Nanjing , Jiangsu , China.,c The Therapeutic Antibody Research Center of SEU-Alphamab , Southeast University , Nanjing , China
| | - Wei Xie
- b The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease , Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University , Nanjing , Jiangsu , China.,c The Therapeutic Antibody Research Center of SEU-Alphamab , Southeast University , Nanjing , China
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HGF/c-MET: A Promising Therapeutic Target in the Digestive System Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113295. [PMID: 30360560 PMCID: PMC6274736 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The HGF/c-MET pathway is active in the development of digestive system cancers, indicating that inhibition of HGF/c-MET signaling may have therapeutic potential. Various HGF/c-MET signaling inhibitors, mainly c-MET inhibitors, have been tested in clinical trials. The observed efficacy and adverse events of some c-MET inhibitors were not very suitable for treating digestive system cancers. The development of new HGF/c-MET inhibitors in preclinical studies may bring promising treatments and synergistic combination (traditional anticancer drugs and c-MET inhibitors) strategies provided anacceptable safety and tolerability. Insights into miRNA biology and miRNA therapeutics have made miRNAs attractive tools to inhibit HGF/c-MET signaling. Recent reports show that several microRNAs participate in inhibiting HGF/c-MET signaling networks through antagonizing c-MET or HGF in digestive system cancers, and the miRNAs-HGF/c-MET axis plays crucial and novel roles for cancer treatment. In the current review, we will discuss recent findings about inhibitors of HGF/c-MET signaling in treating digestive system cancers, and how miRNAs regulate digestive system cancers via mediating HGF/c-MET pathway.
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García-Vilas JA, Medina MÁ. Updates on the hepatocyte growth factor/c-Met axis in hepatocellular carcinoma and its therapeutic implications. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:3695-3708. [PMID: 30197476 PMCID: PMC6127652 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i33.3695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer death. Since the diagnosis of HCC is difficult, in many cases patients with HCC are diagnosed advanced stage of development. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition receptor (c-Met) axis is a key signaling pathway in HCC, either via canonical or non-canonical pathways. Available treatments against HCC based upon HGF/c-Met inhibition can increase patient lifespan, but do not reach the expected therapeutic benefits. In HCC, c-Met monomers can bind other receptor monomers, activating several noncanonical signaling pathways, leading to increased cell proliferation, invasion, motility, and drug resistance. All of these processes are enhanced by the tumor microenvironment, with stromal cells contributing to boost tumor progression through oxidative stress, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Novel treatments against HCC are being explored to modulate other targets such as microRNAs, methyltransferases, and acetyltransferases, which are all involved in the regulation of gene expression in cancer. This review compiles basic knowledge regarding signaling pathways in HCC, and compounds already used or showing potential to be used in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel Ángel Medina
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Andalucía Tech, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga 29071, Spain
- Unidad 741 de CIBER “de Enfermedades Raras” (CIBERER), Málaga 29071, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research in Málaga, Málaga 29071, Spain
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Zhan N, Michael AA, Wu K, Zeng G, Bell A, Tao J, Monga SP. The Effect of Selective c-MET Inhibitor on Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the MET-Active, β-Catenin-Mutated Mouse Model. Gene Expr 2018; 18:135-147. [PMID: 29409568 PMCID: PMC5954626 DOI: 10.3727/105221618x15174108894682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Simultaneous mutations in CTNNB1 and activation of c-MET occur in 9%-12.5% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Coexpression of c-MET-V5 and mutant β-catenin-Myc in mouse liver by sleeping beauty transposon/transposase and hydrodynamic tail vein injection (SB-HTVI) led to the development of HCC with 70% molecular identity to the clinical subset. Using this model, we investigated the effect of EMD1214063, a highly selective c-MET inhibitor. Five weeks after SB-HTVI when tumors were established, EMD1214063 (10 mg/kg) was administered by gastric gavage as a single agent on 5-day-on/3-day-off schedule, compared to vehicle only control. Mice were harvested at 8 or 11 weeks posttreatment. Decreased p-MET, p-AKT, p-STAT3, and p-ERK proved in vivo efficacy of EMD1214063. We observed lower Ki-67, PCNA, V5-tag, and cyclin D1 after EMD1214063 treatment only at 8 weeks. Overall, no significant differences were observed in tumor burden between the groups, although EMD1214063 marginally but significantly improved overall survival by 1.5-2 weeks. Tumors remained α-fetoprotein+, did not show any differences in inflammation, and lacked fibrosis in either group. In conclusion, c-MET inhibition alone had a minor effect on Met-β-catenin HCC at the early stages of HCC development. Thus, a single therapy with the c-MET inhibitor will be insufficient for sustained response in Met-β-catenin HCC requiring assessment of additional combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhan
- *Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- †Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China
- ‡Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adeola Adebayo Michael
- *Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- ‡Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kaiyuan Wu
- †Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Gang Zeng
- *Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Aaron Bell
- *Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- ‡Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Junyan Tao
- *Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- ‡Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- *Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- ‡Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- §Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 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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Bouattour M, Raymond E, Qin S, Cheng A, Stammberger U, Locatelli G, Faivre S. Recent developments of c-Met as a therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2018; 67:1132-1149. [PMID: 28862760 PMCID: PMC5873445 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant c-Met activity has been implicated in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), suggesting that c-Met inhibition may have therapeutic potential. However, clinical trials of nonselective kinase inhibitors with c-Met activity (tivantinib, cabozantinib, foretinib, and golvatinib) in patients with HCC have failed so far to demonstrate significant efficacy. This lack of observed efficacy is likely due to several factors, including trial design, lack of patient selection according to tumor c-Met status, and the prevalent off-target activity of these agents, which may indicate that c-Met inhibition is incomplete. In contrast, selective c-Met inhibitors (tepotinib, capmatinib) can be dosed at a level predicted to achieve complete inhibition of tumor c-Met activity. Moreover, results from early trials can be used to optimize the design of clinical trials of these agents. Preliminary results suggest that selective c-Met inhibitors have antitumor activity in HCC, with acceptable safety and tolerability in patients with Child-Pugh A liver function. Ongoing trials have been designed to assess the efficacy and safety of selective c-Met inhibition compared with standard therapy in patients with HCC that were selected based on tumor c-Met status. Thus, c-Met inhibition continues to be an active area of research in HCC, with well-designed trials in progress to investigate the benefit of selective c-Met inhibitors. (Hepatology 2018;67:1132-1149).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Bouattour
- Digestive Oncology DepartmentBeaujon University HospitalClichyFrance
| | - Eric Raymond
- Oncology UnitGroupe Hospitalier Paris Saint JosephParisFrance
| | - Shukui Qin
- Medical Oncology DepartmentNanjing Bayi HospitalNanjingChina
| | | | | | | | - Sandrine Faivre
- Medical Oncology DepartmentBeaujon University HospitalClichyFrance
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Wu YL, Soo RA, Locatelli G, Stammberger U, Scagliotti G, Park K. Does c-Met remain a rational target for therapy in patients with EGFR TKI-resistant non-small cell lung cancer? Cancer Treat Rev 2017; 61:70-81. [PMID: 29121501 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) inevitably develops resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. In 5-20% of cases, this can be attributed to aberrant c-Met activity, providing a clear rationale for the use of c-Met inhibitors in these patients. EGFR TKI-resistant tumors often remain sensitive to EGFR signaling, such that c-Met inhibitors are likely to be most effective when combined with continued EGFR TKI therapy. The phase III trials of the c-Met inhibitors onartuzumab and tivantinib, which failed to demonstrate significant benefit in patients with NSCLC but excluded patients with EGFR TKI-resistant disease, do not allow c-Met to be dismissed as a rational target in EGFR TKI-resistant NSCLC. Selective c-Met TKIs exhibit more favorable properties, targeting both hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-dependent and -independent c-Met activity, with a reduced risk of toxicity compared to non-selective c-Met TKIs. Phase Ib/II trials of the selective c-Met TKIs capmatinib and tepotinib have shown encouraging signs of efficacy. Factors affecting the success of ongoing and future trials of c-Met inhibitors in patients with EGFR TKI-resistant, c-Met-positive NSCLC are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Long Wu
- Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute, Guangdong General Hospital (GGH) & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ross Andrew Soo
- National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore.
| | | | | | - Giorgio Scagliotti
- University of Torino, Department of Medical Oncology, S. Luigi Hospital, Torino, Italy.
| | - Keunchil Park
- Innovative Cancer Medicine Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Bahrami A, Shahidsales S, Khazaei M, Ghayour-Mobarhan M, Maftouh M, Hassanian SM, Avan A. C-Met as a potential target for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer: Current status and future perspectives. J Cell Physiol 2017; 232:2657-2673. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Afsane Bahrami
- Molecular Medicine Group, Department of Modern Sciences and Technology; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
- Student Research Center, Faculty of Medicine; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Soodabeh Shahidsales
- Cancer Research Center; School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Neurogenic Inflammatory Research Center and Department of Physiology; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Majid Ghayour-Mobarhan
- Metabolic syndrome Research Center; School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Mina Maftouh
- Metabolic syndrome Research Center; School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Metabolic syndrome Research Center; School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
- Department of Medical Biochemistry; School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic syndrome Research Center; School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
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Friese-Hamim M, Bladt F, Locatelli G, Stammberger U, Blaukat A. The selective c-Met inhibitor tepotinib can overcome epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor resistance mediated by aberrant c-Met activation in NSCLC models. Am J Cancer Res 2017; 7:962-972. [PMID: 28469968 PMCID: PMC5411803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) sensitive to first-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) often acquires resistance through secondary EGFR mutations, including the T790M mutation, aberrant c-Met receptor activity, or both. We assessed the ability of the highly selective c-Met inhibitor tepotinib to overcome EGFR TKI resistance in various xenograft models of NSCLC. In models with EGFR-activating mutations and low c-Met expression (patient explant-derived LU342, cell line PC-9), EGFR TKIs caused tumors to shrink, but growth resumed upon cessation of treatment. Tepotinib combined with EGFR TKIs delayed tumor regrowth, while tepotinib alone was ineffective. In patient explant-derived LU858, which has an EGFR-activating mutation and expresses high levels of c-Met/HGF, EGFR TKIs had no effect on tumor growth. Tepotinib combined with EGFR TKIs caused complete tumor regression and tepotinib alone caused tumor stasis. In cell line DFCI081 (activating EGFR mutation, c-Met amplification), EGFR TKIs were ineffective, whereas tepotinib alone induced complete tumor regression. Finally, in a 'double resistant' EGFR T790M-positive, high c-Met model (cell line HCC827-GR-T790M), the EGFR TKIs erlotinib, afatinib, and rociletinib, as well as tepotinib as a single agent or in combination with erlotinib or afatinib, slowed tumor growth, but only tepotinib in combination with rociletinib induced complete tumor regression. We conclude that tepotinib can overcome acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs. Based on these data, clinical trials of tepotinib in combination with EGFR TKIs in patients with NSCLC with acquired resistance to first-generation EGFR TKIs are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Friedhelm Bladt
- Translational and Biomarker Research, Merck KGaADarmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Uz Stammberger
- Global Research and Development, Merck KGaADarmstadt, Germany
| | - Andree Blaukat
- Global Research and Development, Merck KGaADarmstadt, Germany
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Abstract
Immuno-oncology (I/O) research has intensified significantly in recent years due to the breakthrough development and the regulatory approval of several immune checkpoint inhibitors, leading to the rapid expansion of the new discovery of novel I/O therapies, new checkpoint inhibitors and beyond. However, many I/O questions remain unanswered, including why only certain subsets of patients respond to these treatments, who the responders would be, and how to expand patient response (the conversion of non-responders or maximizing response in partial responders). All of these require relevant I/O experimental systems, particularly relevant preclinical animal models. Compared to other oncology drug discovery, e.g. cytotoxic and targeted drugs, a lack of relevant animal models is a major obstacle in I/O drug discovery, and an urgent and unmet need. Despite the obvious importance, and the fact that much I/O research has been performed using many different animal models, there are few comprehensive and introductory reviews on this topic. This article attempts to review the efforts in development of a variety of such models, as well as their applications and limitations for readers new to the field, particularly those in the pharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Xiang Li
- Crown Bioscience Inc., 3375 Scott Blvd, Suite 108, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA; State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Gerold Feuer
- HuMurine Technologies, Inc., 2700 Stockton Blvd, Rm. 1403, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Xuesong Ouyang
- Crown Bioscience Inc., 3375 Scott Blvd, Suite 108, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
| | - Xiaoyu An
- Crown Bioscience Inc., 3375 Scott Blvd, Suite 108, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA; State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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Drilon A, Cappuzzo F, Ou SHI, Camidge DR. Targeting MET in Lung Cancer: Will Expectations Finally Be MET? J Thorac Oncol 2017; 12:15-26. [PMID: 27794501 PMCID: PMC5603268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2016.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 273] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The hepatocyte growth factor receptor (MET) is a potential therapeutic target in a number of cancers, including NSCLC. In NSCLC, MET pathway activation is thought to occur through a diverse set of mechanisms that influence properties affecting cancer cell survival, growth, and invasiveness. Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests a role for MET activation as both a primary oncogenic driver in subsets of lung cancer and as a secondary driver of acquired resistance to targeted therapy in other genomic subsets. In this review, we explore the biology and clinical significance behind MET proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (MET) exon 14 alterations and MET amplification in NSCLC, the role of MET amplification in the setting of acquired resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in EGFR-mutant NSCLC, and the history of MET pathway inhibitor drug development in NSCLC, highlighting current strategies that enrich for biomarkers likely to be predictive of response. Whereas previous trials that focused on MET pathway-directed targeted therapy in unselected or MET-overexpressing NSCLC yielded largely negative results, more recent investigations focusing on MET exon 14 alterations and MET amplification have been notable for meaningful clinical responses to MET inhibitor therapy in a substantial proportion of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sai-Hong Ignatius Ou
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, California
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45
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The novel c-Met inhibitor capmatinib mitigates diethylnitrosamine acute liver injury in mice. Toxicol Lett 2016; 261:13-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Guo S, Qian W, Cai J, Zhang L, Wery JP, Li QX. Molecular Pathology of Patient Tumors, Patient-Derived Xenografts, and Cancer Cell Lines. Cancer Res 2016; 76:4619-26. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-3245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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47
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Jiang X, Feng K, Zhang Y, Li Z, Zhou F, Dou H, Wang T. Sorafenib and DE605, a novel c-Met inhibitor, synergistically suppress hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2016; 6:12340-56. [PMID: 25895026 PMCID: PMC4494942 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor of Raf, VEGF and PDGF receptor signaling is approved for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). One strategy to improve HCC therapy is to combine agents that target key signaling pathways. Aberrant mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met) activation is associated with a variety of human malignancies and therefore represents a target for therapy. In this study, we investigated a novel c-Met inhibitor, DE605, together with sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. DE605 and sorafenib synergistically induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Mechanistically, DE605 activated the FGFR3/Erk pathway, which in turn was inhibited by sorafenib, resulting in synergism. Finally, DE605 and sorafenib significantly inhibited growth of PLC/PRF/5 hepatocellular carcinoma tumor xenografts in athymic nude mice. Importantly, no obvious weight loss (toxicity) was detected. Thus in combination, DE605 and sorafenib target complementary anti-apoptotic pathways and synergistically suppress HCC, providing the rationale for clinical studies with this novel combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufeng Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi, China.,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kang Feng
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Zengyao Li
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fan Zhou
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiqiang Dou
- Department of General Surgery, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi, China.,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Zhang H, Patel N, Ding S, Xiong J, Wu P. Theranostics for hepatocellular carcinoma with Fe3O4@ZnO nanocomposites. Biomater Sci 2016; 4:288-98. [DOI: 10.1039/c5bm00361j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
An Fe3O4@ZnO/Dox/TfR Ab was designed and synthesized as a theranostic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma, allowing for a targeted drug delivery with concurrent chemoradiotherapy and visual MRI evaluation of the therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Zhang
- Department of Oncology
- Zhongda Hospital
- School of Medicine
- Southeast University
- Nanjing
| | - Nishant Patel
- Department of Oncology
- Zhongda Hospital
- School of Medicine
- Southeast University
- Nanjing
| | - Shuang Ding
- Department of Oncology
- Zhongda Hospital
- School of Medicine
- Southeast University
- Nanjing
| | - Jian Xiong
- Department of Oncology
- Zhongda Hospital
- School of Medicine
- Southeast University
- Nanjing
| | - Pingping Wu
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital
- Nanjing
- People's Republic of China
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49
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Gao JJ, Shi ZY, Xia JF, Inagaki Y, Tang W. Sorafenib-based combined molecule targeting in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:12059-12070. [PMID: 26576091 PMCID: PMC4641124 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i42.12059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib is the only and standard systematic chemotherapy drug for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at the current stage. Although sorafenib showed survival benefits in large randomized phase III studies, its clinical benefits remain modest and most often consist of temporary tumor stabilization, indicating that more effective first-line treatment regimens or second-line salvage therapies are required. The molecular pathogenesis of HCC is very complex, involving hyperactivated signal transduction pathways such as RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR and aberrant expression of molecules such as receptor tyrosine kinases and histone deacetylases. Simultaneous or sequential abrogation of these critical pathways or the functions of these key molecules involved in angiogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis may yield major improvements in the management of HCC. In this review, we summarize the emerging sorafenib-based combined molecule targeting for HCC treatment and analyze the rationales of these combinations.
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50
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Lee JJX, Chan JJ, Choo SP. Clinical Development of c-MET Inhibition in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Diseases 2015; 3:306-324. [PMID: 28943627 PMCID: PMC5548260 DOI: 10.3390/diseases3040306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 10/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death. In patients with advanced or unresectable HCC, there are few treatment options. Conventional chemotherapy has limited benefits. Sorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, improves survival, but options for patients intolerant of or progressing on sorafenib are limited. There has been much interest in recent years in molecular therapeutic targets and drug development for HCC. One of the more promising molecular targets in HCC is the cellular-mesenchymal-epithelial transition (c-MET) factor receptor. Encouraging phase II data on two c-MET inhibitors, tivantinib and cabozantinib, has led to phase III trials. This review describes the c-MET/hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signalling pathway and its relevance to HCC, and discusses the preclinical and clinical trial data for inhibitors of this pathway in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joycelyn J X Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169610, Singapore.
| | - Jack J Chan
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169610, Singapore.
| | - Su Pin Choo
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169610, Singapore.
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