A foretaste for pediatric glioblastoma therapy: targeting the NF-kB pathway with DHMEQ.

Abstract

While pediatric glioblastomas are molecularly distinct from adult counterparts, the activation of NF-kB is partially shared by both subsets, playing key roles in tumor propagation and treatment response. We show that, in vitro, dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ) impairs growth and invasiveness. Xenograft response to the drug alone varied according to the model, being more effective in KNS42-derived tumors. In combination, SF188-derived tumors were more sensitive to temozolomide while KNS42-derived tumors responded better to the combination with radiotherapy, with continued tumor regression. Taken together, our results strengthen the potential usefulness of NF-kB inhibition in future therapeutic strategies to overcome this incurable disease.