A novel pyrrolo[3, 2‐d]pyrimidine derivative, as a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, shows potent antitumor activity by suppression of tumor angiogenesis

Abstract

We recently reported that compound 20d (comp.20d), a novel pyrrolo[3, 2-d]pyrimidine derivative, is a potent and selective inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis-related kinases, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR). In this study, we show that comp.20d potently blocks the VEGF- and PDGF-stimulated cellular phosphorylation (IC(50) = 2.5 and 3.6 nM, respectively) and proliferation of HUVECs and human coronary artery smooth muscle cells with IC(50) values of 2.8 and 9.6 nM, respectively, and potently inhibits the VEGF-induced tube formation of endothelial cells cocultured with fibroblasts (IC(50) = 3.3 nM). Given orally twice daily, comp.20d at the doses of 1.5-6 mg/kg showed antitumor effects in mice bearing various human cancer xenografts. Consistent with the anti-angiogenic mechanism of action, histological examination of tumors from comp. 20d-treated mice indicated a decrease in microvessel density and inhibition of pericyte recruitment to microvessels, and these were concomitant with decreased interstitial fluid pressure that allowed for therapeutic intratumoral uptake of CPT-11 (irinotecan hydrochloride). In conclusion, comp.20d is an extremely potent inhibitor of VEGFR/PDGFR kinases whose activities suggest therapeutic potential for the treatment of solid tumors that rely on angiogenesis for their survival.