Abstract 3031: Overcoming drug resistance in cancer: A paradigm shift with FoxM1 targeting

Abstract

Abstract In cancer treatment, overcoming drug resistance remains a formidable challenge. The oncogenic transcription factor FoxM1 is widely recognized for its crucial role in promoting drug resistance to various chemotherapeutic and target therapies. Its involvement is attributed to pivotal pathways, encompassing cell cycle progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Despite its prominent role in tumor drug resistance, achieving modulation of FoxM1 using small molecule therapeutics has proven elusive. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent, is known to induce a significant upregulation of FoxM1. In this study, we demonstrate that our novel compound A3 leads to a robust dose-dependent reduction of FoxM1 driven by 5-FU in HT-29 colorectal cancer cells. Notably, exposure of 5-FU-treated HT-29 cells to A3 was shown to promote apoptosis via pro-apoptotic factors, including PUMA. The mechanism of action was further elucidated through a comprehensive analysis of cell signaling molecules. This study presents an innovative approach using small molecule modulators to control FoxM1 levels, providing profound insights for potential therapeutic interventions in cancer treatment. Citation Format: Martin Pettersson, Su Jung Bae, Kyu-kwang Cho, Hye-yeoung Yun, Hee-Sung Park. Overcoming drug resistance in cancer: A paradigm shift with FoxM1 targeting [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3031.