Role of IGF-1R inhibition on an Src-family kinase bypass resistance pathway: A rational basis for cotargeting IGF-1R and Src kinase in pediatric sarcomas?

Abstract

10025 Background: Dysregulation of IGF signaling plays a fundamental role in oncogenesis in pediatric sarcomas. We recently completed a Phase II study targeting the IGFI receptor signaling pathway in refractory Ewing’s and other sarcomas. We demonstrated an objective response rate of 16 percent, but most responses were transient lasting less than 18 weeks. The majority of patients, even those with initial responses, do not have long term benefit from IGFIR blockade, indicating the presence of an innately resistant tumor mass or the recruitment of compensatory pathways allowing for continued growth. To improve on these responses, we have been probing these tumors to identify other critical pathways that might allow combined targeting approaches. Methods: Multiple RMS and ES cell lines were treated with IGF1R kinase inhibitors and assayed for up-regulation of various signaling pathways. Combination treatment with IGF1R inhibitors and inhibitors of additional signaling pathways were then tested in vitro and in vivo using standard techniques. For in vivo xenograft studies, treatments began 11 days following orthotopic injection of tumor cells. Results: We have identified repid up-regulation of Src family kinase (SFK) signaling within 4 hours of IGF1R blockade in both RMS and ES cell lines. Of note, combined treatment with IGF1R Ab plus IGF1R kinase inhibitors most potently upregulated SFK signaling. Based on these findings, we tested combined IGF1R blockade with SFK inhibition using the commercially available drug, dasatinib. We show that dual blockade of IGF1R and SFK pathways were synergistic in vitro. Furthermore, in xenograft models of RMS, the combination IGF1R and SFK inhibition led to long-term disease free status for at least 90 days in some mice, never seen in our hands previously using these models. Conclusions: This work identified that IGF-1R inhibition induced activation of Src kinase that may act as a by-pass pathway. Synergistic activity of IGF-1R and SFK kinase inhibitors was observed in vitro and in vivo. Dual IGFI and SFK kinase inhibition may lead to improved therapeutic outcomes.