Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Xenograft Research Articles

Aloperine in combination with therapeutic adenoviral vector synergistically suppressed the growth of non-small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and ranked top in terms of incidence and mortality in men and women. Recently, improvements in treatment approaches for NSCLC have reported, but still, there is a need to devise innovative treatment strategies, especially to manage the advanced and metastatic stage of NSCLC. Aloperine (ALO), an herbal alkaloid, has exerted anti-cancer effects in many cancers. However, the use of any chemotherapeutic agents is dose limited due to possible adverse effects and drug-resistance issues. Therefore, a combination of chemotherapy with viral-based targeted gene therapy may provide a novel treatment strategy for NSCLC. In this study, the results of the MTT and flow cytometry-based assays showed that Aloperine-Adbic (adenoviral vector expressing p14ARF/p53) combined treatment on NSCLC cells synergistically produced anti-proliferative effects, induced apoptosis, and arrested cell cycle at the G1 phase. Furthermore, the expression analysis suggested that the p53/p21 pathway might contribute to achieving aforesaid cytotoxic effects. The ALO-Adbic combined treatment prolonged the percent survival of NSCLC xenograft models. In conclusion, ALO-Adbic combination can produce synergistic anti-cancer effects at low doses, and may offer a more effective and less toxic new treatment strategy for NSCLC.

Hyaluronic Acid-Decorated Glycol Chitosan Nanoparticles for pH-Sensitive Controlled Release of Doxorubicin and Celecoxib in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer

Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of global cancer mortality. Recently, combinatorial treatment approaches have shown promise as they better address tumor heterogeneity. However, drug pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution differences remain problematic. To overcome these issues and improve therapeutic efficacies, the use of nanomedicines has been suggested. We devised a CD44 receptor target hyaluronic acid (HA)-decorated glycol chitosan (GC) nanoparticle which is conjugated to doxorubicin (DOX) by a pH-sensitive linker and coloaded celecoxib (CXB; HA-GC-DOX/CXB). Successful chemical conjugation of GC to DOX was confirmed and HA-GC-DOX/CXB showed ∼150 nm of uniform spherical shape. HA-GC-DOX/CXB were stable at pH 7.4 but steadily increased in size and released drugs at pH 6.0 and 4.0. In vitro NSCLC cells showed that DOX and CXB combination therapy has synergism in both free drug and nanoparticle formulation. In vivo NSCLC xenograft mice showed DOX and CXB exhibited a synergistic tumor suppressive effect in HA-GC-DOX/CXB. Furthermore, HA-GC-DOX/CXB dramatically inhibited tumor growth compared to other treatments as well as suppressed inflammation and metastasis-related gene/protein in the tumor tissues. Our findings demonstrate HA-GC-DOX/CXB is a potential anticancer therapy that controlled release under acidic tumor microenvironments and enhanced CD44 overexpressed tumor target efficacy.

HJC0152 suppresses human non-small-cell lung cancer by inhibiting STAT3 and modulating metabolism.

ObjectivesSignal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is constitutively activated and overexpressed in many cancers, including non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We recently developed HJC0152 as an orally active STAT3 inhibitor. This study focused on investigating HJC0152's effect and mechanism of action in NSCLC.Materials and methodsWe analysed cell proliferation by MTT assays, cell migration by wound healing and transwell assays, protein levels by Western blot, and apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level by flow cytometry. A nude mouse tumorigenesis model was established for in vivo experiment. UHPLC‐QTOF/MS was used for untargeted metabolomic relative quantitation analysis.ResultsWe found that HJC0152 exhibited activity against human NSCLC cells in vitro and NSCLC xenograft tumours in vivo via regulating STAT3 signalling and metabolism. HJC0152 efficiently reduced NSCLC cell proliferation, promoted ROS generation, induced apoptosis, triggered DNA damage and reduced motility in A549 and H460 NSCLC cells. Moreover, HJC0152 significantly inhibited the growth of A549 xenograft tumours in vivo. HJC0152 also affected metabolism, significantly decreasing and perturbating levels of several metabolites in the purine, glutathione and pyrimidine metabolism pathways.ConclusionsHJC0152 reduces cellular capacity to scavenge free radicals, leading to ROS generation and accumulation and apoptosis. This study provides a rationale for further developing HJC0152 as a potential therapy for NSCLC and provides insights into the mechanisms by which HJC0152 exerts its anti‐cancer effects.

A32 Evaluation of the Mutant KRAS-Driven NSCLC Tumor Immune Microenvironment Using Patient-Derived Cell Line Xenografts in a Humanized Mouse Preclinical Model for Development of New Immunotherapy Approaches

Tumor cell and tumor microenvironment (TME) features that influence the response to immune checkpoint blockade in lung cancer are incompletely defined. We wanted to develop preclinical models of lung cancer to explore the relationship of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) molecular characteristics (oncogenotype such as mutant KRAS and LKB1/STK11, and mRNA expression profiles) to the human TME. We exploited the use of 8 (all KRAS mutant) molecularly characterized (whole-exome seq mutation and RNAseq analyses) patient-derived NSCLC lines grown as xenografts in vivo in humanized NSG-SGM3 mice in an effort to determine the effect of different NSCLCs on the immune landscape of lung cancer xenografts. The triple transgenic NSG-SGM3 (NSGS) mice express human IL3, GM-CSF, and SCF, which combine the features of the highly immunodeficient NOD scid gamma (NSG) mouse with cytokines that support the stable engraftment of human myeloid lineages and regulatory T-cell populations. Subcutaneous KRAS mutant-driven non-NSCLC xenografts grown in NSG-SGM3 mice “humanized” with CD34+ cord blood cells were subjected to immune landscape analysis through flow cytometry, multiplex immunohistochemistry, and cytokine analysis. The xenografts were also treated with various combinations of checkpoint inhibitors, radiation, and activation of the innate immune pathway with emricasan (pan caspase inhibitor). Our results show: that the 8 KRAS mutant NSCLCs each were associated with a different spectrum of human TME; 3 of the 8 xenografts had only 0.1% of immune cell infiltrates while other xenografts had 20% immune cell infiltrates; that tumor mutation burden (TMB, absolute mutation calls 233 to 2,076) is not predictive of CD8+ T-cell infiltration in KRAS mutant-driven NSCLC xenografts. In NSCLC xenografts with high CD8+ T-cell infiltrate, the CD8+ cells in the TME were not activated, resulting in limited responses to PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. However, stimulation of the cGAS-STING innate immune pathway with emricasan followed by radiation (15 cGy) resulted in dramatic antitumor response. NSCLC xenografts grown in “humanized” mice show great intertumor heterogeneity effects on the TME even within the KRAS mutant subgroup, and it is possible to demonstrate targeted therapy such as emricasan/radiation can lead to changes in improved antitumor responses.

Hypo-fractionation radiotherapy normalizes tumor vasculature in non-small cell lung cancer xenografts through the p-STAT3/HIF-1 alpha signaling pathway.

Background:Hypo-fractionation radiotherapy (HFRT) was considered to be an important treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the radiobiological effects of HFRT on NSCLC remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate specific biological effect of HFRT on tumor angiogenesis, compared with conventional radiotherapy (CRT).Methods:The subcutaneous xenograft models and the dorsal skinfold window chamber (DSWC) models of nude mice bearing H460 and HCC827 NSCLC cells were irradiated with doses of 0 Gy (sham group), 22 Gy delivered into 11 fractions (CRT group) or 12 Gy delivered into 1 fraction (HFRT group). At certain time-points after irradiation, the volumes, hypoxic area, coverage rate of pericyte and micro-vessel density (MVD) of the subcutaneous xenograft models were detected, and the tumor vasculature was visualized in the DSMC model. The expressions of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription (p-STAT3), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF-1α), CXCL12 and VEGFA were detected.Results:Compared with the CRT groups, HFRT showed more-efficient tumor growth-suppression, accompanied by a HFRT-induced window-period, during which vasculature was normalized, tumor hypoxia was improved and MVD was decreased. Moreover, during the window-period, the signal levels of p-STAT3/HIF-1α pathway and the expressions of its downstream angiogenic factors (VEGFA and CXCL12) were inhibited by HFRT.Conclusion:Compared with CRT, HFRT induced tumor vasculature normalization by rendering the remaining vessels less tortuous and increasing pericyte coverage of tumor blood vessels, thereby ameliorating tumor hypoxia and enhancing the tumor-killing effect. Moreover, HFRT might exert the aforementioned effects through p-STAT3/HIF-1α signaling pathway.

Dual Loading of Nanoparticles with Doxorubicin and Icotinib for the Synergistic Suppression of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Background: Combination chemotherapy plays an important role in the clinical therapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the pharmacokinetic differences between drugs are an insurmountable barrier in traditional treatment. For the synergistic therapy of NSCLC, synergistic nanoparticles (EDS NPs) loaded with both an EGFR inhibitor and doxorubicin (DOX) were designed and prepared.Methods: Erlotinib, apatinib and icotinib were evaluated for optimal combination with DOX in treatment of NSCLC via CCK-8 assay. Then the cationic amphipathic starch (CSaSt) and hyaluronic acid (HA) were applied to coencapsulate DOX and EGFR inhibitor to form the EDS NPs. EDS NPs were evaluated in NSCLC cell lines (A549, NCI-H1975 and PC9) and NSCLC xenograft mouse models.Results: Icotinib was found to be the optimal synergistic drug in combination with DOX in the tested. Subsequently, icotinib and DOX were coencapsulated in the NPs. EDS NPs were roughly spherical with an average size of 65.7±6.2 nm and possessed stable loading and releasing properties. In the in vitro investigation, EDS NPs could efficiently deliver payloads into cells, exhibited cytotoxicity and produced strong anti-migration properties. In vivo hypotoxicity was confirmed by acute toxicity and hemolytic assays. The in vivo distribution showed that EDS NPs could enhance accumulation in tumors and decrease nonspecific accumulation in normal organs. EDS NPs significantly promoted the in vivo synergistic effects of icotinib and DOX in the mouse model.Conclusions: The study suggests that EDS NPs possess noteworthy potential for development as therapeutics for NSCLC clinical chemotherapy.

MIER3 suppresses the progression of non-small cell lung cancer by inhibiting Wnt/β-Catenin pathway and histone acetyltransferase activity.

BackgroundThe mesoderm induction early response 1, family member 3 (MIER3) gene has been recognized as potentially being associated with cancer. However, in relation to the development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the expression pattern and the role of MIER3 are yet to be reported. The aim of this research was to investigate the rate of expression of MIER3 in NSCLC cells and tissues and to investigate the role of MIER3 in NSCLC.MethodsSeventeen patients received NSCLC tissues and corresponding healthy tissues. MTT assay was used to determine cell proliferation. For detecting mRNA and protein expression, we used both quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot method. To measure cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution, we applied the flow cytometry technique. We used a wound-healing assay and a Transwell invasion assay to study cell migration and invasion.ResultsIn comparison with adjacent normal tissues, the expression of MIER3 was down-regulated in NSCLC tissues. In addition, the level of MIER3 in NSCLC cell lines was also lower than in pulmonary epithelial cell BEAS-2B. Moreover, when MIER3 was overexpressed, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were significantly inhibited, apoptosis increased, and cell cycle arrest was induced in A549 and H460 cells. MIER3 overexpression also suppressed tumor growth in NSCLC xenograft mouse models. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that MIER3 down-regulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in NSCLC cells. More importantly, MIER3 decreased the activity of histone acetyltransferase (HAT) p300, which may have contributed to its regulation on β-catenin and tumorigenesis.ConclusionsThe data suggests MIER3 takes on the tumor-suppressor role in the progression of NSCLC and, therefore, could prove to be a valuable clinical marker in the prognosis of the disease.

Hyperoside exhibits anticancer activity in non‑small cell lung cancer cells with T790M mutations by upregulating FoxO1 via CCAT1.

Acquired epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation is the most common mechanism that accounts for EGFR‑TKI (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) resistance of non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). High expense and acquired resistance weaken support for the use of osimertinib for T790M‑positive NSCLC treatment, and limit the efficacy and application of this drug. Hyperoside, a flavonol glycoside compound, extracted from Hypericum perforatum, has been reported to inhibit the growth of a variety of tumors. The present study aimed to investigate the role of hyperoside in treating NSCLC with T790M mutations, and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Cell viability assays, apoptosis analysis, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, western blot analysis, animal experiments and immunohistochemistry were performed to examine the anticancer activity of hyperoside. Hyperoside inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of T790M‑positive NSCLC cells. Hyperoside upregulated forkhead box proteinO1 (FoxO1) expression and downregulated the level of long non‑coding RNA (lncRNA) colon cancer associated transcript1 (CCAT1) in T790M‑positive NSCLC cells. In the invivo study, hyperoside inhibited the growth of T790M‑positive NSCLC xenografts. In conclusion, hyperoside inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis by upregulating FoxO1 via CCAT1 in T790M‑positive NSCLC both invitro and invivo, suggesting that hyperoside is a novel candidate for T790M‑positive NSCLC treatment.

Interplay of MKP-1 and Nrf2 drives tumor growth and drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer.

Alterations in KEAP1/ NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (NFE2L2/Nrf2) signaling pathway have been reported in 23% lung adenocarcinoma patients, suggesting that deregulation of the pathway is a major cancer driver. Here we report that mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) drives tumor growth and drug resistance by up regulating transcription factor Nrf2. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and xenografts, MKP-1 knockdown triggered the down-regulation of the metabolic enzymes and cytoprotective proteins, which are the target genes of Nrf2. Consequently, the cell growth was markedly inhibited with decrease of tumor metabolisms and GSH contents. Moreover, MKP-1 silencing sensitized NSCLC cells to cisplatin treatment. Mechanistically, MKP-1 inhibited the ubiquitylation of Nrf2 via a direct interaction with the transcription factor. Nrf2 was hence stabilized and its transcriptional program was activated. Notably, Nrf2 elevated MKP-1 expression at transcriptional level. In human lung adenoma tumor samples, high levels of expression of MKP-1, Nrf2, and its target gene heme oxygenase 1 were closely correlated. Thus, MKP-1 and Nrf2 form a forward feedback loop in lung cancer cells, which stabilizing and activating Nrf2 to promote anabolic metabolism and GSH biosynthesis. This study uncovers a novel role of MKP-1 in the malignant evolution of cancers.

Abstract C061: BT8009, a Bicycle Toxin Conjugate targeting Nectin-4, shows target selectivity, and efficacy in preclinical large and small tumor models

Abstract Small molecule toxin conjugates offer a novel approach to tumor antigen specific targeting, allowing reduced systemic exposures and efficient tumor penetration of cytotoxic payloads, compared to large antibody toxin conjugates. BT8009 is a Bicycle Toxin Conjugate (BTC®) in which a Nectin-4 binding Bicycle® (bicyclic peptide) is conjugated through an inert sarcosine spacer chain, and a cleavable linker, to the antimitotic toxin MMAE. Increased Nectin-4 expression has been reported in multiple tumor types (including bladder, breast, esophageal, colorectal, lung, ovarian and pancreatic cancers) and so represents an appropriate tumor binding target. Bicycles are small (1.5KDa) fully synthetic, structurally constrained peptides with the specificities and affinities akin to antibodies, and pharmacokinetic properties more like small molecules. These features make Bicycles very attractive novel drug modalities for therapeutic approaches in which low systemic exposures coupled with high local drug concentrations are desired. We have previously described the identification and optimization process leading to selection of BT8009 as a candidate for IND enabling studies. BT8009 has low nanomolar (3nM) affinity for Nectin-4 and high selectivity (>1000 fold) over Nectins 1-3 and the 5 nectin-like family members (Necl1-5). BT8009 is active in a broad range of Nectin-4 positive cell line and patient derived xenograft tumors in vivo, leading to stable diseases and tumor regressions with durable responses. This abstract describes recent work characterizing this molecule. Selectivity of the Bicycle has been further demonstrated by assessing the binding of the biotinylated version of the Nectin-4 Bicycle on a human, plasma membrane protein cell array expressing 5528 full length human plasma membrane and secreted proteins. In this assay the Bicycle bound only Nectin-4 itself, again demonstrating the excellent target specificity. Efficacy data for BT8009 has now been extended to demonstrate the anti-tumor activity of BT8009 in large (1000mm3) xenograft tumors, in which rapid and near complete responses are observed. We have further characterized the efficacy profile of BT8009 in a panel of patient-derived non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) xenograft models, as well as in a panel of patient-derived pancreatic ductal (PDAC) xenograft models demonstrating a high frequency of stable diseases and partial responses. We will also describe the ongoing work for identification and validation of biomarkers for treatment response. BT8009 shows excellent efficacy in xenograft models expressing Nectin-4 target and its pharmacokinetic profile enables it to provide a rapid attainment of high tumor exposure levels with reduced systemic exposure. IND-enabling studies are currently ongoing with BT8009. Citation Format: Michael Rigby, Gavin Bennett, Liuhong Chen, Gemma Mudd, Paul Beswick, Helen Harrison, Sophie Watcham, Heather Allen, Amy Brown, Katerine Van Rietschoten, Philip Jeffrey, Peter U Park, Eric Haines, Nicholas Keen, Johanna Lahdenranta. BT8009, a Bicycle Toxin Conjugate targeting Nectin-4, shows target selectivity, and efficacy in preclinical large and small tumor models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2019 Oct 26-30; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2019;18(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C061. doi:10.1158/1535-7163.TARG-19-C061

Long Non-Coding RNA HOXA11-AS Promotes Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Tumorigenesis Through microRNA-148a-3p/DNMT1 Regulatory Axis.

ObjectiveOur present study aimed to further investigate the molecular basis of long non-coding RNA homeobox A11 antisense (HOXA11-AS) in the tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsHOXA11-AS, microRNA-148a-3p (miR-148a-3p), and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) mRNA levels were measured by RT-qPCR assay. DNMT1 protein level was determined by Western blot assay. Cell proliferative capacity and apoptotic rate were determined by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The relationships of HOXA11-AS, miR-148a-3p, and DNMT1 were tested through bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assay, and RNA pull down assay. Mouse xenograft models of NSCLC were established to examine the biological function of HOXA11-AS in vivo.ResultsHOXA11-AS expression was notably upregulated and miR-148a-3p expression was conspicuously downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. HOXA11-AS knockdown curbed NSCLC cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis through directly increasing miR-148a-3p expression. Moreover, miR-148a-3p overexpression suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. HOXA11-AS functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-148a-3p to increase DNMT1 expression in NSCLC cells. And, DNMT1 upregulation weakened the influence of HOXA11-AS1 loss on NSCLC cell proliferation and apoptosis. Additionally, HOXA11-AS knockdown suppressed NSCLC xenograft growth by upregulating miR-148a-3p and downregulating DNMT1 in vivo.ConclusionHOXA11-AS facilitated NSCLC tumorigenesis through miR-148a-3p/DNMT1 axis in vitro and in vivo, deepening our understanding of the molecular basis of HOXA11-AS in the development of NSCLC.

Ubiquitin-specific protease 22 is critical to in vivo angiogenesis, growth and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer

BackgroundLoss of monoubiquitination of histone H2B (H2Bub1) was found to be associated with poor differentiation, cancer stemness, and enhanced malignancy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we investigated the biological significance and therapeutic implications of ubiquitin-specific protease 22 (USP22), an H2Bub1 deubiquitinase, in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsUSP22 expression and its clinical relevance were assessed in NSCLC patients. The effects of USP22 knockout on sensitivity to cisplatin and irradiation, and growth, metastasis of NSCLC xenografts, and survival of cancer-bearing mice were investigated. The underlying mechanisms of targeting USP22 were explored.ResultsOverexpression of USP22 was observed in 49.0% (99/202) of NSCLC tissues; higher USP22 immunostaining was found to be associated with enhanced angiogenesis and recurrence of NSCLC. Notably, USP22 knockout dramatically suppressed in vitro proliferation, colony formation; and angiogenesis, growth, metastasis of A549 and H1299 in mouse xenograft model, and significantly prolonged survival of metastatic cancer-bearing mice. Furthermore, USP22 knockout significantly impaired non-homologous DNA damage repair capacity, enhanced cisplatin and irradiation-induced apoptosis in these cells. In terms of underlying mechanisms, RNA sequencing and gene ontology enrichment analysis demonstrated that USP22 knockout significantly suppressed angiogenesis, proliferation, EMT, RAS, c-Myc pathways, concurrently enhanced oxidative phosphorylation and tight junction pathways in A549 and H1299 NSCLC cells. Immunoblot analysis confirmed that USP22 knockout upregulated E-cadherin, p16; reduced ALDH1A3, Cyclin E1, c-Myc, and attenuated activation of AKT and ERK pathways in these cells.ConclusionsOur findings suggest USP22 plays critical roles in the malignancy and progression of NSCLC and provide rationales for targeting USP22, which induces broad anti-cancer activities, as a novel therapeutic strategy for NSCLC patient.

Fluzoparib increases radiation sensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells without BRCA1/2 mutation, a novel PARP1 inhibitor undergoing clinical trials

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 inhibitors were originally investigated as anti-cancer therapeutics with BRCA1/2 genes mutation. Here, we investigate the effectiveness of a novel PARP1 inhibitor fluzoparib, for enhancing the radiation sensitivity of NSCLC cells lacking BRCA1/2 mutation. We used MTS assays, western blotting, colony formation assays, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry to evaluate the radiosensitization of NSCLC cells to fluzoparib and explore the underlying mechanisms in vitro. Through BRCA1 and RAD50 genes knockdown, we established dysfunctional homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair pathway models in NSCLC cells. We next investigated the radiosensitization effect of fluzoparib in vivo using human NSCLC xenograft models in mice. The expression of PARP1 and BRCA1 in human NSCLC tumor samples was measured by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we sequenced HR-related gene mutations and analyzed their frequencies in advanced NSCLC. In vitro experiments in NSCLC cell lines along with in vivo experiments using an NSCLC xenograft mouse model demonstrated the radiosensitization effect of fluzoparib. The underlying mechanisms involved increased apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, enhanced irradiation-induced DNA damage, and delayed DNA-damage repair. Immunohistochemical staining showed no correlation between the expression of PARP1 and BRCA1. Moreover, our sequencing results revealed high mutation frequencies for the BRCA1/2, CHEK2, ATR, and RAD50 genes. The potential therapeutic value of fluzoparib for increasing the radiation sensitivity of NSCLC is well confirmed. Moreover, our findings of high mutation frequencies among HR genes suggest that PARP1 inhibition may be an effective treatment strategy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Combined Effect of Lentinan and Cisplatin on Cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β in Tumor Therapy

Lentinan is a biologically active ingredient isolated from the fruiting body of Lentinula edodes (shiitake) and has antitumor properties. Cytokines, at the same time, are a key factor in regulating immune responses in physiological and pathological states. Many cytokines have shown positive effect on different malignancies in clinical trials. Studies have shown that such cytokines as IL6, TNF-α, and TGF-β play a quite important role in the formation of tumor microenvironment. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effect of combined medication of lentinan and cisplatin, another antitumor drug, and its impact on cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β in the treatment of tumor. The results showed that lentinan enhanced the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin on tumor cells. Furthermore, it was proved that the combined treatment of lentinan and cisplatin enhanced the inhibitory effect of cisplatin on the expression of IL-6, TNF- α, TGF-β and tumor growth in mice bearing human ovarian cancer xenograft, human prostate tumor xenograft, and human non-small cell lung cancer xenograft.

Enapotamab vedotin, an AXL-specific antibody-drug conjugate, shows preclinical antitumor activity in non-small cell lung cancer.

Targeted therapies and immunotherapy have shown promise in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the majority of patients fail or become resistant to treatment, emphasizing the need for novel treatments. In this study, we confirm the prognostic value of levels of AXL, a member of the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase family, in NSCLC and demonstrate potent antitumor activity of the AXL-targeting antibody-drug conjugate enapotamab vedotin across different NSCLC subtypes in a mouse clinical trial of human NSCLC. Tumor regression or stasis was observed in 17/61 (28%) of the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and was associated with AXL mRNA expression levels. Significant single-agent activity of enapotamab vedotin was validated in vivo in 9 of 10 AXL-expressing NSCLC xenograft models. In a panel of EGFR-mutant NSCLC cell lines rendered resistant to EGFR inhibitors in vitro, we observed de novo or increased AXL protein expression concomitant with enapotamab vedotin-mediated cytotoxicity. Enapotamab vedotin also showed antitumor activity in vivo in 3 EGFR-mutant, EGFR inhibitor-resistant PDX models, including an osimertinib-resistant NSCLC PDX model. In summary, enapotamab vedotin has promising therapeutic potential in NSCLC. The safety and preliminary efficacy of enapotamab vedotin are currently being evaluated in the clinic across multiple solid tumor types, including NSCLC.

Radioimmunoimaging of 125I-labeled anti-CD93 monoclonal antibodies in a xenograft model of non-small cell lung cancer.

Lung cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is the most common malignant tumor associated with poor prognosis. Angiogenesis plays a vital role in NSCLC, and could be used in tumor staging and therapy evaluation. CD93 (C1q receptor) is reportedly a key regulator of tumor angiogenesis. In the present study, the efficacy and specificity of a 125I-labeled CD93-specific monoclonal antibody (125I-anti-CD93 mAb) in detecting NSCLC xenografts were analyzed, and the association between CD93 expression and 125I-anti-CD93 mAb uptake by tumors was evaluated. The targeting ability of 125I-anti-CD93 mAb enabled its rapid, continuous and highly specific accumulation in CD93-expressing tumors in vivo. These results revealed the potential applicability of 125I-anti-CD93 mAb for non-invasive imaging diagnosis of CD93-positive NSCLC.

YTHDF1 links hypoxia adaptation and non-small cell lung cancer progression

Hypoxia occurs naturally at high-altitudes and pathologically in hypoxic solid tumors. Here, we report that genes involved in various human cancers evolved rapidly in Tibetans and six Tibetan domestic mammals compared to reciprocal lowlanders. Furthermore, m6A modified mRNA binding protein YTHDF1, one of evolutionary positively selected genes for high-altitude adaptation is amplified in various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We show that YTHDF1 deficiency inhibits NSCLC cell proliferation and xenograft tumor formation through regulating the translational efficiency of CDK2, CDK4, and cyclin D1, and that YTHDF1 depletion restrains de novo lung adenocarcinomas (ADC) progression. However, we observe that YTHDF1 high expression correlates with better clinical outcome, with its depletion rendering cancerous cells resistant to cisplatin (DDP) treatment. Mechanistic studies identified the Keap1-Nrf2-AKR1C1 axis as the downstream mediator of YTHDF1. Together, these findings highlight the critical role of YTHDF1 in both hypoxia adaptation and pathogenesis of NSCLC.

EP1.03-08 MiR-744 Facilitates Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Progression by Transcriptional Regulation of c-FOS

Metastasis is the leading cause of lung cancer associated death. Here, we focused on the function and downstream molecular mechanism of miR-744 and its potential clinical application in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression. The clinical cohort and data from TCGA were analyzed for the correlation of miR-744 and clinical outcomes. Multiple NSCLC cell lines and a NSCLC xenograft model were applied for the functional studies in vitro and in vivo respectively. Reporter assays were used for transcriptional regulatory mechanism study. It was confirmed that the overexpression of miR-744 was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in NSCLC. It was an independent prognostic molecular marker for NSCLC. Both in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that miR-744 overexpression aggravated the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC cells. MiR-744 positively regulated c-FOS by directly binding to the promoter of c-FOS. We also identified -358 to -332 bp and -221 to -192 bp upstream of c-FOS gene as the direct and efficient miR-744 binding site in c-FOS promoter region. MicroRNA-744 could regulate MAPK signaling and enhanced the resistance of lung cancer cells to radiotherapy and paclitaxel. Our findings uncover the function of miR-744 in NSCLC and reveal a novel mechanism of miR-744 in mediating growth and metastasis of NSCLC cells. Our data suggests that miR-744 may serve as a possible therapeutic target for NSCLC. Support: 81572279, 2016J004, LC2016PY016, 2018CR033.

87P - Preclinical pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship of ABN401, a highly selective met inhibitor, in gastric and non-small cell lung cancer models

BackgroundABN401 is a highly selective best-in-class Met inhibitor that is targeting MET-driven cancers. Met which is also known as a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor is encoded by the MET gene. MET alterations, including amplification and mutation, and Met overexpression are well known for tumorigenic transformation, tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis in several cancer types, including gastric and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ABN401 shows significant MET signaling inhibition in in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies, especially for cell lines, xenograft, and PDx models which have high MET amplification and/or MET exon 14 deletion. MethodsIn this study, to confirm the pharmacokinetic and pharmocodynamic correlation of ABN401, gastric cancer and NSCLC xenograft models were used. SNU-5, a gastric cancer cell line and EBC-1, a NSCLC cell line both of which has high MET amplification, were used for the xenograft model and dosed at 10mg/kg and 30mg/kg of ABN401 by oral administration. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed in both plasma and tumor tissue samples. Pharmacodynamic biomarkers including Met and phospho-Met (T1234/1235) and downstream signaling were analyzed by immunoblotting. In addition, an expression of Met and phospho-Met were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. ResultsThe PK results demonstrated that in both gastric and NSCLC xenograft models ABN401 drug was readily distributed to tumor tissues. According to both PD studies, ABN401 showed inhibitory effects of Met and downstream signaling in a time dependent manner for both cancer types. There was also correlated between the PK parameters in plasma and tumor samples and pharmacodynamics studies. ConclusionsThis preclinical PK/PD correlation study of ABN401 provides evidence for human dose predictions and dosing strategy for clinical studies. Legal entity responsible for the studyThe authors. FundingAbion Inc. DisclosureAll authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

DS-1205b, a novel selective inhibitor of AXL kinase, blocks resistance to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors in a non-small cell lung cancer xenograft model

The AXL receptor tyrosine kinase is involved in signal transduction in malignant cells. Recent studies have shown that the AXL upregulation underlies epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we investigated the effect of DS-1205b, a novel and selective inhibitor of AXL, on tumor growth and resistance to EGFR TKIs. In AXL-overexpressing NIH3T3 cells, DS-1205b potently inhibited hGAS6 ligand-induced migration in vitro and exerted significant antitumor activity in vivo. AXL was upregulated by long-term erlotinib or osimertinib treatment in HCC827 EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells, and DS-1205b treatment in combination with osimertinib or erlotinib effectively inhibited signaling downstream of EGFR in a cell-based assay. In an HCC827 EGFR-mutant NSCLC xenograft mouse model, combination treatment with DS-1205b and erlotinib significantly delayed the onset of tumor resistance compared to erlotinib monotherapy, and DS-1205b restored the antitumor activity of erlotinib in erlotinib-resistant tumors. DS-1205b also delayed the onset of resistance when used in combination with osimertinib in the model. These findings strongly suggest that DS-1205b can prolong the therapeutic benefit of EGFR TKIs in nonclinical as well as clinical settings.