Six-transmembrane Epithelial Antigen Of Prostate-1 Research Articles

Targeting STEAP1 as an anticancer strategy.

Although the six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 1 (STEAP1) was first identified in advanced prostate cancer, its overexpression is recognized in multiple types of cancer and associated with a poor prognosis. STEAP1 is now drawing attention as a promising therapeutic target because of its tumor specificity and membrane-bound localization. The clinical efficacy of an antibody-drug conjugate targeting STEAP1 in metastatic, castration-resistant, prostate cancer was demonstrated in a phase 1 trial. Furthermore, growing evidence suggests that STEAP1 is an attractive target for immunotherapies such as chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy. In this review, we summarize the oncogenic functions of STEAP1 by cancer type. This review also provides new insights into the development of new anticancer strategies targeting STEAP1.

Prime-boost immunotherapeutic trial in men with biochemical recurrence after definitive local therapy for prostate cancer.

TPS5119 Background: VTP-850 is a heterologous prime-boost immunotherapeutic consisting of 2 nonreplicating viral-vectored components: ChAdOx1-PCAQ, based on an adenoviral vector, and MVA-PCAQ, based on a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vector. Both components encode the same 4 prostate cancer antigens: prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), six transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 1 (STEAP1), and 5T4, an oncofetal antigen. Preclinical studies in inbred, outbred, and HLA-A2 transgenic mice show that VTP-850 is highly immunogenic. Immune responses were measured in splenocytes using IFN-γ ELISpot assay, multiparameter flow cytometry, and targeted in vivo killing assays. The results indicate that VTP-850 can elicit T cell responses to each of the 4 encoded antigens, with the responses to PSA of greatest magnitude in all mouse strains studied. Intravenous administration of the boost resulted in a 6-fold increase in the magnitude of antigen-specific T cells induced and increased in vivo killing relative to the intramuscular boosting route1. Methods: This is a first-in-human multicenter Phase 1/2 trial to evaluate safety, PSA response rate and duration, and immunogenicity of VTP-850 in men with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after definitive local therapy. Phase 1 (15-18 participants) will follow a 3+3 design to determine the recommended phase 2 regimen; dose level of both ChAdOx1-PCAQ and MVA-PCAQ, and route of administration of MVA-PCAQ (IM or IV). Phase 2 will consist of 2 stages. In Stage 1, 19 additional participants will be enrolled at the chosen Phase 2 regimen. If 4 or more of the 25 participants (including the 6 Phase 1 participants who received the same regimen) have a PSA response (defined as ≥50% reduction in serum PSA compared to baseline at any time, measured twice consecutively, at least 2 weeks apart), Stage 2 will enroll 100 additional participants. Participants will be followed for 6 months or until start of new therapy (e.g. ADT) or until development of metastatic disease. Participants who have a PSA response during the 6 months follow up will be followed for up to an additional 18 months. Patients who have undergone primary therapy for prostate cancer and have biochemical recurrence are eligible. Patients must have nonmetastatic (M0) disease; serum PSA of > 0.3 ng/mL for participants with prior radical prostatectomy or serum PSA of 2 ng/mL above nadir for participants with prior external beam radiation or brachytherapy; PSA doubling time ≤12 months; and testosterone > 75 ng/dL. They cannot have received ADT within 6 months prior to Day 1 and cannot have received prior chemotherapy, immunotherapy or experimental agent for prostate cancer. The trial is open in the USA, with sites in Spain and Italy planned to open later in 2023. 1. Vardeu A et al 2022. Clinical trial information: NCT05617040 .

Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review.

The prognosis in the setting of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients (mCRPC) remains limited. Therefore, novel treatment strategies remain an unmet need. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) emerged as a new drug concept with the potential to deliver a cytotoxic payload with limited off-target toxicity and potentially bystander effect. Following the success of ADCs in breast cancer and urothelial tumours, their activity in prostate cancer is now under investigation. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to identify published and ongoing prospective clinical trials regarding ADC treatment in prostate cancer. A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science was conducted as per PRISMA guidelines to identify prospective clinical trials of ADCin prostate cancer. Trials are currently ongoing on ClinicalTrials.gov and in the EU. The Clinical Trials Register was also identified. Abstracts, publications in languages other than English, review articles, retrospective analyses, and phase I trials were excluded. A total of six phase I/II prospective clinical trials already published were included. Seven ongoing trials were also identified. All studies were in the refractory/advanced tumour setting, and two included only mCRPC patients. The ADC targets were prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), trophoblast cell surface antigen-2 (TROP-2), six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate-1 (STEAP-1), tissue factor (TF), delta-like protein 3 (DLL-3), B7-H3 family of proteins (B7-H3), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Regarding the efficacy of PSMA ADC treatment in the second-line or beyond mCRPC setting, a PSA ≥ 50% decline rate in 14% of all treated patients was reported. One patient achieved a complete response with TROP-2 ADC. Overall, a wide range of safety issues were raised, particularly in connection with neuropathy and hematologic toxicity. Novel therapies have been changing the scope of treatment in mCRPC. ADCs seem to provide efficacy benefits, even with potential toxicity. The results of most prospective ongoing studies are still awaited, and a longer follow-up time is warranted to evaluate the real impact of ADCs in PCa.

EFEMP1 binds to STEAP1 to promote osteosarcoma proliferation and invasion via the Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β/Smad2/3 signal pathways

PurposeTo investigate the prognostic value and function of six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 1 (STEAP1) in osteosarcoma and determine whether EFEMP1 mediates its effects. MethodsIHC (immunohistochemistry)/ICC (immunocytochemistry) in conjunction with RT-qPCR (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) were employed to assess the expression of STEAP1 in paratumoral tissues, osteosarcoma, benign fibrous dysplasia, osteosarcoma cells, normal osteoblastic hFOB cells, as well as various invasive subclones. The association of STEAP1 with outcome was examined with Kaplan–Meier graph among the osteosarcoma population. The effects of the down-regulation and up-regulation of STEAP1 on the biological behavior of osteosarcoma cells were studied through in-vitro and in-vivo functional tests. ResultsUp-regulation of STEAP1 in the osteosarcoma tissues, whose correlations with the malignant osteosarcoma phenotype and the poor patient outcome were positive. In addition, STEAP1 induced the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) via the Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathways and facilitated the osteosarcoma cell infiltration and migration. An increase or decrease in EFEMP1 expression directly promoted or inhibited the expression of STEAP1. In osteosarcoma cells overexpressing EFEMP1, STEAP1 knockdown significantly inhibited cell invasion, EMT process, and increased activity of Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathways. Although exogenous EFEMP1 could stimulate the Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathways to promote the EMT, it had not effect on osteosarcoma cells with STEAP1 knockdown. Collectively, similar to EFEMP1, STEAP1 acted like an oncogene in the osteosarcoma progression. ConclusionEFEMP1 enabled the Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β/Smad2/3 axises initiation and EMT elicitation by targeting STEAP1, thereby facilitating the osteosarcoma cell infiltration and migration. These results are expected to contribute to the search for new targeted drugs able to effectively inhibit invasion and metastasis and improve prognosis in osteosarcoma.

Development of STEAP1 targeting chimeric antigen receptor for adoptive cell therapy against cancer

Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that retarget T cells against CD19 show clinical efficacy against B cell malignancies. Here, we describe the development of a CAR against the six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate-1 (STEAP1), which is expressed in ∼90% of prostate cancers, and subgroups of other malignancies. STEAP1 is an attractive target, as it is associated with tumor invasiveness and progression and only expressed at low levels in normal tissues, apart from the non-vital prostate gland. We identified the antibody coding sequences from a hybridoma and designed a CAR that is efficiently expressed in primary T cells. The T cells acquired the desired anti-STEAP1 specificity, with a polyfunctional response including production of multiple cytokines, proliferation, and the killing of cancer cells. The response was observed for both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and against all STEAP1+ target cell lines tested. We evaluated the in vivo CAR T activity in both subcutaneous and metastatic xenograft mouse models of prostate cancer. Here, the CAR T cells infiltrated tumors and significantly inhibited tumor growth and extended survival in a STEAP1-dependent manner. We conclude that the STEAP1 CAR exhibits potent in vitro and in vivo functionality and can be further developed toward potential clinical use.

A phase 1 study of AMG 509 in patients (pts) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

TPS5101 Background: Six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 1 (STEAP1) is overexpressed on the surface of prostate cancer cells with low or no expression on normal tissue. AMG 509 is a bispecific XmAb 2+1 T-cell engager that simultaneously binds to STEAP1 on tumor cells and the CD3 complex on T cells resulting in T-cell mediated lysis of STEAP1-expressing cells. AMG 509 demonstrated significant antitumor activity in preclinical prostate cancer models. Methods: This 4-part, first-in-human study will evaluate AMG 509 in pts with mCRPC previously treated with novel hormonal therapy (NHT) and will assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and efficacy of AMG 509 to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). Part 1 is currently enrolling pts previously treated with NHT and up to 2 prior taxanes. As of 31 January 2022, 60 of up to 110 pts have been enrolled for treatment with intravenous (IV) AMG 509 with initial inpatient dosing followed by outpatient treatment. Part 2 will evaluate subcutaneous dosing of AMG 509 in the same patient population as in Part 1. Part 3 will explore AMG 509 IV dosing in chemotherapy-naïve pts who have been treated previously with one NHT and will provide additional data on the safety, PK, efficacy, pharmacodynamics, and correlative biomarkers at the MTD or RP2D determined in Part 1. Part 4 will evaluate the combination of AMG 509 with abiraterone (Part 4A) or enzalutamide (Part 4B) in pts previously treated with one NHT and up to 1 prior taxane for castration-sensitive disease. Primary outcome measures include dose-limiting toxicities, treatment-emergent and treatment-related adverse events, and change in clinical and laboratory parameters. Key secondary outcome measures include PK, objective response per RECIST 1.1, prostate-specific antigen response, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Key inclusion criteria are men ≥18 years of age with pathologically confirmed mCRPC, refractoriness to NHT, evidence of progressive disease, and ECOG performance status of 0–1. Key exclusion criteria are pure small cell or neuroendocrine carcinoma of the prostate, untreated CNS metastases or leptomeningeal disease, recent anticancer therapy or immunotherapy within 4 weeks of start of first dose not including luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone/gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (agonist/antagonist) therapy, radiation therapy, and a history of or current autoimmune disease or any disease requiring chronic immunosuppressive therapy. The trial is being carried out in investigative sites in North America, Australia, Asia, and Europe. The study opened in January 2020 and is recruiting pts for the dose exploration phase of Part 1; parts 2 and 4 are open for enrollment. Part 3 will be initiated once the MTD and/or RP2D have been determined in Part 1. Clinical trial information: NCT04221542.

Evaluation of the Prognostic Value of STEAP1 in Lung Adenocarcinoma and Insights Into Its Potential Molecular Pathways via Bioinformatic Analysis.

BackgroundUpregulation of the six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate-1 (STEAP1) is closely associated with prognosis of numerous malignant cancers. However, its role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the most common type of lung cancer, remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of STEAP1 in the occurrence and progression of LUAD and the potential mechanisms underlying its regulatory effects.MethodsSTEAP1 mRNA and protein expression were analyzed in 40 LUAD patients via real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. We accessed the clinical data of 522 LUAD patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to investigate the expression and prognostic role of STEAP1 in LUAD. Further, we performed gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to elucidate the potential mechanism underlying the role of STEAP1 in LUAD. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of STEAP1 was analyzed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database, and hub genes with significant positive and negative associations with STEAP1 were identified and their role in LUAD prognosis was predicted.ResultsSTEAP1 was significantly upregulated in LUAD patients and associated with LUAD prognosis. Further, TCGA data indicated that STEAP1 upregulation is correlated with the clinical prognosis of LUAD. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that the genes co-expressed with STEAP1 were primarily involved in cell division, DNA replication, cell cycle, apoptosis, cytokine signaling, NF-kB signaling, and TNF signaling. GSEA revealed that homologous recombination, p53 signaling pathway, cell cycle, DNA replication, apoptosis, and toll-like receptor signaling were highly enriched upon STEAP1 upregulation. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) analysis revealed that the top 10 hub genes associated with STEAP1 expression were also associated with the LUAD prognosis.ConclusionSTEAP1 upregulation potentially influences the occurrence and progression of LUAD and its co-expressed genes via regulation of homologous recombination, p53 signaling, cell cycle, DNA replication, and apoptosis. STEAP1 is a potential prognostic biomarker for LUAD.

Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution of a [89Zr]Zr-DFO-MSTP2109A Anti-STEAP1 Antibody in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients.

A six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate-1 (STEAP1) is a newly identified target in prostate cancer. The use of radio-labeled STEAP1-targeting antibodies with positron emission tomography (PET) may allow for detection of sites of metastatic prostate cancer and may refine patient selection for antigen-directed therapies. This was a prospective study in seven patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who had at least one archival biopsy that was STEAP1-positive by immunohistochemistry. Patients received intravenous injections of ∼185 MBq and 10 mg of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-MSTP2109A, a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody directed against STEAP1. PET/CT images, blood samples, and whole-body counts were monitored longitudinally in six patients. Here, we report on safety, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, dose estimates to normal tissues, and initial tumor targeting for this group of patients. There was no significant acute or subacute toxicity. Favorable biodistribution and enhanced lesion uptake (in both bone and soft tissue) were observed on imaging using a mass of 10 mg of DFO-MSTP2109A. The best lesion discrimination was seen at the latest imaging time, a median of 6 days postadministration. Pharmacokinetics showed a median serum T1/2 β of 198 h, volume of central compartment of 3.54 L (similar to plasma volume), and clearance of 19.7 mL/h. The median biologic T1/2 for whole-body retention was 469 h. The highest mean absorbed doses to normal organs (mGy/MBq) were 1.18, 1.11, 0.78, 0.73, and 0.71 for liver, heart wall, lung, kidney, and spleen, respectively. Excellent targeting of metastatic prostate sites in both bone and soft tissue was observed, with an optimal imaging time of 6 days postadministration. The liver and heart were the normal organs that experienced the highest absorbed doses. The pharmacokinetics were similar to other antibodies without major cross-reactivity with normal tissues. A more detailed analysis of lesion targeting in a larger patient population with correlation to immunohistology and standard imaging modalities has been reported.

Abstract 2069: Initial PET imaging and pharmacokinetic results from a Phase I/II study of Zr-89-labeled anti-STEAP1 antibody in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients

Abstract Introduction: STEAP1 (Six Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of Prostate 1) is a cell-surface therapeutic target overexpressed in 85% of prostate cancers. Zr-89 MSTP2109A, a humanized antibody targeting STEAP1 conjugated with desferrioxamine and radiolabeled with positron emitter Zr-89 (T1/2 78 h) was developed to enable imaging of STEAP1 expressing tumors. Methods: To evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), biodistribution and tumor uptake a prospective Phase I/II PET imaging study in mCRPC patients is ongoing. Patients with STEAP1 positive immunohistochemistry (IHC) in archival tissue were studied following 5.0 + 0.2 mCi IV injection of Zr-89 MSTP2109A (immunoreactivity 96 + 2%) . PET/CT images were compared with contemporaneous bone, CT and when available FDG scan findings on a lesional basis. Results: 15 patients have been studied. Two drug related adverse events included mild rigors and/or chills. The first 6 patients were imaged at four timepoints over a 7 day period and showed that PET imaging tumor uptake increased over time and was optimal at 6d (range 5-9). Based on this, all subsequent patients were imaged on day 6. Median PK showed: Plasma concentration at zero time (Co) 28.2%ID/L; T1/2 beta 197.8h; volume of distribution 3.543L; clearance 19.7 ml/h. All patients had definite Zr-89 MSTP2109A uptake in multiple sites of known disease (bone scan or CT standard-of-reference). All patients had bone and 7 had soft tissue metastases on Zr-89 MSTP2109A. In 10 patients, the Zr-89 MSTP2109A and bone scans detected a similar number of lesions; in 5 patients, the bone scan detected many more lesions. This discordance may represent treated non viable disease, as contemporaneous FDG PET scans tended to concur with the Zr-89 MSTP2109A scans rather than bone scans. In 4 of 7 pts Zr-89 MSTP2109A detected more soft tissue lesions than CT. The mean maximal standardized uptake values (SUVmax) in bone and soft tissue metastasis were 22.5 + 13.5 (range 4.4 to 59.3) and 16.4 + 5.6 (range 9.0 to 24.0) respectively. Correlation of tumor SUVmax and IHC is in progress. 11 of 15 patients underwent 11 biopsies within 30d of study (mean 18 + 9d), 7 were performed in PET positive sites after Zr-89 MSTP2109A imaging, 4 were performed prior to PET imaging; tumor was present in 10 of the 11 biopsies and they were all Zr-89 MSTP2109A positive. Conclusion: Zr-89 MSTP2109A is well tolerated. It shows high and progressively increasing tumor contrast in patients with mCRPC. All sites biopsied (11/11) had increased Zr-89 MSTP2109A uptake, only one biopsy was negative for tumor. Given its excellent tumor uptake additional studies to further characterize Zr-89 MSTP2109A may be pursued, for example, selecting patients for STEAP1 directed therapies, assessing treatment response to STEAP1 directed therapy, or as an early biomarker for metastatic disease. Citation Format: Jorge A. Carrasquillo, Daniel C. Danila, Volkan Beylergil, Joseph A. O'Donoghue, Sarah M. Cheal, Shutian Ruan, Neeta Pandit-Taskar, Josef J. Fox, Stephen E. Fleming, Pat B. Zanzonico, Govind Ragupathi, Serge K. Lyashchenko, Simon P. William, Steven M. Larson, Howard I. Scher, Bernard M. Fine, Michael J. Morris. Initial PET imaging and pharmacokinetic results from a Phase I/II study of Zr-89-labeled anti-STEAP1 antibody in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2069. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2069

Impact of Drug Conjugation on Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of Anti-STEAP1 Antibody–Drug Conjugates in Rats

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are designed to combine the exquisite specificity of antibodies to target tumor antigens with the cytotoxic potency of chemotherapeutic drugs. In addition to the general chemical stability of the linker, a thorough understanding of the relationship between ADC composition and biological disposition is necessary to ensure that the therapeutic window is not compromised by altered pharmacokinetics (PK), tissue distribution, and/or potential organ toxicity. The six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 1 (STEAP1) is being pursued as a tumor antigen target. To assess the role of ADC composition in PK, we evaluated plasma and tissue PK profiles in rats, following a single dose, of a humanized anti-STEAP1 IgG1 antibody, a thio-anti-STEAP1 (ThioMab) variant, and two corresponding thioether-linked monomethylauristatin E (MMAE) drug conjugates modified through interchain disulfide cysteine residues (ADC) and engineered cysteines (TDC), respectively. Plasma PK of total antibody measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed ∼45% faster clearance for the ADC relative to the parent antibody, but no apparent difference in clearance between the TDC and unconjugated parent ThioMab. Total antibody clearances of the two unconjugated antibodies were similar, suggesting minimal effects on PK from cysteine mutation. An ELISA specific for MMAE-conjugated antibody indicated that the ADC cleared more rapidly than the TDC, but total antibody ELISA showed comparable clearance for the two drug conjugates. Furthermore, consistent with relative drug load, the ADC had a greater magnitude of drug deconjugation than the TDC in terms of free plasma MMAE levels. Antibody conjugation had a noticeable, albeit minor, impact on tissue distribution with a general trend toward increased hepatic uptake and reduced levels in other highly vascularized organs. Liver uptakes of ADC and TDC at 5 days postinjection were 2-fold and 1.3-fold higher, respectively, relative to the unmodified antibodies. Taken together, these results indicate that the degree of overall structural modification in anti-STEAP1-MMAE conjugates has a corresponding level of impact on both PK and tissue distribution.

Production of Antibodies against Multipass Membrane Proteins Expressed in Human Tumor Cells Using Dendritic Cell Immunization

Antibody mediated therapeutic strategies against human malignant tumors have been widely authorized and clinically applied to cancer patients. In order to develop methods to generate antibodies reactive to the extracellular domains of multipass plasma membrane proteins specifically expressed in malignant tumors, we examined the use of dendritic cells (DCs) for immunization. DCs were transduced with genes encoding the human six transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 1 (STEAP1), STEAP4, and seven transmembrane prostate specific G-protein coupled receptor (PSGR). Mice were immunized with these DCs and followed by repeated booster immunization with plasmids expressing each protein. The immunized mice produced significant amounts of antibodies against these proteins. Our results suggest that DC immunization is an effective method to produce antibodies reactive to extracellular regions of plasma membrane proteins with multiple-transmembrane domains, and may be useful to develop antibody mediated antitumor therapies.