Optimizing an effective combination of the new microtubule-targeting agent lisavanbulin with standard-of-care therapy for glioblastoma in patient-derived xenograft preclinical models.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Charest A
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8917392 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Optimizing an effective combination of the new microtubule-targeting agent lisavanbulin with standard-of-care therapy for glioblastoma in patient-derived xenograft preclinical models.
Neuro-oncology 20220301 3
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Project description:Glioblastoma (GB), a highly aggressive primary brain tumor, presents a poor prognosis despite the current standard therapy, including radiotherapy and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. Tumor microtubes involving connexin 43 (Cx43) contribute to glioma progression and therapy resistance, suggesting Cx43 inhibition as a potential treatment strategy. This research aims to explore the adjuvant potential of tonabersat, a Cx43 gap junction modulator and blood-brain barrier-penetrating compound, in combination with the standard of care for GB. In addition, different administration schedules and timings to optimize tonabersat's therapeutic window are investigated. The F98 Fischer rat model will be utilized to investigate tonabersat's impact in a clinically relevant setting, by incorporating fractionated radiotherapy (three fractions of 9 Gy) and TMZ chemotherapy (29 mg/kg). This study will evaluate tonabersat's impact on tumor growth, survival, and treatment response through advanced imaging (CE T1-w MRI) and histological analysis. Results show extended survival in rats receiving tonabersat with standard care, highlighting its adjuvant potential. Daily tonabersat administration, both preceding and following radiotherapy, emerges as a promising approach for maximizing survival outcomes. The study suggests tonabersat's potential to reduce tumor invasiveness, providing a new avenue for GB treatment. In conclusion, this preclinical investigation highlights tonabersat's potential as an effective adjuvant treatment for GB, and its established safety profile from clinical trials in migraine treatment presents a promising foundation for further exploration.
| S-EPMC10942024 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Microtubules are major components of the cellular cytoskeleton, ubiquitously founded in all eukaryotic cells. They are involved in mitosis, cell motility, intracellular protein and organelle transport, and maintenance of cytoskeletal shape. Avanbulin (BAL27862) is a microtubule-targeted agent (MTA) that promotes tumor cell death by destabilization of microtubules. Due to its unique binding to the colchicine site of tubulin, differently from other MTAs, avanbulin has previously shown activity in solid tumor cell lines. Its prodrug, lisavanbulin (BAL101553), has shown early signs of clinical activity, especially in tumors with high EB1 expression. Here, we assessed the preclinical anti-tumor activity of avanbulin in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and the pattern of expression of EB1 in DLBCL cell lines and clinical specimens. Avanbulin showed a potent in vitro anti-lymphoma activity, which was mainly cytotoxic with potent and rapid apoptosis induction. Median IC50 was around 10 nM in both ABC and GCB-DLBCL. Half of the cell lines tested showed an induction of apoptosis already in the first 24 h of treatment, the other half in the first 48 h. EB1 showed expression in DLBCL clinical specimens, opening the possibility for a cohort of patients that could potentially benefit from treatment with lisavanbulin. These data show the basis for further preclinical and clinical evaluation of lisavanbulin in the lymphoma field.
| S-EPMC10244095 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundGlioblastoma (GBM) is an incurable disease with few approved therapeutic interventions. Radiation therapy (RT) and temozolomide (TMZ) remain the standards of care. The efficacy and optimal deployment schedule of the orally bioavailable small-molecule tumor checkpoint controller lisavanbulin alone, and in combination with, standards of care were assessed using a panel of IDH-wildtype GBM patient-derived xenografts.MethodsMice bearing intracranial tumors received lisavanbulin +/-RT +/-TMZ and followed for survival. Lisavanbulin concentrations in plasma and brain were determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, while flow cytometry was used for cell cycle analysis.ResultsLisavanbulin monotherapy showed significant benefit (P < .01) in 9 of 14 PDXs tested (median survival extension 9%-84%) and brain-to-plasma ratios of 1.3 and 1.6 at 2- and 6-hours postdose, respectively, validating previous data suggesting significant exposure in the brain. Prolonged lisavanbulin dosing from RT start until moribund was required for maximal benefit (GBM6: median survival lisavanbulin/RT 90 vs. RT alone 69 days, P = .0001; GBM150: lisavanbulin/RT 143 days vs. RT alone 73 days, P = .06). Similar observations were seen with RT/TMZ combinations (GBM39: RT/TMZ/lisavanbulin 502 days vs. RT/TMZ 249 days, P = .0001; GBM26: RT/TMZ/lisavanbulin 172 days vs. RT/TMZ 121 days, P = .04). Immunohistochemical analyses showed a significant increase in phospho-histone H3 with lisavanbulin treatment (P = .01).ConclusionsLisavanbulin demonstrated excellent brain penetration, significant extension of survival alone or in RT or RT/TMZ combinations, and was associated with mitotic arrest. These data provide a strong clinical rationale for testing lisavanbulin in combination with RT or RT/TMZ in GBM patients.
| S-EPMC8917401 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundLisavanbulin (BAL101553) is a small, lipophilic, oral microtubule destabilizer with promising antitumoral activity observed in preclinical glioblastoma (GBM) models.MethodsThis multicenter phase 1 study sought to determine the MTD of oral Lisavanbulin in combination with standard RT (60 Gy/30 fractions) but without temozolomide in patients with newly diagnosed MGMT promoter unmethylated GBM (uGBM). Dose escalation followed a modified 3 + 3 design. Secondary objectives included estimation of OS and PFS and pharmacokinetic analysis.ResultsTwenty-six patients with uGBM (median age, 63 years, 42.3% male, 61.5% with gross total resection, median Karnofsky performance status 80) were enrolled; 2 tumors had an IDH1 mutation. Predefined dose levels of Lisavanbulin, administered daily concomitantly with RT, were: 4 mg (5 pts), 6 mg (5 pts), 8 mg (7 pts), 12 mg (5 pts), and 15 mg (4 pts). The initial starting dose was 8 mg. Due to grade 4 aseptic meningoencephalitis in the first patient, the dose was decreased to 4 mg. Dose escalation resumed and continued to 15 mg with dose-limiting toxicities of grade 2 confusion and memory impairment observed at 12 mg. Avanbulin exposures increased in a relatively dose-proportional manner with increasing oral dose of Lisavanbulin from 4 to 15 mg.ConclusionsLisavanbulin in combination with RT was considered safe up to the highest predefined oral dose level of 15 mg daily.
| S-EPMC11450402 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundAdoptive T-cell therapy targeting antigens expressed in glioblastoma has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent or delay recurrence and prolong overall survival in this aggressive disease setting. Ephrin receptor A3 (EphA3), which is highly expressed in glioblastoma; in particular, on the tumor vasculature and brain cancer stem cells, is an ideal target for immune-based therapies.MethodsWe have designed an EphA3-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) using the single chain variable fragment of a novel monoclonal antibody, and assessed its therapeutic potential against EphA3-expressing patient-derived glioblastoma neurospheres, organoids and xenografted glioblastoma tumors in immunodeficient mice.ResultsIn vitro expanded EphA3 CAR T cells from healthy individuals efficiently recognize and kill EphA3-positive glioblastoma cells in vitro. Furthermore, these effector cells demonstrated curative efficacy in an orthotopic xenograft model of glioblastoma. EphA3 CAR T cells were equally effective in targeting patient-derived neurospheres and infiltrate, disaggregate, and induce apoptosis in glioblastoma-derived organoids.ConclusionsThis study provides compelling evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of EphA3 CAR T-cell therapy against glioblastoma by targeting EphA3 associated with brain cancer stem cells and the tumor vasculature. The ability to target patient-derived glioblastoma underscores the translational significance of this EphA3 CAR T-cell therapy in the pursuit of effective and targeted glioblastoma treatment strategies.
| S-EPMC11308892 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant childhood brain tumor, and 5-year overall survival rates are as low as 40% depending on molecular subtype, with new therapies critically important. As radiotherapy and chemotherapy act through the induction of DNA damage, the sensitization of cancer cells through the inhibition of DNA damage repair pathways is a potential therapeutic strategy. The poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor veliparib was assessed for its ability to augment the cellular response to radiation-induced DNA damage in human medulloblastoma cells. DNA repair following irradiation was assessed using the alkaline comet assay, with veliparib inhibiting the rate of DNA repair. Veliparib treatment also increased the number of γH2AX foci in cells treated with radiation, and analysis of downstream pathways indicated persistent activation of the DNA damage response pathway. Clonogenicity assays demonstrated that veliparib effectively inhibited the colony-forming capacity of medulloblastoma cells, both as a single agent and in combination with irradiation. These data were then validated in vivo using an orthotopic implant model of medulloblastoma. Mice harboring intracranial D425 medulloblastoma xenografts were treated with vehicle, veliparib, 18 Gy multifractionated craniospinal irradiation (CSI), or veliparib combined with 18 Gy CSI. Animals treated with combination therapy exhibited reduced tumor growth rates concomitant with increased intra-tumoral apoptosis observed by immunohistochemistry. Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed a statistically significant increase in survival with combination therapy compared to CSI alone. In summary, PARP inhibition enhanced radiation-induced cytotoxicity of medulloblastoma cells; thus, veliparib or other brain-penetrant PARP inhibitors are potential radiosensitizing agents for the treatment of medulloblastoma.
| S-EPMC8116896 | biostudies-literature
Project description:PURPOSE:Even with an optimal treatment protocol, the median survival of glioblastoma (GB) patients is only 12-15 months. Hence, there is need for novel effective therapies that improve survival outcomes. Recent evidence suggests an important role for connexin (Cx) proteins (especially Cx43) in the microenvironment of malignant glioma. Cx43-mediated gap junctional communication has been observed between tumor cells, between astrocytes and between tumor cells and astrocytes. Therefore, gap junction directed therapy using a pharmacological suppressor or modulator, such as tonabersat, could be a promising target in the treatment of GB. In this preclinical study, we evaluated the possible therapeutic potential of tonabersat in the F98 model. PROCEDURES:Female Fischer rats were inoculated with ± 25.000 F98 tumor cells in the right frontal lobe. Eight days post-inoculation contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (CE-T1w) magnetic resonance (MR) images were acquired to confirm tumor growth in the brain. After tumor confirmation, rats were randomized into a Control Group, a Connexin Modulation Group (CM), a Standard Medical Treatment Group (ST), and a Standard Medical Treatment with adjuvant Connexin Modulation Group (STCM). To evaluate therapy response, T2-weighted (T2w) and CE-T1w sequences were acquired at several time points. Tumor volume analysis was performed on CE-T1w images and statistical analysis was performed using a linear mixed model. RESULTS:Significant differences in estimated geometric mean tumor volumes were found between the ST Group and the Control Group and also between the STCM Group and the Control Group. In addition, significant differences in estimated geometric mean tumor volumes between the ST Group and the STCM Group were demonstrated. No significant differences in estimated geometric mean tumor volumes were found between the Control Group and the CM Group. CONCLUSION:Our results demonstrate a therapeutic potential of tonabersat for the treatment of GB when used in combination with radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy.
| S-EPMC6802836 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Taxanes, such as paclitaxel (PTX), stabilize microtubules and are used as a first-line therapy in multiple cancer types. Disruption of microtubule equilibrium, which plays an essential role in mitosis and cell homeostasis, ultimately results in cell death. Even though PTX is a very potent chemotherapy, its use is associated with major side effects and therapy resistance. Pelophen B (PPH), a synthetic analog of peloruside A, stabilizes microtubules through interaction with a non-taxoid binding site of β-tubulin. We evaluated the anticancer effect of PPH in a variety of tumor types by using established cell lines, early-passage cultures and ex vivo tumor-derived cultures that preserve the 3D architecture of the tumor microenvironment. PPH significantly blocks colony formation capacity, reduces viability and exerts additivity with PTX. Interestingly, PPH overcomes resistance to PTX. Mechanistically, PPH induces a G2/M cell cycle arrest and increases the presence of tubulin polymerization promoting protein (TPPP), inducing lysine 40 acetylation of α-tubulin. Although, results induced by paclitaxel or PPH are concordant, PPH's unique microtubule binding mechanism enables PTX additivity and ensures overcoming PTX-induced resistance. In conclusion, PPH results in remarkable anti-cancer activity in a range of preclinical models supporting further clinical investigation of PPH as a therapeutic anticancer agent.
| S-EPMC11618378 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Glioblastoma, the most common and malignant primary brain tumor, always recurs after standard treatment. Therefore, promising new therapeutic approaches are needed. Short-range Auger-electron-emitters carry the ability of causing highly damaging radiation effects in cells. The aim of this study was to test the effect of [125I]5-Iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (125I-UdR, a radioactive Auger-electron-emitting thymidine analogue) Auger-therapy on immature glioblastoma spheroid cultures and orthotopic xenografted glioblastoma-bearing rats, the latter by means of convection-enhanced delivery (CED). Moreover, we aimed to determine if the therapeutic effect could be enhanced when combining 125I-UdR therapy with the currently used first-line chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide. 125I-UdR significantly decreased glioblastoma cell viability and migration in vitro and the cell viability was further decreased by co-treatment with methotrexate and/or temozolomide. Intratumoral CED of methotrexate and 125I-UdR with and without concomitant systemic temozolomide chemotherapy significantly reduced the tumor burden in orthotopically xenografted glioblastoma-bearing nude rats. Thus, 100% (8/8) of the animals survived the entire observation period of 180 days when subjected to the combined Auger-chemotherapy while 57% (4/7) survived after the Auger-therapy alone. No animals (0/8) treated with temozolomide alone survived longer than 50 days. Blood samples and post-mortem histology showed no signs of dose-limiting adverse effects. In conclusion, the multidrug approach consisting of CED of methotrexate and 125I-UdR with concomitant systemic temozolomide was safe and very effective leading to 100% survival in an orthotopic xenograft glioblastoma model. Therefore, this therapeutic strategy may be a promising option for future glioblastoma therapy.
| S-EPMC5135448 | biostudies-literature
Project description:PurposeTo test second-line personalized medicine combination therapies, based on genomic and proteomic data, in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models.Experimental designWe established 12 PDXs from BRAF inhibitor-progressed melanoma patients. Following expansion, PDXs were analyzed using targeted sequencing and reverse-phase protein arrays. By using multi-arm preclinical trial designs, we identified efficacious precision medicine approaches.ResultsWe identified alterations previously described as drivers of resistance: NRAS mutations in 3 PDXs, MAP2K1 (MEK1) mutations in 2, BRAF amplification in 4, and aberrant PTEN in 7. At the protein level, re-activation of phospho-MAPK predominated, with parallel activation of PI3K in a subset. Second-line efficacy of the pan-PI3K inhibitor BKM120 with either BRAF (encorafenib)/MEK (binimetinib) inhibitor combination or the ERK inhibitor VX-11e was confirmed in vivo Amplification of MET was observed in 3 PDX models, a higher frequency than expected and a possible novel mechanism of resistance. Importantly, MET amplification alone did not predict sensitivity to the MET inhibitor capmatinib. In contrast, capmatinib as single agent resulted in significant but transient tumor regression in a PDX with resistance to BRAF/MEK combination therapy and high pMET. The triple combination capmatinib/encorafenib/binimetinib resulted in complete and sustained tumor regression in all animals.ConclusionsGenomic and proteomic data integration identifies dual-core pathway inhibition as well as MET as combinatorial targets. These studies provide evidence for biomarker development to appropriately select personalized therapies of patients and avoid treatment failures. See related commentary by Hartsough and Aplin, p. 1550.
| S-EPMC4818716 | biostudies-literature