Selective FLT3 Inhibitor FI-700 Neutralizes Mcl-1 and Enhances p53-Mediated Apoptosis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Cells with Activating Mutations of FLT3 Via Mcl-1/Noxa Axis.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 2597-2597
Author(s):  
Kensuke Kojima ◽  
Marina Konopleva ◽  
Twee Tsao ◽  
Michael Andreeff ◽  
Hiroshi Ishida ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 2597 Poster Board II-573 Introduction: Activating mutations of the Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 gene (FLT3) occur in approximately 30–40% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. FLT3 mutations confer numerous oncogenic properties, including dysregulated proliferation, resistance to apoptosis and a block in differentiation. FLT3 mutations result in abnormal activation of the downstream pathways, including signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (Mek)/extracellular signal–regulated kinase (Erk) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt. Activation of these downstream effectors has been thought to allow leukemia cells to evade apoptosis. Targeting of FLT3 mutations is a promising approach to overcome the dismal prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with activating FLT3 mutations. Current trials are combining FLT3 inhibitors with p53-activating conventional chemotherapy. The mechanisms of cytotoxicity of FLT3 inhibitors are poorly understood. We investigated the interaction of FLT3 and p53 pathways after their simultaneous blockade using the selective FLT3 inhibitor FI-700 and the MDM2 inhibitor Nutlin-3 in AML. Results: FI-700 induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis as evidenced by increased sub-G1 DNA content and phosphatidylserine externalization in FLT3/ITD MOLM-13 (FLT3-ITD, wild-type (wt)-p53) and MV4-11NR (FLT3-ITD, mutated-p53) AML cells. FI-700 did not affect cell cycle distribution patterns nor did it induce apoptosis in FLT3/WT OCI-AML-3 (FLT3/WT, wt-p53) and HL-60 (FLT3/WT, del (del)-p53). Wt-p53 MOLM-13 and OCI-AML-3 cells were susceptible to Nutlin-induced apoptosis. FI-700 augmented Nutlin-induced Bax activation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss, caspase-3 activation and phosphatidylserine externalization in MOLM-13 cells. FI-700 rapidly reduced Mcl-1 levels in FLT3/ITD cells, mainly by enhancing proteasomal Mcl-1 degradation. Levels of other Bcl-2 family proteins examined did not change significantly. Mcl-1 levels were only modestly reduced upon Nutlin treatment. The FI-700/Nutlin-3 combination profoundly reduced Mcl-1 levels. Immunoprecipitation/ immunoblotting results suggested that the drug combination results in a profound decrease in Mcl-1-bound Bim. FI-700 enhanced doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in FLT3/ITD MOLM-13 and MV4-11NR cells, suggesting that FI-700 can enhance both the p53-dependent and the p53-independent apoptotic effects of doxorubicin. Finally, cooperative apoptotic effects of FI-700/Nutlin-3 were seen in primary AML cells with FLT3/ITD. Conclusion: FLT3 inhibition by FI-700 immediately reduces anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 levels and enhances Nutlin-induced p53-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis in FLT3/ITD-expressing AML cells via the Mcl-1/Noxa axis. FLT3 inhibition, in combination with p53-inducing agents, might represent a potential therapeutic approach in AML with FLT3/ITD. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (43) ◽  
pp. E6669-E6678 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Gregory ◽  
Angelo D’Alessandro ◽  
Francesca Alvarez-Calderon ◽  
Jihye Kim ◽  
Travis Nemkov ◽  
...  

Activating mutations in FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) are common in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and drive leukemic cell growth and survival. Although FLT3 inhibitors have shown considerable promise for the treatment of AML, they ultimately fail to achieve long-term remissions as monotherapy. To identify genetic targets that can sensitize AML cells to killing by FLT3 inhibitors, we performed a genome-wide RNA interference (RNAi)-based screen that identified ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated) as being synthetic lethal with FLT3 inhibitor therapy. We found that inactivating ATM or its downstream effector glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) sensitizes AML cells to FLT3 inhibitor induced apoptosis. Examination of the cellular metabolome showed that FLT3 inhibition by itself causes profound alterations in central carbon metabolism, resulting in impaired production of the antioxidant factor glutathione, which was further impaired by ATM or G6PD inactivation. Moreover, FLT3 inhibition elicited severe mitochondrial oxidative stress that is causative in apoptosis and is exacerbated by ATM/G6PD inhibition. The use of an agent that intensifies mitochondrial oxidative stress in combination with a FLT3 inhibitor augmented elimination of AML cells in vitro and in vivo, revealing a therapeutic strategy for the improved treatment of FLT3 mutated AML.


Haematologica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alisa Damnernsawad ◽  
Daniel Bottomly ◽  
Stephen E. Kurtz ◽  
Christopher A. Eide ◽  
Shannon K. McWeeney ◽  
...  

Drug resistance impedes the long-term effect of targeted therapies in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), necessitating the identification of mechanisms underlying resistance. Approximately 25% of AML patients carry FLT3 mutations and develop post-treatment insensitivity to FLT3 inhibitors, including sorafenib. Using a genome-wide CRISPR screen, we identified LZTR1, NF1, TSC1 or TSC2, negative regulators of the MAPK and MTOR pathways, as mediators of sorafenib resistance. Analyses of ex vivo drug sensitivity assays in FLT3-ITD AML patient samples revealed lower expression of LZTR1, NF1, and TSC2 correlated with sorafenib sensitivity. Importantly, MAPK and/or MTOR complex1 (MTORC1) activity were upregulated in AML cells made resistant to several FLT3 inhibitors, including crenolanib, quizartinib, or sorafenib. These cells were sensitive to MEK inhibitors, and the combination of FLT3 and MEK inhibitors showed enhanced efficacy, suggesting its effectiveness in AML patients with FLT3 mutations and those with resistance to FLT3 inhibitors.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 961-981 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lexian Tong ◽  
Xuemei Li ◽  
Yongzhou Hu ◽  
Tao Liu

Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) mutations occur in approximately 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases, suggesting FLT3 as an attractive target for AML treatment. Early FLT3 inhibitors enhance antileukemia efficacy by inhibiting multiple targets, and thus had stronger off-target activity, increasing their toxicity. Recently, a number of potent and selective FLT3 inhibitors have been developed, many of which are effective against multiple mutations. This review outlines the evolution of AML-targeting FLT3 inhibitors by focusing on their chemotypes, selectivity and activity over FLT3 wild-type and FLT3 mutations as well as new techniques related to FLT3. Compounds that currently enter the late clinical stage or have entered the market are also briefly reported.


2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 478-483
Author(s):  
Cade D Arries ◽  
Sophia L Yohe

Abstract Background FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3-ITD) mutations are some of the most common mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and patient outcomes have improved since the advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. First, granulocytic differentiation was described in FLT3-positive AML treated with FLT3 inhibitors, and more recently, monocytic differentiation was reported. Methods Two patients with myelomonocytic cells in their bone marrow were identified during routine follow-up after AML treatment that included FLT3 inhibitors. The bone marrow study was done as standard of care. Results Both patients had FLT3-ITD+ AML and showed an atypical maturing monocytic cell population and a decrease in the leukemic blast cell population after FLT3 inhibitor therapy. Concurrent genetic testing revealed persistent genetic abnormalities. Conclusions These cases illustrate monocytic maturation in FLT3+ AML after FLT3 inhibitor treatment. It is critical for pathologists and clinicians to be aware of the differentiation phenomenon, as these patients have persistent molecular abnormalities despite response to treatment and normalization of blast counts.


Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 3949-3949
Author(s):  
Paolo Strati ◽  
Hagop M Kantarjian ◽  
Aziz Nazha ◽  
Gautam Borthakur ◽  
Naval G. Daver ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) affect primarily elderly pts. Their treatment with aggressive chemotherapy is frequently challenging. Moreover, pts with FLT3 mutations have very poor prognosis. We hypothesized that the combination of midostaurin, a FLT3 inhibitor, and 5-AZA, a hypomethylating agent, may be an effective and safe regimen. Methods Both untreated (8) and previously treated (36) pts with AML or MDS were eligible for this study, regardless of FLT3 mutation and prior exposure to FLT3 inhibitors. Pts received 5-AZA 75 mg/mq subcutaneously or intravenously on day 1-7 and midostaurin 25 mg bid (in cohort 1 of phase I) or 50 mg bid (in cohort 2 of Phase I and in Phase II) orally on day 8-21 during the first cycle and continuously thereafter, for 12 cycles of 28 days duration. Cytogenetic risk was defined according to MRC criteria. Differences between categorical variables were compared by the chi2 test. CR duration (CRD) was calculated from the time of CR achievement until relapse and estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test. Results Fourty-four pts were enrolled, 13 included in Phase I and 31 in Phase II. Baseline pts’ characteristics are shown in the Table. Thirty-eight pts (86%) received 50 mg bid of midostaurin, and 6 (14%; Phase I) received 25 mg bid. The median number of administered cycles was 2 (1-9). Grade 3-4 hematological toxicities consisted of 95% neutropenia, 64% anemia and 93% thrombocytopenia. Grade 3-4 non-hematological toxicities consisted of 45% infections, 23% hypokalemia, 16% hyponatremia, 7% reduction in ejection fraction, 7% hyperuricemia, 4% hyperglycemia, 4% nausea/vomiting, 4% QTc prolongation, 4% hyperbilirubinemia, and 4% elevated AST. Eleven pts (25%) achieved a CR, 9 with incomplete platelet recovery (20%), after a median time of 13 (10-16) weeks from treatment start. Five (11%) of these pts relapsed after achieving CR. Two pts (5%) received an allogeneic stem cell transplant while on study, one in CR and one primary refractory (after a blast count drop from 27 to 7%), and they are both still in CR and alive. Among 26 pts with FLT3 ITD and no D835 mutation, 9 (35%) achieved CR/CRp. Six of 18 (33%) pts not previously exposed to FLT3 inhibitors responded. There was no significant correlation of dose with response (24% with 50 mg bid vs 33% with 25 mg bid, p=0.63). After a median follow-up of 15 (3-72) weeks, 20 pts (64%) died, 3 (7%) while on study (2 died of sepsis, 1 of unknown causes with progressive disease). The median CRD was 16 (9-23) months. Factors significantly associated with a longer CRD were male sex (p=0.04), age older than 65 years (0.03) and use of 50 mg bid of midostaurin (p=0.02). Conclusions The combination of midostaurin and 5-AZA is safe and well tolerated. Its efficacy is most noticeable among pts with FLT3 mutations. A longer response duration is observed using midostaurin at 50 mg bid dose and in elderly male pts. Disclosures: Ravandi: CELGENE: Honoraria; NOVARTIS: Honoraria. Cortes:ARIAD: Consultancy, Research Funding; ASTELLAS: Research Funding; AMBIT: Research Funding; AROG: Research Funding; NOVARTIS: Research Funding.


Hematology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 (1) ◽  
pp. 220-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Levis

Abstract Patients with acute myeloid leukemia who harbor an FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutation present several dilemmas for the clinician. The results of an FLT3 mutation test, which can be influenced by several variables, need to be interpreted according to the clinical setting and there is a need for internationally standardized FLT3 mutation assays. Because of the lack of prospective studies, the role of allogeneic transplantation as consolidation therapy is still somewhat controversial, but the preponderance of evidence suggests that transplantation in first remission, if possible, is probably the best option. Clinically useful FLT3 inhibitors are hopefully on the near horizon and are being studied in the context of current treatment paradigms.


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 117 (12) ◽  
pp. 3286-3293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takashi Sato ◽  
Xiaochuan Yang ◽  
Steven Knapper ◽  
Paul White ◽  
B. Douglas Smith ◽  
...  

AbstractWe examined in vivo FLT3 inhibition in acute myeloid leukemia patients treated with chemotherapy followed by the FLT3 inhibitor lestaurtinib, comparing newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia patients with relapsed patients. Because we noted that in vivo FLT3 inhibition by lestaurtinib was less effective in the relapsed patients compared with the newly diagnosed patients, we investigated whether plasma FLT3 ligand (FL) levels could influence the efficacy of FLT3 inhibition in these patients. After intensive chemotherapy, FL levels rose to a mean of 488 pg/mL on day 15 of induction therapy for newly diagnosed patients, whereas they rose to a mean of 1148 pg/mL in the relapsed patients. FL levels rose even higher with successive courses of chemotherapy, to a mean of 3251 pg/mL after the fourth course. In vitro, exogenous FL at concentrations similar to those observed in patients mitigated FLT3 inhibition and cytotoxicity for each of 5 different FLT3 inhibitors (lestaurtinib, midostaurin, sorafenib, KW-2449, and AC220). The dramatic increase in FL level after chemotherapy represents a possible obstacle to inhibiting FLT3 in this clinical setting. These findings could have important implications regarding the design and outcome of trials of FLT3 inhibitors and furthermore suggest a rationale for targeting FL as a therapeutic strategy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Rogdaki ◽  
Xinhua Xiao

FLT3 mutations are among the most common genetic alterations in acute-myeloid leukemia (AML). They are associated with poor prognosis. Multiple FLT3 inhibitors have been in clinical evaluation at various stages. Resistance to FLT3 inhibitors due to acquired point mutations in the tyrosine-kinase domain (TKD), have limited the effectiveness of treatments. A “gatekeeper” mutation (F691L), is also resistant to most FLT3 inhibitors. New therapies are therefore needed. FLT3 inhibitors are needed to protect against FLT3-TKD mutations and FLT3 internal tandem duplicate (FLT3–ITD). We identified KX2-391, a dual FLT3/tubulin inhibitor, and examined its efficacy and mechanisms for overcoming drug-resistant FLT3ITD-TKD mutations. KX2-391 had potent growth inhibitory effects and apoptosis promoting effects on AML cell lines that harbor FLT3-ITD mutations. KX2-391 orally administered significantly prolonged the survival time of a murine model with leukemia caused by FLT3ITD-F691L. KX2-391 also inhibited growth of primary AML cells that express FLT3ITD-F691L and 2 primary cells that are FLT3ITD-D835Y. Preclinical data suggest that KX2-391 is a promising FLT3 inhibitor. The treatment of AML patients with FLT3 mutations, particularly refractory/relapsed patients suffering from F691L or other FLT3TKD mutations.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Xu ◽  
Zhao Yin ◽  
Ying Yang ◽  
Yishan Chen ◽  
Changfen Huang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Autophagy plays a critical role in drug resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), including the subtype with FLT3-ITD mutation. Yet how autophagy is activated and mediates resistance to FLT3 inhibitors in FLT3-ITD-positive AML remains unsure. Methods: We detected the alteration of autophagy in FLT3-ITD-positive leukemic cells after versus before acquired resistance to FLT3 inhibitors; tested the stimulative effect of acquired D835Y mutation and bone marrow micro-environment (BME) on autophagy; explored the mechanism of autophagy mediating FLT3 inhibitor resistance. Results: Sorafenib-resistant cells markedly overexpressed autophagy in comparison with sorafenib-sensitive cells or the cells before sorafenib treatment. Both acquired D835Y mutation and BME activated cytoprotective autophagy to induce FLT3 inhibitor resistance. Autophagy activation decreased the suppression efficacy of FLT3 inhibitors on FLT3 downstream signaling and then weakened their anti-leukemia effect. Inhibition of autophagy with CQ significantly enhanced the suppressive effect of FLT3 inhibitor on FLT3 downstream signaling, in the end overcame FLT3 inhibitor resistance. Conclusions: Autophagy might be stimulated by acquired mutation or BME, and bypass activate FLT3 downstream signaling to mediate FLT3 inhibitor resistance in FLT3-ITD-positive AML. Targeting autophagy could be a promising strategy to overcome resistance.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. TPS7062-TPS7062
Author(s):  
Farhad Ravandi ◽  
Stephen Anthony Strickland ◽  
Scott R. Solomon ◽  
Aziz Nazha ◽  
Roland B. Walter ◽  
...  

TPS7062 Background: FLT3-ITD is one of the most common genetic lesions in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). PIM kinases are oncogenic FLT3-ITD targets expressed in AML cells and increased PIM kinase expression is found in relapse samples from AML patients treated with FLT3 inhibitors. In addition, inhibition of PIM kinases restores sensitivity to FLT3 inhibitors and dual FLT3/PIM inhibition eradicates FLT3-ITD+ cells including primary AML cells. SEL24/MEN1703, a potent PIM/FLT3 dual inhibitor, demonstrates a significantly broader spectrum of activity in AML cell lines and primary AML blasts, irrespective of FLT3 status, compared to monotherapy with either FLT3 or PIM inhibitors such as quizartinib or AZD1208. Methods: CLI24-001 is a First in Human, open label, non-randomized, multi-center, Phase I/II dose-escalation and cohort expansion study of SEL24/MEN1703 in AML patients (excluding APL) not suitable for chemotherapy. SEL24/MEN1703 is given orally, QD, for 14 days in a 21-day cycle with cycles repeated until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Dose escalation follows a 3+3 design to identify the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). In the phase 2 part/cohort expansion, subjects will receive SEL24/MEN1703 at the RP2D, to further investigate the safety profile and signs of antileukemic activity. In both study parts, patients are eligible regardless of mutational status and/or prior exposure to FLT3 inhibitors; prior treatment with PIM inhibitors is not allowed. Main inclusion criteria comprise a white blood count (WBC) of ≤30 x 109/L (hydroxyurea/leukoapheresis permitted to lower WBC). Key secondary objectives include pharmacokinetics (PK) and single agent efficacy. The study is enrolling at 5 US sites and will be extended, both in US and EU, in the cohort expansion part. This is the first trial testing a dual PIM/FLT3 inhibitor with the potential to be active in AML regardless of FLT3 status andwith a potential to overcome FLT3 inhibitor resistance. (Sci Adv. 2015;1:e1500221; Oncotarget. 2018 Mar 30;9(24):16917-16931) Clinical trial information: NCT03008187.


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