AC220, a Potent, Selective, Second Generation FLT3 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) Inhibitor, in a First-in-Human (FIH) Phase 1 AML Study.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 636-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Cortes ◽  
James Foran ◽  
Darejan Ghirdaladze ◽  
Marcel P DeVetten ◽  
Mamia Zodelava ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Lines ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Study Drug ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Oral Solution ◽  
Significant Activity

Abstract Abstract 636 Activating mutations in the FLT3 RTK are present in ∼30% of AML patients (pts), who have a significantly worse prognosis than pts with wild type (WT) FLT3. AC220 is a novel 2nd generation RTK inhibitor with potent in vitro and in vivo activity in FLT3- and KIT-dependent tumor cell lines. It is highly selective for both WT and mutant FLT3 with significant activity against KIT. A first-in-human Phase 1 study investigating AC220 in predominantly relapsed or refractory AML pts, unselected for FLT3 mutations, was recently completed, using a standard 3+3 dose escalation with 50% dose increments. AC220 was administered once daily as an oral solution initially with an intermittent dosing (ID) regimen: 14 days on and 14 days off (1 cycle). Starting dose was escalated from 12 to 450 mg/day ID. Additional cohorts were investigated on a continuous dosing (CD) regimen: 200 and 300 mg/day for 28 days (1 cycle). A total of 76 pts (46 male, 30 female) were dosed with AC220. Median age was 60 yrs (23-86), median number of prior therapies was 4 (0-9), 12 pts had prior allogeneic transplant and 3 elderly pts (≥72 yrs) unfit for induction chemotherapy were previously untreated. Eighteen pts (24%) had FLT3 ITD mutations, 47 (62%) were WT, and 11 (14%) were undetermined. Pts were also evaluated for PK, phosphorylated (p) FLT3, pKIT, pSTAT5, and ex vivo plasma inhibitory activity. AC220 plasma exposure was sustained between dose intervals and continued to increase in a dose-proportional manner from 12 to 450 mg with a half-life of ∼1.5 days. An active metabolite, AC886, was detected that has similar potency and activity to AC220. Patient plasma at '12 mg potently inhibited pFLT3 in ex vivo FLT3-ITD cell lines and complete inhibition of pFLT3 in WT cell lines was observed at higher doses. Target inhibition was also observed, with suppression of pFLT3, pSTAT5 and pKIT in peripheral blasts. The most commonly reported possibly drug-related AEs were GI events, peripheral edema, and dysguesia, which were Grade ≤2. DLT was observed at 300 mg CD and 200 mg CD was declared as the MTD. Two pts at 300 mg CD had possibly study drug-related DLTs with grade 3 QTc prolongation, but had confounding factors including concomitant medications known to prolong QTc. Responses (IWG criteria) were observed in 23 (30%) pts. PR and CR were observed as low as the 18 and 40 mg cohorts, respectively. Most responses occurred within cycle 1. Overall, 9 (12%) pts had a complete response (CR) with 2 CR, 5 CRi, and 2 CRp. One of these pts also had complete resolution of leukemia cutis. In addition, 14 (18%) pts achieved PR. Overall median duration of response (MDOR) was 14 (4-62+) weeks and overall median survival (MS) was 14 (1-68+) weeks. In FLT3-ITD pts the MDOR was 12 (4-27+) weeks and the MS was 18 (3-42) weeks. In FLT3-WT pts the MDOR was 32 (8-62+) weeks and the MS was 11 (1-68+) weeks. 10 (56%) of 18 FLT3-ITD pts were responders (1 CR, 3 CRi, 6 PR), 9 (19%) of 47 FLT3-WT pts (1 CRi, 2 CRp, 6 PR), and 4 (36%) of 11 undetermined pts (1 CR, 1 CRi, 2 PR). At 200 mg CD (MTD expansion), 4 of 6 FLT3-ITD pts responded (1 CR, 1 CRp, 1 CRi, 1 PR). Of the 4 responders, 2 failed prior treatment with sorafenib and 2 previously refractory pts went onto transplant. The 2 FLT3-ITD non-responders had 6 and 8 prior lines of therapy, respectively. These encouraging efficacy results and an acceptable safety profile warrant continued evaluation of AC220 as monotherapy and in combination therapy for the treatment of AML. Phase 2 studies in FLT3-ITD positive and WT pts are in progress. Disclosures: Cortes: Ambit Biosciences: Research Funding. Foran:Ambit Biosciences: Research Funding. Ghirdaladze:Ambit Biosciences: Research Funding. DeVetten:Ambit Biosciences: Research Funding. Zodelava:Ambit Biosciences: Research Funding. Holman:Ambit Biosciences: Research Funding. Levis:Ambit Biosciences: Consultancy, Research Funding. James:Ambit Biosciences: Employment. Zarringkar:Ambit Biosciences: Employment. Gunawardane:Ambit Biosciences: Employment. Armstrong:Ambit Biosciences: Employment. Padre:Ambit Biosciences: Employment. Wierenga:Ambit Biosciences: Employment. Corringham:Ambit Biosciences: Employment. Trikha:Ambit Biosciences: Employment.

scholarly journals In Silico Predicted Antifungal Peptides: In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Candida Activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 439
Author(s):  
Tecla Ciociola ◽  
Walter Magliani ◽  
Tiziano De Simone ◽  
Thelma A. Pertinhez ◽  
Stefania Conti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Silico ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Consensus Sequence ◽  
In Silico Analysis ◽  
Significant Activity ◽  
Synthetic Antibody

It has been previously demonstrated that synthetic antibody-derived peptides could exert a significant activity in vitro, ex vivo, and/or in vivo against microorganisms and viruses, as well as immunomodulatory effects through the activation of immune cells. Based on the sequence of previously described antibody-derived peptides with recognized antifungal activity, an in silico analysis was conducted to identify novel antifungal candidates. The present study analyzed the candidacidal and structural properties of in silico designed peptides (ISDPs) derived by amino acid substitutions of the parent peptide KKVTMTCSAS. ISDPs proved to be more active in vitro than the parent peptide and all proved to be therapeutic in Galleria mellonella candidal infection, without showing toxic effects on mammalian cells. ISDPs were studied by circular dichroism spectroscopy, demonstrating different structural organization. These results allowed to validate a consensus sequence for the parent peptide KKVTMTCSAS that may be useful in the development of novel antimicrobial molecules.

Use of Medium Potency Statins Is Associated with Improved Outcomes after Frontline RCHOP in Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 45-45
Author(s):  
Sushanth Gouni ◽  
Paolo Strati ◽  
Jason Westin ◽  
Loretta J. Nastoupil ◽  
Raphael E Steiner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Lines ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Response Assessment ◽  
Cholesterol Content ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
High Cholesterol ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Pre-clinical studies show that statins may improve the efficacy of chemoimmunotherapy in patients with DLBCL, through interference with cell membrane-initiated signaling pathways. Clinical retrospective studies, however, yield conflicting data, due to heterogeneous properties of statins, including potency and hydrophilicity. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients with previously untreated, advanced stage DLBCL, non-double hit, treated with frontline R-CHOP between 01/01/2000 and 09/01/2019 (data cut-off 04/15/2020) at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and for whom data regarding statin use at time of initiation of treatment were available. Lugano 2014 response criteria were applied retrospectively for response assessment. Cellular cholesterol levels were analyzed in 6 DLBCL cell lines using an Amplex red fluorometric assay. A doxorubicin (DXR)-resistant cell line was generated exposing SUDHL4 cells to escalating doses of DXR; a DXR-resistant DLBCL patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model was established through serial transplantation and exposure to DXR. Results: 271 patients were included in the analysis, 182 (67%) were older than 60 years, 134 (49%) were male, 212 (72%) had stage IV disease, and 217 (80%) had an IPI score > 3; upon pathological review, 38 (36%) cases were non-GCB type, and 18 (28%) were double-expressors; 214 (79%) were able to complete all planned 6 cycles of RCHOP. Seventy-nine (29%) patients received statins at time of initiation of chemoimmunotherapy: 15 patients received low potency statin, 51 medium and 13 high; 18 patients received hydrophilic statins and 61 lipophilic. Patients receiving statins were significantly older as compared to patients who did not (p<0.001); no other significant difference in baseline characteristics was observed when comparing the 2 groups. Overall, 265 out of 271 patients were evaluable for response, as 6 stopped treatment because of toxicity before first response assessment. Among these, ORR was 95% (252/265) and CR rate was 62% (165/265). ORR rate was identical in patients who were treated with statin and those who did not (95% both, p=1). After a median follow-up of 77 months (95% CI, 70-84 months), 119 patients progressed/died, median PFS was not reached and 6-year PFS was 57%. 6-year PFS rate according to statin intensity was: 48% (low), 72% (medium), 57% (high). PFS. 6-year PFS rate was 64% for hydrophilic and 72% for lipophilic statins. Patients treated with statins had a trend for longer PFS (p=0.06), significantly longer for patients receiving medium potency statins (p=0.04). No significant difference in PFS was observed when comparing patients treated with lipophilic statins to all others (not reached vs 84 months, p=0.22). To confirm these clinical data, in-vitro and in-vivo studies were performed. Six cell lines were tested: 4 with high cholesterol content (SUDHL4, HBL1, HT, and U2932; 5.0-8.0 µg/mg protein), and 2 with low cholesterol content (DOHH2 and OCI-LY19; 1.5-2.0 µg/mg protein); the latter showed the highest sensitivity to DXR-mediated killing. The combination of lovastatin and DXR (10nM) was tested in all 4 cell lines with high cholesterol content, resulting in more cell death than either treatment alone. Lovastatin (at the nanomolar range) resensitized DXR-resistant SUDHL4 cells to DXR. Finally, in a DXR-resistant PDX model, the combination of lovastatin and DXR resulted in delayed tumor growth as compared to chemotherapy alone. Conclusions: Use of medium potency statins is associated with improved outcomes after frontline RCHOP in patients with DLBCL. This was further confirmed in functional in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Future interventional studies, aimed at improving outcomes in these patients using this novel combination, are warranted. Disclosures Westin: Amgen: Consultancy; 47: Research Funding; Kite: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Morphosys: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding; Curis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Consultancy, Research Funding. Nastoupil:Gamida Cell: Honoraria; Merck: Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Honoraria, Research Funding; Karus Therapeutics: Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; LAM Therapeutics: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bayer: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Genentech, Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Gilead/KITE: Honoraria. Neelapu:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Merck: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Kite, a Gilead Company: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Pfizer: Other: personal fees; Celgene: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Novartis: Other: personal fees; Karus Therapeutics: Research Funding; N/A: Other; Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Patents & Royalties; Acerta: Research Funding; Cellectis: Research Funding; Poseida: Research Funding; Precision Biosciences: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Legend Biotech: Other; Adicet Bio: Other; Allogene Therapeutics: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Cell Medica/Kuur: Other: personal fees; Calibr: Other; Incyte: Other: personal fees; Unum Therapeutics: Other, Research Funding. Landgraf:NCI/NIH: Research Funding. Vega:NCI: Research Funding.

scholarly journals Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Gel for the Dermal Application of Lidocaine: Comparison of Skin Penetration Testing Methods

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stella Zsikó ◽  
Kendra Cutcher ◽  
Anita Kovács ◽  
Mária Budai-Szűcs ◽  
Attila Gácsi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Release ◽  
Human Skin ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Study Drug ◽  
Skin Penetration ◽  
Human Epidermis ◽  
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier ◽  
Experimental Findings

The aim of this research was to investigate the stability of a lidocaine-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier dispersion at different temperatures, formulate a nanostructured lipid carrier gel, and test the penetration profile of lidocaine from the nanostructured lipid carrier gel using different skin penetration modeling methods. The formulations were characterized by laser diffraction, rheological measurements and microscopic examinations. Various in vitro methods were used to study drug release, diffusion and penetration. Two types of vertical Franz diffusion cells with three different membranes, including cellulose, Strat-M®, and heat separated human epidermis were used and compared to the Skin-parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) method. Results indicated that the nanostructured lipid carrier dispersion had to be gelified as soon as possible for proper stability. Both the Skin-PAMPA model and Strat-M® membranes correlated favorably with heat separated human epidermis in this research, with the Strat-M® membranes sharing the most similar drug permeability profile to an ex vivo human skin model. Our experimental findings suggest that even when the best available in vitro experiment is selected for modeling human skin penetration to study nanostructured lipid carrier gel systems, relevant in vitro/in vivo correlation should be made to calculate the drug release/permeation in vivo. Future investigations in this field are still needed to demonstrate the influence of membranes and equipment from other classes on other drug candidates.

A Phase II Study of PXD101 in Advanced Multiple Myeloma.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 3583-3583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Sullivan ◽  
Seema Singhal ◽  
Michael Schuster ◽  
James Berenson ◽  
Peter Gimsing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Stable Disease ◽  
Progressive Disease ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Study Drug ◽  
Primary Objective

Abstract Background: PXD101 is a small molecule HDAC inhibitor of the hydroxamate class, which demonstrates broad anti-neoplastic activity in vitro and in vivo. PXD101 has antiproliferative activity on multiple myeloma cell lines, and shows additive/synergistic effects with standard agents used in myeloma, against these cell lines. PXD101 is being tested as monotherapy and in combination with standard agents for treatment of multiple myeloma. Methods: The primary objective of this study was to assess the activity of PXD101 alone or with dexamethasone, in multiple myeloma patients (pts) who have failed at least 2 prior therapies. Response was measured using the Blade criteria. PXD101 was administered as a 30-min IV infusion on Days 1–5 of a 3-wk cycle, at a dose of 1000 mg/m2/d (900 mg/m2/d in earlier patients). Patients are initially treated with PXD101 alone for two cycles. At the end of cycle two and every cycle thereafter, pts are evaluated for tumor response and continue on the study as follows: pts with objective response or stable disease continue on PXD101 monotherapy, while pts who have progressive disease (PD) are treated with a combination of PXD101 + dexamethasone (Dex). Dex was given orally 40 mg daily on Days 2–5 and 10–13 of the treatment cycle. Results: To date, 24 pts have been enrolled, 19 for which data are currently available. These pts have received a median of 5 (range 2–10) prior therapies. Seventeen pts are evaluable, 12 of whom are evaluable for ≥ 2 cycles, and 5 evaluable for 1 cycle only; 2 pts are unevaluable due to inconsistent baseline that prevented response assessment. Of the 5 pts evaluable for 1 cycle only, 4 discontinued due to PD and one withdrew from study. The 12 pts evaluable for ≥ 2 cycles received a median of 4 treatment cycles (range 2–12); 6 of these patients went on to receive PXD101+Dex. In these 12 pts, duration of PXD101 monotherapy was for 2–4 cycles, with almost all pts (10) receiving only 2 cycles. PXD101+Dex treatment in 6 pts was for 1–10 cycles (10, 6, 4, 4, 3, and 1). In 12 pts on monotherapy for ≥ 2 cycles, there were 6 SD (duration 6–12 wks) and 6 PD. The short duration of SD in PXD101 monotherapy was attributed to patient withdrawal or moving to Dex addition in spite of disease stabilization. All 6 pts receiving PXD101+Dex had previously received at least 2 Dex-containing regimens. One pt had MR (duration 6 wks), and 5 pts had SD. One pt has had SD for 35 wks, with 90% decrease in serum M-component sustained in the last 12 wks; another pt has had SD for 15 wks. In 69 cycles of treatment there were 7 Grade 3/4 adverse events assessed by the investigator as potentially related to study drug. These include anemia (2), infection, respiratory distress, hyperglycemia, thrombocytopenia, and fatigue. Conclusions: PXD101 treatment has resulted in stabilization of advanced and progressive disease, providing clinical benefit to patients. PXD101 combination with dexamethasone led to an MR as well as long duration of stable disease in patients who have previously received multiple Dex regimens. These observations support the continued exploration of PXD101 in combination with other agents for treatment of multiple myeloma.

A Humanized Anti-Ganglioside GM2 Antibody, BIW-8962, Exhibits ADCC/CDC Activity against Multiple Myeloma Cells and Potent Anti- Tumor Activity in Mouse Xenograft Models.

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 1718-1718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshihiko Ishii ◽  
Asher Alban Chanan-Khan ◽  
Jazur Jafferjee ◽  
Noreen Ersing ◽  
Takeshi Takahashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Surface Expression ◽  
Scid Mice ◽  
Subcutaneous Xenograft ◽  
Anti Tumor Activity

Abstract BIW-8962 is a humanized anti-ganglioside GM2 (GM2) monoclonal antibody, produced by Poteligent technology to enhance ADCC activity. GM2 is expressed on many cancer cells including multiple myeloma (MM), small cell lung cancer and glioma cells. In this study, we evaluated the anti-myeloma activity of BIW-8962 in preclinical myeloma models both in vitro and in vivo. Expression of GM2 was analyzed in 15 human MM cell lines by FCM. Eleven out of 15 MM cell lines had positive surface expression of GM2. GM2 as a potential target was then verified in primary MM samples obtained from patients. Eleven out of 15 samples were positive for GM2. We then used two GM2 positive MM cell lines (U266B1 and KMS-11) and evaluated ADCC and CDC activity of BIW-8962 in vitro. BIW-8962 exhibited a potent ADCC and less potent CDC activity. In vivo anti-tumor activity of BIW-8962 was then examined using the standard subcutaneous xenograft model; KMS-11 was inoculated in the flank of SCID mice. BIW-8962 (intravenously administered biweekly for 3 weeks) exhibited a potent anti-tumor activity from as low a dose level as 0.1 mg/kg. Furthermore, in a more clinically relevant model, in which OPM-2/GFP (GM2 positive MM cell line) cells were intravenously inoculated into SCID mice with preferentially tumor growth within the bone marrow microenvironment, BIW-8962 (intravenously administered biweekly for 4 weeks, 10 mg/kg) suppressed OPM-2/GFP cell growth and serum M protein elevation, demonstrating in vivo anti-myeloma effect of BIW-8962. Our preclinical investigations rationalize clinical evaluation of BIW-8962 in patients with MM. Currently BIW-8962 is being investigated in a Phase 1 study in patients with multiple myeloma.

Cytokine-Mediated Signaling Is Suppressed in Myeloid Cells and Enhanced in Lymphatic Cells in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) — Partial Normalization with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 2180-2180
Author(s):  
Sari Jalkanen ◽  
Satu Mustjoki ◽  
Kimmo Porkka ◽  
Jukka Vakkila
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Gm Csf ◽  
Single Cell Profiling ◽  
Treg Lymphocytes

Abstract Abstract 2180 Poster Board II-157 Introduction. Aberrant phosphorylation of the BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase (TK) is characteristic of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This oncoprotein interacts directly with intracellular signaling proteins, alters the responsiveness of cytokine receptors and regulates secretion of autocrine cytokines. Targeted inhibition of BCR-ABL1 with TK inhibitor (TKI) imatinib mesylate (IM) is the current standard treatment of CML. For overcoming IM resistance or intolerance, 2nd generation TKIs (nilotinib, dasatinib) with broader kinase inhibition profile have been approved for clinical use. Although in vitro results suggest that TKIs are immunosuppressive, no increases in opportunistic infections or secondary malignancies have been observed to date. In contrast, in some TKI-treated patients immunoactivation in the form of chronic lymphocytosis linked to excellent therapy responses has recently been shown. Dynamic monitoring of aberrant cytokine signaling pathways would aid in understanding and predicting the development of TKI-resistance or adverse/off-target effects. The aim of this study was to analyze the responsiveness of leukocytes to cytokine stimuli in CML patients at diagnosis and during TKI therapy using single-cell profiling of phosphoprotein networks by multiparameter flow cytometry. Patients and methods. The study consisted of 4 healthy controls, 6 CML patients at diagnosis, 6 IM patients and 5 dasatinib patients. Stimuli included GM-CSF, IL-2+IL-10+IFNα and IL-4+IL-6+IFNγ and they were added immeadately to freshly drawn whole blood ex vivo. The readout phosphoproteins were pERK1/2, pSTAT1, pSTAT3, pSTAT5a and pSTAT6 (with isotype controls), and were analyzed separately from granulocytes, monocytes, CD4+ CD25neg T helper cells (Th), CD4neg lymphocytes and CD4+CD25+ T cells including regulatory T-cells (Treg). Analysis was performed with heatmap function of Cytobank software (http://cytobank.stanford.edu/public/). Results. Unstimulated phosphoprotein levels reflecting the activation state of leukocytes in vivo did not differ between healthy controls and CML patients at diagnosis or during dasatinib therapy. Strikingly, in IM patients, baseline levels of pSTAT3 were relatively high indicating in vivo occurring activation of leukocytes in this patient group. We next studied ex vivo responsiveness of immune effector cells with cytokines and found clear differences between healthy controls and CML patients. At CML diagnosis. GM-CSF/pERK1+pSTAT5a, IFNa/pSTAT1,and IL-4/pSTAT6 (stimulus/readout) as well as pSTAT3 responses with all stimuli were suppressed in monocytes. In granulocytes, GM-CSF/pSTAT1 levels were diminished. In Th and Treg lymphocytes, IL-6/pSTAT3 responses were markedly pronounced, while IL-10/pSTAT3 responses were not affected when compared to healthy controls. Such difference was not observed in CD4neg lymphocytes. During TKI therapy. Most patients (9/11) were in cytogenetic remission at the time of analysis. The unresponsiveness of myeloid cells at diagnosis was restored by IM or dasatinib therapy in most, but not all patients. Similarly, in Th and Treg lymphocytes TKI-therapy normalized the enhanced IL-6/pSTAT3 responses that were evident at diagnosis. However, in Th and Treg cells pSTAT3 responses provoked by IL-10 were particularly prominent. Interestingly, one dasatinib patient with aberrant constant blood NK-lymphocytosis and monocytosis had uniquely strong IFNg/pSTAT1 and IL-4/pSTAT6 responses in monocytes. Furthermore, one patient who have stayed in persistent remission after IM discontinuation had exceptionally high pSTAT3 responses with all of stimuli used. Similar kind of signaling profile was unseen with the other patients and could reflect immunoactivation related to leukemia control. Conclusions. Dynamic single-cell profiling of signaling networks is feasible in CML patients and can be used to study mechanisms of aberrant immune reactivity in TKI-treated patients. The method could be particularly suitable for assessing candidate patients for TKI discontinuation. Although in vitro results suggest immunosuppressive effects of TKIs on lymphocytes, leukocytes ex vivo from patients were able to respond similarly to cytokine stimuli as in healthy controls. Disclosures: Mustjoki: BMS: Honoraria. Porkka:BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Further Preclinical Studies with APR-246, a Novel Anticancer Compound Currently in Clinical Trials for Hematological Malignancies and Prostate Cancer.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 3773-3773
Author(s):  
Nina Mohell ◽  
Charlotta Liljebris ◽  
Jessica Alfredsson ◽  
Ylva Lindman ◽  
Maria Uustalu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Cancer Cell Lines ◽  
Solid Cancer ◽  
Dependent Manner

Abstract Abstract 3773 Poster Board III-709 Introduction The tumor suppressor protein p53 induces cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis in response to various forms of cellular stress, through transcriptional regulation of a large number of down stream target genes. p53 is frequently mutated in cancer, and cancer cells carrying defects in the p53 protein are often more resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Thus, restoration of the wild type function to mutant p53 appears to be a new attractive strategy for cancer therapy. APR-246 is a novel small molecule quinuclidinone compound that has been shown to reactivate non-functional p53 and induce apoptosis. Although the exact molecular mechanism remains to be determined, recent results suggest that an active metabolite of APR-246 alkylates thiol groups in the core domain of p53, which promotes correct folding of p53 and induces apoptosis (Lambert et al., Cancer Cell 15, 2009). Currently, APR-246 is in Phase I/IIa clinical trials for hematological malignancies and prostate cancer. In the present abstract results from in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo preclinical studies with APR-246 are presented. Results The lead compound of APR-246, PRIMA-1 (p53 reactivation and induction of massive apoptosis), was originally identified by a cellular screening of the NCI library for low molecular weight compounds (Bykov et al., Nat. Med., 8, 2002). Further development and optimization of PRIMA-1 led to the discovery of the structural analog APR-246 (PRIMA-1MET), with improved drug like and preclinical characteristics. In in vitro experiments APR-246 reduced cell viability (WST-1 assay) in a large number of human cancer cell lines with various p53 status, including several leukemia (CCRF-CEM, CEM/VM-1, KBM3), lymphoma (U-937 GTP, U-937-vcr), and myeloma (RPMI 8226/S, 8226/dox40, 8226/LR5) cell lines, as well as many solid cancer cell lines, including osteosarcoma (SaOS-2, SaOS-2-His273,U-2OS), prostate (PC3, PC3-His175, 22Rv1), breast (BT474, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231), lung (H1299, H1299-His175) and colon cancer (HT-29). In human osteosarcoma cell lines APR-246 reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis (FLICA caspase assay) in a concentration dependent manner being more potent in the p53 mutant (SaOS-2-His273) than in the parental p53 null (SaOS-2) cells. The IC50 values (WST-1 assay) were 14 ± 3 and 27 ± 5 μM, respectively (n=35). In in vivo subcutaneous xenograft studies in SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency) mice APR-246 reduced growth of p53 mutant SaOS-2-His273 cells in a dose-dependent manner, when injected i.v. twice daily with 20 -100 mg/kg (64 – 76% inhibition). An in vivo anticancer effect of APR-246 was also observed in hollow-fiber test with NMRI mice using the acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line MV-4-11. An ex vivo cytotoxic effect of APR-246 and/or its lead compound PRIMA-1 has also been shown in primary cells from AML and CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) patients, harbouring both hemizygously deleted p53 as well as normal karyotype (Nahi et al., Br. J. Haematol., 127, 2004; Nahi et al., Br. J. Haematol., 132, 2005; Jonsson-Videsater et al., abstract at this meeting). APR-246 was also tested in a FMCA (fluorometric microculture assay) test using normal healthy lymphocytes (PBMC) and cancer lymphocytes (CLL). It was 4-8 fold more potent in killing cancer cells than normal cells, indicating a favorable therapeutic index. This is in contrast to conventional cytostatics that often show negative ratio in this test. Furthermore, when tested in a well-defined panel of 10 human cancer cell lines consisting of both hematological and solid cancer cell lines, the cytotoxicity profile/activity pattern of APR-246 differed from common chemotherapeutic drugs (correlation coefficient less than 0.4), suggesting a different mechanism of action. Conclusion In relevant in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo cancer models, APR-246 showed unique pharmacological properties in comparison with conventional cytostatics, by being effective also in cancer cells with p53 mutations and by demonstrating tumor specificity. Moreover, in experimental safety/toxicology models required to start clinical trials, APR-246 was non toxic at the predicted therapeutic plasma concentrations. Thus, APR-246 appears to be a promising novel anticancer compound that may specifically target cancer cells in patients with genetic abnormality associated with poor prognosis. Disclosures: Mohell: Aprea AB: Employment. Liljebris:Aprea AB: Employment. Alfredsson:Aprea AB: Employment. Lindman:Aprea AB: Employment. Uustalu:Aprea AB: Employment. Wiman:Aprea AB: Co-founder, shareholder, and member of the board. Uhlin:Aprea AB: Employment.

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rHuEPO) In Combination with Chemotherapy Increases Breast Cancer Metastasis In Pre-Clinical Mouse Models

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 3345-3345
Author(s):  
Anargyros Xenocostas ◽  
Benjamin D Hedley ◽  
Jenny E Chu ◽  
D. George Ormond ◽  
Michel Beausoleil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Breast Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Metastasis ◽  
Breast Cancer Metastasis ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Metastatic Process

Abstract Abstract 3345 Background: Erythropoietin (EPO) is a key regulator of erythropoiesis, and has been shown to stimulate growth, maintain viability, and promote differentiation of red blood cell precursors. The EPO receptor (EPO-R) is expressed by erythroid cells and by several non-hematopoietic cell types including various neoplastic cells. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are used clinically for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia. The results of some recent randomized clinical trials have reported an increased incidence in adverse events and reduced survival in ESA-treated metastatic breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, potentially related to EPO-induced cancer progression. These results have raised concerns over ESA treatment in metastatic cancer patients. However, very little pre-clinical data is available regarding the impact of EPO on breast cancer metastasis. The goal of the current study was therefore to determine if EPO can influence the malignant behavior of breast cancer cells and/or influence the metastatic process. Methods: MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-435, and 4T-1 breast cancer cell lines were treated with recombinant human EPO (rHuEPO; 10 U/ml) or control media and screened for EPO-R mRNA expression levels by RT-PCR, and for EPO-R protein expression by Western blot and flow cytometry. MDA-MB-231 (231) and MDA-MB-435 (435) cell lines were used for functional assays in vitro and in vivo. Untreated or rHuEPO treated cells were grown in 2D and 3D in vitro systems (standard tissue culture plates and 0.6% soft agar, respectively) to determine if rHuEPO influenced growth. In vitro cell survival was also assessed in response to treatment with rHuEPO in the presence or absence of paclitaxel chemotherapy (10mg/ml), radiation (10G), or hypoxic conditions (1% O2). Following mammary fat pad injection, in vivo effects of rHuEPO (300U/kg) alone or in combination with paclitaxel treatment (10mg/kg) were assessed in mouse models of tumorigenicity and spontaneous metastasis. Results: Expression analysis of EPO-R mRNA and protein revealed a large variation in levels across different cell lines. The majority of cell lines did not express cell surface EPO-R by flow cytometry, although two cell lines (231 and 435) did show weak expression of EPO-R mRNA, with only the 231 cell line showing EPO-R expression by Western blot. In vitro, a small protective effect from rHuEPO on radiation-treated 435 cells was seen (p<0.05); however, rHuEPO treatment alone or combined with chemotherapy or hypoxia did not cause a significant increase in cell survival relative to untreated controls cells. In contrast, in vivo studies demonstrated that rHuEPO increased the incidence and burden of lung metastases in immunocompromised mice injected with 231 or 435 cells and treated with paclitaxel relative to mice treated with paclitaxel alone (p<0.05). Conclusions: The lack of an in vitro effect of rHuEPO highlights the importance of in vivo studies to delineate the effects of EPO on the metastatic process. Our novel findings demonstrate that rHuEPO can reduce the efficacy of chemotherapy in the metastatic setting in vivo, and in some cases enhance the inherent metastatic growth potential of human breast cancer cells. This work was supported by funding from the London Regional Cancer Program and Janssen Ortho Canada Disclosures: Xenocostas: Janssen Ortho: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Allan:Janssen Ortho: Research Funding.

Pralatrexate Has Potent Activity Against Multiple Myeloma In Vitro and In Vivo, and Activity Correlates with Tumor RFC-1 and DHFR Expression

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 1831-1831 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Mangone ◽  
Luigi Scotto ◽  
Enrica Marchi ◽  
Owen A. O'Connor ◽  
Hearn J. Cho
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Folate Metabolism ◽  
Nog Mice ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
Functional Biomarkers

Abstract Abstract 1831 Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy. Although there are effective new agents that can induce remission, relapse is inevitable and the disease is currently incurable. Progress in the treatment of this disease demands development of novel therapeutics and identification of functional biomarkers that may be used to distinguish tumors that are susceptible to specific targeted agents, creating a “personalized” therapeutic strategy for individual patients. We investigated these principles with anti-folates, which are not commonly used in MM but have demonstrated activity in this disease. Pralatrexate (PDX, 10-propargyl 10-deazaaminopterin) is a folate analogue that was rationally designed to have high affinity for Reduced Folate Carrier (RFC)-1, an oncofetal protein expressed in many cancers that actively transports folates into cells. PDX induced dose-dependent apoptotic cell death in a subset of human myeloma cell lines (HMCL) and CD138+ MM cells isolated from a clinical specimen. In sensitive cell lines, PDX exhibited 10-fold greater potency compared to the structurally related drug methotrexate (MTX). PDX induced dose-dependent, intrinsic apoptosis in sensitive HMCLs, characterized by cleavage of caspase-3 and -9 and accompanied by the loss of full-length Mcl-1, a Bcl-2 family protein that plays a critical role in drug-induced apoptosis in MM. Furthermore, the activity of PDX is not abrogated by the presence of exogenous interleukin-6 or by co-culture with HS-5 bone marrow stromal cells, both of which exert powerful survival effects on MM cells and can antagonize apoptosis in response to some cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs. Sensitivity to PDX-induced apoptosis correlated with higher relative levels of RFC-1 mRNA in sensitive compared to resistant HMCL. Resistant HMCL also exhibited a dose-dependent up-regulation of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) protein, a primary molecular target for anti-folates, in response to PDX exposure, whereas sensitive HMCL did not. These changes in functional folate metabolism biomarkers, high baseline RFC-1 expression and upregulation of DHFR in response to PDX, appeared to be mutually exclusive to sensitive or resistant HMCL, respectively. Importantly, PDX was also effective against sensitive HMCL in vivo in a novel mouse xenograft model. NOD/Shi-scid/IL-2Rγnull (NOG) mice were inoculated with MM.1s HMCL stably transduced to express both GFP and luciferase (GFP-luc). GFP-luc MM.1s cells engrafted into the long bones, pelvis, and vertebral column of NOG mice within 4–7 days after injection of cells, as assessed by in vivo bioluminescent imaging. Treatment with PDX resulted in a significant reduction in tumor burden after two doses. These results demonstrate that PDX has potent anti-myeloma activity in vitro and in vivo, and that RFC-1 expression and DHFR upregulation are robust functional biomarkers that may identify patients who are likely to benefit from PDX therapy. These data support further exploration of PDX therapy in clinical trials for MM and investigation of folate metabolism biomarkers as indices for treatment with this class of drugs. Improved anti-folates such as PDX are a promising class of agents that may be a valuable addition to the arsenal against MM. Disclosures: O'Connor: Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Spectrum: Research Funding.

Stroma-Free Ex Vivo Expanded, CD34+ Cord Blood-Derived NK Cells Retain Lytic Activity After Long-Term Engraftment in NSGS Mice

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 580-580
Author(s):  
Mark Wunderlich ◽  
Mahesh Shrestha ◽  
Lin Kang ◽  
Eric Law ◽  
Vladimir Jankovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Cell Product ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Cellular Therapeutics

Abstract Abstract 580 Generating a large number of pure, functional immune cells that can be used in human patients has been a major challenge for NK cell-based immunotherapy. We have successfully established a cultivation method to generate human NK cells from CD34+ cells isolated from donor-matched cord blood and human placental derived stem cells, which were obtained from full-term human placenta. This cultivation method is feeder-free, based on progenitor expansion followed by NK differentiation supported by cytokines including thrombopoietin, stem cell factor, Flt3 ligand, IL-7, IL-15 and IL-2. A graded progression from CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HSC) to committed NK progenitor cells ultimately results in ∼90% CD3-CD56+ phenotype and is associated with an average 10,000-fold expansion achieved over 35 days. The resulting cells are CD16- and express low level of KIRs, indicating an immature NK cell phenotype, but show active in vitro cytotoxicity against a broad range of tumor cell line targets. The in vivo persistence, maturation and functional activity of HSC-derived NK cells was assessed in NSG mice engineered to express the human cytokines SCF, GM-CSF and IL-3 (NSGS mice). Human IL-2 or IL-15 was injected intraperitoneally three times per week to test the effect of cytokine supplementation on the in vivo transferred NK cells. The presence and detailed immunophenotype of NK cells was assessed in peripheral blood (PB), bone marrow (BM), spleen and liver samples at 7-day intervals up to 28 days post-transfer. Without cytokine supplementation, very few NK cells were detectable at any time-point. Administration of IL-2 resulted in a detectable but modest enhancement of human NK cell persistence. The effect of IL-15 supplementation was significantly greater, leading to the robust persistence of transferred NK cells in circulation, and likely specific homing and expansion in the liver of recipient mice. The discrete response to IL-15 versus IL-2, as well as the preferential accumulation in the liver have not been previously described following adoptive transfer of mature NK cells, and may be unique for the HSC-derived immature NK cell product. Following the in vivo transfer, a significant fraction of human CD56+ cells expressed CD16 and KIRs indicating full physiologic NK differentiation, which appears to be a unique potential of HSC-derived cells. Consistent with this, human CD56+ cells isolated ex vivo efficiently killed K562 targets in in vitro cytotoxicity assays. In contrast to PB, spleen and liver, BM contained a substantial portion of human cells that were CD56/CD16 double negative (DN) but positive for CD244 and CD117, indicating a residual progenitor function in the CD56- fraction of the CD34+ derived cell product. The BM engrafting population was higher in NK cultures at earlier stages of expansion, but was preserved in the day 35- cultured product. The frequency of these cells in the BM increased over time, and showed continued cycling based on in vivo BrdU labeling 28 days post-transfer, suggesting a significant progenitor potential in vivo. Interestingly, DN cells isolated from BM could be efficiently differentiated ex vivo to mature CD56+CD16+ NK cells with in vitro cytotoxic activity against K562. We speculate that under the optimal in vivo conditions these BM engrafting cells may provide a progenitor population to produce a mature NK cell pool in humans, and therefore could contribute to the therapeutic potential of the HSC-derived NK cell product. The in vivo activity of HSC-derived NK cells was further explored using a genetically engineered human AML xenograft model of minimal residual disease (MRD) and initial data indicates significant suppression of AML relapse in animals receiving NK cells following chemotherapy. Collectively, our data demonstrate the utility of humanized mice and in vivo xenograft models in characterizing the biodistribution, persistence, differentiation and functional assessment of human HSC-derived cell therapy products, and characterize the potential of HSC-derived NK cells to be developed as an effective off-the-shelf product for use in adoptive cell therapy approaches in AML. Disclosures: Wunderlich: Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Research Funding. Shrestha:C: Research Funding. Kang:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Law:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Jankovic:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Zhang:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Herzberg:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Abbot:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Hariri:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Mulloy:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Research Funding.

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