Tipifarnib and bortezomib are synergistic and overcome cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance in multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia.
It has been established in preclinical models of multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that the bone marrow microenvironment provides protection from chemotherapy- and death receptor-mediated apoptosis. This form of resistance, termed de novo drug resistance, occurs independent of chronic exposure to cancer-related therapies and likely promotes the development of multidrug resistance. Consequently, it is of major interest to identify compounds or drug combinations that can overcome environment-mediated resistance. In this study, we investigated the activity of tipifarnib (Zarnestra, formerly R115777) combined with bortezomib (Velcade, formerly PS-341) in microenvironment models of multiple myeloma and AML. The combination proved to be synergistic in multiple myeloma and AML cell lines treated in suspension culture. Even in tumor cells relatively resistant to tipifarnib, combined activity was maintained. Tipifarnib and bortezomib were also effective when multiple myeloma and AML cells were adhered to fibronectin, providing evidence that the combination overcomes cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR). Of importance, activation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response was enhanced and correlated with apoptosis and reversal of CAM-DR. Multiple myeloma and AML cells cocultured with bone marrow stromal cells also remained sensitive, although stromal-adhered tumor cells were partially protected (relative to cells in suspension or fibronectin adhered). Evaluation of the combination using a transwell apparatus revealed that stromal cells produce a protective soluble factor. Investigations are under way to identify the cytokines and/or growth factors involved. In summary, our study provides the preclinical rationale for trials testing the tipifarnib and bortezomib combination in patients with multiple myeloma and AML.
Yanamandra
Niranjan
N
Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Malignant Hematology, Experimental Therapeutics, and Bone Marrow Transplant Divisions, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of South Florida, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
Colaco
Nandita M
NM
Parquet
Nancy A
NA
Buzzeo
Robert W
RW
Boulware
David
D
Wright
Gabriela
G
Perez
Lia E
LE
Dalton
William S
WS
Beaupre
Darrin M
DM
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D001897:Boronic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000069286:Bortezomib; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects*; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D011719:Pyrazines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015363:Quinolones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001897:Boronic Acids; D005353:Fibronectins; D011719:Pyrazines; D015363:Quinolones; D000069286:Bortezomib; C402769:tipifarnib