Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and paclitaxel have cooperative in vivo effects against glioblastoma multiforme cells.
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in conjunction with microtubule-targeting agents may be a promising novel anticancer treatment strategy. In vitro studies have suggested that relatively low concentrations of TRAIL enhance the lethality of paclitaxel (Taxol) against human cancer cells. The increased efficacy may be due to the triggering of caspase activation, resulting in mitotic checkpoint abrogation and catastrophe. We show here that wild-type p53 protects cells from caspase-dependent death induced by this therapeutic combination in vitro. We have now also developed an imaging-based model system to test the in vivo efficacy of combined TRAIL and Taxol, in which tumor growth and treatment response can be monitored noninvasively and in real-time. We further utilize bioluminescence, F18-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography, and microscale computed tomography imaging to confirm the effects of combined treatment on tumors. These studies together provide the first in vivo confirmation that combined TRAIL plus paclitaxel results in better tumor control compared with either TRAIL or paclitaxel alone, and with no discernable increased normal tissue toxicity in the mouse. Interestingly, the in vivo antitumor response elicited by combined treatment was not affected by the p53 status of the tumor cells. These preclinical observations together suggest the therapeutic potential of combining TRAIL plus paclitaxel in cancer treatment, and support further preclinical and future clinical testing.
Dorsey
Jay F
JF
Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Cell Cycle Regulation, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 415 Curie Boulevard, CRB 437A, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Mintz
Akiva
A
Tian
Xiaobing
X
Dowling
Melissa L
ML
Plastaras
John P
JP
Dicker
David T
DT
Kao
Gary D
GD
El-Deiry
Wafik S
WS
D000818:Animals; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D020169:Caspases / Q000378:metabolism; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000187:drug effects; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D004357:Drug Synergism; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods; D053221:TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D047368:Tumor Burden / Q000187:drug effects; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography / Q000379:methods; D023041:Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
D053221:TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D020169:Caspases; D017239:Paclitaxel