[HTML][HTML] Benefits of targeting both pericytes and endothelial cells in the tumor vasculature with kinase inhibitors

G Bergers, S Song, N Meyer-Morse… - The Journal of …, 2003 - Am Soc Clin Investig
G Bergers, S Song, N Meyer-Morse, E Bergsland, D Hanahan
The Journal of clinical investigation, 2003Am Soc Clin Investig
Functions of receptor tyrosine kinases implicated in angiogenesis were pharmacologically
impaired in a mouse model of pancreatic islet cancer. An inhibitor targeting VEGFRs in
endothelial cells (SU5416) is effective against early-stage angiogenic lesions, but not large,
well-vascularized tumors. In contrast, a kinase inhibitor incorporating selectivity for PDGFRs
(SU6668) is shown to block further growth of end-stage tumors, eliciting detachment of
pericytes and disruption of tumor vascularity. Importantly, PDGFRs were expressed only in …
Functions of receptor tyrosine kinases implicated in angiogenesis were pharmacologically impaired in a mouse model of pancreatic islet cancer. An inhibitor targeting VEGFRs in endothelial cells (SU5416) is effective against early-stage angiogenic lesions, but not large, well-vascularized tumors. In contrast, a kinase inhibitor incorporating selectivity for PDGFRs (SU6668) is shown to block further growth of end-stage tumors, eliciting detachment of pericytes and disruption of tumor vascularity. Importantly, PDGFRs were expressed only in perivascular cells of this tumor type, suggesting that PDGFR+ pericytes in tumors present a complimentary target to endothelial cells for efficacious antiangiogenic therapy. Therapeutic regimes combining the two kinase inhibitors (SU5416 and SU6668) were more efficacious against all stages of islet carcinogenesis than either single agent. Combination of the VEGFR inhibitor with another distinctive kinase inhibitor targeting PDGFR activity (Gleevec) was also able to regress late-stage tumors. Thus, combinatorial targeting of receptor tyrosine kinases shows promise for treating multiple stages in tumorigenesis, most notably the often-intractable late-stage solid tumor.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation