CDK4/6 and IGF1 Receptor Inhibitors Synergize to Suppress the Growth of p16INK4A-Deficient Pancreatic Cancers

AM Heilmann, RM Perera, V Ecker, BN Nicolay… - Cancer research, 2014 - AACR
AM Heilmann, RM Perera, V Ecker, BN Nicolay, N Bardeesy, CH Benes, NJ Dyson
Cancer research, 2014AACR
Loss-of-function mutations in p16INK4A (CDKN2A) occur in approximately 80% of sporadic
pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), contributing to its early progression. Although
this loss activates the cell-cycle–dependent kinases CDK4/6, which have been considered
as drug targets for many years, p16INK4A-deficient PDAC cells are inherently resistant to
CDK4/6 inhibitors. This study searched for targeted therapies that might synergize with
CDK4/6 inhibition in this setting. We report that the IGF1R/IR inhibitor BMS-754807 …
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in p16INK4A (CDKN2A) occur in approximately 80% of sporadic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), contributing to its early progression. Although this loss activates the cell-cycle–dependent kinases CDK4/6, which have been considered as drug targets for many years, p16INK4A-deficient PDAC cells are inherently resistant to CDK4/6 inhibitors. This study searched for targeted therapies that might synergize with CDK4/6 inhibition in this setting. We report that the IGF1R/IR inhibitor BMS-754807 cooperated with the CDK4/6 inhibitor PD-0332991 to strongly block proliferation of p16INK4A-deficient PDAC cells in vitro and in vivo. Sensitivity to this drug combination correlated with reduced activity of the master cell growth regulator mTORC1. Accordingly, replacing the IGF1R/IR inhibitor with the rapalog inhibitor temsirolimus broadened the sensitivity of PDAC cells to CDK4/6 inhibition. Our results establish targeted therapy combinations with robust cytostatic activity in p16INK4A-deficient PDAC cells and possible implications for improving treatment of a broad spectrum of human cancers characterized by p16INK4A loss. Cancer Res; 74(14); 3947–58. ©2014 AACR.
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