Effect of sulindac derivative K-80003 in combination with MEK inhibitor cobimetinib in breast cancer cells / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Aim: To determine whether the inhibition of K-80003-activated p-ERK could potentiate the anticancer effect of K-80003 in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The effects of K-80003 in combination with the MEK inhibitor cobimetinib on ERK activation and tumor cell apoptosis in breast cancer cells were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemical staining in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and MMTV-PyMT mammary transgenic mice. Results: K-80003 activation of ERK in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and in MMTV-PyMT mammary transgenic mice was strongly inhibited by co-treatment with cobimetinib. The co-treatment also resulted in a strong induction of apoptosis and inhibition of the growth of tumor cells in vitro and in animals, as compared with K-80003 alone. It was detected that K-80003 in combination with cobimetinib synergistically inhibited the growth of MMTV-PyMT tumor strongly, suggesting that K-80003 activation of ERK serves as an escape mechanism by which tumor cells develop resistance to K-80003 treatment. Conclusion: An attractive approach is identified to enhance the therapeutic effect of K-80003 and to overcome potential resistance associated with the K-80003 therapy.