Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs predicts improved patient survival for PIK3CA-altered head and neck cancer.

PIK3CA is the most commonly altered oncogene in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We evaluated the impact of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on survival in a PIK3CA-characterized cohort of 266 HNSCC patients and explored the mechanism in relevant preclinical models including patient-derived xenografts. Among subjects with PIK3CA mutations or amplification, regular NSAID use (≥6 mo) conferred markedly prolonged disease-specific survival (DSS; hazard ratio 0.23, P = 0.0032, 95% CI 0.09-0.62) and overall survival (OS; hazard ratio 0.31, P = 0.0043, 95% CI 0.14-0.69) compared with nonregular NSAID users. For PIK3CA-altered HNSCC, predicted 5-yr DSS was 72% for NSAID users and 25% for nonusers; predicted 5-yr OS was 78% for regular NSAID users and 45% for nonregular users. PIK3CA mutation predicted sensitivity to NSAIDs in preclinical models in association with increased systemic PGE2 production. These findings uncover a biologically plausible rationale to implement NSAID therapy in PIK3CA-altered HNSCC.

Multiple Routes to Oncogenesis Are Promoted by the Human Papillomavirus-Host Protein Network.

We have mapped a global network of virus-host protein interactions by purification of the complete set of human papillomavirus (HPV) proteins in multiple cell lines followed by mass spectrometry analysis. Integration of this map with tumor genome atlases shows that the virus targets human proteins frequently mutated in HPV- but not HPV+ cancers, providing a unique opportunity to identify novel oncogenic events phenocopied by HPV infection. For example, we find that the NRF2 transcriptional pathway, which protects against oxidative stress, is activated by interaction of the NRF2 regulator KEAP1 with the viral protein E1. We also demonstrate that the L2 HPV protein physically interacts with the RNF20/40 histone ubiquitination complex and promotes tumor cell invasion in an RNF20/40-dependent manner. This combined proteomic and genetic approach provides a systematic means to study the cellular mechanisms hijacked by virally induced cancers.Significance: In this study, we created a protein-protein interaction network between HPV and human proteins. An integrative analysis of this network and 800 tumor mutation profiles identifies multiple oncogenesis pathways promoted by HPV interactions that phenocopy recurrent mutations in cancer, yielding an expanded definition of HPV oncogenic roles. Cancer Discov; 8(11); 1474-89. ©2018 AACR. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1333.

BET Inhibition Overcomes Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-Mediated Cetuximab Resistance in HNSCC.

Cetuximab, the FDA-approved anti-EGFR antibody for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), has displayed limited efficacy due to the emergence of intrinsic and acquired resistance. We and others have demonstrated that cetuximab resistance in HNSCC is driven by alternative receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), including HER3, MET, and AXL. In an effort to overcome cetuximab resistance and circumvent toxicities associated with the administration of multiple RTK inhibitors, we sought to identify a common molecular target that regulates expression of multiple RTK. Bromodomain-containing protein-4 (BRD4) has been shown to regulate the transcription of various RTK in the context of resistance to PI3K and HER2 inhibition in breast cancer models. We hypothesized that, in HNSCC, targeting BRD4 could overcome cetuximab resistance by depleting alternative RTK expression. We generated independent models of cetuximab resistance in HNSCC cell lines and interrogated their RTK and BRD4 expression profiles. Cetuximab-resistant clones displayed increased expression and activation of several RTK, such as MET and AXL, as well as an increased percentage of BRD4-expressing cells. Both genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of BRD4 abrogated cell viability in models of acquired and intrinsic cetuximab resistance and was associated with a robust decrease in alternative RTK expression by cetuximab. Combined treatment with cetuximab and bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 significantly delayed acquired resistance and RTK upregulation in patient-derived xenograft models of HNSCC. These findings indicate that the combination of cetuximab and bromodomain inhibition may be a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with HNSCC.Significance: Inhibition of bromodomain protein BRD4 represents a potential therapeutic strategy to circumvent the toxicities and financial burden of targeting the multiple receptor tyrosine kinases that drive cetuximab resistance in HNSCC and NSCLC.Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/15/4331/F1.large.jpg Cancer Res; 78(15); 4331-43. ©2018 AACR.

Cross-talk Signaling between HER3 and HPV16 E6 and E7 Mediates Resistance to PI3K Inhibitors in Head and Neck Cancer.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 is implicated in approximately 75% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) that arise in the oropharynx, where viral expression of the E6 and E7 oncoproteins promote cellular transformation, tumor growth, and maintenance. An important oncogenic signaling pathway activated by E6 and E7 is the PI3K pathway, a key driver of carcinogenesis. The PI3K pathway is also activated by mutation or amplification of PIK3CA in over half of HPV(+) HNSCC. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of PI3K-targeted therapies in HPV(+) HNSCC preclinical models and report that HPV(+) cell line- and patient-derived xenografts are resistant to PI3K inhibitors due to feedback signaling emanating from E6 and E7. Receptor tyrosine kinase profiling indicated that PI3K inhibition led to elevated expression of the HER3 receptor, which in turn increased the abundance of E6 and E7 to promote PI3K inhibitor resistance. Targeting HER3 with siRNA or the mAb CDX-3379 reduced E6 and E7 abundance and enhanced the efficacy of PI3K-targeted therapies. Together, these findings suggest that cross-talk between HER3 and HPV oncoproteins promotes resistance to PI3K inhibitors and that cotargeting HER3 and PI3K may be an effective therapeutic strategy in HPV(+) tumors.Significance: These findings suggest a new therapeutic combination that may improve outcomes in HPV(+) head and neck cancer patients. Cancer Res; 78(9); 2383-95. ©2018 AACR.

RETRACTED: The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL mediates nuclear translocation of the epidermal growth factor receptor.

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a therapeutic target in patients with various cancers. Unfortunately, resistance to EGFR-targeted therapeutics is common. Previous studies identified two mechanisms of resistance to the EGFR monoclonal antibody cetuximab. Nuclear translocation of EGFR bypasses the inhibitory effects of cetuximab, and the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL mediates cetuximab resistance by maintaining EGFR activation and downstream signaling. Thus, we hypothesized that AXL mediated the nuclear translocation of EGFR in the setting of cetuximab resistance. Cetuximab-resistant clones of non-small cell lung cancer in culture and patient-derived xenografts in mice had increased abundance of AXL and nuclear EGFR (nEGFR). Cellular fractionation analysis, super-resolution microscopy, and electron microscopy revealed that genetic loss of AXL reduced the accumulation of nEGFR. SRC family kinases (SFKs) and HER family ligands promote the nuclear translocation of EGFR. We found that AXL knockdown reduced the expression of the genes encoding the SFK family members YES and LYN and the ligand neuregulin-1 (NRG1). AXL knockdown also decreased the interaction between EGFR and the related receptor HER3 and accumulation of HER3 in the nucleus. Overexpression of LYN and NRG1 in cells depleted of AXL resulted in accumulation of nEGFR, rescuing the deficit induced by lack of AXL. Collectively, these data uncover a previously unrecognized role for AXL in regulating the nuclear translocation of EGFR and suggest that AXL-mediated SFK and NRG1 expression promote this process.

Human Papillomavirus Regulates HER3 Expression in Head and Neck Cancer: Implications for Targeted HER3 Therapy in HPV+ Patients.

Purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 plays an etiologic role in a growing subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), where viral expression of the E6 and E7 oncoproteins is necessary for tumor growth and maintenance. Although patients with HPV+ tumors have a more favorable prognosis, there are currently no HPV-selective therapies. Recent studies identified differential receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) profiles in HPV+ versus HPV- tumors. One such RTK, HER3, is overexpressed and interacts with phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) in HPV+ tumors. Therefore, we investigated the role of HPV oncoproteins in regulating HER3-mediated signaling and determined whether HER3 could be a molecular target in HPV+ HNSCC.Experimental Design: HER3 was investigated as a molecular target in HPV+ HNSCC using established cell lines, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and human tumor specimens. A mechanistic link between HPV and HER3 was examined by augmenting E6 and E7 expression levels in HNSCC cell lines. The dependency of HPV+ and HPV- HNSCC models on HER3 was evaluated with anti-HER3 siRNAs and the clinical stage anti-HER3 monoclonal antibody KTN3379.Results: HER3 was overexpressed in HPV+ HNSCC, where it was associated with worse overall survival in patients with pharyngeal cancer. Further investigation indicated that E6 and E7 regulated HER3 protein expression and downstream PI3K pathway signaling. Targeting HER3 with siRNAs or KTN3379 significantly inhibited the growth of HPV+ cell lines and PDXs.Conclusions: This study uncovers a direct relationship between HPV infection and HER3 in HNSCC and provides a rationale for the clinical evaluation of targeted HER3 therapy for the treatment of HPV+ patients. Clin Cancer Res; 23(12); 3072-83. ©2016 AACR.

Targeting the HER Family with Pan-HER Effectively Overcomes Resistance to Cetuximab.

Cetuximab, an antibody against the EGFR, has shown efficacy in treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), metastatic colorectal cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite the clinical success of cetuximab, many patients do not respond to cetuximab. Furthermore, virtually all patients who do initially respond become refractory, highlighting both intrinsic and acquired resistance to cetuximab as significant clinical problems. To understand mechanistically how cancerous cells acquire resistance, we previously developed models of acquired resistance using the H226 NSCLC and UM-SCC1 HNSCC cell lines. Cetuximab-resistant clones showed a robust upregulation and dependency on the HER family receptors EGFR, HER2, and HER3. Here, we examined pan-HER, a mixture of six antibodies targeting these receptors on cetuximab-resistant clones. In cells exhibiting acquired or intrinsic resistance to cetuximab, pan-HER treatment decreased all three receptors' protein levels and downstream activation of AKT and MAPK. This correlated with decreased cell proliferation in cetuximab-resistant clones. To determine whether pan-HER had a therapeutic benefit in vivo, we established de novo cetuximab-resistant mouse xenografts and treated resistant tumors with pan-HER. This regimen resulted in a superior growth delay of cetuximab-resistant xenografts compared with mice continued on cetuximab. Furthermore, intrinsically cetuximab-resistant HNSCC patient-derived xenograft tumors treated with pan-HER exhibited significant growth delay compared with vehicle/cetuximab controls. These results suggest that targeting multiple HER family receptors simultaneously with pan-HER is a promising treatment strategy for tumors displaying intrinsic or acquired resistance to cetuximab. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(9); 2175-86. ©2016 AACR.

Adaptive responses to antibody based therapy.

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) represent a large class of protein kinases that span the cellular membrane. There are 58 human RTKs identified which are grouped into 20 distinct families based upon their ligand binding, sequence homology and structure. They are controlled by ligand binding which activates intrinsic tyrosine-kinase activity. This activity leads to the phosphorylation of distinct tyrosines on the cytoplasmic tail, leading to the activation of cell signaling cascades. These signaling cascades ultimately regulate cellular proliferation, apoptosis, migration, survival and homeostasis of the cell. The vast majority of RTKs have been directly tied to the etiology and progression of cancer. Thus, using antibodies to target RTKs as a cancer therapeutic strategy has been intensely pursued. Although antibodies against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) have shown promise in the clinical arena, the development of both intrinsic and acquired resistance to antibody-based therapies is now well appreciated. In this review we provide an overview of the RTK family, the biology of EGFR and HER2, as well as an in-depth review of the adaptive responses undertaken by cells in response to antibody based therapies directed against these receptors. A greater understanding of these mechanisms and their relevance in human models will lead to molecular insights in overcoming and circumventing resistance to antibody based therapy.

AXL Is a Logical Molecular Target in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents the eighth most common malignancy worldwide. Standard-of-care treatments for patients with HNSCC include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. In addition, the anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody cetuximab is often used in combination with these treatment modalities. Despite clinical success with these therapeutics, HNSCC remains a difficult malignancy to treat. Thus, identification of new molecular targets is critical. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: In the current study, the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL was investigated as a molecular target in HNSCC using established cell lines, HNSCC patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and human tumors. HNSCC dependency on AXL was evaluated with both anti-AXL siRNAs and the small-molecule AXL inhibitor R428. Furthermore, AXL inhibition was evaluated with standard-of-care treatment regimens used in HNSCC. RESULTS: AXL was found to be highly overexpressed in several models of HNSCC, where AXL was significantly associated with higher pathologic grade, presence of distant metastases, and shorter relapse-free survival in patients with HNSCC. Further investigations indicated that HNSCC cells were reliant on AXL for cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion. In addition, targeting AXL increased HNSCC cell line sensitivity to chemotherapy, cetuximab, and radiation. Moreover, radiation-resistant HNSCC cell line xenografts and PDXs expressed elevated levels of both total and activated AXL, indicating a role for AXL in radiation resistance. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence for the role of AXL in HNSCC pathogenesis and supports further preclinical and clinical evaluation of anti-AXL therapeutics for the treatment of patients with HNSCC.

Overcoming acquired resistance to cetuximab by dual targeting HER family receptors with antibody-based therapy.

BACKGROUND: Cetuximab, an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, is used to treat several cancers. However, many patients who initially respond to cetuximab acquire resistance. To examine mechanisms of acquired resistance, we developed a series of cetuximab-resistant (Ctx(R)) clones derived from the cetuximab sensitive (CtxS) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line H226. Previous studies characterizing this model revealed that: 1) EGFR was robustly overexpressed in Ctx(R) clones due to decreased EGFR ubiquitination and degradation and 2) Ctx(R) clones expressed increased HER2 and HER3 activation resulting in constitutive activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling axis. These findings suggest that dual targeting HER family receptors would be highly beneficial in the Ctx(R) setting. RESULTS: Since HER3 has been implicated in resistance to EGFR inhibitors, the efficacy of dually targeting both EGFR and HER3 in Ctx(R) models was evaluated. First, EGFR and HER3 expression were knocked down with siRNAs. Compared to the Ctx(S) parental cell line (HP), all Ctx(R) clones exhibited robust decreases in cell proliferation upon dual knockdown. Analysis of Ctx(R) clones indicated that neuregulin-1 was highly overexpressed compared to HP cells. Incubation of HP cells with neuregulin-1 rendered them resistant to cetuximab. Next, dual treatment of Ctx(R) clones with cetuximab and the HER3 neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) U3-1287 led to potent anti-proliferative effects. Blockade of EGFR with cetuximab resulted in inactivation of MAPK, while blockade of HER3 with U3-1287 resulted in the inactivation of AKT. Treatment with both mAbs resulted in knockdown of both signaling pathways simultaneously. HER2 was also strongly inactivated upon dual mAb therapy, suggesting that this treatment regimen can diminish signaling from three HER family receptors. De novo CtxR H226 mouse xenografts were established to determine if dual therapy could overcome acquired resistance to cetuximab in vivo. Tumors that had acquired resistance to cetuximab were significantly growth delayed upon dual treatment of U3-1287 and cetuximab compared to those continued on cetuximab only. Combinatorial-treated xenograft tumors expressed decreased Ki67 and increased cleaved caspase-3 levels compared to tumors treated with either monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: These studies demonstrate that dually targeting HER family receptors with antibody-based therapies can overcome acquired resistance to cetuximab.

AXL mediates resistance to cetuximab therapy.

The EGFR antibody cetuximab is used to treat numerous cancers, but intrinsic and acquired resistance to this agent is a common clinical outcome. In this study, we show that overexpression of the oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is sufficient to mediate acquired resistance to cetuximab in models of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), where AXL was overexpressed, activated, and tightly associated with EGFR expression in cells resistant to cetuximab (Ctx(R) cells). Using RNAi methods and novel AXL-targeting agents, we found that AXL activation stimulated cell proliferation, EGFR activation, and MAPK signaling in Ctx(R) cells. Notably, EGFR directly regulated the expression of AXL mRNA through MAPK signaling and the transcription factor c-Jun in Ctx(R) cells, creating a positive feedback loop that maintained EGFR activation by AXL. Cetuximab-sensitive parental cells were rendered resistant to cetuximab by stable overexpression of AXL or stimulation with EGFR ligands, the latter of which increased AXL activity and association with the EGFR. In tumor xenograft models, the development of resistance following prolonged treatment with cetuximab was associated with AXL hyperactivation and EGFR association. Furthermore, in an examination of patient-derived xenografts established from surgically resected HNSCCs, AXL was overexpressed and activated in tumors that displayed intrinsic resistance to cetuximab. Collectively, our results identify AXL as a key mediator of cetuximab resistance, providing a rationale for clinical evaluation of AXL-targeting drugs to treat cetuximab-resistant cancers. Cancer Res; 74(18); 5152-64. ©2014 AACR.

Nuclear epidermal growth factor receptor is a functional molecular target in triple-negative breast cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subclass of breast cancers (i.e., estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative, and HER2-negative) that have poor prognosis and very few identified molecular targets. Strikingly, a high percentage of TNBCs overexpresses the EGF receptor (EGFR), yet EGFR inhibition has yielded little clinical benefit. Over the last decade, advances in EGFR biology have established that EGFR functions in two distinct signaling pathways: (i) classical membrane-bound signaling and (ii) nuclear signaling. Previous studies have demonstrated that nuclear EGFR (nEGFR) can enhance resistance to anti-EGFR therapies and is correlated with poor overall survival in breast cancer. On the basis of these findings, we hypothesized that nEGFR may promote intrinsic resistance to cetuximab in TNBC. To examine this question, a battery of TNBC cell lines and human tumors were screened and found to express nEGFR. Knockdown of EGFR expression demonstrated that TNBC cell lines retained dependency on EGFR for proliferation, yet all cell lines were resistant to cetuximab. Furthermore, Src Family Kinases (SFKs) influenced nEGFR translocation in TNBC cell lines and in vivo tumor models, where inhibition of SFK activity led to potent reductions in nEGFR expression. Inhibition of nEGFR translocation led to a subsequent accumulation of EGFR on the plasma membrane, which greatly enhanced sensitivity of TNBC cells to cetuximab. Collectively, these data suggest that targeting both the nEGFR signaling pathway, through the inhibition of its nuclear transport, and the classical EGFR signaling pathway with cetuximab may be a viable approach for the treatment of patients with TNBC.

Combined MET inhibition and topoisomerase I inhibition block cell growth of small cell lung cancer.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a devastating disease, and current therapies have not greatly improved the 5-year survival rates. Topoisomerase (Top) inhibition is a treatment modality for SCLC; however, the response is short lived. Consequently, our research has focused on improving SCLC therapeutics through the identification of novel targets. Previously, we identified MNNG HOS transforming gene (MET) to be overexpressed and functional in SCLC. Herein, we investigated the therapeutic potential of combinatorial targeting of MET using SU11274 and Top1 using 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38). MET and TOP1 gene copy numbers and protein expression were determined in 29 patients with limited (n = 11) and extensive (n = 18) disease. MET gene copy number was significantly increased (>6 copies) in extensive disease compared with limited disease (P = 0.015). Similar TOP1 gene copy numbers were detected in limited and extensive disease. Immunohistochemical staining revealed a significantly higher Top1 nuclear expression in extensive (0.93) versus limited (0.15) disease (P = 0.04). Interestingly, a significant positive correlation was detected between MET gene copy number and Top1 nuclear expression (r = 0.5). In vitro stimulation of H82 cells revealed hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced nuclear colocalization of p-MET and Top1. Furthermore, activation of the HGF/MET axis enhanced Top1 activity, which was abrogated by SU11274. Combination of SN-38 with SU11274 dramatically decreased SCLC growth as compared with either drug alone. Collectively, these findings suggest that the combinatorial inhibition of MET and Top1 is a potentially efficacious treatment strategy for SCLC.