A P425R mutation of the proton-coupled folate transporter causing hereditary folate malabsorption produces a highly selective alteration in folate binding

Proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) mediates folate intestinal absorption and transport across the choroid plexus, processes defective in subjects with hereditary folate malabsorption (HFM). PCFT is also widely expressed in human solid tumors where it contributes to the transport of pemetrexed and other antifolates. This study defines the basis for the functional changes due to a P425R mutation detected in a subject with HFM. Among various substitutions, only positively charged mutants (P425R and P425K) lost function but in a highly selective manner. Transport of reduced folates mediated by P425R-PCFT was virtually abolished; the methotrexate influx K(t) was increased fivefold (from 2 to 10 μM). In contrast, the pemetrexed influx K(t) mediated by P425R-PCFT was decreased 30% compared with wild-type (WT)-PCFT. Methotrexate inhibition of pemetrexed influx was competitive with a K(i) for WT-PCFT comparable to its influx K(t). However, the methotrexate influx K(i) for P425R-PCFT was ～15-fold higher than the WT-PCFT influx K(t) and threefold higher than the methotrexate influx K(t) for the P425R-PCFT mutant. The confirmed secondary structure and homology modeling place the P425 residue at the junction of the 6th external loop and 12th transmembrane domain, remote from the aqueous translocation pathway, a prediction confirmed by the failure to label P425C-PCFT with N-biotinylaminoethyl methanethiosulfonate-biotin and the absence of inhibition of P425C-PCFT function by water-soluble sulfhydryl reagents. Hence, despite its location, the P425R-PCFT mutation produces a conformational change that fully preserves pemetrexed binding but markedly impairs binding of methotrexate and other folates to the carrier.     

顺铂联合多西他赛、培美曲塞及吉西他滨治疗晚期肺腺癌的临床效果比较

目的:比较吉西他滨、培美曲塞、多西他赛联合顺铂三种化疗方案治疗晚期肺腺癌患者的近期疗效与安全性。方法:选择2014年7月至2015年8月在本院肿瘤科住院的经病理或细胞学证实为ⅢB~Ⅳ期肺腺癌的患者共140例,随机分为三组,分别采用多西他赛+顺铂(多西他赛组,n=38)、培美曲塞+顺铂(培美曲塞组,n=56)、吉西他滨+顺铂(吉西他滨组,n=46)三种化疗方案。对三组患者的近期疗效和Ⅲ、Ⅳ度毒性反应的发生情况进行比较。结果:吉西他滨组无完全缓解(CR)患者,部分缓解(PR)患者20例,稳定(SD)患者16例,进展(PD)患者10例,总有效率(RR)43.5%,疾病控制率(DCR)为78.3%;多西他赛组无CR患者,PR患者16例,SD患者12例,PD患者10例,RR42.1%,DCR73.7%;培美曲塞组无CR患者,PR患者28例,SD患者20例,PD患者8例,RR50.0%,DCR为85.7%。三组患者RR及DCR相比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。三组化疗方案的主要毒副反应为骨髓抑制,无Ⅲ~Ⅳ度皮疹和末梢神经炎等毒性反应发生。其中,培美曲塞组的严重骨髓抑制即Ⅲ度+Ⅳ度白细胞减少、中性粒细胞减少及血小板减少的发生率明显低于吉西他滨组和多西他赛组(P0.05)。三组化疗方案Ⅲ度+Ⅳ度血红蛋白下降、胃肠道反应、脱发、肝肾功能异常等毒性反应的发生率相比较差异均无显著性(P0.05)。结论:培美曲赛、多西他赛、吉西他滨联合顺铂方案治疗晚期肺腺癌的疗效相当,但培美曲塞组安全性更高。     

Role of Gemcitabine and Pemetrexed as Maintenance Therapy in Advanced NSCLC: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Gemcitabine and pemetrexed have been used as maintenance therapy. However, few systematic reviews and meta-analyses have assessed their effects in the newest studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the role of gemcitabine and pemetrexed in the maintenance treatment of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

Methods

We performed a literature search using PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane library databases from their inceptions to September 16, 2015. We also searched the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) databases from 2008 to 2015. Two authors independently extracted the data. The Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias graph was used to assess the risk of bias. The GRADE system was used to assess the grading of evidence, and a meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 11.0 software.

Results

Eleven randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies were collected. Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis and divided into the following 4 groups: gemcitabine vs. best supportive care (BSC)/observation, pemetrexed vs. BSC/placebo, pemetrexed + bevacizumab vs. bevacizumab and pemetrexed vs. bevacizumab. Gemcitabine exhibited significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared with BSC (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.62, p = 0.000). Pemetrexed exhibited significantly improved PFS (HR = 0.54, p = 0.000) and OS (HR = 0.75, p = 0.000) compared with BSC. Pemetrexed + bevacizumab almost exhibited significantly improved PFS (HR = 0.71, p = 0.051) compared with bevacizumab. Pemetrexed exhibited no improvement in PFS or overall survival (OS) compared with bevacizumab. Regarding the grade, the GRADE system indicated that the gemcitabine group was "MODERATE", the pemetrexed group was "HIGH", and both the pemetrexed + bevacizumab vs. bevacizumab groups and pemetrexed vs. B groups were "LOW".

Conclusions

Gemcitabine or pemetrexed compared with BSC/observation/placebo significantly improved PFS or OS. Whether pemetrexed + bevacizumab compared with bevacizumab alone significantly improves PFS requires further investigation.     

培美曲塞化疗对非小细胞肺癌患者T淋巴细胞亚群的影响

目的:探究培美曲塞化疗对非小细胞肺癌患者T淋巴细胞亚群的影响,评价其临床应用价值。方法:选取2016年3月到2017年3月我院肿瘤内科收治的100例非小细胞肺癌患者进行研究,其中,50例非小细胞肺癌患者采用培美曲塞化疗、50例采用多西他赛进行化疗。比较患者治疗前后T淋巴细胞亚群变化情况。结果:与化疗前比较,非小细胞肺癌患者化疗后CD_3~+、CD_4~+、CD_4~+/CD_8~+比值以及NK细胞显著上升,而CD_8~+显著下降(P0.05)。为了验证培美曲塞对非小细胞肺癌患者的安全性,本研究将部分患者采用多西他赛化疗,非小细胞肺癌患者培美曲塞和多西他赛化疗后CD_3~+、CD_4~+、CD_4~+/CD_8~+比值以及NK细胞相比差异不大(P0.05)。此外,两组不良反应如恶心、呕吐,细胞减少,血小板减少,肾功能障碍差异不大(P0.05)。结论:培美曲塞化疗可以显著改变非小细胞患者的T淋巴细胞亚群构成,提高患者免疫功能和治疗效果。     

Combination of Enzastaurin and Pemetrexed Inhibits Cell Growth and Induces Apoptosis of Chemoresistant Ovarian Cancer Cells Regulating Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 Phosphorylation

New strategies in the therapy for malignant diseases depend on a targeted influence on signal transduction pathways that regulate proliferation, cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis by the activation of serine/threonine kinases. Enzastaurin ({"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"LY317615","term_id":"1257423630","term_text":"LY317615"}}LY317615.HCl), a selective inhibitor of protein kinase Cβ (PKCβ), is one of these new drugs and causes inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis. Pemetrexed, a multitarget inhibitor of folate pathways, is broadly active in a wide variety of solid tumors. Therefore, the effect of enzastaurin and the combination treatment with pemetrexed was analyzed when applied to the drug-sensitive ovarian cancer cell line HEY and various subclones with drug resistance against cisplatin, etoposide, docetaxel, and paclitaxel, as well as pemetrexed, and gemcitabine. In these novel chemoresistant subclones, the expression of the enzastaurin targets PKCβII and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) was analyzed. Exposition to enzastaurin showed various inhibitory effects on phosphorylated forms of GSK3β and the mitogen-activated protein kinase extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. Cell proliferation experiments identified the cell line-specific half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of enzastaurin and a synergistic inhibitory effect by cotreatment with the antifolate pemetrexed. Induction of apoptosis by enzastaurin treatment was investigated by Cell Death Detection ELISA and immunoblot analyses. Simultaneous treatment with pemetrexed resulted in an enhanced inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis even in partial enzastaurin-resistant cells. Therefore, the combinational effect of enzastaurin and pemetrexed can have promise in clinical application to overcome the fast-growing development of resistance to chemotherapy in ovarian cancer.     

Re-challenge with pemetrexed in advanced mesothelioma: a multi-institutional experience

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Although first-line therapy for patients affected by advanced mesothelioma is well established, there is a lack of data regarding the impact of second-line treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data of patients affected by advanced mesothelioma, already treated with first-line therapy based on pemetrexed and platin, with a response (partial response or stable disease) lasting at least 6 months, and re-treated with a pemetrexed-based therapy at progression. The primary objective was to describe time to progression and overall survival after re-treatment. RESULTS: Overall across several Italian oncological Institutions we found 30 patients affected by advanced mesothelioma, in progression after a 6-month lasting clinical benefit following a first-line treatment with cisplatin and pemetrexed, and re-challenged with a pemetrexed-based therapy. In these patients we found a disease control rate of 66%, with reduction of pain in 43% of patients. Overall time to progression and survival were promising for a second-line setting of patients with advanced mesothelioma, being 5.1 and 13.6 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion, when a patient experience a long-lasting benefit from previous treatment with pemetrexed combined with a platin compound, the same treatment should be offered at progression.     

Prediction of response and adverse drug reaction of pemetrexed plus platinum-based chemotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma by serum metabolomic profiling

BackgroundPemetrexed plus platinum doublet chemotherapy regimen remains to be the standard first-line treatment for lung adenocarcinoma patients. However, few biomarkers can be used to identify potential beneficiaries with maximal efficacy and minimal toxicity. This study aimed to explore potential biomarker models predictive of efficacy and toxicity after pemetrexed plus platinum chemotherapy based on metabolomics profiling.MethodsA total of 144 patients who received at least two cycles of pemetrexed plus platinum chemotherapy were enroled in the study. Serum samples were collected before initial treatment to perform metabolomics profiling analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to establish prediction models.Results157 metabolites were found to be differentially expressed between the response group and the nonresponse group. A panel of Phosphatidylserine 20:4/20:1, Sphingomyelin d18:1/18:0, and Phosphatidic Acid 18:1/20:0 could predict pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy response with an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.7968. 76 metabolites were associated with hematological toxicity of pemetrexed plus platinum chemotherapy. A panel incorporating triglyceride 14:0/22:3/22:5, 3-(3-Hydroxyphenyl) Propionate Acid, and Carnitine C18:0 was the best predictive ability of hematological toxicity with an AUROC of 0.7954. 54 differential expressed metabolites were found to be associated with hepatotoxicity of pemetrexed plus platinum chemotherapy. A model incorporating stearidonic acid, Thromboxane B3, l-Homocitrulline, and phosphoinositide 20:3/18:0 showed the best predictive ability of hepatotoxicity with an AUROC of 0.8186.ConclusionsThis study established effective and convenient models that can predict the efficacy and toxicity of pemetrexed plus platinum chemotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma patients before treatment delivery.     

Association of thymidylate synthase gene 3'-untranslated region polymorphism with sensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer to pemetrexed treatment: TS gene polymorphism and pemetrexed sensitivity in NSCLC

Background

Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a key enzyme responsible for DNA synthesis and repair. Altered expression of TS protein or TS gene polymorphisms has been associated with cancer progression and treatment response. This study investigated the expressions of TS and its gene SNPs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and then its association with sensitivity to pemetrexed treatment. Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were performed on 160 resected NSCLC specimens and corresponding normal tissues to assess the expressions of TS protein and TS mRNA, and for associations with clinicopathological data. Blood samples of 106 lung adenocarcinoma patients were examined for polymorphisms of the TS gene 3’-UTR 1494del 6 bp, which was then investigated for associations with responses of the patients to pemetrexed treatment and survival.

Results

Expression of both TS protein and its mRNA was elevated in NSCLC tissues compared with matched normal tissues, and significantly higher in lung squamous cell carcinoma than in lung adenocarcinoma. TS expression was associated with poor tumor differentiation. Furthermore, the genotyping data showed that 56% of lung adenocarcinoma patients had the TS gene 3’-UTR 1494 bp (−6 bp/-6 bp) genotype and the rest had TS gene 3’-UTR 1494 bp (−6 bp/+6 bp). There was no TS 3’-UTR 1494 bp (+6 bp/+6 bp) genotype in any patients. Statistical analysis revealed that gender, tumor stage, and TS 3’-UTR 1494del 6 bp polymorphism were significant prognostic factors after short-term pemetrexed treatment. Log-rank analysis revealed that patients with the (−6 bp/-6 bp) genotype had significantly better progression-free and overall survival than patients with (−6 bp/+6 bp).

Conclusions

This study showed that TS protein is highly expressed in NSCLC and that polymorphisms of TS 3’-UTR 1494del 6 bp are associated with sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma patients to pemetrexed treatment. This suggests that TS gene polymorphisms should be further evaluated as prognostic markers for personalized therapy in lung adenocarcinoma.     

Down-regulation of MSH2 expression by an Hsp90 inhibitor enhances pemetrexed-induced cytotoxicity in human non-small-cell lung cancer cells

Elevated heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) expression has been linked to poor prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The multitargeted antifolate pemetrexed has demonstrated certain clinical activities against NSCLC. However, the efficacy of the combination of pemtrexed and Hsp90 inhibitor to prolong the survival of patients with NSCLC still remains unclear. Human MutS homolog 2 (MSH2), a crucial element of the highly conserved DNA mismatch repair system, and defects or polymorphisms of MSH2 have been found in lung cancer. In this study, we evaluated the effects of pemetrexed on NSCLC cell lines (H520 and H1703) and found that treatment with this drug at 20–50 µM increased the MSH2 mRNA and protein levels in a MKK3/6–p38 MAPK signal activation-dependent manner. Furthermore, the knockdown of MSH2 expression by transfection with small interfering RNA of MSH2 or the blockage of p38 MAPK activation by SB202190 enhanced the cytotoxicity of pemetrexed. Combining the drug treatment with an Hsp90 inhibitor resulted in an enhanced pemetrexed-induced cytotoxic effect, accompanied with the reduction of MSH2 protein and mRNA levels. The expression of constitutively active MKK6 (MKK6E) or HA-p38 MAPK vectors significantly rescued the decreased p38 MAPK activity, and restored the MSH2 protein levels and cell survival in NSCLC cells co-treated with pemetrexed and Hsp90 inhibitor. In this study, we have demonstrated that down-regulation of the MKK3/6–p38 MAPK signal with the subsequent reduction of MSH2 enhanced the cytotoxic effect of pemetrexed in H520 and H1703 cells. The results suggest a potential future benefit of combining pemetrexed and the Hsp90 inhibitor to treat lung cancer.     

Removal of uracil by uracil DNA glycosylase limits pemetrexed cytotoxicity: overriding the limit with methoxyamine to inhibit base excision repair

Uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) specifically removes uracil bases from DNA, and its repair activity determines the sensitivity of the cell to anticancer agents that are capable of introducing uracil into DNA. In the present study, the participation of UDG in the response to pemetrexed-induced incorporation of uracil into DNA was studied using isogenic human tumor cell lines with or without UDG (UDG^+/+/UDG^−/−). UDG^−/− cells were very sensitive to pemetrexed. Cell killing by pemetrexed was associated with genomic uracil accumulation, stalled DNA replication, and catastrophic DNA strand breaks. By contrast, UDG^+/+ cells were >10 times more resistant to pemetrexed due to the rapid removal of uracil from DNA by UDG and subsequent repair of the resultant AP sites (abasic sites) via the base excision repair (BER). The resistance to pemetrexed in UDG^+/+ cells could be reversed by the addition of methoxyamine (MX), which binds to AP sites and interrupts BER pathway. Furthermore, MX-bound AP sites induced cell death was related to their cytotoxic effect of dual inactivation of UDG and topoisomerase IIα, two genes that are highly expressed in lung cancer cells in comparison with normal cells. Thus, targeting BER-based therapy exhibits more selective cytotoxicity on cancer cells through a synthetic lethal mechanism.     

Molecular resistance fingerprint of pemetrexed and platinum in a long-term survivor of mesothelioma

Background

Pemetrexed, a multi-folate inhibitor combined with a platinum compound is the first-line treatment of malignant mesothelioma, but median survival is still one year. Intrinsic and acquired resistance to pemetrexed is common, but its biological basis is obscure. Here we report for the first time a genome-wide profile of acquired resistance in the tumour from an exceptional case with advanced pleural mesothelioma and almost six years survival after 39 cycles of second-line pemetrexed/carboplatin treatment.

Methodology and Principal Findings

Genome-wide analysis with Illumina BeadChip Kit of 25,000 genes was performed on mRNA from pre-treatment and post-resistance biopsies from this individual as well on case and control samples from our previously published study (in total 17 samples). Cell specific expression of proteins encoded by selected genes were analysed by immunohistochemistry. Serial serum levels of CA125, CYFRA21-1 and SMRP levels were examined. TS protein, the main target of pemetrexed was overexpressed. Proteins and genes related to DNA damage response, elongation and telomere extension and repair related directly and indirectly to platinum resistance were overexpressed, as the CHK1 protein and the genes CHEK2, LIG3, POLD1, POLA2, FANCD2, PRPF19, RECQ5 respectively, the last two not previously described in mesothelioma. We observed a down-regulation of leukocyte transendothelial migration and cell adhesion molecules pathways. Silencing of NT5C in two mesothelioma cell lines did not sensitize the cells to Pemetrexed. Proposed resistance markers are TS, KRT7/ CK7, TYMP/ thymidine phosphorylase and down-regulated SPARCL1 and CDKN1B. Moreover, comparison of the primary expression of the sensitive versus a primary resistant case showed multi-fold overexpressed DNA repair, cell cycle, cytokinesis, and spindle formation in the latter. Serum CA125 and SMRP reflected the clinical and radiological course and tumour burden.

Conclusions

Genome-wide microarray of mesothelioma pre- and post-resistance biopsies indicated a novel resistance signature to pemetrexed/carboplatin that deserve validation in a larger cohort.     

培美曲塞联合顺铂治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌的临床疗效观察

目的:探讨培美曲塞联合顺铂治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)的临床疗效。方法:随机选取我院肿瘤科晚期NSCLC患者177例,随机将其分为3组,培美曲塞联合顺铂治疗(PP组)72例,多西他赛联合顺铂治疗(DP组)53例,吉西他滨联合顺铂治疗(GP组)52例,比较三组治疗方法的临床疗效与不良反应之间的差异,根据临床疗效将PP组分为有效组与无效组,分析培美曲塞联合顺铂治疗晚期NSCLC的影响因素。结果:PP组疾病控制率(DCR)与客观有效率(ORR)均显著高于GP组(均P0.05);PP组与DP组近期疗效之间的比较无显著差异(均P0.05)。PP组的药物毒副作用均显著优于DP组与GP组(均P0.05)。PP组的中位生存期显著高于DP组与GP组(均P0.05),在无吸烟、腺癌与IV期晚期NSCLC患者中,培美曲塞联合顺铂治疗有效率更高。结论:培美曲塞治疗晚期NSCLC的疗效佳,与多西他赛相当并显著优于吉西他滨治疗,药物毒副作用小,且受吸烟状况、病理类型与临床分期影响。     

补肺通络解毒汤联合培美曲塞治疗肺癌的效果及对患者趋化因子受体的影响

目的:探讨补肺通络解毒汤联合培美曲塞治疗肺癌的效果及对患者趋化因子受体的影响。方法:选取2016年4月-2018年5月期间我院收治的肺癌患者78例,依据不同的治疗方法随即分为对照组和研究组,对照组采用培美曲塞+顺铂治疗,研究组在其基础上联合应用补肺通络解毒汤治疗,统计对比两组患者的治疗效果及不良反应的发生情况,对比两组患者治疗前后的生活质量,对比两组患者治疗后癌组织中CCR7和CXCR4的表达情况。结果:治疗过程中,研究组患者的头晕头痛、呕吐恶心、肝损伤的发生率低于对照组(P0.05);治疗前两组患者的生活质量没有明显的差异(P0.05),治疗后均得到提高,研究组患者的躯体、生理、心理和社会等功能评分明显高于对照组(P0.05);治疗后,研究组和对照组患者的缓解率分别为51.28%、28.21%,研究组高于对照组(P0.05);研究组患者癌组织中趋化因子受体CCR7和CXCR4的阳性表达率低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:采用补肺通络解毒汤联合培美曲塞+顺铂治疗肺癌,可以有效减少患者在治疗过程中发生的不良反应,提高生活质量,改善趋化因子受体的表达,控制和缓解病情。     

Sorafenib enhances pemetrexed cytotoxicity through an autophagy-dependent mechanism in cancer cells

Pemetrexed (ALIMTA) is a folate anti-metabolite that has been approved for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, and has been shown to stimulate autophagy. In the present study, we sought to further understand the role of autophagy in the response to pemetrexed and to test if combination therapy could enhance the level of toxicity through altered autophagy in tumor cells. The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib (NEXAVAR), used in the treatment of renal and hepatocellular carcinoma, suppresses tumor angiogenesis and promotes autophagy in tumor cells. We found that sorafenib interacted in a greater than additive fashion with pemetrexed to increase autophagy and to kill a diverse array of tumor cell types. Tumor cell types that displayed high levels of cell killing after combination treatment showed elevated levels of AKT, p70 S6K and/or phosphorylated mTOR, in addition to class III RTKs such as PDGFRb and VEGFR1, known in vivo targets of sorafenib. In xenograft and in syngeneic animal models of mammary carcinoma and glioblastoma, the combination of sorafenib and pemetrexed suppressed tumor growth without deleterious effects on normal tissues or animal body mass. Taken together, the data suggest that premexetred and sorafenib act synergistically to enhance tumor killing via the promotion of a toxic form of autophagy that leads to activation of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, and predict that combination treatment represents a future therapeutic option in the treatment of solid tumors.     

Sorafenib enhances pemetrexed cytotoxicity through an autophagy-dependent mechanism in cancer cells

Pemetrexed (ALIMTA) is a folate anti-metabolite that has been approved for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, and has been shown to stimulate autophagy. In the present study, we sought to further understand the role of autophagy in the response to pemetrexed and to test if combination therapy could enhance the level of toxicity through altered autophagy in tumor cells. The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib (NEXAVAR), used in the treatment of renal and hepatocellular carcinoma, suppresses tumor angiogenesis and promotes autophagy in tumor cells. We found that sorafenib interacted in a greater than additive fashion with pemetrexed to increase autophagy and to kill a diverse array of tumor cell types. Tumor cell types that displayed high levels of cell killing after combination treatment showed elevated levels of AKT, p70 S6K and/or phosphorylated mTOR, in addition to class III RTKs such as PDGFRb and VEGFR1, known in vivo targets of sorafenib. In xenograft and in syngeneic animal models of mammary carcinoma and glioblastoma, the combination of sorafenib and pemetrexed suppressed tumor growth without deleterious effects on normal tissues or animal body mass. Taken together, the data suggest that premexetred and sorafenib act synergistically to enhance tumor killing via the promotion of a toxic form of autophagy that leads to activation of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, and predict that combination treatment represents a future therapeutic option in the treatment of solid tumors.     

Uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG) loss enhances DNA double strand break formation in human cancer cells exposed to pemetrexed

Misincorporation of genomic uracil and formation of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) are known consequences of exposure to TS inhibitors such as pemetrexed. Uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG) catalyzes the excision of uracil from DNA and initiates DNA base excision repair (BER). To better define the relationship between UNG activity and pemetrexed anticancer activity, we have investigated DNA damage, DSB formation, DSB repair capacity, and replication fork stability in UNG^+/+ and UNG^−/− cells. We report that despite identical growth rates and DSB repair capacities, UNG^−/− cells accumulated significantly greater uracil and DSBs compared with UNG^+/+ cells when exposed to pemetrexed. ChIP-seq analysis of γ-H2AX enrichment confirmed fewer DSBs in UNG^+/+ cells. Furthermore, DSBs in UNG^+/+ and UNG^−/− cells occur at distinct genomic loci, supporting differential mechanisms of DSB formation in UNG-competent and UNG-deficient cells. UNG^−/− cells also showed increased evidence of replication fork instability (PCNA dispersal) when exposed to pemetrexed. Thymidine co-treatment rescues S-phase arrest in both UNG^+/+ and UNG^−/− cells treated with IC₅₀-level pemetrexed. However, following pemetrexed exposure, UNG^−/− but not UNG^+/+ cells are refractory to thymidine rescue, suggesting that deficient uracil excision rather than dTTP depletion is the barrier to cell cycle progression in UNG^−/− cells. Based on these findings we propose that pemetrexed-induced uracil misincorporation is genotoxic, contributing to replication fork instability, DSB formation and ultimately cell death.     

C6 ceramide sensitizes pemetrexed-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity in osteosarcoma cells

Chemotherapy has significantly improved the prognosis of high-grade osteosarcoma (OS), but over 30% of OS patients can still not be cured. Pemetrexed, the newly-developed anti-folate chemotherapy drug, exerted lower efficacy against OS cells. Here, we aimed to increase pemetrexed efficiency, and found that the cell-permeable short-chain ceramide (C6) significantly enhanced pemetrexed-induced viability reduction and death in cultured OS cell lines (U2OS and MG-63). Pemetrexed induced moderate apoptosis in OS cells, which was dramatically augmented by C6 ceramide. The apoptosis inhibitor z-VAD-fmk largely inhibited C6 ceramide plus pemetrexed-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in OS cells. By using pharmacological and siRNA-knockdown strategies, we showed that Akt–mammalian TOR (mTOR) over-activation was an important pemetrexed resistance factor in OS cells, and C6 ceramide-mediated pemetrexed sensitization effect was mediated, at least in part, by Akt–mTOR inhibition. Finally, we found that Akt–S6 Kinase 1 (S6K1, an indicator of mTOR activation) was over-activated in human OS tissues. On the other hand, the osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells, which expressed lower Akt–S6K1 phosphorylation, were resistant to pemetrexed and/or C6 ceramide. Together, we conclude that C6 ceramide sensitizes pemetrexed-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity in OS cells probably through in-activation of Akt–mTOR signaling.     

Highly sensitive analysis of the antifolate pemetrexed sodium, a new cancer agent, in human plasma and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography

A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for the quantitation of pemetrexed (LY231514, ALIMTA) in human urine and plasma. Plasma samples were spiked with the internal standard lometrexol and extracted using Certify II columns. Pemetrexed was assayed in diluted urine by an external calibration method. A C₈ column was used for the separation of analytes with a mobile phase composed of sodium formate buffer and acetonitrile. Between- and within-day precision and accuracy were acceptable down to the limit of quantitation of 5 ng/ml in plasma. This method was used successfully for an investigation of the disposition of pemetrexed in patients receiving 500 mg/m² as a 10-min infusion.     

多西他赛单药与培美曲塞联合顺铂二线治疗老年晚期胃癌的疗效及对患者生活质量的影响

目的:探讨多西他赛单药与培美曲塞联合顺铂二线治疗老年晚期胃癌的疗效及对患者生活质量的影响,为临床用药提供参考。方法:选取我院2014年6月-2017年6月期间收治的120例一线化疗失败的老年晚期胃癌患者,按照随机数字表法将患者分为观察组和对照组各60例,观察组使用培美曲塞联合顺铂治疗,对照组单独使用多西他赛治疗,两组均治疗3个疗程。治疗3个疗程后,采用实体肿瘤的疗效评价标准(RECIST)对两组患者的临床疗效进行评价,参照抗癌药物常见毒副反应分级标准统计患者出现的不良反应,采用生活质量量表评价患者的生活质量,并对所有患者进行为期半年的随访,统计两组患者的生存率。结果:观察组有效率(RR)为30.00%,略高于对照组的25.00%,但两组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组患者不良反应发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。治疗后,观察组患者日常生活、社会活动、抑郁、焦虑得分均明显高于对照组(P<0.05)。观察组患者半年生存率为71.67%,明显高于对照组的48.33%(P<0.05)。结论:相比于多西他赛单药治疗,培美曲塞联合顺铂二线治疗老年晚期胃癌能够改善患者生活质量,延长其生存期,安全可靠。