Elevated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) function induces malignancy in experimental models by selectively enhancing translation of key malignancy-related mRNAs (c-myc and BCL-2). eIF4E activation may reflect increased eIF4E expression or phosphorylation of its inhibitory binding proteins (4E-BP). By immunohistochemical analyses of 148 tissues from 89 prostate cancer patients, we now show that both eIF4E expression and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation (p4E-BP1) are increased significantly, particularly in advanced prostate cancer versus benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues. Further, increased eIF4E and p4E-BP1 levels are significantly related to reduced patient survival, whereas uniform 4E-BP1 expression is significantly related to better patient survival. Both immunohistochemistry and Western blotting reveal that elevated eIF4E and p4E-BP1 are evident in the same prostate cancer tissues. In two distinct prostate cancer cell models, the progression to androgen independence also involves increased eIF4E activation. In these prostate cancer cells, reducing eIF4E expression with an eIF4E-specific antisense oligonucleotide currently in phase I clinical trials robustly induces apoptosis, regardless of cell cycle phase, and reduces expression of the eIF4E-regulated proteins BCL-2 and c-myc. Collectively, these data implicate eIF4E activation in prostate cancer and suggest that targeting eIF4E may be attractive for prostate cancer therapy. [Cancer Res 2009; 69(9):3866-73]
Purpose
The antisense oligonucleotide, LY2275796, blocks expression of eIF-4E, an mRNA translation regulator upregulated in tumors. This Phase I study sought an appropriate LY2275796 dose in patients with advanced tumors.
Experimental Design
A 3-day loading dose, then weekly maintenance doses, were given to 1–3 patient cohorts, beginning with 100 mg and escalating. Plasma samples were collected to determine LY2275796 concentrations; tumor biopsies, to quantify eIF-4E mRNA/protein.
Results
Thirty patients with Stage 4 disease received ≥1 LY2275796 dose. A dose-limiting toxicity was observed at 1200 mg, with 1000 mg the maximum-tolerated dose. Across all dose levels, most patients (87%) had only grade 1–2 toxicities. LY2275796 pharmacokinetics supported the dosing regimen. Comparison of pre- and post-dose biopsies showed eIF-4E decreased in most patients. Fifteen patients had progressive disease, and seven patients achieved stable disease (minimum of 6 weeks) as best response, with two patients on therapy >3 months (one with melanoma, one with cystadenocarcinoma of the head/neck).
Conclusions
LY2275796 was well tolerated up to 1000 mg. Since tumor eIF-4E expression was decreased, but no tumor response observed, LY2275796 should be studied combined with other treatment modalities.
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