Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1007/s10637-025-01588-7
Kavita Sangwan, Gaurav Agarwal
Lung cancer continues to be a significant health burden in the United States, with 2025 estimates indicating approximately 226,650 new cases and 124,730 deaths. NSCLC is the predominant histological subtype of lung cancer, representing approximately 80% to 85% of all diagnosed cases. Within the NSCLC cohort, the EGFR represents the most commonly altered tumor-initiating mutation, exhibiting the highest prevalence among actionable molecular aberrations. Ex20ins in the EGFR gene represent the third most common type of EGFR mutation, observed in approximately 0.3% to 2.9% of all NSCLC cases and 2% to 5% of EGFR-mutant NSCLC subtypes. In July 2025, the US FDA granted accelerated approval for sunvozertinib, an oral and irreversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for the treatment of NSCLC patients who have mutations in the EGFR Ex20ins. Sunvozertinib received conditional approval in China for the second-line NSCLC with mutations in the EGFR Ex20ins, based on safety and efficacy data derived from a Phase II clinical study. Before the approval of sunvozertinib, treatment approaches for EGFR Ex20ins-mutant patients with NSCLC were limited and largely suboptimal. Conventional EGFR-TKIs exhibited minimal clinical efficacy, primarily due to intrinsic structural resistance mechanisms conferred by these specific mutations. This manuscript focuses on the clinical studies that supported the USFDA accelerated approval of sunvozertinib, along with its ongoing and upcoming clinical trials, preclinical research, and other pharmacological aspects.
{"title":"Sunvozertinib: a Promising Oral EGFR Inhibitor Approved for NSCLC with EGFR Ex20ins Mutations.","authors":"Kavita Sangwan, Gaurav Agarwal","doi":"10.1007/s10637-025-01588-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10637-025-01588-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lung cancer continues to be a significant health burden in the United States, with 2025 estimates indicating approximately 226,650 new cases and 124,730 deaths. NSCLC is the predominant histological subtype of lung cancer, representing approximately 80% to 85% of all diagnosed cases. Within the NSCLC cohort, the EGFR represents the most commonly altered tumor-initiating mutation, exhibiting the highest prevalence among actionable molecular aberrations. Ex20ins in the EGFR gene represent the third most common type of EGFR mutation, observed in approximately 0.3% to 2.9% of all NSCLC cases and 2% to 5% of EGFR-mutant NSCLC subtypes. In July 2025, the US FDA granted accelerated approval for sunvozertinib, an oral and irreversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for the treatment of NSCLC patients who have mutations in the EGFR Ex20ins. Sunvozertinib received conditional approval in China for the second-line NSCLC with mutations in the EGFR Ex20ins, based on safety and efficacy data derived from a Phase II clinical study. Before the approval of sunvozertinib, treatment approaches for EGFR Ex20ins-mutant patients with NSCLC were limited and largely suboptimal. Conventional EGFR-TKIs exhibited minimal clinical efficacy, primarily due to intrinsic structural resistance mechanisms conferred by these specific mutations. This manuscript focuses on the clinical studies that supported the USFDA accelerated approval of sunvozertinib, along with its ongoing and upcoming clinical trials, preclinical research, and other pharmacological aspects.</p>","PeriodicalId":14513,"journal":{"name":"Investigational New Drugs","volume":" ","pages":"1177-1189"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145482238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-10-29DOI: 10.1007/s10637-025-01585-w
Jun Yang, Wei Ji, Lei Liao, Bingdong Jiang, Can Gao, Ying Huang, Zhen Mao, Li Ji, Fang Liu, Jianchang Zeng
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and current therapies offer limited efficacy for many patients. GSK6853, a selective inhibitor of the BRPF1, has shown promising anticancer activity in preclinical studies. However, its therapeutic potential and underlying molecular mechanisms in NSCLC remain uncharacterized. We evaluated the antiproliferative effects of GSK6853 on A549 and H1975 using CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. Annexin V/PI method was performed to detect the rate of apoptosis. Transcriptomic changes induced by GSK6853 were assessed via RNA sequencing, followed by functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. Hub gene identification and pathway predictions were performed using bioinformatics tools. Western blotting was used to validate key protein expression changes. GSK6853 significantly inhibited the proliferation of A549 and H1975 cells in a dose-dependent manner and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. RNA-seq analysis revealed that GSK6853 downregulated genes involved in DNA replication, homologous recombination, and base excision repair pathways. CCNA2 (Cyclin A2) emerged as a central hub gene among the downregulated targets. Western blotting confirmed that GSK6853 suppressed CCNA2 expression via inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Clinical database analysis further showed that CCNA2 is highly expressed in LUAD tissues and its overexpression correlates with poor overall and disease-free survival. Our findings demonstrate that GSK6853 exerts potent antiproliferative effects in NSCLC by disrupting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and suppressing CCNA2-mediated cell cycle progression, and further stimulates apoptosis. These results highlight GSK6853 as a promising therapeutic candidate for lung adenocarcinoma and support further preclinical and clinical evaluation.
{"title":"BRPF1 inhibitor GSK6853 inhibits NSCLC cell proliferation via the JAK2/STAT3/CCNA2 axis to induce cell cycle arrest.","authors":"Jun Yang, Wei Ji, Lei Liao, Bingdong Jiang, Can Gao, Ying Huang, Zhen Mao, Li Ji, Fang Liu, Jianchang Zeng","doi":"10.1007/s10637-025-01585-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10637-025-01585-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and current therapies offer limited efficacy for many patients. GSK6853, a selective inhibitor of the BRPF1, has shown promising anticancer activity in preclinical studies. However, its therapeutic potential and underlying molecular mechanisms in NSCLC remain uncharacterized. We evaluated the antiproliferative effects of GSK6853 on A549 and H1975 using CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. Annexin V/PI method was performed to detect the rate of apoptosis. Transcriptomic changes induced by GSK6853 were assessed via RNA sequencing, followed by functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. Hub gene identification and pathway predictions were performed using bioinformatics tools. Western blotting was used to validate key protein expression changes. GSK6853 significantly inhibited the proliferation of A549 and H1975 cells in a dose-dependent manner and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. RNA-seq analysis revealed that GSK6853 downregulated genes involved in DNA replication, homologous recombination, and base excision repair pathways. CCNA2 (Cyclin A2) emerged as a central hub gene among the downregulated targets. Western blotting confirmed that GSK6853 suppressed CCNA2 expression via inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Clinical database analysis further showed that CCNA2 is highly expressed in LUAD tissues and its overexpression correlates with poor overall and disease-free survival. Our findings demonstrate that GSK6853 exerts potent antiproliferative effects in NSCLC by disrupting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and suppressing CCNA2-mediated cell cycle progression, and further stimulates apoptosis. These results highlight GSK6853 as a promising therapeutic candidate for lung adenocarcinoma and support further preclinical and clinical evaluation.</p>","PeriodicalId":14513,"journal":{"name":"Investigational New Drugs","volume":" ","pages":"1139-1147"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12634795/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145400835","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-10-18DOI: 10.1007/s10637-025-01587-8
Arianna Bandini, Letizia Biso, Cristina Viaggi, Carla Pardini, Paola Orlandi, Marco Carli, Marta Banchi, Luca Filippi, Guido Bocci, Marco Scarselli
β3-adrenergic receptors (β3-ARs) are increasingly recognized as modulators of tumor progression and treatment resistance across multiple cancer types. SR59230A, a β3-AR antagonist, has shown preclinical antitumor activity through mechanisms involving mitochondrial reactivation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and antiangiogenic effects. Based on this premise, this study aimed to investigate the in vitro synergistic effects of SR59230A combined with standard chemotherapeutics or targeted therapies in various human cancer cell lines (glioblastoma, melanoma, triple-negative breast cancer, and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma) and endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cells were treated with SR59230A alone or in fixed-ratio combinations with temozolomide, paclitaxel, vemurafenib, lenvatinib, or sorafenib. Drug interactions were quantified using the Chou-Talalay method and validated with the Loewe additivity model. SR59230A exhibited dose-dependent antiproliferative activity, particularly in HUVECs and thyroid carcinoma cells. Synergistic effects were observed in all models, with the strongest synergy in A-2058 melanoma cells (SR59230A + vemurafenib), MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and 8505C thyroid carcinoma cells (SR59230A + paclitaxel), U-87 glioblastoma cells (SR59230A + temozolomide), and HUVECs (SR59230A + lenvatinib or sorafenib). Dose reduction index (DRI) values confirmed the potential to lower cytotoxic drug doses while preserving efficacy. These findings suggest that SR59230A may enhance the efficacy of conventional and targeted anticancer agents through multimodal mechanisms. The consistent synergistic effects across diverse tumor types support further investigation into the role of SR59230A, including its effects on β3-AR, as a promising strategy to overcome resistance and optimize cancer therapy.
{"title":"Synergistic combination of the adrenergic antagonist SR59230A with common chemotherapeutic drugs and target therapies in cancer and endothelial cells.","authors":"Arianna Bandini, Letizia Biso, Cristina Viaggi, Carla Pardini, Paola Orlandi, Marco Carli, Marta Banchi, Luca Filippi, Guido Bocci, Marco Scarselli","doi":"10.1007/s10637-025-01587-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10637-025-01587-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>β3-adrenergic receptors (β3-ARs) are increasingly recognized as modulators of tumor progression and treatment resistance across multiple cancer types. SR59230A, a β3-AR antagonist, has shown preclinical antitumor activity through mechanisms involving mitochondrial reactivation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and antiangiogenic effects. Based on this premise, this study aimed to investigate the in vitro synergistic effects of SR59230A combined with standard chemotherapeutics or targeted therapies in various human cancer cell lines (glioblastoma, melanoma, triple-negative breast cancer, and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma) and endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cells were treated with SR59230A alone or in fixed-ratio combinations with temozolomide, paclitaxel, vemurafenib, lenvatinib, or sorafenib. Drug interactions were quantified using the Chou-Talalay method and validated with the Loewe additivity model. SR59230A exhibited dose-dependent antiproliferative activity, particularly in HUVECs and thyroid carcinoma cells. Synergistic effects were observed in all models, with the strongest synergy in A-2058 melanoma cells (SR59230A + vemurafenib), MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and 8505C thyroid carcinoma cells (SR59230A + paclitaxel), U-87 glioblastoma cells (SR59230A + temozolomide), and HUVECs (SR59230A + lenvatinib or sorafenib). Dose reduction index (DRI) values confirmed the potential to lower cytotoxic drug doses while preserving efficacy. These findings suggest that SR59230A may enhance the efficacy of conventional and targeted anticancer agents through multimodal mechanisms. The consistent synergistic effects across diverse tumor types support further investigation into the role of SR59230A, including its effects on β3-AR, as a promising strategy to overcome resistance and optimize cancer therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":14513,"journal":{"name":"Investigational New Drugs","volume":" ","pages":"1166-1176"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145312866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-10-22DOI: 10.1007/s10637-025-01590-z
Ayse Karatug Kacar
The aim of this study was to investigate gene expressions related to beta cell function, and the altered protein profiles in insulinoma INS-1 cells following DB application, under both cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic conditions, with a focus on cell death and proliferation. Caspase 3 activity, LDH level, Bax, Bcl-2, PCNA, MafA, Nkx6.1, Pdx1, NeuroD1, and Pax6 gene expressions, TOS, TAS, and OSI were demonstrated. Protein profiles were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. The upstream and downstream proteins using the IPA database were determined. ERP29, UBE2V2, UBE2L6, PSMA4, TSMB10, ARF1, NUDCD2, ARF3, IRS1, PTEN, AKT, HSPA8, and Fibronectin levels were shown. The changes were observed in genes depending on pancreatic beta cell function and apoptosis. Bcl2, MafA, Nkx6.1, Pdx1, and NeuroD1 gene levels decreased, while Bax and Pax6 gene levels and TAS and TOS levels increased in the group given STZ + DB. PCNA, Bcl-2, Nkx6.1, Pdx1, and Pax6 gene levels increased, while MafA gene levels decreased in the group given DB. The protein ubiquitination pathway more predominates than the other many signaling pathways. Several proteins not previously associated, or only indirectly linked, with beta cell function, apoptosis, or proliferation were identified and characterized for the first time in insulinoma. These findings provide new insights and potential targets for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
{"title":"The role of dinutuximab beta with beta cell function, apoptosis, and proliferation: new approaches to proteomic analysis of insulinoma.","authors":"Ayse Karatug Kacar","doi":"10.1007/s10637-025-01590-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10637-025-01590-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to investigate gene expressions related to beta cell function, and the altered protein profiles in insulinoma INS-1 cells following DB application, under both cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic conditions, with a focus on cell death and proliferation. Caspase 3 activity, LDH level, Bax, Bcl-2, PCNA, MafA, Nkx6.1, Pdx1, NeuroD1, and Pax6 gene expressions, TOS, TAS, and OSI were demonstrated. Protein profiles were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. The upstream and downstream proteins using the IPA database were determined. ERP29, UBE2V2, UBE2L6, PSMA4, TSMB10, ARF1, NUDCD2, ARF3, IRS1, PTEN, AKT, HSPA8, and Fibronectin levels were shown. The changes were observed in genes depending on pancreatic beta cell function and apoptosis. Bcl2, MafA, Nkx6.1, Pdx1, and NeuroD1 gene levels decreased, while Bax and Pax6 gene levels and TAS and TOS levels increased in the group given STZ + DB. PCNA, Bcl-2, Nkx6.1, Pdx1, and Pax6 gene levels increased, while MafA gene levels decreased in the group given DB. The protein ubiquitination pathway more predominates than the other many signaling pathways. Several proteins not previously associated, or only indirectly linked, with beta cell function, apoptosis, or proliferation were identified and characterized for the first time in insulinoma. These findings provide new insights and potential targets for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":14513,"journal":{"name":"Investigational New Drugs","volume":" ","pages":"1148-1165"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145345014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-08-13DOI: 10.1007/s10637-025-01575-y
Zhaoquan Wu, Wei Sun, Chunjiang Wang
To explore the regularity and clinical characteristics of pembrolizumab induced myocarditis, and to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of myocarditis. Clinical reports of pembrolizumab induced myocarditis were collected by searching the database as of May 31, 2025. Clinical data were extracted and analyzed statistically. A total of 97 patients were enrolled in the study, with a median age of 70 years (range 25, 89), of which 53(54.6%) were male. The median time for diagnosis of myocarditis was 25 days (range 3, 4050). The common clinical symptoms were dyspnoea (23.7%), shortness of breath (16.5%), and thoracic pain (13.4%). Myositis and/or myasthenia gravis occurred in 43.3% of the patients. These patients with myocarditis may be accompanied by abnormalities in myocardial biomarkers, electrocardiograms, cardiac magnetic resonance and echocardiograms. After the patients discontinued pembrolizumab and received steroid-based immunotherapy, 72.2% of the patients recovered and 26.8% of the patients died. Myocarditis is a rare and fatal immune-related adverse event of pembrolizumab. Cardiac biomarkers, electrocardiograms and echocardiograms should be monitored during the use of Pembrolizumab. Cardiac magnetic resonance or myocardial biopsy can be used to further confirm myocarditis.
{"title":"Clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of pembrolizumab induced myocarditis.","authors":"Zhaoquan Wu, Wei Sun, Chunjiang Wang","doi":"10.1007/s10637-025-01575-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10637-025-01575-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To explore the regularity and clinical characteristics of pembrolizumab induced myocarditis, and to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of myocarditis. Clinical reports of pembrolizumab induced myocarditis were collected by searching the database as of May 31, 2025. Clinical data were extracted and analyzed statistically. A total of 97 patients were enrolled in the study, with a median age of 70 years (range 25, 89), of which 53(54.6%) were male. The median time for diagnosis of myocarditis was 25 days (range 3, 4050). The common clinical symptoms were dyspnoea (23.7%), shortness of breath (16.5%), and thoracic pain (13.4%). Myositis and/or myasthenia gravis occurred in 43.3% of the patients. These patients with myocarditis may be accompanied by abnormalities in myocardial biomarkers, electrocardiograms, cardiac magnetic resonance and echocardiograms. After the patients discontinued pembrolizumab and received steroid-based immunotherapy, 72.2% of the patients recovered and 26.8% of the patients died. Myocarditis is a rare and fatal immune-related adverse event of pembrolizumab. Cardiac biomarkers, electrocardiograms and echocardiograms should be monitored during the use of Pembrolizumab. Cardiac magnetic resonance or myocardial biopsy can be used to further confirm myocarditis.</p>","PeriodicalId":14513,"journal":{"name":"Investigational New Drugs","volume":" ","pages":"885-893"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144835092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The solute carrier (SLC) superfamily comprises a broad array of membrane-bound transport proteins that are integral to the intracellular uptake of various substrates, including nutrients, endogenous metabolites, and an expanding repertoire of anticancer drugs. Although they play a pivotal role in drug disposition and pharmacokinetics, SLC-mediated influx mechanisms have historically garnered less research attention compared to the extensively studied ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux transporters. Increasing evidence now indicates that the expression profiles, functional activity, and regulatory pathways of SLC transporters critically influence intracellular drug accumulation, therapeutic outcomes, and the emergence of resistance in cancer. This review presents an in-depth analysis of key SLC transporters, such as organic cation transporters (OCTs), organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs), L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), and the cystine/glutamate exchanger(xCT), which have demonstrated relevance in mediating the uptake of anticancer agents. We explore their structural features, cancer-specific expression dynamics, and known interactions with chemotherapeutic and molecularly targeted therapies. Additionally, unconventional drug transport routes, including lipid raft-assisted endocytosis, exosome-mediated cargo transfer, and ion channel-facilitated uptake, are discussed as potential contributors to drug delivery in tumor cells. The review further explores innovative therapeutic strategies that aim to harness SLC transporters for clinical benefit, including prodrug designs, nanoparticle-based delivery systems, and transporter-directed drug development. Clinical progress in targeting LAT1, xCT, and OATP family members is also reviewed, with a focus on ongoing trials. Finally, we address the current limitations in targeting SLCs, such as overlapping substrate specificity, tumor-specific heterogeneity, and interindividual genetic variations affecting transporter function. By framing SLCs as viable and strategic targets within the oncology drug development landscape, this review highlights their emerging potential in shaping future precision oncology initiatives.
{"title":"Beyond the obvious: targeting the SLC transportome and non-canonical drug transport mechanisms in cancer therapy.","authors":"Srikruthi Kunigal Sridhar, Kasim Sakran Abass, Buduru Gowthami, Nimbagal Raghavendra Naveen","doi":"10.1007/s10637-025-01577-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10637-025-01577-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The solute carrier (SLC) superfamily comprises a broad array of membrane-bound transport proteins that are integral to the intracellular uptake of various substrates, including nutrients, endogenous metabolites, and an expanding repertoire of anticancer drugs. Although they play a pivotal role in drug disposition and pharmacokinetics, SLC-mediated influx mechanisms have historically garnered less research attention compared to the extensively studied ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux transporters. Increasing evidence now indicates that the expression profiles, functional activity, and regulatory pathways of SLC transporters critically influence intracellular drug accumulation, therapeutic outcomes, and the emergence of resistance in cancer. This review presents an in-depth analysis of key SLC transporters, such as organic cation transporters (OCTs), organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs), L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), and the cystine/glutamate exchanger(xCT), which have demonstrated relevance in mediating the uptake of anticancer agents. We explore their structural features, cancer-specific expression dynamics, and known interactions with chemotherapeutic and molecularly targeted therapies. Additionally, unconventional drug transport routes, including lipid raft-assisted endocytosis, exosome-mediated cargo transfer, and ion channel-facilitated uptake, are discussed as potential contributors to drug delivery in tumor cells. The review further explores innovative therapeutic strategies that aim to harness SLC transporters for clinical benefit, including prodrug designs, nanoparticle-based delivery systems, and transporter-directed drug development. Clinical progress in targeting LAT1, xCT, and OATP family members is also reviewed, with a focus on ongoing trials. Finally, we address the current limitations in targeting SLCs, such as overlapping substrate specificity, tumor-specific heterogeneity, and interindividual genetic variations affecting transporter function. By framing SLCs as viable and strategic targets within the oncology drug development landscape, this review highlights their emerging potential in shaping future precision oncology initiatives.</p>","PeriodicalId":14513,"journal":{"name":"Investigational New Drugs","volume":" ","pages":"1070-1085"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144954433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-09-04DOI: 10.1007/s10637-025-01582-z
Emadeldin M Kamel, Sulaiman A Alsalamah, Ahmed A Allam, Noha A Ahmed, Faris F Aba Alkhayl, Al Mokhtar Lamsabhi
The oncogenic transcription factor MYC drives proliferation, metabolism, and therapy resistance in the majority of human cancers, yet its large, nuclear protein-protein interface has long frustrated direct drug discovery. A pivotal breakthrough was the identification of Tribbles pseudokinase 3 (TRIB3) as a high-affinity scaffold that binds the helix-loop-helix/leucine zipper region of MYC, blocks the E3-ubiquitin-ligase, UBE3B, from tagging critical lysines, and thereby prolongs MYC protein half-life while enhancing MYC-MAX transcriptional output. This review integrates structural, biochemical, and in vivo data to show how genetic deletion or pharmacological eviction of TRIB3 collapses MYC levels, silences its gene program, and suppresses tumor growth in B-cell lymphomas and selected solid tumors. We detail two distinct solid-tumor circuits: (i) inducible TRIB3 overload in KRAS- or EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma that triggers lethal paraptosis when mTOR is inhibited by everolimus plus ginsenoside Rh2; (ii) VHL-controlled UBE3B abundance in breast carcinoma, where loss of VHL renders tumors dependent on TRIB3 shielding for sustained MYC signaling. Emerging therapeutics include helix-mimetic and stapled peptides such as PCM4, fragment-derived small molecules that target a unique Glu344-centered pocket on TRIB3, and PROTAC degraders that either eliminate TRIB3 or hijack it to destroy MYC. When combined with DNA-damaging agents, BET or CDK7 inhibitors, or ligase-restoring strategies, these disruptors produce marked synergy in preclinical models. Remaining translational challenges-efficient intracellular delivery, biomarker-guided patient selection, and off-target surveillance-are increasingly tractable thanks to advances in peptide formulation, AI-accelerated screening, and established regulatory paths for targeted degraders. Collectively, current evidence positions the TRIB3-MYC interface as a druggable Achilles' heel and a realistic gateway to long-sought direct MYC blockade in the clinic.
{"title":"Targeting the TRIB3-MYC axis in cancer: mechanistic insights and therapeutic disruption strategies.","authors":"Emadeldin M Kamel, Sulaiman A Alsalamah, Ahmed A Allam, Noha A Ahmed, Faris F Aba Alkhayl, Al Mokhtar Lamsabhi","doi":"10.1007/s10637-025-01582-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10637-025-01582-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The oncogenic transcription factor MYC drives proliferation, metabolism, and therapy resistance in the majority of human cancers, yet its large, nuclear protein-protein interface has long frustrated direct drug discovery. A pivotal breakthrough was the identification of Tribbles pseudokinase 3 (TRIB3) as a high-affinity scaffold that binds the helix-loop-helix/leucine zipper region of MYC, blocks the E3-ubiquitin-ligase, UBE3B, from tagging critical lysines, and thereby prolongs MYC protein half-life while enhancing MYC-MAX transcriptional output. This review integrates structural, biochemical, and in vivo data to show how genetic deletion or pharmacological eviction of TRIB3 collapses MYC levels, silences its gene program, and suppresses tumor growth in B-cell lymphomas and selected solid tumors. We detail two distinct solid-tumor circuits: (i) inducible TRIB3 overload in KRAS- or EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma that triggers lethal paraptosis when mTOR is inhibited by everolimus plus ginsenoside Rh2; (ii) VHL-controlled UBE3B abundance in breast carcinoma, where loss of VHL renders tumors dependent on TRIB3 shielding for sustained MYC signaling. Emerging therapeutics include helix-mimetic and stapled peptides such as PCM4, fragment-derived small molecules that target a unique Glu344-centered pocket on TRIB3, and PROTAC degraders that either eliminate TRIB3 or hijack it to destroy MYC. When combined with DNA-damaging agents, BET or CDK7 inhibitors, or ligase-restoring strategies, these disruptors produce marked synergy in preclinical models. Remaining translational challenges-efficient intracellular delivery, biomarker-guided patient selection, and off-target surveillance-are increasingly tractable thanks to advances in peptide formulation, AI-accelerated screening, and established regulatory paths for targeted degraders. Collectively, current evidence positions the TRIB3-MYC interface as a druggable Achilles' heel and a realistic gateway to long-sought direct MYC blockade in the clinic.</p>","PeriodicalId":14513,"journal":{"name":"Investigational New Drugs","volume":" ","pages":"1109-1124"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144992417","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) carries a poor prognosis in elderly or medically unfit patients, with median overall survival (OS) of only 7-8 months for those ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. While venetoclax (VEN) combined with azacitidine (AZA) has become a standard therapy, real-world evidence indicates that Asian patients experience higher VEN exposure and toxicity with the standard 400 mg/day dose. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a reduced-dose regimen (VEN 200 mg/day + AZA) in frail/elderly Chinese AML patients deemed unfit for intensive therapy. We analyzed 14 patients (13 newly diagnosed, 1 relapsed; median age 71.5 years) treated at Zhejiang University Hospital (May 2020-May 2024). All had ECOG status ≥ 3 (64.3%) or comorbidities (71.4%), and 57.1% were classified as adverse-risk by ELN 2022 criteria. Treatment comprised AZA (75 mg/m2, days 1-7) and VEN (200 mg/day, days 1-28, in absence of CYP3A4 inducer). Response to treatment was evaluated by bone marrow biopsy for minimal residual disease (MRD). Toxicity was graded per CTCAE v5.0. Survival and trough VEN concentrations were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and descriptive statistics. All patients (100%) achieved CR/CRi, with a median time to MRD negativity of 1.45 months. Median OS was not reached (> 24.6 months), with 2-year OS and EFS rates of 61.5% and 53.8%, respectively. Adverse-risk patients (42.9%) showed 50.0% survival beyond 21.8 months. Trough VEN concentrations (median 487.7 ng/mL) exceeded therapeutic thresholds (~ 500 ng/mL), confirming adequate exposure. Hematologic toxicity was reduced versus historical full-dose data: grade ≥ 3 thrombocytopenia (21.4% vs. 24-89.5%), febrile neutropenia (35.7% vs. 42.9-78.9%), and anemia (50.0% vs. 70-100%). No VEN dose modifications, tumor lysis syndrome, or 60-day mortality occurred. The semi-dosed VEN-AZA regimen (200 mg/day) demonstrated unprecedented efficacy (100% CR/CRi, median OS > 24.6 months) and a favorable safety profile in frail Chinese AML patients. Reduced toxicity without compromised efficacy supports its use in this population, likely due to optimized pharmacokinetics in Asian patients. These findings challenge the necessity of standard VEN dosing and highlight 200 mg/day as a viable, potentially superior strategy for this demographic.
{"title":"Safety and efficacy of semi-dose venetoclax plus azacitidine in unfit acute myeloid leukemia patients in China: a real-world single-center study.","authors":"Xian Li, Xin-Yi Zhu, Xi-Bin Xiao, Xiao-Hong Zhang, Wei-Qin Wang, Wen-Bin Qian","doi":"10.1007/s10637-025-01579-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10637-025-01579-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) carries a poor prognosis in elderly or medically unfit patients, with median overall survival (OS) of only 7-8 months for those ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. While venetoclax (VEN) combined with azacitidine (AZA) has become a standard therapy, real-world evidence indicates that Asian patients experience higher VEN exposure and toxicity with the standard 400 mg/day dose. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a reduced-dose regimen (VEN 200 mg/day + AZA) in frail/elderly Chinese AML patients deemed unfit for intensive therapy. We analyzed 14 patients (13 newly diagnosed, 1 relapsed; median age 71.5 years) treated at Zhejiang University Hospital (May 2020-May 2024). All had ECOG status ≥ 3 (64.3%) or comorbidities (71.4%), and 57.1% were classified as adverse-risk by ELN 2022 criteria. Treatment comprised AZA (75 mg/m<sup>2</sup>, days 1-7) and VEN (200 mg/day, days 1-28, in absence of CYP3A4 inducer). Response to treatment was evaluated by bone marrow biopsy for minimal residual disease (MRD). Toxicity was graded per CTCAE v5.0. Survival and trough VEN concentrations were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and descriptive statistics. All patients (100%) achieved CR/CRi, with a median time to MRD negativity of 1.45 months. Median OS was not reached (> 24.6 months), with 2-year OS and EFS rates of 61.5% and 53.8%, respectively. Adverse-risk patients (42.9%) showed 50.0% survival beyond 21.8 months. Trough VEN concentrations (median 487.7 ng/mL) exceeded therapeutic thresholds (~ 500 ng/mL), confirming adequate exposure. Hematologic toxicity was reduced versus historical full-dose data: grade ≥ 3 thrombocytopenia (21.4% vs. 24-89.5%), febrile neutropenia (35.7% vs. 42.9-78.9%), and anemia (50.0% vs. 70-100%). No VEN dose modifications, tumor lysis syndrome, or 60-day mortality occurred. The semi-dosed VEN-AZA regimen (200 mg/day) demonstrated unprecedented efficacy (100% CR/CRi, median OS > 24.6 months) and a favorable safety profile in frail Chinese AML patients. Reduced toxicity without compromised efficacy supports its use in this population, likely due to optimized pharmacokinetics in Asian patients. These findings challenge the necessity of standard VEN dosing and highlight 200 mg/day as a viable, potentially superior strategy for this demographic.</p>","PeriodicalId":14513,"journal":{"name":"Investigational New Drugs","volume":" ","pages":"915-923"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12515199/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144954476","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-09-05DOI: 10.1007/s10637-025-01578-9
Yangchen Xia, Ziyang Xu, Xun Yuan, Qian Chu
The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is the first-line regulator of a plethora of cytoprotective pathways, such as inflammation, redox metabolism, and proteostasis. Besides its protective role in oxidative stress, several recent advances suggested that the Nrf2 pathway is extensively involved in cancer pathogenesis and confers a survival advantage and malignant transformation. Therefore, pharmacological inhibition of Nrf2 is a potential therapeutic approach for cancer that is related to oxidative stress and inflammation. In this review, we first describe the molecular regulatory mechanisms of Nrf2 and its biological function in cancer. Then, we discuss the recent progress of blocking Nrf2 activity, comprising novel chemical molecules, and the advance in preclinical or clinical trials in cancer therapy.
{"title":"Targeting the Keap1/Nrf2 axis in cancer: molecular mechanisms and pharmacological interventions.","authors":"Yangchen Xia, Ziyang Xu, Xun Yuan, Qian Chu","doi":"10.1007/s10637-025-01578-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10637-025-01578-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is the first-line regulator of a plethora of cytoprotective pathways, such as inflammation, redox metabolism, and proteostasis. Besides its protective role in oxidative stress, several recent advances suggested that the Nrf2 pathway is extensively involved in cancer pathogenesis and confers a survival advantage and malignant transformation. Therefore, pharmacological inhibition of Nrf2 is a potential therapeutic approach for cancer that is related to oxidative stress and inflammation. In this review, we first describe the molecular regulatory mechanisms of Nrf2 and its biological function in cancer. Then, we discuss the recent progress of blocking Nrf2 activity, comprising novel chemical molecules, and the advance in preclinical or clinical trials in cancer therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":14513,"journal":{"name":"Investigational New Drugs","volume":" ","pages":"1125-1137"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145000533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study aimed to develop gemcitabine-loaded nanocapsules for pancreatic cancer treatment, optimizing their formulation before evaluating them through in vivo studies. The researchers selected gemcitabine as the model drug because it has established clinical relevance and known pharmacokinetic shortfalls (short half-life and poor bioavailability) with toxic dose limits which suit the evaluation of nanoparticle drug delivery systems. The researchers conducted a 32 factorial design to optimize the formulation through adjustments of PLGA concentration and Tween 80 concentration. The optimal characteristics of F5 among nine formulations included particles of 160 ± 3 nm with 87 ± 2% encapsulation efficiency and - 27.8 ± 1.2 mV zeta potential. The in vitro drug release testing alongside pharmacokinetic results established that nanoparticle gemcitabine caused extended drug delivery and dramatically better bioavailability in addition to achieving longer systemic circulation than free gemcitabine alone. Evaluation of biodistribution revealed that the product displayed tumor-targeting property and had improved antitumor effect and less side effect compared with the other groups. The findings demonstrate that gemcitabine works as an ideal model chemotherapy drug to measure nanocarrier delivery platforms for treating pancreatic cancer solid tumors.
{"title":"Design and optimization of PLGA-based gemcitabine nanocapsule for enhanced pancreatic cancer efficacy.","authors":"Gaurav Tiwari, Satyajit Panda, A Salomy Monica Diyya, Noel Vinay Thomas, Trinayan Deka, Shashi Ravi Suman Rudrangi, Gaurav Patel, Pankaj Sharma","doi":"10.1007/s10637-025-01567-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10637-025-01567-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to develop gemcitabine-loaded nanocapsules for pancreatic cancer treatment, optimizing their formulation before evaluating them through in vivo studies. The researchers selected gemcitabine as the model drug because it has established clinical relevance and known pharmacokinetic shortfalls (short half-life and poor bioavailability) with toxic dose limits which suit the evaluation of nanoparticle drug delivery systems. The researchers conducted a 3<sup>2</sup> factorial design to optimize the formulation through adjustments of PLGA concentration and Tween 80 concentration. The optimal characteristics of F5 among nine formulations included particles of 160 ± 3 nm with 87 ± 2% encapsulation efficiency and - 27.8 ± 1.2 mV zeta potential. The in vitro drug release testing alongside pharmacokinetic results established that nanoparticle gemcitabine caused extended drug delivery and dramatically better bioavailability in addition to achieving longer systemic circulation than free gemcitabine alone. Evaluation of biodistribution revealed that the product displayed tumor-targeting property and had improved antitumor effect and less side effect compared with the other groups. The findings demonstrate that gemcitabine works as an ideal model chemotherapy drug to measure nanocarrier delivery platforms for treating pancreatic cancer solid tumors.</p>","PeriodicalId":14513,"journal":{"name":"Investigational New Drugs","volume":" ","pages":"800-819"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144690222","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}