Jerzy Konopa

Pre-clinical evaluation of 1-nitroacridine derived chemotherapeutic agent that has preferential cytotoxic activity towards prostate cancer

Chemotherapy in prostate cancer (CaP) even as an adjunct has not been a success. In this communication, we report the pre-clinical efficacy of a nitroacridine derivative, C-1748 (9[2’-hydroxyethylamino]-4-methyl-1-nitroacridine) in CaP cell culture and human xenograft animal models. C-1748, a DNA intercalating agent has been derived from its precursor C-857 that was a potent anti-cancer drug, but failed clinical development due to “high” systemic toxicities. Chemical modifications such as the introduction of a “methyl” group imparted novel properties, the most interesting of which is the difference in the IC50 values between LnCaP (22.5 nM), a CaP cell line and HL-60, a leukemia cell line (>100 nM). Using γH2AX as an intervention marker of DNA double strand breaks, we concluded that C-1748 is more efficacious in CaP cells than in HL-60 cells. In hormone dependent cells, the androgen receptor (AR) was identified as an additional target of C-1748. In xenograft studies, administration of C-1748 intra-peritoneally inhibited tumor growth by 80-90% with minimal toxicity. These studies identify C-1748 as a novel acridine drug that has a high therapeutic index and low cytotoxicity on myelocytic cells with potential for clinical development.

Abstract 3803: Anti-cancer activity of Capridine, a novel nitroacridine chemotherapeutic, in glioblastoma

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Glioblastoma is characterized by highly proliferative tumor cells, increased cellularity, necrosis, and proliferation of capillary endothelial cells. The incidence rate of glioma in adults is 50% greater in men than in women suggesting that there may be a male hormonal component that modulates glioblastoma progression. Our preclinical developmental program identified Capridine as a chemotherapeutic agent that had specificity towards prostate cancer with minimal bone marrow toxicity. Since the DNA intercalating activity of Capridine does not completely correlate with its cytotoxic activity, we examined other alternative cellular targets. Our investigation identified the androgen receptor (AR) and its dependent signal transduction mechanism as a possible cellular mediator of its cytotoxic activity. In this study, our analysis revealed that glioblastoma cell lines T98G and MO59K expressed AR and their growth was responsive to the AR-mediated signal transduction. Capridine inhibited the growth of glioblastoma cells by down regulating the AR and inhibiting the phosphorylation of Focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Since FAK is associated with integrin and neuropeptide mediated signaling, critical for cell migration and invasion, we examined the activity of Capridine on cell invasion and migration using a Boyden Chamber assay. Capridine inhibited the migration and invasion of the glioblastoma cell lines T98G and MO59K. Our data not only validate AR as a target of Capridine as with prostate cancer but also implicate a novel target, FAK in glioblastoma. Combination approaches using Capridine and anti-hormonal therapy may prove to be viable chemotherapeutic regimen for primary glioblastoma as well as an inhibitor of metastatic propensity. These preclinical studies are being extended in an in vivo animal model with combination treatment approaches with a view to develop novel chemotherapy based treatment for glioblastoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3803. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3803