Targeting NF-kappaB in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

Blood. 2008 May 15;111(10):5068-77. doi: 10.1182/blood-2007-09-115170. Epub 2008 Mar 11.

Abstract

The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) path-way has been implicated in tumor B-cell survival, growth, and resistance to therapy. Because tumor cells overcome single-agent antitumor activity, we hypothesized that combination of agents that target differentially NF-kappaB pathway will induce significant cytotoxicity. Therapeutic agents that target proteasome and Akt pathways should induce significant activity in B-cell malignancies as both pathways impact NF-kappaB activity. We demonstrated that perifosine and bortezomib both targeted NF-kappaB through its recruitment to the promoter of its target gene IkappaB using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. This combination led to synergistic cytotoxicity in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) cells that was mediated through a combined reduction of the PI3K/Akt and ERK signaling pathways, found to be critical for survival of WM cells. Moreover, a combination of these drugs with the CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab further increased their cytotoxic activity. Thus, effective WM therapy may require combination regimens targeting the NF-kappaB pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / pharmacology
  • Boronic Acids / pharmacology
  • Bortezomib
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Drug Synergism
  • Humans
  • NF-kappa B / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Phosphorylcholine / analogs & derivatives
  • Phosphorylcholine / pharmacology
  • Pyrazines / pharmacology
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / drug therapy*
  • Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / pathology

Substances

  • Boronic Acids
  • NF-kappa B
  • Pyrazines
  • Phosphorylcholine
  • perifosine
  • Bortezomib