The dual kinase inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 in combination with cytotoxic drugs exerts anti-proliferative activity towards acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells
BACKGROUND: Inhibition of signal transduction pathways has been successfully introduced into cancer treatment. The dual phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 has antitumor activity in vitro against solid tumors. Here, we examined the activity of NVP-BEZ235 in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells and the best modalities for combination approaches.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: ALL cell lines (SEM, RS4;11, Jurkat and MOLT4) were treated with NVP-BEZ235 alone, or in combination with cytarabine (AraC), doxorubicin (Doxo) or dexamethasone (Dexa).
RESULTS: NVP-BEZ235 potently inhibited the proliferation and metabolic activity of ALL cells. Antiproliferative effects were associated with G(0)/G(1) arrest and reduced levels of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and cyclin D3. Inhibition of PI3K and mTOR activity was detected at 10 and 100 nM. NVP-BEZ235 combined with AraC, Doxo or Dexa synergistically enhanced the cytotoxicity compared to single-drug treatment, even in glucocorticoid-resistant cells.
CONCLUSION: NVP-BEZ235 displays pronounced antiproliferative effects in ALL cells and might therefore be a useful drug in the treatment of ALL.
Full Text Links
Find Full Text Links for this Article
You are not logged in. Sign Up or Log In to join the discussion.