Imaging guided trials of the angiogenesis inhibitor sunitinib in mouse models predict efficacy in pancreatic neuroendocrine but not ductal carcinoma

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011 Dec 6;108(49):E1275-84. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1111079108. Epub 2011 Nov 14.

Abstract

Preclinical trials in mice represent a critical step in the evaluation of experimental therapeutics. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) represent a promising platform for the evaluation of drugs, particularly those targeting the tumor microenvironment. We evaluated sunitinib, an angiogenesis inhibitor that targets VEGF and PDGF receptor signaling, in two GEMMs of pancreatic cancer. Sunitinib did not reduce tumor burden in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), whereas tumor burden was reduced in the pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) model, the latter results confirming and extending previous studies. To explore the basis for the lack of pathologic response in PDAC, we used noninvasive microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging, which revealed that sunitinib reduced blood flow both in PDAC and in PNET, concomitant with a reduction in vessel density; nevertheless, PDAC tumors continued to grow, whereas PNET were growth impaired. These results parallel the response in humans, where sunitinib recently garnered FDA and European approval in PNET, whereas two antiangiogenic drugs failed to demonstrate efficacy in PDAC clinical trials. The demonstration of on-target activity but with discordant benefit in the PDAC and PNET GEMMs illustrates the potential value of linked preclinical and clinical trials.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD34 / metabolism
  • Blood Flow Velocity / drug effects
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / genetics
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Contrast Media
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Indoles / therapeutic use*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Microbubbles
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / diagnostic imaging
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / drug therapy*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / genetics
  • Pancreas / blood supply
  • Pancreas / drug effects
  • Pancreas / metabolism
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / metabolism
  • Prognosis
  • Pyrroles / therapeutic use*
  • Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Sunitinib
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Burden / drug effects
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antigens, CD34
  • Contrast Media
  • Indoles
  • Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
  • Pyrroles
  • Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor
  • Sunitinib