Tumor-targeting of EGFR inhibitors by hypoxia-mediated activation

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2014 Nov 17;53(47):12930-12935. doi: 10.1002/anie.201403936. Epub 2014 Jul 30.

Abstract

The development of receptor tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) was a major step forward in cancer treatment. However, the therapy with TKIs is limited by strong side effects and drug resistance. The aim of this study was the design of novel epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors that are specifically activated in malignant tissue. Thus, a Co(III) -based prodrug strategy for the targeted release of an EGFR inhibitor triggered by hypoxia in the solid tumor was used. New inhibitors with chelating moieties were prepared and tested for their EGFR-inhibitory potential. The most promising candidate was coupled to Co(III) and the biological activity tested in cell culture. Indeed, hypoxic activation and subsequent EGFR inhibition was proven. Finally, the compound was tested in vivo, also revealing potent anticancer activity.

Keywords: anticancer drugs; cobalt; hypoxia; prodrugs; tyrosine-kinase inhibitors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cobalt / chemistry*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, SCID
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / metabolism
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / pathology
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemical synthesis
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemistry
  • Organometallic Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / chemical synthesis
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Cobalt
  • ErbB Receptors