Comparisons of the efficacy of a Jak1/2 inhibitor (AZD1480) with a VEGF signaling inhibitor (cediranib) and sham treatments in mouse tumors using DCE-MRI, DW-MRI, and histology

Neoplasia. 2012 Jan;14(1):54-64. doi: 10.1593/neo.111478.

Abstract

Jak1/2 inhibition suppresses STAT3 phosphorylation that is characteristic of many cancers. Activated STAT3 promotes the transcription of factors that enhance tumor growth, survival, and angiogenesis. AZD1480 is a novel small molecule inhibitor of Jak1/2, which is a key mediator of STAT3 activation. This study examined the use of diffusion-weighted (DW) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers in assessing early tumor response to AZD1480. Cediranib (AZD2171), a vascular endothelial growth factor signaling inhibitor, was used as a comparator. Thirty mice were injected with Calu-6 lung cancer cells and randomized into the three treatment groups: AZD1480, cediranib, and sham. DW-MRI and DCE-MRI protocols were performed at baseline and at days 3 and 5 after treatment. The percent change from baseline measurements for K(trans), ADC, and v(e) were calculated and compared with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), CD31, cParp, and Ki-67 histology data. Decreases in K(trans) of 29% (P < .05) and 53% (P < .05) were observed at days 3 and 5, respectively, for the cediranib group. No significant changes in K(trans) occurred for the AZD1480 group, but a significant increase in ADC was demonstrated at days 3 (63%, P < .05) and 5 (49%, P < .05). CD31 staining indicated diminished vasculature in the cediranib group, whereas significantly increased cParp staining for apoptotic activity and extracellular space by image analysis of H&E were present in the AZD1480 group. These imaging biomarker changes, and corresponding histopathology, support the use of ADC, but not K(trans), as a pharmacodynamic biomarker of response to AZD1480 at these time points.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Janus Kinase 1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Janus Kinase 2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / drug therapy*
  • Pyrazoles / administration & dosage
  • Pyrimidines / administration & dosage
  • Quinazolines / administration & dosage
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • AZD 1480
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Pyrazoles
  • Pyrimidines
  • Quinazolines
  • Janus Kinase 1
  • Janus Kinase 2
  • cediranib