A Comprehensive Gene Expression Analysis of Resistance Formation upon Metronomic Cyclophosphamide Therapy

Rebekka Kubisch1, Lilja Meissner, Stefan Krebs

  • 1Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Center for System-Based Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany.

Translational Oncology
|February 19, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cancer treatment resistance can be overcome by understanding molecular changes. This study reveals that altered anti-coagulation pathways are key mechanisms in resistance to metronomic cyclophosphamide (CPA) therapy in prostate cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Resistance to cancer therapy is a significant clinical challenge.
  • Metronomic anti-angiogenic therapy with cyclophosphamide (CPA) can induce resistance in prostate cancer models.
  • Understanding the molecular basis of this resistance is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the comprehensive molecular changes associated with resistance formation during metronomic CPA treatment.
  • To identify key pathways and genes involved in the development of resistant tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Gene expression analysis of resistant xenografted prostate cancer tumors in severe combined-immunodeficiency (SCID) mice.
  • Comparison of gene expression profiles between resistant and sensitive tumor samples.
  • Validation of key gene expression changes using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Main Results:

  • Numerous differentially expressed genes were identified in resistant tumors, including PAS domain containing protein 1, annexin A3 (ANXA3), neurotensin, and plasminogen activator tissue (PLAT).
  • Significant differences in gene expression were observed between in vivo and in vitro tumor cell conditions.
  • Differentially expressed genes were enriched in pathways such as axon guidance, steroid biosynthesis, and complement and coagulation cascades, with a notable involvement in anti-coagulation.
  • Upregulation of ANXA3 and PLAT, downregulation of their inhibitor, and upregulation of coagulation factor F3 were validated.

Conclusions:

  • Metronomic CPA resistance in prostate cancer involves significant molecular alterations.
  • The complement and coagulation cascade, particularly anti-coagulation mechanisms, play a critical role in the development of resistance.
  • These findings provide insights into resistance mechanisms and suggest potential therapeutic targets.