Targeting PDGFRα-activated glioblastoma through specific inhibition of SHP-2-mediated signaling

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant primary brain tumor, with dismal median survival. Treatment of GBM is particularly challenging given the intrinsic resistance to chemotherapy and difficulty of drugs to reach the tumor beds due to the blood-brain barrier. Here, we examined the efficacy of SHP099, a potent, selective, and oral SHP-2 inhibitor for treating GBM with activated platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) signaling.

The effects of SHP099 on cell survival of neural progenitor cells (NPCs), GBM cell lines, and patient-derived glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) were evaluated. Brain and plasma pharmacokinetics of SHP099 and its ability to inhibit SHP-2 signaling were assessed. SHP099 efficacy as a single agent or in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) was assessed using transformed mouse astrocyte and GSC orthotopic xenograft models.

Activated PDGFRα signaling in established GBM cells, GSCs, and transformed mouse astrocytes was significantly inhibited by SHP099 compared with NPCs in vitro and in vivo through targeting SHP-2-stimulated activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 in GBM. SHP099 treatment specifically inhibited expression of JUN, a downstream effector of PDGFR signaling, thereby attenuating cell cycle progression in GBM cells with activated PDGFRα. Moreover, SHP099 accumulated at efficacious concentrations in the brain and effectively inhibited orthotopic GBM tumor xenograft growth. SHP099 exhibited antitumor activity either as a single agent or in combination with TMZ and provided significant survival benefits for GBM tumor xenograft-bearing animals.

Our data demonstrate the utility and feasibility of SHP099 as a potential therapeutic option for improving the clinical treatment of GBM in combination with TMZ.