Combination of CDK4/6 and mTOR Inhibitors Suppressed Doxorubicin-resistant Osteosarcoma in a Patient-derived

Hiromichi Oshiro1,2,3, Yasunori Tome3, Kentaro Miyake1,2

  • 1AntiCancer Inc., San Diego, CA, U.S.A.

Anticancer Research
|July 7, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The combination of palbociclib (a CDK4/6 inhibitor) and everolimus (an mTOR inhibitor) effectively reduced osteosarcoma tumor growth in a mouse model. This combination therapy shows promise for treating doxorubicin-resistant osteosarcoma.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Preclinical Cancer Research

Background:

  • Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor.
  • Combination therapy with CDK4/6 and mTOR inhibitors has shown efficacy in other cancers.
  • The study investigates palbociclib (CDK4/6 inhibitor) and everolimus (mTOR inhibitor) for osteosarcoma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of combining palbociclib and everolimus in an osteosarcoma patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) mouse model.
  • To compare the combination therapy against individual agents and doxorubicin treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Osteosarcoma PDOX mouse models were established.
  • Mice were randomized into five groups: control, doxorubicin, palbociclib, everolimus, and palbociclib-everolimus combination.
  • Treatments were administered for two weeks.

Main Results:

  • The palbociclib-everolimus combination significantly reduced tumor volume compared to control and doxorubicin (p=0.018).
  • Everolimus alone showed some inhibition, while palbociclib and doxorubicin were ineffective.
  • Extensive tumor necrosis was observed only in the combination treatment group, with no significant weight loss.

Conclusions:

  • The combination of CDK4/6 and mTOR inhibitors is a potential therapeutic strategy for doxorubicin-resistant osteosarcoma.
  • This preclinical finding suggests a translatable approach for clinical application.