TKI type switching overcomes ROS1 L2086F in ROS1 fusion-positive cancers

Rajat Thawani1, Matteo Repetto2, Clare Keddy3

  • 1Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.

NPJ Precision Oncology
|August 8, 2024
PubMed

Insights

New tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) show promise against ROS1-positive lung cancer with resistance mutations. Type II TKIs like cabozantinib are effective against the L2086F mutation, offering new treatment avenues.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are crucial for ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • Emergence of resistance mutations, such as L2086F, limits TKI efficacy.
  • Understanding TKI activity against specific ROS1 mutations is vital for treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the activity of various TKIs against wildtype and L2086F mutant ROS1.
  • To compare type I and type II TKIs, as well as gilteritinib, against ROS1 mutations.
  • To investigate the structural basis for TKI efficacy against the L2086F mutation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized cell models (Ba/F3, NIH3T3) and CRISPR/Cas9-edited cell lines.
  • Performed in vivo tumor growth studies.
  • Conducted structural analyses of TKI binding to ROS1 mutants.

Main Results:

  • Type II TKIs (cabozantinib, merestinib) retained activity against ROS1 L2086F, unlike type I TKIs.
  • Gilteritinib inhibited wildtype and L2086F mutant ROS1 but not G2032R.
  • Structural data explained cabozantinib and gilteritinib efficacy against L2086F.

Conclusions:

  • Cabozantinib demonstrates effectiveness against TKI-resistant ROS1 L2086F NSCLC.
  • Need for more selective TKIs to overcome resistance and improve tolerability.
  • Gilteritinib presents a potential alternative with distinct toxicity profiles for ROS1 L2086F.