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.
Abstract:
The grammar in this abstract is generally correct, but there's a minor issue with sentence structure in one part. Here's a slightly revised version with improved grammar and flow:ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are highly effective in ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer, but resistance remains a challenge. We investigated the activity of various TKIs against wildtype and mutant ROS1, focusing on the emerging L2086F resistance mutation. Using Ba/F3 and NIH3T3 cell models, CRISPR/Cas9-edited isogenic wildtype and mutant patient-derived cell lines, and in vivo tumor growth studies, we compared type I TKIs (crizotinib, entrectinib, taletrectinib, lorlatinib, and repotrectinib) to type II TKIs (cabozantinib and merestinib) and the type I FLT3 inhibitor gilteritinib. The ROS1 L2086F mutant kinase showed resistance to type I TKIs, while type II TKIs retained activity. Gilteritinib inhibited both wildtype and L2086F mutant ROS1 but was ineffective against the G2032R mutation. Structural analyses revealed distinct binding poses for cabozantinib and gilteritinib, explaining their efficacy against L2086F. Clinical cases demonstrated cabozantinib's effectiveness in patients with TKI-resistant, ROS1 L2086F mutant NSCLCs. This study provides the first comprehensive report of ROS1 L2086F in the context of later-generation TKIs, including macrocyclic inhibitors. While cabozantinib effectively inhibits ROS1 L2086F, its multi-kinase inhibitor nature highlights the need for more selective and better-tolerated TKIs to overcome kinase-intrinsic resistance. Gilteritinib may offer an alternative for targeting ROS1 L2086F with distinct off-target toxicities, but further studies are required to fully evaluate its potential in this setting.
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.
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