Abstract 1322
Background
Monoclonal antibodies against the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) such as cetuximab or panitumumab are used for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. Unfortunately, most patients develop resistance against these therapies within months. Several studies have shown that aberrations in the RAS pathway are responsible for resistance. However, even in metastases that are refractory to anti-EGFR treatment a significant fraction of RAS wild-type (wt) cells remain. These findings suggest a cross-talk between RAS mutant and wt cells in mediating resistance in the wt compartment.
Methods
We used mouse and patient-derived organoids from mCRC as well as CRC cell lines to test the contribution of extracellular vesicles in mediating resistance in RAS wt cells. Using conditioned media, transfection experiments and liquid biopsies (plasma and urine) from patients differential expression of the let-7g microRNA was demonstrated in microvesicles from cetuximab sensitive and resistant cells. Changes in expression of the let-7g microRNA were further analysed by in-situ hybridization in tissues.
Results
Basal let-7g expression from pre-treatment plasma and urine samples of RAS wt patients correlated with clinical outcome and changes in let-7g circulating levels mirrored clinical behaviour. In-situ hybridization in tissues confirmed changes in expression of the let-7g microRNA observed in plasma and urine samples.
Conclusions
Our data suggest that let-7g microRNA might function as a paracrine mediator of anti-EGFR resistance and might be exploited as a non-invasive biomarker of resistance to cetuximab treatment. Further work is ongoing to characterize the molecular mechanisms underpinning let-7g mediated effect on anti-EGFR sensitivity in RAS wt CRC cells.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
N. Valeri: Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Bayer; Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Eli Lilly; Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Pfizer; Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Merck. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Resources from the same session
3264 - A novel preclinical model of RAF-independent MEK1 mutant tumors and its treatment with novel ATP competitive MEK inhibitor
Presenter: Luca Hegedus
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
4918 - HER2 inhibition in Aggressive Squamous Cell Carcinomas driven by a common MET Sema Domain Polymorphism
Presenter: Nur Afiqah Mohamed Salleh
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
2426 - ADAM9 as a target for lung cancer treatment
Presenter: Yuh-pyng Sher
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
5537 - Novel polyurea/polyurethane nanocapsules loaded with a tambjamine analog to improve cancer chemotherapy delivery and safety in lung cancer
Presenter: Marta Perez Hernandez
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
1597 - Discovery of Clinical Candidate DBPR112, a Furanopyrimidine-based Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor for the Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Presenter: Hsing-pang Hsieh
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
3543 - Molecular characteristics in lung squamous cell carcinomas dependent on TP53 status – putative targets
Presenter: Vilde Haakensen
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
4111 - Comparison of molecular profiles between primary tumour and matched metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer
Presenter: Asuka Kawachi
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
4559 - Treatment with BLU-667, a potent and selective RET inhibitor, provides rapid clearance of ctDNA in Patients with RET-altered Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Thyroid Cancer
Presenter: Giuseppe Curigliano
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
2501 - Triple MET/SRC/PIM inhibition in MET addicted tumors
Presenter: Ilaria Attili
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
5655 - Bioactivation of napabucasin triggers reactive oxygen species–mediated cancer cell death
Presenter: Fieke Froeling
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract