Targeting the ECM to Enhance Drug Delivery in Nf1-Associated Nerve Sheath Tumors
Abstract
The focus of the proposal is to determine what factors limit delivery of drugs to tumors of the peripheral nerves, namely neurofibromas (NFs) and their derivative, the malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). The drugs in question include small molecule inhibitors of mTOR and MEK kinases, as well as a traditional chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin (also called by its trade name Adriamycin). The major factor under study for limiting drug delivery is the extracellular matrix component hyaluronic acid (HA). During the last research period we expanded two colonies of genetically engineered mice that develop NFs and MPNSTs for study. We also tested 2 drugs (RAD001 and PD-0325901) in these models for efficacy and found both had moderate activity. We tested a drug called PEGPH20 for its ability to degrade HA in NFs and MPNST-like tumors in these mice when injected. PEGPH20 did reliably remove the HA from the NF and MPNST microenvironments and dramatically improve tumor blood vessel patency, and doxorubicin delivery to tumor cells in situ with no clear affect on tumor cell apoptosis or mitotic index. In the next year we will test PEGPH20 enhancement of doxorubicin, RAD001 and PD-0325901 delivery, therapeutic effect.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1028272
Entities
People
- David A. Largaespada
- Paolo Provenzano
Organizations
- Regents of the University of Minnesota