Report of consensus panel 5 from the 11th international workshop on Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia on COVID-19 prophylaxis and management.

Consensus Panel 5 (CP5) of the 11th International Workshop on Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia (IWWM-11; held in October 2022) was tasked with reviewing the current data on the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) prophylaxis and management in patients with Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia (WM). The key recommendations from IWWM-11 CP5 included the following: Booster vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 should be recommended to all patients with WM. Variant-specific booster vaccines, such as the bivalent vaccine for the ancestral Wuhan strain and the Omicron BA.4.5 strain, are important as novel mutants emerge and become dominant in the community. A temporary interruption in Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase-inhibitor (BTKi) or chemoimmunotherapy before vaccination might be considered. Patients under treatment with rituximab or BTK-inhibitors have lower antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2; thus, they should continue to follow preventive measures, including mask wearing and avoiding crowded places. Patients with WM are candidates for preexposure prophylaxis, if available and relevant to the dominant SARS-CoV-2 strains in a specific area. Oral antivirals should be offered to all symptomatic WM patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 regardless of vaccination, disease status or treatment, as soon as possible after the positive test and within 5 days of COVID-19-related symptom onset. Coadministration of ibrutinib or venetoclax with ritonavir should be avoided. In these patients, remdesivir offers an effective alternative. Patients with asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic COVID-19 should not interrupt treatment with a BTK inhibitor. Infection prophylaxis is essential in patients with WM and include general preventive measures, prophylaxis with antivirals and vaccination against common pathogens including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and S. pneumoniae.

Down-modulation of cancer targets using locked nucleic acid (LNA)-based antisense oligonucleotides without transfection.

Usually, small interfering RNAs and most antisense molecules need mechanical or chemical delivery methods to down-modulate the targeted mRNA. However, these delivery approaches complicate the interpretations of biological consequences. We show that locked nucleic acid (LNA)-based antisense oligonucleotides (LNA-ONs) readily down-modulate genes of interest in multiple cell lines without any delivery means. The down-modulation of genes was quick, robust, long-lasting and specific followed by potent down-modulation of protein. The efficiency of the effect varied among the 30 tumor cell lines investigated. The most robust effects were found in those cells where nuclear localization of the LNA-ON was clearly observed. Importantly, without using any delivery agent, we demonstrated that HER3 mRNA and protein could be efficiently down-modulated in cells and a tumor xenograft model. These data provide a simple and efficient approach to identify potential drug targets and animal models. Further elucidation of the mechanism of cellular uptake and trafficking of LNA-ONs may enhance not only the therapeutic values of this platform but also antisense molecules in general.

Membrane glycoproteins of the nerve growth cone: diversity and growth regulation of oligosaccharides.

A subcellular fraction prepared from fetal rat brain and enriched in growth cone membranes is analyzed for its lectin-binding proteins. Growth-associated glycoproteins are identified by comparing the growth cone glycoproteins with those of synaptosomes. Protein was resolved in one- or two-dimensional gels, electroblotted, and blots probed with radioiodinated concanavalin A, wheat germ agglutinin, and Ricinus communis agglutinins I and II. In one-dimensional gels, each lectin recognizes approximately 20 polypeptides (with substantial overlap) most of which migrate diffusely and have relatively high molecular masses (range 30-200 kD). The seven major Coomassie-staining proteins of the membrane fraction (34-52 kD) are not the major lectin-binding proteins. In two-dimensional gels, the lectin-binding proteins are either streaked across the pH gradient or exist as multiple spots, indicating broad charge heterogeneity. Seven wheat germ agglutinin- and Ricinus communis agglutinin II-binding glycoproteins are present in greater abundance in growth cone fractions compared with synaptosomes. Most notably, an acidic, sialic acid-rich protein (27-30 kD, pI 4.0; termed gp27-30) is most abundant at postnatal day 4, but absent from adult brain. The protein's very acidic isoelectric point is due, at least in part, to its high sialic acid content. Growth regulation of specific protein-linked oligosaccharides suggests that they play a special role in growth cone function. In addition, the great diversity of growth cone glycoproteins from whole brain suggests glycoprotein heterogeneity among growth cones from different neuron types.

Combination therapy for treating breast cancer using antiestrogen, ERA-923, and the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, temsirolimus.

The effect of combinations of a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, temsirolimus, and an estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) antagonist, ERA-923, on breast carcinoma in culture and in a xenograft model has been studied. Phase III trials are underway using temsirolimus for several cancers. ERA-923 was studied in a phase I trial for tamoxifen refractory metastatic breast cancer and was shown to have good safety profiles. Combination of noninhibitory doses of temsirolimus with suboptimal doses of ERA-923 synergistically inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells. Synergy was found across a wide range of doses and could also be achieved by combining temsirolimus with other antiestrogens such as raloxifene and 4-hydroxytamoxifen. In vivo combination of temsirolimus and ERA-923 at certain doses and schedules completely inhibited tumor growth, while individual agents were only partially effective. Although the mechanism underlying the synergism remains to be understood, the results were associated with the ability of temsirolimus to block the transcriptional activity mediated by ERalpha as well as an increase in G1 arrest when it was combined with ERA-923. Results demonstrated for the first time that the combination of temsirolimus and a pure antiestrogen has excellent anticancer activity in preclinical models and, therefore, may have clinical use in treating hormone-dependent tumors.

Electrophoretic analysis of P-glycoproteins produced by mouse J774.2 and Chinese hamster ovary multidrug-resistant cells.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) plays a fundamental role in multidrug resistance. The quantity of P-gp relates to the degree of drug resistance. A comparison was made between P-gps in mouse and hamster cell lines in both Laemmli and modified Fairbanks gel systems. Both proteins are derived from precursors of similar size that undergo differential N-linked glycosylation. The electrophoretic mobility and the amount of P-gp are remarkably dependent on the conditions of analysis. Notably, boiling P-gp before Laemmli gel electrophoresis decreases its mobility by an amount that is equivalent to approximately equal to 15 kDa and results in an apparent diminution in the amount of protein. The latter effect can give a false impression concerning the quantity of P-gp in cells.

Fumitremorgin C reverses multidrug resistance in cells transfected with the breast cancer resistance protein.

Fumitremorgin C (FTC) is a potent and specific chemosensitizing agent in cell lines selected for resistance to mitoxantrone that do not overexpress P-glycoprotein or multidrug resistance protein. The gene encoding a novel transporter, the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), was recently found to be overexpressed in a mitoxantrone-selected human colon cell line, S1-M1-3.2, which was used to identify FTC. Because the drug-selected cell line may contain multiple alterations contributing to the multidrug resistance phenotype, we examined the effect of FTC on MCF-7 cells transfected with the BCRP gene. We report that FTC almost completely reverses resistance mediated by BCRP in vitro and is a pharmacological probe for the expression and molecular action of this transporter.

Reversal of a novel multidrug resistance mechanism in human colon carcinoma cells by fumitremorgin C.

We selected a human colon carcinoma cell line in increasing concentrations of mitoxantrone to obtain a resistant subline, S1-M1-3.2, with the following characteristics: profound resistance to mitoxantrone; significant cross-resistance to doxorubicin, bisantrene, and topotecan; and very low levels of resistance to Taxol, vinblastine, colchicine, and camptothecin. This multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype, which was not reversed by verapamil or another potent P-glycoprotein (Pgp) inhibitor, CL 329,753, was dependent, in part, upon an energy-dependent drug efflux mechanism. Pgp and the multidrug resistance protein (MRP) were not elevated in the resistant cells relative to the drug-sensitive parent, suggesting that resistance was mediated by a novel pathway of drug transport. A cell-based screen with S1-M1-3.2 cells was used to identify agents capable of circumventing this non-Pgp, non-MRP MDR. One of the active agents identified was a mycotoxin, fumitremorgin C. This molecule was extremely effective in reversing resistance to mitoxantrone, doxorubicin, and topotecan in multidrug-selected cell lines showing this novel phenotype. Reversal of resistance was associated with an increase in drug accumulation. The compound did not reverse drug resistance in cells with elevated expression of Pgp or MRP. We suggest that fumitremorgin C is a highly selective chemosensitizing agent for the resistance pathway we have identified and can be used as a specific pharmacological probe to distinguish between the diverse resistance mechanisms that occur in the MDR cell.

A new antiestrogen, 2-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-3-methyl-1-[4-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-benzyl]-1H-indol-5-ol hydrochloride (ERA-923), inhibits the growth of tamoxifen-sensitive and -resistant tumors and is devoid of uterotropic effects in mice and rats.

PURPOSE: Tamoxifen is an antiestrogen used in women who have estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha-positive breast cancer. Unfortunately, resistance to tamoxifen is common in women with metastatic disease and side effects, including increased risk of endometrial cancer, exist. Here we describe the activity of a new selective ER modulator, ERA-923, in preclinical models focused on these limitations. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The ability of ERA-923, 4-OH tamoxifen, or raloxifene to inhibit estrogen-stimulated growth was evaluated in cell-based and xenograft assays with tumor cells that are sensitive or resistant to tamoxifen. Uterine effects of selective ER modulators were compared in rodents. RESULTS: ERA-923 potently inhibits estrogen binding to ER-alpha (IC(50), 14 nM). In ER-alpha-positive human MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells, ERA-923 inhibits estrogen-stimulated growth (IC(50), 0.2 nM) associated with cytostasis. In vitro, a MCF-7 variant with inherent resistance to tamoxifen (10-fold) or 4-OH tamoxifen (>1000-fold) retains complete sensitivity to ERA-923. Partial sensitivity to ERA-923 exists in MCF-7 variants that have acquired profound tamoxifen resistance. In tumor-bearing animals, ERA-923 (10 mg/kg/day given p.o.) inhibits 17beta-estradiol-stimulated growth in human tumors derived from MCF-7, EnCa-101 endometrial, or BG-1 ovarian carcinoma cells, including a MCF-7-variant that is inherently resistant to tamoxifen. Raloxifene is inactive in the MCF-7 xenograft model. Unlike tamoxifen, droloxifene, or raloxifene, ERA-923 is not uterotropic in immature rats or ovariectomized mice. Consistent with this, tamoxifen, but not ERA-923, stimulates the growth of EnCa-101 tumors. CONCLUSIONS: In preclinical models, ERA-923 has an improved efficacy and safety compared with tamoxifen. Clinical trials with ERA-923 are in progress.

ATP-binding cassette proteins Common denominators between ion channels, transporters, and enzymes.

Transporters and ion channels are highly specialized and functionally divergent molecules. However, these proteins may be less structurally diverse than previously appreciated. This is clearly apparent for one superfamily of molecules, the so-called ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins, which behave as ATP-dependent ion channels and/or transporters for a wide variety of substrates. ABC proteins also share common structural motifs with voltage-gated ion channels, transporters for glucose and neurotransmitters, and even adenylylcyclase. Beyond this, agents such as verapamil and forskolin, which inhibit and bind to one ABC protein (P-glycoprotein), may interact in homologous domains compared with some of these related proteins. Comparisons between these proteins are likely to provide a general understanding of pores in the lipid bilayer as well as specific properties that allow regulated movement and/or hydrolysis of selected substrates. This knowledge is important since certain ABC family members play a role in normal function and disease and provide novel therapeutic targets for drug development.

P-glycoproteins encoded by mdr 1b in murine gravid uterus and multidrug resistant tumor cell lines are differentially glycosylated.

There are 3 members of the multidrug-resistance gene family expressed in mouse. Only one of these, mdr 1b, and its gene product P-glycoprotein are induced to high levels in the mouse endometrium during pregnancy. It is shown here that P-glycoprotein in the gravid uterus is significantly larger (Mr 155,000) compared to P-glycoprotein encoded by mdr 1b in a murine multidrug-resistant cell line (Mr 140,000). However, both species co-migrate after enzymatic removal of N-linked sugars (Mr 125,000). These results demonstrate that differential glycosylation of the mdr 1b gene product contributes to molecular heterogeneity found in P-glycoprotein from normal and multidrug-resistant cells.

Stimulation of photoreceptor disc shedding and pigment epithelial phagocytosis by glutamate, aspartate, and other amino acids.

It has been reported that aspartate and glutamate selectively impair the structure (Olney, '82) and function (e.g., Furakawa and Hanawa, '55) of second- and third-order retinal neurons while leaving the photoreceptor unaffected. Either amino acid may mimic the endogenous photoreceptor neurotransmitter (Ehinger, '82). We report here that excitatory amino acids also induce massive rod photoreceptor disc shedding in eyecups of Xenopus laevis maintained in vitro. Disc shedding is the process whereby photoreceptors eliminate effete discs. It involves interaction between the distal outer segment and pigment epithelium. Millimolar L-aspartate and L-glutamate, as well as micromolar kainic acid, a glutamate analog, stimulate disc shedding three- to fivefold higher than normal light-evoked shedding levels and result in extensive inner retinal damage. Fifty-millimolar KCl, 1.0 microM ouabain, and replacement of sodium with choline also stimulate disc shedding and alter retinal structure. Extensive neurotoxicity appears unrelated to disc shedding since other amino acids having no significant or marginal effects on retinal structure also stimulate shedding. While the site and mechanism of action of these effectors, and in particular the excitatory amino acids, is now undefined, the data show that amino acids thought to act directly and specifically on inner retinal neurons can also markedly alter photoreceptor and pigment epithelial metabolism.

Hypothalamic, other diencephalic, and telencephalic neurons that project to the dorsal midbrain.

Neurons in the hypothalamus, other diencephalic regions, and the telencephalon which project to the mesencephalic central gray (CG) and the region lateral to it were demonstrated, in the rat, by the horseradish peroxidase retrograde neuroanatomical tracing method with diaminobenzidine and tetramethyl benzidine visualization reactions. The greatest concentrations of neurons that project to the dorsal mesencephalon were found in the ventromedial nucleus, particularly the anterior and ventrolateral subdivisions, in the dorsal premammillary nucleus, and in the zona incerta. Neurons that project to or lateral to the CG were also found in the laterocaudal hypothalamus, the dorsomedial hypothalamus, regions of the anterior hypothalamic area, specific areas of the cerebral cortex (32, 29, 8, 8A, 13, 14), and the central nucleus of the amygdala. Some neurons that project were also found in the preoptic area, septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminals, and the habenula. More neurons in the mediocaudal quadrant of the hypothalamus project to the mesencephalon than do those in laterocaudal, mediorostral, or laterorostral quadrants. More neurons in the medial than the lateral half, and more in the caudal than the rostral half of the hypothalamus project to the mesencephalon. More neurons project to the central gray, or the region lateral to it, at the levels of the superior colliculus, or intercollicular region, than at the level of the inferior colliculus. These descending connections to the midbrain, particularly from the hypothalamus and zona incerta, are probably components of neural networks that regulate nociception, certain neuroendocrine functions, sexual and other behaviors, and certain autonomic functions.

6-Substituted-4-(3-bromophenylamino)quinazolines as putative irreversible inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER-2) tyrosine kinases with enhanced antitumor activity.

A series of new 6-substituted-4-(3-bromophenylamino)quinazoline derivatives that may function as irreversible inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER-2) tyrosine kinases have been prepared. These inhibitors have, at the C-6 position, butynamide, crotonamide, and methacrylamide Michael acceptors bearing water-solublilizing substituents. These compounds were prepared by acylation of 6-amino-4-(3-bromophenylamino)quinazoline with unsaturated acid chlorides or mixed anhydrides. We show that attaching a basic functional group onto the Michael acceptor results in greater reactivity, due to intramolecular catalysis of the Michael addition and/or an inductive effect of the protonated basic group. This, along with improved water solubility, results in compounds with enhanced biological properties. We present molecular modeling and experimental evidence that these inhibitors interact covalently with the target enzymes. One compound, 16a, was shown to have excellent oral activity in a human epidermoid carcinoma (A431) xenograft model in nude mice.

4-Anilino-6,7-dialkoxyquinoline-3-carbonitrile inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor kinase and their bioisosteric relationship to the 4-anilino-6,7-dialkoxyquinazoline inhibitors.

The synthesis and SAR of a series of 4-anilino-6, 7-dialkoxyquinoline-3-carbonitrile inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) kinase are described. Condensation of 3, 4-dialkoxyanilines with ethyl (ethoxymethylene)cyanoacetate followed by thermal cyclization gave, regiospecifically, 6,7-dialkoxy-4-oxo-1, 4-dihydroquinoline-3-carbonitriles. Chlorination (POCl(3)) followed by the reaction with substituted anilines furnished the 4-anilino-6, 7-dialkoxyquinoline-3-carbonitrile inhibitors of EGF-R kinase. An alternate synthesis of these compounds starts with a methyl 3, 4-dialkoxybenzoate. Nitration followed by reduction (Fe, NH(4)Cl, MeOH-H(2)O) gave a methyl 2-amino-4,5-dialkoxybenzoate. Amidine formation using DMF-acetal followed by cyclization using LiCH(2)CN furnished a 6,7-dialkoxy-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carbonitrile, which was transformed as before. Compounds containing acid, ester, amide, carbinol, and aldehyde groups at the 3-position of the quinoline ring were also prepared for comparison, as were several 1-anilino-6,7-dimethoxyisoquinoline-4-carbonitriles. The compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the autophosphorylation of the catalytic domain of EGF-R. The SAR of these inhibitors with respect to the nature of the 6,7-alkoxy groups, the aniline substituents, and the substituent at the 3-position was studied. The compounds were further evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of cell lines that overexpress EGF-R or HER-2. It was found that 4-anilinoquinoline-3-carbonitriles are effective inhibitors of EGF-R kinase with activity comparable to the 4-anilinoquinazoline-based inhibitors. A new homology model of EGF-R kinase was constructed based on the X-ray structures of Hck and FGF receptor-1 kinase. The model suggests that with the quinazoline-based inhibitors, the N3 atom is hydrogen-bonded to a water molecule which, in turn, interacts with Thr 830. It is proposed that the quinoline-3-carbonitriles bind in a similar manner where the water molecule is displaced by the cyano group which interacts with the same Thr residue.

Comparison of horseradish peroxidase visualization methods: quantitative results and further technical specifics.

Four methods used for the neurohistochemical demonstration of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were quantitatively compared by counting retrogradely labeled neurons found after each method was used. HRP used as a retrograde marker is an important neuroanatomical tracing method, and maximum sensitivity in its demonstration of retrogradely, labeled neurons is important if these neuroanatomical studies are to completely demonstrate afferent neurons. The four methods compared were a diaminobenzidine (DAB) procedure, a Hanker-Yates procedure using P-phenylenediamine and pyrocatechol, an o-dianisidine procedure, and a tetramethyl benzidine (TMB) procedure. The TMB procedure resulted in a more complete topography of neurons afferent to the HRP application site, and demonstrated many more neurons in all afferent cell groups that either of the three other procedures. Use of the TMB method was especially critical in the cases of small HRP applications, a size useful for neuroanatomical studies, where the other methods demonstrated very few or no retrogradely labeled neurons. Neurons were judged to be retrogradely HRP labeled if they had small granules of the reaction product (the color varying with the chromogen) describing the somal shape, usually extending into the processes, and a clear nucleus. In addition, after the o-dianisidine or the TMB reaction a small number of retrogradely labeled neurons had soma and processes especially well filled with reaction product, giving the appearance of neurons from Golgi preparations. For a sensitive TMB reaction giving good results, exact H2O2 concentration, freshly prepared solutions, minimal postreaction exposure to alcohol, counterstaining, and clean glassware were each found to be important.

Photoreceptor disc shedding in eye cups. Inhibition by deletion of extracellular divalent cations.

To further define the medium requirements for in vitro rod disc shedding and phagocytosis in eye cups of Xenopus laevis, the effect of deletion of divalent cations was examined. Calcium-free medium completely eliminated both normal diurnal disc shedding (initiated by light onset) and dark-primed disc shedding (initiated by a period of darkness followed by additional darkness or light). The effect was reversible. Furthermore, the events that occurred during the initial dark-priming period did not require extracellular millimolar calcium, since the addition of calcium (1.8 mM) after an initial hour of darkness in calcium-free medium resulted in a marked increase in disc shedding, regardless of the subsequent lighting condition. Magnesium-free medium did not inhibit light-evoked shedding. However, magnesium-free medium partially inhibited disc shedding in one of the two lighting paradigms used to elicit dark-primed disc shedding. This suggests that the extracellular divalent cation requirement varies for different lighting paradigms that promote shedding. The inhibition of disc shedding by magnesium-free medium was morphologically distinct from calcium-free medium; the inhibition in magnesium-free medium was correlated uniquely with a reduction in the interdigitation between the photoreceptor and the retinal pigment epithelium.

Biochemical and genetic characterization of the multidrug resistance phenotype in murine macrophage-like J774.2 cells.

The development of multidrug resistance (MDR) in malignant tumors is a major obstacle to the treatment of many cancers. MDR sublines have been derived from the J774.2 mouse macrophage-like cell line and utilized to characterize the phenotype at the biochemical and genetic level. Two isoforms of the drug resistance-associated P-glycoprotein are present and distinguishable both electrophoretically and pharmacologically. Genetic analysis has revealed the presence of a three-member gene family; expression of two of these genes, mdr1a and mdr1b, is associated with MDR whereas the expression of the third, mdr2, is not. Studies of these three genes have revealed similarities and differences in the manner in which they are regulated at the transcriptional level, and have suggested that post-transcriptional effects may also be important.

Irreversible inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase with in vivo activity by N-[4-[(3-bromophenyl)amino]-6-quinazolinyl]-2-butynamide (CL-387,785).

It has been shown previously that 4-anilino quinazolines compete with the ability of ATP to bind the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), inhibit EGF-stimulated autophosphorylation of tyrosine residues in EGF-R, and block EGF-mediated growth. Since millimolar concentrations of ATP in cells could reduce the efficacy of 4-anilino quinazolines in cells and the activity of these compounds would not be sustained once they were removed from the body, we reasoned that irreversible inhibitors of EGF-R might improve the activity of this series of compounds in animals. Molecular modeling of the EGF-R kinase domain was used to design irreversible inhibitors. We herein describe one such inhibitor: N-[4-[(3-bromophenyl)amino]-6-quinazolinyl]2-butynamide, known as CL-387,785. This compound covalently bound to EGF-R. It also specifically inhibited kinase activity of the protein (IC50 = 370+/-120 pM), blocked EGF-stimulated autophosphorylation of the receptor in cells (ic50 approximately 5 nM), inhibited cell proliferation (IC50 = 31-125 nM) primarily in a cytostatic manner in cell lines that overexpress EGF-R or c-erbB-2, and profoundly blocked the growth of a tumor that overexpresses EGF-R in nude mice (when given orally at 80 mg/kg/day for 10 days, daily). We conclude that CL-387,785 is useful for studying the interaction of small molecules with EGF-R and may have clinical utility.

P-glycoprotein mediates profound resistance to bisantrene.

Bisantrene, mitoxantrone, and anthracyclines are anthracene derivatives that interact with DNA and are used for the treatment of cancers. The mechanisms of resistance to bisantrene are unknown. Here we show that cells that overexpress low levels of P-glycoprotein or are transfected with human MDR1 have approximately 10-fold greater resistance to bisantrene compared to vinblastine, doxorubicin, or colchicine. Furthermore, bisantrene can be used to select for high-level P-glycoprotein-mediated multiple drug resistance in a human colon carcinoma cell line, LS 174T, and the drug blocks photoaffinity labeling of P-glycoprotein. The data suggest that bisantrene is an excellent substrate for P-glycoprotein. These findings could influence subsequent clinical evaluation of bisantrene for the treatment of cancer.

alpha-(3,4-dimethyoxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-6,7-dimethoxy-alpha- [(4-methylphenyl)thio]-2(1H)-isoquinolineheptanenitrile (CL 329,753): a novel chemosensitizing agent for P-glycoprotein-mediated resistance with improved biological properties compared with verapamil and cyclosporine A.

Agents that inhibit P-glycoprotein may restore sensitivity to some antitumor drugs in cancer patients. Optimization of the specificity and potency of one class of chemosensitizing agents related to verapamil has led to the identification of alpha-(3,4-dimethyoxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-6, 7-dimethoxy-alpha-[(4-methylphenyl) thio]-2(1H)-isoquinolineheptanenitrile, designated CL 329,753. In vitro, 0.1 to 2.0 microM CL 329,753 restored sensitivity to drugs in the multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype in cell lines that overexpress P-glycoprotein. CL 329,753 was greater than 10-fold more potent and efficacious than cyclosporine A or verapamil in vitro, particularly in cells that express high levels of P-glycoprotein. The enhanced activity of CL 329,753 may be related to its inability to be transported by P-glycoprotein, since low drug accumulation of cyclosporine or verapamil but not CL 329,753 was found in P-glycoprotein-containing cells, yet all three agents inhibited vinblastine binding to membranes containing P-glycoprotein and inhibited photoaffinity labeling of P-glycoprotein. In vivo, CL 329,753 resensitized drug-resistant tumors to vinblastine or doxorubicin in an ascitic or solid tumor model, respectively. No alteration in the plasma pharmacokinetic profile of doxorubicin by CL 329,753 has been found. Furthermore, the compound had 70-fold less calcium channel antagonistic activity compared with verapamil.