Characterization of the mechanism of action and efficacy of MEN1611 (PA799), a novel PI3K inhibitor, in breast cancer preclinical models

Abstract

Background: The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway plays a central role in cell proliferation and survival in human cancer. Mutations in PIK3CA, the gene coding the p110α catalytic subunit of PI3K, are frequent in cancer and result in PI3K pathway activation. About 25% of HER2-positive breast cancers also carry PIK3CA mutations, known to confer resistance to anti-HER2 therapy. Here we report the preclinical characterization of MEN1611, a potent and selective orally available PI3K inhibitor, showing high activity against p110α mutant isoforms and sparing the d isoform. Methods: In vivo efficacy studies were evaluated through Tumour Volume Inhibition %(TVI%) and mRECIST criteria using cancer cell lines and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Pathway activation and protein degradation analyses were performed by western blot and capillary electrophoresis immunoassay. Immune modulation was evaluated using murine macrophages differentiated in vitro. Results: Consistent with its mechanism of action, MEN1611 down-modulates the PI3K/AKT signaling as well as selected downstream targets, both in vitro and in vivo. MEN1611 acts synergistically when combined with trastuzumab in several HER2-positive PIK3CA-mutated breast cancer cell lines and patient-derived xenograft models. The in vivo efficacy in trastuzumab-resistant models is supported by a long-lasting antitumor activity, paralleled by mechanistic down-regulation of pharmacodynamic biomarkers. Moreover, MEN1611 showed the ability to induce a dose-dependent alphaisoform depletion, and to modulate the macrophage polarization towards a proinflammatory phenotype, consistent with its capability to co-inhibit P110c. Conclusions: Overall, these preclinical data support the progression in the development of MEN1611 in breast cancer and pave the way to the B-Precise-01 clinical study, a multicentre phase Ib study.