Synergistic induction of apoptosis in high-risk DLBCL by BCL2 inhibition with ABT-199 combined with pharmacologic loss of MCL1

L. Li, P. Pongtornpipat, T. Tiutan, S. L. Kendrick, S. Park, D. O. Persky, L. M. Rimsza, S. D. Puvvada, J. H. Schatz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

65 Scopus citations

Abstract

Better treatments are needed for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) at high risk of failing standard therapy. Avoiding apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer, and in DLBCL the redundantly functioning antiapoptotic proteins BCL2 and MCL1 are frequently expressed. Here we explore drugs that cause loss of MCL1, particularly the potent new cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor dinaciclib, which knocks down MCL1 by inhibiting CDK9. Dinaciclib induces apoptosis in DLBCL cells but is completely overcome by increased activity of BCL2. We find that clinical samples have frequent co-expression of MCL1 and BCL2, suggesting that therapeutic strategies targeting only one will lead to treatment failures owing to activity of the other. The BH3 mimetic ABT-199 potently and specifically targets BCL2. Single-agent ABT-199 had modest antitumor activity against most DLBCL lines and resulted in compensatory upregulation of MCL1 expression. ABT-199 synergized strongly, however, when combined with dinaciclib and with other drugs affecting MCL1, including standard DLBCL chemotherapy drugs. We show potent antitumor activities of these combinations in xenografts and in a genetically accurate murine model of MYC-BCL2 double-hit lymphoma. In sum, we reveal a rational treatment paradigm to strip DLBCL of its protection from apoptosis and improve outcomes for high-risk patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1702-1712
Number of pages11
JournalLeukemia
Volume29
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 7 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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