E7050: a dual c-Met and VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor promotes tumor regression and prolongs survival in mouse xenograft models

Cancer Sci. 2010 Jan;101(1):210-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2009.01343.x. Epub 2009 Sep 2.

Abstract

c-Met is the cellular receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and is known to be dysregulated in various types of human cancers. Activation of the HGF/c-Met pathway causes tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is also known as a key molecule in tumor progression through the induction of tumor angiogenesis. Because of their key roles in tumor progression, these pathways provide attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. We have generated a novel, orally active, small molecule compound, E7050, which inhibits both c-Met and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2. In vitro studies indicate that E7050 potently inhibits phosphorylation of both c-Met and VEGFR-2. E7050 also potently represses the growth of both c-met amplified tumor cells and endothelial cells stimulated with either HGF or VEGF. In vivo studies using E7050 showed inhibition of the phosphorylation of c-Met and VEGFR-2 in tumors, and strong inhibition of tumor growth and tumor angiogenesis in xenograft models. Treatment of some tumor lines containing c-met amplifications with high doses of E7050 (50-200 mg/kg) induced tumor regression and disappearance. In a peritoneal dissemination model, E7050 showed an antitumor effect against peritoneal tumors as well as a significant prolongation of lifespan in treated mice. Our results indicate that E7050 is a potent inhibitor of c-Met and VEGFR-2 and has therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Aminopyridines / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / mortality
  • Phosphorylation
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met / metabolism
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / metabolism
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Aminopyridines
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • N-(2-fluoro-4-((2-(4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)carbonylaminopyridin-4-yl)oxy)phenyl)-N'-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxamide
  • Piperazines
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2