Brain Distribution and Active Efflux of Three panRAF Inhibitors: Considerations in the Treatment of Melanoma Brain Metastases.

TitleBrain Distribution and Active Efflux of Three panRAF Inhibitors: Considerations in the Treatment of Melanoma Brain Metastases.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsGampa G, Kim M, Mohammad AS, Parrish KE, Mladek AC, Sarkaria JN, Elmquist WF
JournalJ Pharmacol Exp Ther
Volume368
Issue3
Pagination446-461
Date Published2019 Mar
ISSN1521-0103
Abstract

Targeted inhibition of RAF and MEK by molecularly targeted agents has been employed as a strategy to block aberrant mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in melanoma. While the use of BRAF and MEK inhibitors, either as a single agent or in combination, improved efficacy in BRAF-mutant melanoma, initial responses are often followed by relapse due to acquired resistance. Moreover, some BRAF inhibitors are associated with paradoxical activation of the MAPK pathway, causing the development of secondary malignancies. The use of panRAF inhibitors, i.e., those that target all isoforms of RAF, may overcome paradoxical activation and resistance. The purpose of this study was to perform a quantitative assessment and evaluation of the influence of efflux mechanisms at the blood-brain barrier (BBB), in particular, Abcb1/P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and Abcg2/breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp), on the brain distribution of three panRAF inhibitors: CCT196969 [1-(3-(-butyl)-1-phenyl-1-pyrazol-5-yl)-3-(2-fluoro-4-((3-oxo-3,4-dihydropyrido[2,3-b]pyrazin-8-yl)oxy)phenyl)urea], LY3009120 1-(3,3-Dimethylbutyl)-3-(2-fluoro-4-methyl-5-(7-methyl-2-(methylamino)pyrido(2,3-d)pyrimidin-6-yl)phenyl)urea, and MLN2480 [4-pyrimidinecarboxamide, 6-amino-5-chloro--[(1)-1-[5-[[[5-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]amino]carbonyl]-2-thiazolyl]ethyl]-]. In vitro studies using transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney II cells indicate that only LY3009120 and MLN2480 are substrates of Bcrp, and none of the three inhibitors are substrates of P-gp. The three panRAF inhibitors show high nonspecific binding in brain and plasma. In vivo studies in mice show that the brain distribution of CCT196969, LY3009120, and MLN2480 is limited, and is enhanced in transgenic mice lacking P-gp and Bcrp. While MLN2480 has a higher brain distribution, LY3009120 exhibits superior in vitro efficacy in patient-derived melanoma cell lines. The delivery of a drug to the site of action residing behind a functionally intact BBB, along with drug potency against the target, collectively play a critical role in determining in vivo efficacy outcomes.

DOI10.1124/jpet.118.253708
Alternate JournalJ. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.
PubMed ID30622172
PubMed Central IDPMC6374543
Grant ListR01 NS073610 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States
R01 NS077921 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States
U54 CA210180 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States