University of Pittsburgh researchers have identified E-cadherin as a potential biomarker for predicting the response to anti-IGF1R inhibitors in cancer treatment. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF1) and its receptor (IGF1R) play crucial roles in cancer progression, making IGF1R a significant therapeutic target. However, only a subset of patients responds to IGF1R inhibitors. The loss of E-cadherin, a key component of adherens junctions, hyperactivates the IGF1R pathway, enhancing sensitivity to IGF1R-targeted therapy in breast cancer cells. This discovery could lead to more effective and personalized cancer treatments.
Description
Disclosed herein are methods of treating a subject with an estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer comprising obtaining a sample of the breast cancer from the subject; determining a level of E-cadherin in the sample is reduced compared to a control; and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an IGF1R pathway inhibitor and an endocrine therapeutic. Also disclosed herein are methods to treat a cancer in a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an IGF1R pathway inhibitor and an E-cadherin inhibitor. Also disclosed are methods to predict the likelihood a subject with a breast cancer will respond therapeutically to a treatment comprising administering an IGF1R pathway inhibitor, the method comprising obtaining a sample of the cancer from the subject; and determining a level of E-cadherin in the sample.
Applications
• Biomarker for predicting response to anti-IGF1R therapy
• Personalized cancer treatment
• Enhancing the efficacy of existing cancer therapies
Advantages
This invention provides a novel biomarker (E-cadherin) for predicting the response to anti-IGF1R therapy, which currently lacks reliable biomarkers. The identification of E-cadherin levels as a predictor of therapy response can lead to more personalized and effective cancer treatments. Additionally, the combination of IGF1R inhibitors with standard anti-ER therapies shows synergistic effects, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients with E-cadherin deficient breast cancers.
Invention Readiness
The invention has been validated through in vitro studies, demonstrating the role of E-cadherin in modulating IGF1R signaling and its potential as a biomarker for therapy response. Further research and clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and develop diagnostic tools for clinical use.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US11548939B2
