Xiaoyan Zhong1, Runying Long2, Ruiqian Zhang1, Ling Shan Hung1, Can Cui1, Chen Bao1, Kui Liu1, Cho Wing Li1, Haonan Lu1, Kar Loen Chan1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong,2Materials Innovation Institute for Life Sciences and Energy (MILES), HKU-SIRI, Shenzhen, China
摘要 Abstract
Objectives: Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are promising therapeutic biologics for cancer treatment, and Mirvetuximab soravtansine (MIRV) is currently the only FDA-approved ADC for treating folate receptor alpha (FRalpha) positive platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer (PROC). Results from the Phase 3 EV-302/KEYNOTE-A39 trial indicate that the combination of Nectin-4-directed ADC Enfortumab Vedotin-ejfv (anti-Nectin-4 ADC) and pembrolizumab yields better treatment outcomes than platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma. The study aims to investigate the potential of repurposing anti-Nectin-4 ADC as a therapeutic strategy for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), and to explore effective combination therapies targeting Nectin-4-positive EOC tumors.
Methodology: Nectin-4 expression in EOC was validated through multiplex immunohistochemistry (MIHC) in our institutional tissue cohort and corroborated in independent public datasets. In vitro efficacy of anti-Nectin-4 ADC was evaluated using cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and clonogenic assays in EOC cell lines. Anti-tumor activity was investigated in patient-derived organoid models and xenograft models.
Result: Nectin-4 expression in EOC is heterogeneous but generally elevated compared to matched normal tissues. The Nectin-4-targeted ADC demonstrated significant cytotoxicity in Nectin-4-positive EOC cell lines. Both in silico and in vitro analyses revealed that Nectin-4-positive tumors are sensitive to two FDA-approved compounds, potentially due to dysregulated fatty acid metabolism. In vivo studies confirmed that anti-Nectin-4 ADC monotherapy effectively suppressed tumor growth, and combination treatments further enhanced survival outcomes.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of Nectin-4-targeted agents in preclinical models of Nectin-4-positive EOC, supporting their advancement toward clinical translation. Additionally, the findings suggest that repurposing Nectin-4-guided combination therapy could expand and enhance treatment options for EOC.
利益披露 Disclosure
X. Zhong, None..
R. Long, None..
R. Zhang, None..
L. Hung, None..
C. Cui, None..
C. Bao, None..
K. Liu, None..
C. Li, None..
H. Lu, None..
K. Chan, None.