Abstract LB-449: KRAS mutation and amplification status predicts sensitivity to antifolate therapies in non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Moran Diarmuid M. , Trusk Patricia , Shell Scott A. , Camidge D. Ross , Doebele Robert C. , Berge Eamon , Vincent Mark , Bacus Sarah 
Published: August 2012

Somatic genetic mutation in the V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) gene has been linked to poor prognosis and resistance to various targeted therapeutics in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Therapeutic strategies that target tumors harboring these mutations represent an unmet medical need. In this study, we investigated the relationship between antifolate sensitivity and KRAS mutation/amplification status in NSCLC. Human NSCLC cell lines (KRAS wild type, KRAS mutant non-amplified and KRAS mutant amplified) were treated with Methotrexate (MTX) or Pemetrexed (PEM) and assayed for proliferation. In these studies, KRASwt (wildtype) and KRASmut (mutant) amplified cells showed resistance to MTX treatment (IC50 &gt;10μM). In contrast, growth of all KRASmut non-amplified cell lines studied was inhibited with MTX treatment (IC50 &lt;100nM). Similar effects were observed for PEM in this study. Interrogation of the NCI Developmental Therapeutics Program drug screen database for the relationship between KRAS mutation status and drug efficacy also revealed a similar trend in other NSCLC cell lines for MTX and other anti-folates. qPCR analysis demonstrated a dramatic downregulation of KRAS gene expression in KRASwt and KRASmut cells with antifolate treatment. However, KRAS gene expression was less affected in antifolate treated KRASmut amplified cells. Co-treatment of KRASmut cells with antifolates and hypoxanthine/thymidine (which compensate for folate pathway inhibition) prevented downregulation of KRAS gene expression and rescued KRASmut cells. qPCR array analysis of miRNA expression in antifolate treated cells revealed increased expression of specific miRNAs, including miR-181c, with treatment compared to untreated controls. Transfection of a miR-181c mimic led to downregulation of KRAS gene expression in cells. Furthermore, antagomirs targeting miR-181c partially inhibited the downregulation of KRAS by antifolates. Importantly, we present clinical data describing rapid and durable radiographic responses in KRAS mutant NSCLC cancer patients. Collectively, these studies identify higher sensitivity to antifolates in KRASmut non-amp NSCLC cell lines. Antifolate therapies decrease KRAS gene expression in KRASwt and KRASmut but do not do so in KRASmut amplified cells. We propose that decreased KRAS gene expression is detrimental to KRASmut cells due to their dependency on this survival pathway. We also propose that decreases in KRAS gene expression are mechanistically linked to stress (folate inhibition) induced miRNA expression which target KRAS gene expression. Overall, antifolates represent a novel method to target KRAS and as such should be investigated further for use in this subtype of NSCLC. As clinical evidence emerges, both KRAS mutation and amplification status should be incorporated for patient stratification prior to antifolate treatment.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-449. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-449