Upregulated stromal EGFR and vascular remodeling in human NSCLC murine models (xenografts) of VEGF inhibitor resistance
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ABSTRACT: The mechanisms by which tumors develop resistance to angiogenesis inhibitors, and the relative contributions of tumor cells and stroma to resistance, are not completely understood. We developed three human lung adenocarcinoma murine models of resistance to the VEGF inhibitor bevacizumab and, using species-specific profiling, separately investigated tumor cell and stromal molecules associated with resistance. Gene expression changes associated with acquired resistance occurred predominantly in stromal (mouse) and not tumor (human) cells. Components of the EGFR and FGFR2 pathways were significantly upregulated in stroma, but not in tumor cells. Increased activated EGFR was detected on pericytes of xenografts that acquired resistance and on endothelium of tumors with relative primary resistance. Acquired resistance was associated with a pattern of pericyte-covered, normalized revascularization, whereas tortuous, uncovered vessels were observed in relative primary resistance. Dual targeting of VEGF and EGFR pathways with bevacizumab and erlotinib, or the VEGFR/EGFR inhibitor vandetanib, reduced pericyte coverage and increased progression-free survival. These findings demonstrate that alterations in tumor stromal pathways, including EGFR and FGFR2, are associated with, and may contribute to VEGF inhibitor resistance and that targeting these pathways may improve therapeutic efficacy. Understanding stromal signaling may be critical for developing biomarkers for angiogenesis inhibitors and improving combination regimens.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE26644 | GEO | 2011/04/22
SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA136373
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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