Albumin-targeting of an oxaliplatin-releasing platinum(iv) prodrug results in pronounced anticancer activity due to endocytotic drug uptake in vivo

Author(s)
Hemma Schueffl, Sarah Theiner, Gerrit Hermann, Josef Mayr, Philipp Fronik, Diana Groza, Sushilla van Schonhooven, Luis Galvez, Nadine S. Sommerfeld, Arno Schintlmeister, Siegfried Reipert, Michael Wagner, Robert M. Mader, Gunda Koellensperger, Bernhard K. Keppler, Walter Berger, Christian R. Kowol, Anton Legin, Petra Heffeter
Abstract

Oxaliplatin is a very potent platinum(ii) drug which is frequently used in poly-chemotherapy schemes against advanced colorectal cancer. However, its benefit is limited by severe adverse effects as well as resistance development. Based on their higher tolerability, platinum(iv) prodrugs came into focus of interest. However, comparable to their platinum(ii) counterparts they lack tumor specificity and are frequently prematurely activated in the blood circulation. With the aim to exploit the enhanced albumin consumption and accumulation in the malignant tissue, we have recently developed a new albumin-targeted prodrug, which supposed to release oxaliplatin in a highly tumor-specific manner. In more detail, we designed a platinum(iv) complex containing two maleimide moieties in the axial position (KP2156), which allows selective binding to the cysteine 34. In the present study, diverse cell biological and analytical tools such as laser ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), isotope labeling, and nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) were employed to better understand the in vivo distribution and activation process of KP2156 (in comparison to free oxaliplatin and a non-albumin-binding succinimide analogue). KP2156 forms very stable albumin adducts in the bloodstream resulting in a superior pharmacological profile, such as distinctly prolonged terminal excretion half-life and enhanced effective platinum dose (measured by ICP-MS). The albumin-bound drug is accumulating in the malignant tissue, where it enters the cancer cells via clathrin- and caveolin-dependent endocytosis, and is activated by reduction to release oxaliplatin. This results in profound, long-lasting anticancer activity of KP2156 against CT26 colon cancer tumors in vivo based on cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death. Summarizing, albumin-binding of platinum(iv) complexes potently enhances the efficacy of oxaliplatin therapy and should be further developed towards clinical phase I trials.

Organisation(s)
Department of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Large-Instrument Facility for Environmental and Isotope Mass Spectrometry, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Mass Spectrometry Centre
External organisation(s)
Medizinische Universität Wien
Journal
Chemical Science
Volume
12
Pages
12587-12599
No. of pages
13
ISSN
2041-6520
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC03311E
Publication date
10-2021
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
104003 Inorganic chemistry, 301904 Cancer research
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
General Chemistry
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/72f4d99c-ade9-4fb9-b813-268295375bf6