Gemcitabine and Chk1 inhibitor AZD7762 synergistically suppress the growth of Lkb1-deficient lung adenocarcinoma

Cells lacking the tumor suppressor gene LKB1/STK11 alter their metabolism to match the demands of accelerated growth, leaving them highly vulnerable to stress. However, targeted therapy for LKB1-deficient cancers has yet to be reported. In both Kras/p53/Lkb1 cell lines and a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) of Kras/p53/Lkb1-induced lung cancer, much higher rates of DNA damage occur resulting in increased dependence on Chk1 checkpoint function. Here we demonstrate that short-term treatment with the Chk1 inhibitor AZD7762 reduces metabolism in Kras/p53/Lkb1 tumors, synergizing with the DNA damaging drug gemcitabine to reduce tumor size in these models. Our results offer preclinical proof of concept for use of a Chk1 inhibitor to safely enhance the efficacy of gemcitabine, particularly in aggressive KRAS-driven LKB1-deficient lung adenocarcinomas.

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