Diffuse intrinsic pontine
gliomas (DIPGs) represent a particularly lethal type of pediatric
brain cancer with no effective therapeutic options. Our laboratory has previously reported the development of genetically engineered
DIPG mouse models using the RCAS/tv-a system, including a model driven by PDGF-B, H3.3K27M, and p53 loss. These models can serve as a platform in which to test novel
therapeutics prior to the initiation of human clinical trials. In this study, an in vitro high-throughput
drug screen as part of the
DIPG preclinical consortium using cell-lines derived from our
DIPG models identified
BMS-754807 as a
drug of interest in
DIPG.
BMS-754807 is a potent and reversible small molecule multi-
kinase inhibitor with many targets including IGF-1R, IR, MET, TRKA, TRKB,
AURKA, AURKB. In vitro evaluation showed significant cytotoxic effects with an IC50 of 0.13 μM, significant inhibition of proliferation at a concentration of 1.5 μM, as well as inhibition of AKT activation. Interestingly, IGF-1R signaling was absent in serum-free cultures from the PDGF-B; H3.3K27M; p53 deficient model suggesting that the antitumor activity of
BMS-754807 in this model is independent of IGF-1R. In vivo, systemic administration of
BMS-754807 to
DIPG-bearing mice did not prolong survival. Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated that
tumor tissue
drug concentrations of
BMS-754807 were well below the identified IC50, suggesting that inadequate
drug delivery may limit in vivo efficacy. In summary, an unbiased in vitro
drug screen identified
BMS-754807 as a potential therapeutic agent in
DIPG, but
BMS-754807 treatment in vivo by systemic delivery did not significantly prolong survival of
DIPG-bearing mice.