Drug Resistance Updates

Editorial Board

2009-12-01

Azole-resistance in Aspergillus: Proposed nomenclature and breakpoints

Paul E. Verweij, Susan J. Howard, Willem J.G. Melchers, David W. Denning — 2009-10-30

Abstract: Reports of itraconazole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus have been more frequent since the millennium. Identifying azole resistance is critically method dependent; nevertheless reproducible methods, reflective of in vivo outcome, are now in routine use. Some isolates also have elevated MICs to posaconazole and voriconazole. Multiple mechanisms of resistance are now known to be responsible, with differing degrees of azole cross-resistance, including mutations in the Cyp51A gene at G54, L98+TR, G138, M220, G448. Establishing breakpoints for Aspergillus is probably impossible with clinical data alone for multiple reasons yet there is an urgent need to do so. We propose the following breakpoints for A. fumigatus complex using the proposed EUCAST susceptibility testing methodology: for itraconazole and voriconazole, <2mg/L (susceptible), 2mg/L (intermediate) and >2mg/L (resistant); for posaconazole, <0.25, 0.5 and >0.5mg/L respectively. We recognize that additional work will be needed to confirm these proposed breakpoints, including in vivo and clinical correlative responses. We also propose nomenclature for genotypic resistance, in the event an isolate is not cultured, typified by ITZgR, VCZgI, POSgR (G54W) indicating that the isolate has a G54W substitution with a corresponding phenotype of resistance to itraconazole and posaconazole and intermediate susceptibility to voriconazole.

Novel strategies for reversing platinum resistance

Mian M.K. Shahzad, Gabriel Lopez-Berestein, Anil K. Sood — 2009-10-06

Abstract: Platinum-based drugs continue to be the mainstay of therapy for ovarian cancer. Along with adverse effects, chemoresistance (intrinsic or acquired) has become a major limitation in the management of recurrent disease. Even though much is known about the effects of platinum drugs on cancer cells, the mechanisms underlying resistance are poorly understood. In this review, we summarize the current data on chemoresistance and discuss novel strategies to reverse resistance to platinum-based drugs. The most important targets highlighted here include Aurora kinases, PARP, ATP7B, and ERCC1. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of these novel approaches for ovarian cancer treatment.

PARP inhibitors in cancer therapy: Two modes of attack on the cancer cell widening the clinical applications

Yvette Drew, Ruth Plummer — 2009-11-26

Abstract: The abundant nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 (PARP-1) represents an important novel target in cancer therapy. PARP-1 is essential to the repair of single strand DNA breaks via the base excision repair pathway. Inhibitors of PARP-1 have been shown to enhance the cytotoxic effects of ionising radiation and DNA damaging chemotherapy agents such as the methylating agents and topoisomerase-I inhibitors. There are currently at least eight PARP inhibitors in clinical trial development. In vitro data, in vivo preclinical data and most recently early clinical trial data suggests that PARP inhibitors could be used not only as chemo/radiotherapy sensitizers but also as single agents to selectively kill cancers defective in DNA repair, specifically cancers with mutations in the breast cancer associated (BRCA)1 and BRCA2 genes. This theory of selectively exploiting cells defective in one DNA repair pathway by inhibiting another is a major breakthrough in the treatment of cancer. The current clinical data are discussed within this review with reference to the preclinical models which predicted activity and also future directions and the possible dangers/pitfalls of this clinical strategy are explored.

Meetings Calendar

2009-12-01