ABT-751, a novel tubulin-binding agent, decreases tumor perfusion and disrupts tumor vasculature

Anticancer Drugs. 2009 Jul;20(6):483-92. doi: 10.1097/CAD.0b013e32832c0acf.

Abstract

ABT-751 is an orally bioavailable tubulin-binding agent that is currently under clinical development for cancer treatment. In preclinical studies, ABT-751 showed antitumor activity against a broad spectrum of tumor lines including those resistant to conventional chemotherapies. In this study, we investigated the antivascular properties of ABT-751 in a rat subcutaneous tumor model using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. A single dose of ABT-751 (30 mg/kg, intravenously) induced a rapid, transient reduction in tumor perfusion. After 1 h, tumor perfusion decreased by 57% before recovering to near pretreatment levels within 6 h. In contrast, ABT-751 produced little change in muscle perfusion at either time point. To further elucidate mechanisms of drug action at the cellular level, we examined the effects of ABT-751 on endothelial cells using an in-vitro assay. ABT-751, at concentrations corresponding to plasma levels achieved in vivo, caused endothelial cell retraction and significant loss of microtubules within 1 h. The severity of these morphological changes was dose-dependent but reversible within 6 h after the discontinuation of the drug. Taken together, these results show that ABT-751 is a tubulin-binding agent with antivascular properties. Microtubule disruption and morphological changes in vascular endothelial cells may be responsible, at least in part, for the dysfunction of tumor blood vessels after ABT-751 treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / drug effects
  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Endothelial Cells / pathology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Endothelium, Vascular / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Microtubules / drug effects
  • Microtubules / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / blood supply
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / metabolism
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Protein Binding
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred F344
  • Sulfonamides / administration & dosage
  • Sulfonamides / pharmacology
  • Sulfonamides / therapeutic use*
  • Tubulin / metabolism*

Substances

  • ABT751
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Sulfonamides
  • Tubulin