Gene expression profiling of HDLM-2 Hodgkin lymphoma cell line after in vitro and in vivo treatment with Givinostat in combination with Sorafenib

Relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is an unmet medical need requiring new therapeutic options. Interactions between the histone deacetylase inhibitor Givinostat and the RAF/MEK/ERK inhibitor Sorafenib were examined in HDLM-2 and L-540 HL cell lines. Exposure to Givinostat/Sorafenib induced a synergistic inhibition of cell growth (range, 70- 80%) and a dramatic increase in cell death (up to 96%) due to increased H3 and H4 acetylation and strong mitochondrial injury. Gene expression profiling indicated that the synergistic effects of Givinostat/Sorafenib treatment are associated with the modulation of cell cycle and cell death pathways. Exposure to Givinostat/Sorafenib resulted in sustained production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of necroptotic cell death. The necroptosis inhibitor Necrostatin-1 prevented Givinostat/Sorafenib-induced ROS production, mitochondrial injury, activation of BH3-only protein BIM and cell death. Knockdown experiments identified BIM as a key signaling molecule that mediates Givinostat/Sorafenib-induced oxidative death of HL cells. Furthermore, in vivo xenograft studies demonstrated a 50% reduction in tumor burden (P < 0.0001), a 5- to 15-fold increase in BIM expression (P .0001) and a 4-fold increase in tumor necrosis in Givinostat/Sorafenib-treated animals compared to mice that received the single agents. These results provide a rationale for exploring Givinostat/Sorafenib combination in relapsed/refractory HL.

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Locatelli SL, Cleris L, Stirparo GG, Tartari S, Saba E, Pierdominici M, Malorni W, Carbone A, Anichini A, Carlo-Stella C