Combined BRAFV600E and MEK blockade for BRAFV600E-mutant gliomas

BRAFV600E is a common finding in glioma (about 10–60% depending on histopathologic subclassification). BRAFV600E monotherapy shows modest preclinical efficacy against BRAFV600E gliomas and also induces adverse secondary skin malignancies. Here, we examine the molecular mechanism of intrinsic resistance to BRAFV600E inhibition in glioma. Furthermore, we investigate BRAFV600E/MEK combination therapy that overcomes intrinsic resistance to BRAFV600E inhibitor and also prevents BRAFV600E inhibitor induced secondary malignancies. Immunoblotting and Human Phospho-Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Array assays were used to interrogate MAPK pathway activation. The cellular effect of BRAFV600E and MEK inhibition was determined by WST-1 viability assay and cell cycle analysis. Flanked and orthotopic GBM mouse models were used to investigate the in vivo efficacy of BRAFV600E/MEK combination therapy and the effect on secondary malignancies. BRAFV600E inhibition leads to recovery of ERK phosphorylation. Combined BRAFV600E and MEK inhibition prevents reactivation of the MAPK signaling, which correlates with decreased cell viability and augmented cell cycle arrest. Similarly, mice bearing BRAFV600E glioma showed reduced tumor growth when treated with a combination of BRAFV600E and MEK inhibitor compared to BRAFV600E inhibition alone. Additional benefit of BRAFV600E/MEK inhibition was reflected by reduced cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma (cSCC) growth (a surrogate for RAS-driven secondary maligancies). In glioma, recovery of MAPK signaling upon BRAF inhibition accounts for intrinsic resistance to BRAFV600E inhibitor. Combined BRAFV600E and MEK inhibition prevents rebound of MAPK activation, resulting in enhanced antitumor efficacy and also reduces the risk of secondary malignancy development.