Antitumor effects of YM155, a novel survivin suppressant, against human aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma

YM155, a novel small-molecule that down-regulates survivin, exhibits broad, potent antitumor activity against a range of human tumors. We evaluated the activity of YM155 in aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In a number of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma lines, YM155 exhibited 50% growth inhibition with values between 0.23 and 3.9 nM. Within in vivo xenograft models, continuous infusion of YM155 eradicated large, established subcutaneous WSU-DLCL-2 and Ramos tumors, with sustained efficacy observed through 4 cycles of YM155 therapy. YM155 increased survival significantly versus rituximab in disseminated Ramos models. This study suggests that YM155 may represent an effective treatment for aggressive lymphomas.