DNA-Topoisomerase I, a new target for the treatment of neuroblastoma

DNA-topoisomerase I is the nuclear target of new anticancer drugs, namely camptothecin and its derivatives. In order to establish the rational basis for their clinical development in paediatric oncology, the antitumour activity of irinotecan (CPT-11) and topotecan, two camptothecin water-soluble derivatives, was studied in nude mice bearing neuroblastoma xenografts. The panel was composed of 4 previously established subcutaneous xenograft lines (IGR-N835, IGR-N91, IGR-NB3, IGR-NB8) that exhibited the common biological markers of poor prognosis in children (MYCN amplification, 1p deletion, paradiploidy and/or MDR1 overexpression). Irinotecan and topotecan were administered i.v. or i.p. over 5 consecutive days in animals bearing tumours. Irinotecan (40 mg/kg/day) induced 20–100% complete regressions with tumour growth delays ranging from 20 to 46 days. Two out of 10 IGR-N91 bearing animals were tumour free more than 120 days after treatment with the top dose (50 mg/kg/day). Topotecan (2.7 mg/kg/day) induced 0–67% complete regressions with tumour growth delays ranging from 23 to 50 days. One out of 8 IGR-NB3 bearing mice was tumour free at the end of the experiment. The antitumour activity of both drugs was clearly sustained at a lower dose level. Topoisomerase I activity was assayed in 15 neuroblastomas, 3 ganglioneuroblastomas and 2 normal adrenal glands, using a DNA relaxation assay. Topoisomerase I activity ranged from 69 to 1304 arbitrary units/mg of protein, and was significantly higher in immature neuroblastomas than in ganglioneuroblastomas and adrenal glands. In conclusion, irinotecan and topotecan are active against neuroblastoma xenografts. Their target is expressed in patients’ tumour samples. Clinical development of topoisomerase I inhibitors in children with neuroblastoma is warranted.