Systematic Investigation of Microenvironmental Drug Resistance Mechanisms in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (ASH 2019)
We found drug response profiles to be correlated closely for drugs targeting the same signaling-pathway, e.g. the B-cell receptor inhibitors Ibrutinib (BTK) and PRT062607 (Syk) (Pearson correlation coefficient: r=0.78, 95% CI: 0.72 - 0.83)...3) The microenvironmental stimulus and the drug exhibited no major individual effect on CLL cell survival, but together significantly increased CLL cell viability (e.g. Interferon-γ:Ralimetinib, p-value: < 0.0001)...A high signaling activity of IL-4 was associated with shorter time to treatment, indicating that CLL progresses faster with strong microenvironmental support. Conclusion We present a systematic investigation on the tumor microenvironment in CLL, the underlying molecular determinants as well its interference with drug response which will serve as a scientific resource and starting point for further mechanistical investigations.