Chatter between cell populations drives progression of gastrointestinal tumors

The study, published in the February 18, 2021 online edition of Oncogene, found that specific cell-to-cell communication influences GIST biology and is strongly associated with cancer progression and metastasis.

The researchers discovered that certain GIST cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a cell population within GIST tumors, can communicate with GIST cells. This crosstalk between CAFs and GIST cells results in more aggressive tumor biology.

"By examining the tumor microenvironment of GIST, we were able to look at a previously unrecognized cellular target for GIST therapy that could result in improved disease control and cure rates. It's a paradigm shift for the field," said senior author Jason Sicklick, MD, professor of surgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine and surgical oncologist at UC San Diego Health.

The study involved animal models of GIST metastasis and bioinformatic analyses from 75 GIST patients.

Currently, single drug therapies are used in the management of GIST. These therapies target the KIT and PDGFRA gene mutations -- signal receivers on GIST cells that drive cancer growth.

"However, when CAFs are present, they produce platelet-derived growth factor (PDGFC), a signal that can activate PDGFRA and overcome drug inhibition," said first author Hyunho Yoon, PhD, a research associate with UC San Diego School of Medicine.

Approximately half of patients with metastatic GIST will develop drug resistance within 20 months of starting first-line therapy. Once the first line of treatment for GIST loses effectiveness, response rates to subsequent therapies also dramatically decline. Thus, said the authors, combination therapies against multiple cellular targets, such as CAFs, could be more effective, especially before the disease has metastasized.

GISTs develop from nerve cells in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract and can occur anywhere from the esophagus to the rectum. These tumors most commonly occur without telltale symptoms, such as feeling full sooner than normal after eating or abdominal pain. Occasionally, symptoms include gastrointestinal bleeding or signs of intestinal obstruction. GIST cases most often develop and are diagnosed in persons age 50 and older.

The researchers said next steps include investigating synergistic drug combinations for CAF-targeted therapies.

"We have to start thinking outside of the box. We've been using bigger and bigger hammers to hit the same target and not seeing different results," said Sicklick. "We need to start hitting a different target. Our study results could be the first insights into a new approach."

Sicklick receives research funds from Foundation Medicine Inc. and Novartis Pharmaceuticals, as well as consultant fees from Deciphera, Loxo, Biotheranostics, and Grand Rounds.