PURPOSE

c-MYC is a promising target for cancer therapy but its use is restricted by unwanted, devastating side effects. We explored whether intravesical instillation of the c-MYC inhibitor KSI-3716 could suppress tumor growth in murine orthotopic bladder xenografts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The small molecule KSI-3716, which blocks c-MYC/MAX binding to target gene promoters, was used as an intravesical chemotherapy agent. KSI-3716 action was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, transcription reporter assay and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Inhibition of cell proliferation and its mechanism was monitored by cell cytotoxicity assay, EdU incorporation assay and flow cytometry. The in vivo efficacy of KSI-3716 was examined by noninvasive luminescence imaging and histological analysis after intravesical instillation of KSI-3716 in murine orthotopic bladder xenografts.

RESULTS

KSI-3716 blocked c-MYC/MAX from forming a complex with target gene promoters. c-MYC mediated transcriptional activity was inhibited by KSI-3716 at concentrations as low as 1 μM. The expression of c-MYC target genes, such as cyclin D2, CDK4 and hTERT, was markedly decreased. KSI-3716 exerted cytotoxic effects on bladder cancer cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Intravesical instillation of KSI-3716 at a dose of 5 mg/kg significantly suppressed tumor growth with minimal systemic toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

The c-MYC inhibitor KSI-3716 could be developed as an effective intravesical chemotherapy agent for bladder cancer.