Imipridones inhibit tumor growth and improve survival in an orthotopic liver metastasis mouse model of human uveal melanoma.

PURPOSE

Uveal melanoma (UM) is a highly aggressive disease with very few treatment options. We previously demonstrated that mUM is characterized by high oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Here we tested the anti-tumor, signaling and metabolic effects of imipridones, CLPP activators which reduce OXPHOS indirectly and have demonstrated safety in patients.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We assessed CLPP expression in UM patient samples. We tested the effects of imipridones (ONC201, ONC212) on the growth, survival, signaling and metabolism of UM cell lines and for therapeutic effects in UM liver metastasis models.

RESULTS

CLPP expression was confirmed in primary and mUM patient samples. ONC201/212 treatment of UM cell lines decreased OXPHOS effectors, inhibited cell growth and migration, and induced apoptosis. ONC212 increased metabolic stress and apoptotic pathways, inhibited amino acid metabolism, and induced cell death-related lipids. ONC212 also decreased tumor burden and increased survival in two UM liver metastasis models.

CONCLUSION

Imipridones are a promising strategy for further testing and development in mUM.