Targeting N-cadherin increases vascular permeability and differentially activates AKT in melanoma

Objective: We investigate the mechanism through which N-Cadherin disruption alters the effectiveness of regional chemotherapy for locally advanced melanoma.

Background: N-Cadherin antagonism during regional chemotherapy has demonstrated variable treatment effects.

Methods: Isolated limb infusion (ILI) with melphalan (LPAM) or temozolomide (TMZ) was performed on rats bearing melanoma xenografts after systemic administration of the N-Cadherin antagonist, ADH-1, or saline. Permeability studies were performed using Evans blue dye as the infusate, and interstitial fluid pressure was measured. Immunohistochemistry of LPAM-DNA adducts and damage was performed as surrogates for LPAM and TMZ delivery. Tumor signaling was studied by Western blotting and reverse-phase protein array analysis.

Results: Systemic ADH-1 was associated with increased growth and activation of the PI3K (phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase)-AKT pathway in A375 but not DM443 xenografts. ADH-1 in combination with LPAM ILI improved antitumor responses compared with LPAM alone in both cell lines. Combination of ADH-1 with TMZ ILI did not improve tumor response in A375 tumors. ADH-1 increased vascular permeability without effecting tumor interstitial fluid pressure, leading to increased delivery of LPAM but not TMZ.

Conclusions: ADH-1 improved responses to regional LPAM but had variable effects on tumors regionally treated with TMZ. N-cadherin-targeting agents may lead to differential effects on the Akt signaling axis that can augment growth of some tumors. The vascular targeting actions of N-Cadherin antagonism may not augment some regionally delivered alkylating agents, leading to a net increase in tumor size with this type of combination treatment strategy.