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Article Publish Status: FREE
Abstract Title:

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) synergistically enhances the therapeutic effect of targeted therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Abstract Source:

J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2020 Oct 28 ;39(1):228. Epub 2020 Oct 28. PMID: 33115525

Abstract Author(s):

Walaa Darwiche, Cathy Gomila, Hakim Ouled-Haddou, Marie Naudot, Cécile Doualle, Pierre Morel, Florence Nguyen-Khac, Loïc Garçon, Jean-Pierre Marolleau, Hussein Ghamlouch

Article Affiliation:

Walaa Darwiche

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Novel, less toxic, cost-effective and safe therapeutic strategies are needed to improve treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Ascorbic acid (AA, vitamin C) has shown a potential anti-cancer therapeutic activity in several cancers. However, the anti-cancer effects of ascorbic acid on CLL B-cells have not been extensively studied. We aimed in this study to evaluate the in vitro therapeutic activity using clinically relevant conditions.

METHODS: Primary CLL B-cells and two CLL cell lines were exposed to a dose that is clinically achievable by AA oral administration (250 μM), and cell death and potential mechanisms were assessed. The role of the protective CLL microenvironment was studied. Synergistic interaction between AA and CLL approved drugs (Ibrutinib, Idelalisib and Venetoclax) was also evaluated.

RESULTS: Ascorbic acid is cytotoxic for CLL B-cells at low dose (250 μM) but spares healthy B-cells. Ascorbic-acid-induced cytotoxicity involved pro-oxidant damage through the generation of reactive oxygen species in the extracellular media and in CLL cells, and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis. We also found that AA treatment overcame the supportive survivaleffect provided by microenvironment including bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, T-cell cues (CD40L + IL-4), cytokines and hypoxia. Our data suggest that resistance to AA could be mediated by the expression of the enzyme catalase in some CLL samples and by the glucose metabolite pyruvate. We also demonstrated that AA synergistically potentiates the cytotoxicity of targeted therapies used in or being developed for CLL.

CONCLUSION: These preclinical results point to AA as an adjuvant therapy with potential to further improve CLL treatments in combination with targeted therapies.

Study Type : In Vitro Study

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