COMBINATION CANCER THERAPY WITH PENTAAZA MACROCYCLIC RING COMPLEX AND HORMONE THERAPY AGENT

Abstract

A method of treating a cancer in a mammalian subject with a tumor signature characterized by any one or more of (i) a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein that is below a first predetermined threshold level, (ii) a level of manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) that exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) that exceed a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness, the method comprising administering to the mammalian subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I) below, optionally with administration of a further anti-cancer therapeutic agent.

Description

The present disclosure generally relates to combination therapies for cancer treatment, including administration of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex in combination with an endocrine therapy agent.

Transition metal-containing pentaaza macrocyclic ring complexes having the macrocyclic ring system corresponding to Formula A have been shown to be effective in a number of animal and cell models of human disease, as well as in treatment of conditions afflicting human patients.

For example, in a rodent model of colitis, one such compound, GC4403, has been reported to very significantly reduce the injury to the colon of rats subjected to an experimental model of colitis (see Cuzzocrea et al., Europ. J. Pharmacol., 432, 79-89 (2001)).

GC4403 has also been reported to attenuate the radiation damage arising both in a clinically relevant hamster model of acute, radiation-induced oral mucositis (Murphy et al., Clin. Can. Res., 14(13), 4292 (2008)), and lethal total body irradiation of adult mice (Thompson et al., Free Radical Res., 44(5), 529-40 (2010)). Similarly, another such compound, GC4419, has been shown to attenuate VEGFr inhibitor-induced pulmonary disease in a rat model (Tuder, et al., Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol., 29, 88-97 (2003)). Additionally, another such compound, GC4401 has been shown to provide protective effects in animal models of septic shock (S. Cuzzocrea, et al., Crit. Care Med., 32(1), 157 (2004) and pancreatitis (S. Cuzzocrea, et al., Shock, 22(3), 254-61 (2004)).

Certain of these compounds have also been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory activity and prevent oxidative damage in vivo. For example, GC4403 has been reported to inhibit inflammation in a rat model of inflammation (Salvemini, et.al., Science, 286, 304 (1999)), and prevent joint disease in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (Salvemini et al., Arthritis & Rheumatism, 44(12), 2009-2021 (2001)). Yet others of these compounds, MdPAM and MnBAM, have shown in vivo activity in the inhibition of colonic tissue injury and neutrophil accumulation into colonic tissue (Weiss et al., The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 271(42), 26149-26156 (1996)). In addition, these compounds have been reported to possess analgesic activity and to reduce inflammation and edema in the rat-paw carrageenan hyperalgesia model, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,180,620.

Compounds of this class have also been shown to be safe and effective in the prevention and treatment of disease in human subjects. For example, GC4419 has been shown to reduce oral mucositis in head-and-neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation therapy (Anderson, C., Phase 1 Trial of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Mimetic GC4419 to Reduce Chemoradiotherapy (CRT)-Induced Mucositis (OM) in Patients (pts) with Mouth or Oropharyngeal Carcinoma (OCC), Oral Mucositis Research Workshop, MASCC/ISOO Annual Meeting on Supportive Care in Cancer, Copenhagen, Denmark (Jun. 25, 2015)).

In addition, transition metal-containing pentaaza macrocyclic ring complexes corresponding to this class have shown efficacy in the treatment of various cancers. For example, certain compounds corresponding to this class have been provided in combination with agents such as paclitaxel and gemcitabine to enhance cancer therapies, such as in the treatment of colorectal cancer and lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer) (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 9,198,893) The 4403 compound above has also been used for treatment in in vivo models of Meth A spindle cell squamous carcinoma and RENCA renal carcinoma (Samlowski et al., Nature Medicine, 9(6), 750-755 (2003), and has also been used for treatment in in vivo models of spindle-cell squamous carcinoma metastasis (Samlowski et al., Madame Curie Bioscience Database (Internet), 230-249 (2006)).

Endocrine therapy agents (hormone therapy agents) such as tamoxifen have proven effective in the treatment of various types of cancers, including estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, and is also currently available as a chemopreventive agent in women with a high risk for breast cancers (Minsun Chang, Biomolecules and Therapeutics, 20(3):256-267 (2012)). However, a problem with certain endocrine therapy agents, such as tamoxifen, is that certain tumors may be inherently resistant (i.e. resistant to treatment before such treatment even begins), and/or an initially responsive tumor can develop resistance to the endocrine therapy agent over time (Zhu et al., Nature Communications, 9 (1595): 1-11(2018); Wu et al., Cancer Research, 78(3): 671-684 (2017)). Accordingly, the development of resistance in cancer cells to the treatment can cause a relapse of the cancer in a previously treated individual, or inability to combat the cancer in an individual currently receiving the treatment.

Accordingly, a need remains for enhanced methods for cancer treatment that provide improved efficacy in the killing of cancer cells, while also reducing resistance in the cancer cells to the cancer treatment.

Briefly, therefore, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method of treating a cancer in a mammalian subject with a tumor signature characterized by any one or more of (i) a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein that is below a first predetermined threshold level, (ii) a level of manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) that exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2_α (HIF2_α) that exceed a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness, the method comprising:

administering to the mammalian subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I) below:

wherein

• • M is Mn²⁺ or Mn³⁺,
  • R₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R′₅, R₆, R′₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R′₉, and R₁₀ are independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterocyclyl, an amino acid side chain moiety, or a moiety selected from the group consisting of —OR₁₁, —NR₁₁R₁₂, —COR₁₁, —CO₂R₁₁, —CONR₁₁R₁₂, —SR₁₁, —SOR₁₁, —SO₂R₁₁, —SO₂NR₁₁ R₁₂, —N(OR₁₁)(R₁₂), —P(O)(OR₁₁)(OR₁₂), —P(O)(OR₁₁)(R₁₂), and —OP(O)(OR₁₁)(OR₁₂), wherein R₁₁ and R₁₂ are independently hydrogen or alkyl;
  • U, together with the adjacent carbon atoms of the macrocycle, forms a fused substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, cycle or heterocycle having 3 to 20 ring carbon atoms;
  • V, together with the adjacent carbon atoms of the macrocycle, forms a fused substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, cycle or heterocycle having 3 to 20 ring carbon atoms;
  • W, together with the nitrogen of the macrocycle and the carbon atoms of the macrocycle to which it is attached, forms an aromatic or alicyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated nitrogen-containing fused heterocycle having 2 to 20 ring carbon atoms, provided that when W is a fused aromatic heterocycle the hydrogen attached to the nitrogen which is both part of the heterocycle and the macrocycle and R₁ and R₁₀ attached to the carbon atoms which are both part of the heterocycle and the macrocycle are absent;
  • X and Y represent suitable ligands which are derived from any monodentate or polydentate coordinating ligand or ligand system or the corresponding anion thereof;
  • Z is a counterion;
  • n is an integer from 0 to 3; and
  • the dashed lines represent coordinating bonds between the nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle and the transition metal, manganese.

According to another aspect, a method of treating a cancer in a mammalian subject, comprises selecting a subject that is a suitable subject for treatment with a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to Formula (I) below, by: obtaining a test tissue sample from the subject, the test tissue sample comprising tumor cells, assessing the test tissue sample to determine criteria comprising any one or more of (i) whether a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein is below a first predetermined threshold level in tumor cells of the tissue sample, (ii) whether a level of manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) whether expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2_α (HIF2_α) exceed a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for sternness, and determining the subject is suitable for the treatment if either one or more of the criteria (i), (ii) and/or (iii) is met, and in a case where the subject is selected as suitable for treatment, administering a therapeutically effective amount of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to Formula (I).

According to another aspect, a kit for treating a cancer in a mammalian subject is provided, the kit comprising an assay for analyzing a tissue sample obtained from the subject and comprising tumor cells, the assay being capable of determining criteria comprising any one or more of (i) whether a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein is below a first predetermined threshold level in tumor cells of the tissue sample, (ii) whether a level of manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) whether expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2_α (HIF2_α) exceed a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness, and a therapeutically effective amount of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to Formula (I).

According to a further aspect, a method of treating a tumor that is resistant to a chemotherapeutic agent in a mammalian subject afflicted therewith is provided, the tumor having a tumor signature characterized by any one or more of (i) a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein that is below a first predetermined threshold level, (ii) a level of K68-acetylated manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD^K68) that exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2_α (HIF2_α) exceeds a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness. Aspects of the method comprise selecting a subject that is a suitable subject for treatment, by obtaining a test tissue sample from the subject, the test tissue sample comprising tumor cells, assessing the tissue sample to determine criteria comprising any one or more of (i) whether a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein activity is below a first predetermined threshold level in tumor cells of the tissue sample, (ii) whether a level of manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) whether expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2_α (HIF2_α) exceeds a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness, and determining the subject is suitable for the treatment if one or more of the criteria (i)-(iii) is met, and in a case where the subject is selected as suitable for treatment, treating the subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I).

According to a further aspect, a method of treating a tumor that is resistant to ionizing radiation therapy in a mammalian subject afflicted therewith is provided, the tumor having a tumor signature characterized by any one or more of (i) a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein that is below a first predetermined threshold level, (ii) a level of K68-acetylated manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD^K68) that exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2_α (HIF2_α) exceeds a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness the method comprising selecting a subject that is a suitable subject for treatment, by (a) obtaining a test tissue sample from the subject, the test tissue sample comprising tumor cells, (b) assessing the tissue sample to determine criteria comprising any one or more of (i) whether a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein activity is below a first predetermined threshold level in tumor cells of the tissue sample, (ii) whether a level of manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) whether expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2_α (HIF2_α) exceeds a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness, and (c) determining the subject is suitable for the treatment if one or more of the criteria (i)-(iii) is met, and in a case where the subject is selected as suitable for treatment, treating the subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I).

According to yet a further aspect a method of treating a cancer in a mammalian subject afflicted with the cancer is provided, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic agent that inhibits a hormone receptor pathway associated with growth or progression of the cancer, and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I) prior to, concomitantly with, or after administration of the therapeutic agent.

According to another aspect, a method of treating and/or reducing the likelihood of, a recurrence of a cancer in a mammalian subject at risk thereof, comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I), optionally in combination with a further anti-cancer therapeutic agent.

According to one aspect, a method is provided of treating tumor that is resistant to a therapeutic agent that inhibits a hormone receptor pathway associated with growth or progression of the cancer, in a mammalian subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I), optionally in combination with a further anti-cancer therapeutic agent.

According to another aspect, a method of treating a cancer in a mammalian subject afflicted with the cancer is provided, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an endocrine therapy agent, and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I) prior to, concomitantly with, or after administration of the endocrine therapy agent.

According to yet another embodiment, a method of preventing and/or reducing the likelihood of occurrence and/or recurrence of a cancer in a mammalian subject at risk thereof, comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an endocrine therapy agent, and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I), prior to, concomitantly with, or after administration of the endocrine therapy agent.

According to yet another embodiment, a method of treating a cancer in a mammalian subject afflicted with the cancer, or preventing and/or reducing the likelihood of occurrence and/or recurrence of a cancer in a mammalian subject at risk thereof is provided, the method comprising: determining whether the mammalian subject exhibits a biomarker indicative of expression of a K68-acetylated form of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) that exceeds a predetermined level, and in a case where it is determined that the mammalian subject exhibits the biomarker indicative of expression of the K68-acetylated form of MnSOD that exceeds the predetermined level, administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I).

According to yet another embodiment, a method of reducing resistance to an endocrine therapy in a mammalian subject exhibiting resistance to an endocrine therapy agent, comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an endocrine therapy agent, and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I) below, prior to, concomitantly with, or after administration of the endocrine therapy agent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1a-1d are graphs and images that illustrate that MnSOD^K68Q expression promotes a transformation-permissive phenotype in vitro where: FIG. 1a shows immortalization, i.e., growth beyond 15 passages, of pMEFs infected with lenti-MnSOD^WT, lenti-MnSOD^K68R, and lenti-MnSOD^K68Q and either lenti-Myc or lenti-Ras;

FIG. 1b shows the cell lines above tested for soft agar growth (upper) and colony formation (lower panels); FIG. 1c shows pMEFs infected with RasG12V tested for immortalization, doubling time, and soft agar growth; FIG. 1d shows NIH 3T3 cells xpressing MnSOD^WT, MnSOD^K68R, and MnSOD^K68Q tested for growth in soft agar (upper) and colony formation (lower panels). Experiments done in triplicate. Scale bar: 20 μm.

FIGS. 2a-2f are graphs and plots that illustrate that MnSOD^K68Q expression increases xenograft tumor growth and in vitro proliferation, where FIGS. 2a and 2b show MCF7 cells expressing MnSOD^WT, MnSOD^K68R, and MnSOD^K68Q were implanted into the hind limb of nude mice (n=10 per group) and tested for xenograft tumor growth; FIGS. 2c and 2d show MCF7 cells expressing MnSOD^WT, MnSOD^K68R, and MnSOD^K68Q, where 2c shows IF stained for Ki-67 and DAPI, and 2d is quantified for Ki-67 intensity as determined by ImageJ analysis; FIGS. 2e and 2f show T47D cells expressing MnSOD^WT, MnSODK68R, and MnSOD^K68Q, where 2e shows IF stained for Ki-67 and DAPI, and 2f is quantified for Ki-67 intensity. All experiments were done in triplicate. Error bars represent ±1 SEM. A one-way ANOVA analysis with Tukey's post-analysis was used. **p<0.01 and ***p<0.001

FIGS. 3a-3e are images and graphs that illustrate that MnSOD-K^68Q alters MnSOD conformation and exhibits peroxidase activity, where FIG. 3a illustrates MCF7 (left panel) and T47D (right panel) cells expressing MnSOD^WT, MnSOD^K68R, or MnSOD^K68Q that were analyzed by semi-native crosslinking and blotting with an anti-MnSOD antibody; FIG. 3b illustrates MCF7 (left) and T47D (right) cells expressing shSIRT3 that were analyzed by crosslinking; FIG. 3c illustrates Flag-MnSOD^WT, Flag-MnSOD^K68R, and Flag-MnSOD^K68Q expressed in MCF7 cells that were measured for peroxidase activity. Error bars represent ±1 SEM. **p<0.01; FIG. 3d illustrates immortalized MnSOD−/− pMEFs expressing MnSOD^WT, MnSOD^K68R, or MnSOD^K68Q that were analyzed by semi-native crosslinking and immunoblotted with an anti-MnSOD antibody; and FIG. 3e shows MnSOD−/− pMEFs expressing MnSOD^WT, MnSOD^K68R, or MnSOD^K68Q, without or with Ad-Mito-Cat or Ad-Empty, that were measured for transformation. All experiments were done in triplicate. A one-way ANOVA statistical analysis with Tukey's post-analysis was used.

FIGS. 4a-4i are images and plots that illustrate that the physical acetylation of MnSOD-K68 produces peroxidase activity, where: FIGS. 4a-4d show immortalized MnSOD−/− MEFs expressing Flag-MnSOD^WT that were cultured in NAM+TSA or NAD+, separated using a 50 kDa molecular cutoff membrane, where FIG. 4a shows that MnSOD-K68-Ac, MnSOD, and actin immunoreactive protein levels were determined, FIG. 4b shows peroxidase activity, FIG. 4c shows MnSOD activity in <50 kDa fractions, and FIG. 4d shows MnSOD activity in >50 kDa fractions; FIG. 4e shows bacterially produced and purified recombinant MnSOD-WT and MnSOD-K68-Ac proteins were characterized by size exclusion column chromatography. Standards are shown; FIGS. 4f and 4g show elution volumes 13 and 14 mL, corresponding to peak 1 (4f) and elution volumes 16 and 17 mL, corresponding to peak 2 (4g) from FIG. 4e, that were analyzed for MnSOD and MnSOD-K68-Ac immunoblotting (top panels) or Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining (bottom panels); FIGS. 4h and 4i show that Peak 1 (elution volumes 13 and 14 mL) and peak 2 (elution volumes 16 and 17 mL) were analyzed for, as shown in FIG. 4h, superoxide dismutase activity, and as shown in FIG. 4i, peroxidase activity. All experiments were done in triplicate. Errors represent ±1 SEM. ***p<0.01. A t-test was used to compare means of the two groups

FIGS. 5a-5h are plots that illustrate that MnSOD^K68Q expression leads to oxidative stress in human breast cells, where FIGS. 5a and 5b show MnSOD activity, with FIG. 5a showing MCF7-MnSOD^WT, MCF7-MnSOD^K68R, and MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q, and FIG. 5b showing T47D-MnSOD^WT, T47D-MnSOD^K68R, and T47D-MnSOD^K68Q in whole-cell homogenates; FIGS. 5c and 5d showing steady-state levels of O₂.- that were measured in, as shown in FIG. 5c, MCF7-MnSOD^WT, MCF7-MnSOD^K68R, and MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q, and as shown in FIG. 5d, T47D-MnSOD^WT, T47D-MnSOD^K68R, and T47D-MnSOD^K68Q cells; FIGS. 5e and 5f show H₂O₂ levels that measured in these cells by CDCFH₂ oxidation via flow cytometry; FIGS. 5g and 5h show glutathione levels that were measured in whole-cell homogenates of these cells. All experiments were done in triplicate. Error bars represent ±1 SEM. *p<0.05, **p<0.01, and ***p<0.001. A one-way ANOVA statistical analysis with Tukey's post-analysis was used.

FIGS. 6a-6h are plots and images that illustrate that hydroxy-Tam-resistant breast cancer cells exhibit a MnSOD-K68-Ac signature, where FIGS. 6a-c are clonogenic cell survival experiments for, with respect to FIG. 6a, MCF7-MnSOD^WT, MCF7-MnSOD^K68R, and MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells, with respect to FIG. 6b, MCF7-shCtrl and MCF7-shSIRT3 cells, and with respect to FIG. 6c, MCF and MCF7-HTR cells, with and without exposure to 1 μM hydroxy-Tam for 120 h (HT), as measured by cytotoxicity; FIGS. 6d and 6e show MCF7 and MCF7-HTR, as well as T47D and T47D-HTR cell lysates, immunoblotted for MnSOD-K68-Ac, MnSOD, SIRT3, and actin; FIG. 6e shows immunoreactive protein levels that were quantified; FIGS. 6f-6h show clonogenic cell survival experiments for MCF7-HTR cells, where FIG. 6f shows cells expressing MnSOD^WT, MnSOD^K68Q, or MnSOD^K68R that were treated with 1 μM hydroxy-Tam for 120 h; FIG. 6g shows cells expressing SIRT3^WT or SIRT3^DN (S3DN; deacetylation-null SIRT3 gene) that were treated with 1 μM hydroxy-Tam; FIG. 6h shows cells that were treated with 5 μM GC4419 for 5 days. All experiments were done in triplicate. Error bars represent ±1 SEM. **p<0.01, and ***p<0.001. Three groups were analyzed via a one-way ANOVA statistical analysis with Tukey's post-analysis, and two groups were analyzed by a t-test.

FIGS. 7a-7k are images and plots that illustrate that hydroxy-Tam exposure increases oxidative stress, where: FIG. 7a shows MCF7 and MCF7-HTR whole-cell lysates that were used for analysis of total MnSOD activity; FIGS. 7b and 7c show MCF7 and MCF7-HTR, and T47D and T47D-HTR whole-cell homogenates, which were used to determine, with respect to FIG. 7b, steady-state levels of O2.-, by MitoSox oxidation; and with respect to FIG. 7c, H₂O₂ by CDCFH₂ oxidation; FIG. 7d shows glutathione levels in MCF7 and MCF7-HTR whole-cell homogenates; FIG. 7e shows semi-native gel analysis of MCF7 and MCF7-HTR, as well as T47D and T47D-HTR cell lysates; FIGS. 7f-7h show whole-cell homogenates of MCF7-HTR cells expressing MnSOD^WT, MnSOD^K68Q, or MnSOD^K68R that were analyzed for, with respect to FIG. 7f, steady-state levels of O2.-, with respect to FIG. 7g, H₂O₂, and with respect to FIG. 7h, glutathione levels; FIG. 7i shows MCF7 and MCF7-HTR cells that were stained for Ki-67 and DAPI; FIGS. 7j and 7k show clonogenic survival experiments for MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells expressing AdMitoCat. Cells were treated with 1 μM hydroxy-Tam for 120 h and, in FIG. 7k, quantified. All experiments were done in triplicate. Error bars represent ±1 SEM. *p<0.05 and ***p<0.001. Three groups analyzed via a one-way ANOVA statistical analysis with Tukey's post-analysis and two groups analyzed by a t-test

FIGS. 8a-8g are images and plots that illustrate that luminal B human breast tumors exhibit a SIRT3/MnSOD-K68-Ac signature, where: FIGS. 8a and 8b show MCF7 and MCF7-HTR cells (5.0×106) that were implanted into both hind limbs of nude mice and tumor volumes that were measured for 6 weeks, where in FIG. 8a the error bars represent±1 SEM, and in FIG. 8b are shown representative images of the tumors from MCF7-HTR (left panel) and MCF7 cells (right panel) at 6 weeks; FIG. 8c shows MCF7-HTR doxycycline-inducible MnSODK68R cells that were implanted into hind limbs of nude mice and the tumor volumes were monitored for 4 weeks, and error bars represent±1 SEM; FIG. 8d shows luminal breast cancer sample TMA stained with anti-MnSOD-K68-Ac or anti-SIRT3 antibodies; FIGS. 8e and 8f show quantified TMA consisting of luminal A (n=37) and luminal B (n=38) samples immunostained for, with respect to FIG. 8e, MnSOD-K68-Ac, and with respect to FIG. 8f, SIRT3. The shaded boxes represent the interquartile range; whiskers represent the 10th-90th percentile range. Experiments were done in triplicate. *p<0.05. A t-test was used to compare data between the two groups. FIG. 8g is a schematic of the dichotomous role for MnSOD in normal cells (i.e., protection) versus tumor promoter and/or and Tam resistance.

FIGS. 9a-9b are a graph and plot illustrating that expression of MnSOD^K68Q decreased doubling time, allowed xenograft growth, and caused estrogen independence. With respect to FIG. 9a, pMEFs were infected with lenti-Myc (control) and either lenti-MnSOD^K68R or lenti-MnSOD^K68Q, cells were selected in puromycin for 14 Days; then medium was replaced every 2 days for 28 days, and cell growth rate was evaluated. Doubling time for the pMEFs-control, pMEF-Myc-MnSODK68R, and pMEF-Myc-MnSODK68Q cells (middle column) was determined by Td=(t241)*log(2)/log(q2/q1). The MCF7 cells infected with lenti-Myc (control) and either lenti-MnSOD^K68R or lenti-MnSOD^K68Q were also used for xenograft growth experiments where 1 million cells were implanted into both hind limbs of nude mice. The tumor volumes were measured every 3 days. The control and Myc-MnSOD^K68R cells did not form tumors while the Myc-MnSOD^K68Q cells formed xenograft tumors. With respect to FIG. 9b, MCF7 cells infected with lenti-MnSOD^K68Q, and selected in puromycin for 14 days, were subsequently implanted into both hind limbs of nude mice without (black squares) or with estrogen supplementation (red circles). The tumor volumes were measured every 7 days (1.0×106 cells). Three upward arrows represent that all 10 nude mice hind leg infections grew xenografts. All experiments were done in triplicate. Error bars represent ±1 SEM.

FIGS. 10a-10f are, with respect to FIGS. 10a-10b, images that illustrate MCF7 cells and MCF7-MnSOD^WT cells stained for Ki-67 levels. Asynchronously growing cultures of, with respect to FIG. 10a, MCF7 and MCF7-MnSOD′AFT cells, as well as with respect to FIG. 10b, T47D and T47D-MnSOD′AFT cells, constructed by infection with lenti-MnSOD^WT or the empty control lentivirus. After 24 h of growth on glass coverslips, cells were fixed and stained with anti-Ki-67 and anti-DAPI antibodies. With respect to FIGS. 10c-10d, images are shown that illustrate MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells exposed to either estrogen or Tam, and stained for Ki-67. MCF7-MnSOD^WK68QT cells were exposed to either, as shown in FIG. 10c, estrogen (E2) for 5 days, or as shown in FIG. 10d, 1 μM 4-hydroxy-Tam (HT) for 5 days. Cells were replated on glass coverslips for 24 h with same concentrations of E2 or HT. Cells were then fixed and subsequently stained with anti-Ki-67 and anti-DAPI antibodies. With respect to FIGS. 10e-10f, plots are shown that illustrate quantifications of average Ki-67 intensity in the panels shown in FIGS. 10c and 10d, and are shown in the bar graphs. All experiments were done in triplicate. Error bars represent ±1 SEM. Representative IHC images are shown.

FIGS. 11a-11d are plots and images showing MnSOD^K68Q expression promotes a transformation-permissive phenotype in vitro, where FIG. 11a shows MnSOD−/− MEFs that were infected with lenti-MnSOD^WT, lenti-MnSOD^K68R, and lenti-MnSOD^K68Q and cells were cultured and selected in puromycin for 14 days. The MnSOD−/− MEFs expressing MnSOD^K68Q exhibited a more transformed phenotype, as compared to either cells expressing MnSOD^K68R or MnSOD^WT, well as non-infected cells (MnSOD−/−). FIG. 11b shows results for 100 or 250 cells from all four of these cell lines that were plated per 60 mm dish, and after 14 days cells were stained with crystal violet to determine the growth at low density. FIG. 11c shows results for 10,000 cells from all four of these cell lines that were plated on 0.3% agar over 0.6% base agar for 21 days, and colonies were counted. FIG. 11d shows results for 20,000 cells from all four of these cell lines that were plated per 60 mm dish and measured each day, and doubling time was determined by Td=(t2−t1)*log(2)/log(q2/q1). All experiments were done in triplicate. Error bars represent ±1 SEM. ***p<0.001. Representative images are shown.

FIGS. 12a-12c are images and plots that illustrate that the physical acetylation of MnSOD-K68 produces peroxidase activity. With respect to FIG. 12a, 293T cells were transfected with plasmids expressing Flag-MnSOD^WT and treated with either 10 mM NAM and 1 μM TSA, or 10 mM NAD+, harvested at 40 h, and IPed with anti-Flag antibody. The IPed samples were separated using 50 kDa centrifugal filters and protein extracts above and below 50 kDa were isolated, followed by immunoblotting with anti-MnSOD, MnSOD-K68-Ac, and actin antibodies. With respect to FIG. 12b, the samples expressing Flag-MnSOD^WT and treated with 10 mM NAM and 1 μM TSA or 10 mM NAD+ were separated using 50 kDa centrifugal filters. Samples were subsequently run on a semi-native gel and immunoblotted with an anti-MnSOD antibody. With respect to FIG. 12c, MnSOD−/− immortalized MEFs were transfected with plasmids expressing Flag-MnSOD^WT and treated with either 10 mM NAM and 11 μM TSA, or 10 mM NAD+, and cells were harvested at 40 h and IPed with anti-Flag antibody. The IPed samples were separated using 50 kDa centrifugal filters and protein exacts above 50 kDa were isolated, and purified proteins were then used for biochemical analysis of peroxidase activity. All experiments were done in triplicate. Error bars represent ±1 SEM. Representative images are shown.

FIGS. 13a-13f are images and plots that illustrate that MnSOD-K68 acetylation exhibits peroxidase activity. BL21(DE3) bacteria were transformed with pET21a-MnSOD^WT, or pEVOL-AcKRS together with pET21a-MnSOD^K68TAG. Cells were harvested and lysed, and eluted protein were run over a Superdex 20 Increase 10/300 GL column and fractions1′ 2′ 3, and these samples were subsequently used for further analysis. With respect to FIG. 13a, shown is a chromatogram from the size exclusion column of purified protein from bacteria carrying pET21a-MnSODwT (top panel), retention volumes fractions 11 through 20 were further analyzed by either Coomassie staining (middle panel) or immunoblotted with anti-MnSOD antibody (lower panel) to confirm MnSOD levels. With respect to FIG. 13b, shown is a chromatogram of purified protein from bacteria carrying pEVOL-AcKRS and pET21a-MnSOD^K68TAG, all the fractions were further analyzed by either Coomassie staining (middle panel) or immunoblotted with an anti-MnSOD-K68-Ac antibody (lower panel) The raw data are presented with the y-axis as mAU (280 nm) to show that peak 2 is smaller than peak 1 which is likely due to the slightly less protein run on the Superdex 200 Increase 10/300 GL column (5.5 mg vs. 4.8 mg). With respect to FIG. 13c, three separate MnSOD-K68-WT samples were analyzed via mass spectroscopy and 32 exclusive unique peptides, 164 spectra, and 999 total spectra, 100% coverage which is an average of each run. With respect to FIG. 13d, three separate MnSOD-K68-Ac samples showed 24 exclusive unique peptides, 99 unique spectra, 531 total spectra were identified, 95% coverage which is an average of each run. With respect to FIG. 13e, a table shows the average percentage of total number of unique K68 acetylated peptides, as a ratio of the total number of unique peptides. The data for total number of unique peptides, unique spectra, and total spectra from bacteria expressing pET21a-MnSOD^WT or expressing pET21a-MnSOD^K68TAG are also shown. With respect to FIG. 13f, Peak 1 (volumes 13, 14 ml) and peak 2 (volumes 16, 17 ml) were separated by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotted with anti-MnSOD-K68-Ac antibody. All experiments done in triplicate. Representative images are shown.

FIGS. 14a-14g are images and plots that illustrate that loss of SIRT3-induced MnSOD-K68 deacetylation leads to hydroxy-Tam resistance in human breast cancer cells. With respect to FIG. 14a, T47D-MnSOD^WT, T47D-MnSOD^K68R, and T47D-MnSOD^K68D permanent cell lines were selected for hydroxy-Tam resistance in 1 μM for 3 months, and clonogenic cell survival experiments were completed. With respect to FIG. 14b, T47D-shCtrl and T47D-shSIRT3 permanent cell lines were exposed to 1 μM 4-hydroxy-Tam For 24 h (HT), and clonogenic cell survival experiments were done. With respect to FIG. 14c, T47D and T47D-HTR cells, with and without exposure to 1 μM 4-hydroxy-Tam for 24 h (HT), were measured for cytotoxicity by clonogenic survival experiments. With respect to FIG. 14d, MCF7 cells (left), and T47D cells (right) were cultured in regular DMEM containing 1 μM hydroxy-Tam for 3 months (HT). The cell lysates were analyzed by immunoblotting with anti-MnSOD-K122-Ac (validated as a SIRT3 deacetylation target in Tao et al., 2010, Cancer Cell), anti-MnSOD, anti-OSCP-K139-Ac (validated as a SIRT3 deacetylation target in Tao et al., 2010, Cancer Cell), anti-OSCP, anti-IDH2K413-Ac (validated as a SIRT3 deacetylation target in Someya et al., 2010, Cancer Cell), anti-IDH2, and anti-actin. With respect to FIG. 14e, T47D-HTR cells were infected with lenti-MnSOD^QR, lenti-MnSOD^K68D, or lenti-MnSOD^K68R and treated with 1 μM 4-HT for 24 h, followed by clonogenic cell survival assays. With respect to FIG. 14f, T47D-HTR cells were infected with lenti-SIRT^WT (S3) or lenti-SIRT^DN (S3DN; dominant-negative deacetylation-null gene) and treated with 1 μM hydroxy-Tam for 24 h, followed by clonogenic cell survival assays. With respect to FIG. 14g, T47D-HTR cells were incubated with 5 μM GC4419 for 5 days, followed by clonogenic cell survival assays. All experiments were done in triplicate. Error bars represent ±1 SEM. *p<0.05, **p<0.01, and ***p<0.001.

FIGS. 15a-15e are graphs that illustrate that the increased oxidative stress in hydroxy-Tam resistant human breast cancer cells can be reversed by expression of MnSOD^K68R. With respect to FIGS. 15a and 15b, T47D cells selected for 3 months in 1 μM hydroxy-Tam were harvested, and whole-cell homogenates were used for: in FIG. 15a, biochemical analysis of total MnSOD activity, and in FIG. 15b, biochemical analysis of glutathione levels. With respect to FIGS. 15c-15e, T47D-HTR cells were infected with lenti-MnSOD^WT, lenti-MnSOD^K68R, or lenti-MnSOD^K68Q and harvested. Whole-cell homogenates were used for, in FIG. 15c, biochemical analysis of MitoSox oxidation, in FIG. 15d, biochemical analysis of H₂O₂ as detected by CDCFH₂ oxidation, and in FIG. 15e, biochemical analysis of glutathione levels. All experiments were done in triplicate. Error bars represent ±1 SEM. *p<0.05, **p<0.01, and ***p<0.001.

FIGS. 16a-16g are images and plots that illustrate that MnSOD mimetic GC4419 decreased Ki-67 levels in T47D-HTR cells. With respect to FIG. 16a, the data from FIG. 7i, where MCF7-HTR cells were stained for Ki-67, as well as DAPI, were counted with ImageJ and quantified for average Ki-67 intensity as shown in the bar graph. With respect to FIGS. 16b and 16c, T47D and T47D-HTR cells were stained for Ki-67 as well as DAPI, and particles in the nucleus were counted with ImageJ and quantified for average Ki-67 intensity as shown in the bar graph. In FIGS. 16d and 16e, MCF7-HTR cells, and in FIGS. 16f and 16g, T47D-HTR cells, were treated with 5 μM GC4419 and/or 1 μM 4-hydroxy-Tam for 5 days, and then stained for Ki-67 as well as DAPI. Quantifications of average Ki-67 intensity are shown in the bar graphs. All experiments were done in triplicate. Error bars represent ±1 SEM. ***p<0.001. Representative images are shown.

FIGS. 17a-17e are images and plots that illustrate that MnSOD mimetic GC4419 decreased Ki-67 levels in MCF7 and T47D cells expressing MnSOD^K68Q. MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells (in FIGS. 17a and 17b) and T47D-MnSOD^K68Q cells (in FIGS. 17c and 17d) were treated with 5 μM GC4419 and/or 1 μM 4-hydroxy-Tam for 5 days, and then stained for Ki-67 as well as DAPI. Quantifications of average Ki-67 intensity are shown in the bar graphs. In FIG. 17e, MCF7 and MCF7-HTR cells were implanted into both hind limbs of nude mice and tumor volumes were measured every 3 days for 6 weeks and the number of tumors that successfully implanted versus the total number of mice infected with MCF7 and MCF7-HTR as well as the average tumor weight and tumor size are shown. Representative images are shown. All experiments were done in triplicate. Error bars represent ±1 SEM. ***p<0.001.

FIGS. 18a-18d are images and plots that illustrate that Tet-On induced expression of MnSOD^K68R inhibits xenograft growth in MCF7-HTR cells. FIG. 18a shows MCF7-HTR cells that were infected with pTet-DualOn (Clontech) and selected with puromycin followed by infection with pTre-Dual2-Flag-MnSODK68R and selection with hygromycin. These cells (MCF7-HTR-Tet-On-MnSOD^K68Q cells), without and with exposure to tetracycline, were tested by immunoflourescent imaging for both green (presence of pTet-DualOn) and red (presence of pTre-Dual2-Flag-MnSOD^K68R). FIG. 18b shows the MCF7-HTR-Tet-ON-MnSOD^K68Q cells above that were also isolated, separated by SDS-PAGE, and immunoblotted with anti-MnSOD, Flag, and Tubulin antibodies. A subgroup of human luminal B tumors exhibited high levels of MnSOD-K68-Ac. FIGS. 18c and 18d show a human breast cancer TMA consisting of luminal A (n=37) and luminal B (n=38) samples that were dewaxed and immunostained with either anti-MnSOD-K68-Ac (in FIG. 18c) or anti-SIRT3 antibodies (in FIG. 18d). MnSOD-K68-Ac and SIRT3 staining was grouped into low, intermediate, and high levels, and the number of samples that fell into each of these groups is presented in the table under each TMA. Red circles represent tumor samples that contain high MnSOD-K68-Ac staining. All experiments were done in triplicate. Representative images are shown.

FIGS. 19a-19c are images and a plot showing that LNCaP-ENZR increased MnSOD-K68-Ac. In FIG. 19a LNCaP-ENZR cells were selected by continuous months of growth (greater than 3 months) in ENZ (10 μM). Extracts from these cells were immunoblotted with anti-MnSOD-K68-Ac and MnSOD antibodies. In FIG. 19b control and LNCaP-ENZR cells were glutaraldehyde crosslinked, harvested, and extracts were separated on SDS-PAGE, and immunoblotted with an anti-MnSOD antibody. In FIG. 19c extracts were assayed for MnSOD activity. Error bars are ±1 SEM. Experiments in triplicate. **p<0.01.

FIGS. 20a-20b are plots showing that MnSOD^K68R reversed the ENZR in LNCaP-ENZR cells while MnSOD^K68Q induces ENZR in LNCaP cells. In FIG. 20a, clonogenic cell survival experiments were done in LNCaP-ENZR cells infected with lenti-MnSOD^K68R or lenti-MnSOD^K68Q, in the presence of ENZ (10 μM). In FIG. 20b, clonogenic survival assays in LNCaP cells infected with lenti-MnSOD^WT, lenti-MnSOD^K68R, and lenti-MnSOD^K68Q, and selected with neomycin, and placed in 10 μM of ENZ for 72 hr. Error bars ±1 SEM. Experiments were done in triplicate. **p<0.01.

FIGS. 21a-21b are a chart and graph showing that GC4419 reversed the ENZR in LNCaP-ENZR/LNCaP-MnSOD^K68Q cells. In FIG. 21(a), clonogenic cell survival experiments were performed in LNCaP-ENZR (left two bars) and LNCaP-MnSOD^K68Q (right two bars) treated with ENZ, with or without GC4419 (20 μM) for 5 days. In FIG. 21b, LNCaP-MnSOD^K68Q cells, which exhibit ENZR, were implanted into hindlimbs of male nude mice and treated with GC4419 (10 mg/kg, once per week), ENZ (25 mg/kg/day), or GC4419+ENZ. Tumor volumes were measured three times a week for 46 days. For each group n=10. Error bars ±1 SEM. All experiments done in triplicate. **p<0.01.

FIGS. 22a-22b are a plot and images showing MnSOD-K68-Ac staining correlates with increasing Gleason grade. In FIG. 22a, samples were stained for MnSOD-K68-Ac and quantified by relative IHC staining intensity. Shaded boxes are interquartile range, whiskers are 10th-90th percentile. In FIG. 22b, images are provided showing MnSOD-K68-Ac staining in PIN, G3, and G4 prostate tumor tissue samples.

FIGS. 23a-23b are an image and plot showing that LNCaP-MnSOD^K68Q cells do not exhibit an AR-related changes. In FIG. 23a, LNCaP-MnSOD^K68Q cells were treated with ENZ for 3 months and immunoblotted with anti-AR and actin antibodies. In FIG. 23b, LNCaP cells containing the AR promoter upstream of mCherry were infected with lenti-MnSOD^K68Q and mCherry levels were measured. Error bars are ±1 SEM.

FIGS. 24a-24b are an image and plot showing that dysregulation of the MnSOD-Ac-K68-ROS-HIF2_α axis directs a stemness phenotype in LNCaP. In FIG. 24a, LNCaP and LNCaP-MnSOD^K68Q cells were harvested, and immunoblotted with antibodies to HIF2_α, SOX2, Oct4, and actin. In FIG. 24b, LNCaP (striped lines) and LNCaP-MnSOD^K68Q cells (black dots) were measured by clonogenic cell survival assays with and without ENZ, and infection with a scrambled (con) or HIF2_α shRNAs. Experiments in triplicate. Error bars are ±1 SEM. * P<0.05.

FIGS. 25a-25c are graphs showing that MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells exhibit Fulv-R (resistance to fulvestrant) and Palb-R (resistance to palbociclib). FIGS. 25a-25b show clonogenic cell survival studies in MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells exposed to either: Fulv at 100 nM (in FIG. 25a); or Palb at 0.5 μM (in FIG. 25b) using standard methods. FIG. 25c shows MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells exposed to GC4419 at (10 μM) or Palb at 0.5 μM, alone or when combined. Error bars are ±1 SEM. Experiments in triplicate. *** p<0.001.

FIGS. 26a-26b are an image and a graph showing that dysregulation of the MnSOD-Ac-K68/HIF2_α axis directs a stemness phenotype. In FIG. 26a, MCF7 and MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells were harvested and immunoblotted with antibodies to HIF2_α, SOX2, OCT4, and actin. In FIG. 26b, MCF7 and MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells were measured by clonogenic cell survival experiments, without and with Tam exposure, and infected with either a scrambled (Con) or HIF2_α shRNA. All experiments were done in triplicate. Error bars are ±1 SEM. * p<0.05.

FIGS. 27a-27c are an image and graphs showing that MnSOD-Ac-K68/HIF2_α dysregulation directs PanR (resistance to cancer therapeutics). FIG. 27a shows an immunoblot of MCF7-Cispl-R cells (cisplatin-resistance cells-R), as compared to control (C) MCF7 cells, using anti-MnSOD-K68-Ac, MnSOD, HIF2_α, or actin antibodies. In FIG. 27b, ROS was measured in MCF7-Cispl-R cells, compared with MCF7 cells, using an Amplex Red assay. In FIG. 27c, MCF7 and MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells were measured by clonogenic cell survival assays, without and with Cispl exposure, and infected with scrambled (C) or HIF2_α shRNA. All experiments were done in triplicate. Error bars are ±1 SEM. * p<0.05.

FIGS. 28a-28c are images and a graph showing that cisplatin and doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cells exhibit an increase in MnSOD-Ac. In FIGS. 28a-28b, cell lysates of 250 nM, 500 nM, 1 μM cisplatin-resistant and 500 μM, 1 nM and 2 nM doxorubicin-resistant MCF7 cells (cultured in drug-containing media for 3 months) were collected and immunoblotted for MnSOD-K68-Ac, MnSOD, actin and tubulin. In FIG. 28c, 10,000 MCF7 cells overexpressed with empty vector, MnSOD^WT, MnSOD^K68R or MnSOD^K68Q were plated in 96 well plate and treated with 1 mM CDDP or 2 nM DXR the next day. After 48 hours, MTT assay is conducted to determine the cell viability after chemotherapy drug treatment.

FIGS. 29a-29b are plots showing that mammary allograft tumor growth is inhibited by exposure to the MnSOD mimic GC4419. FIG. 29a shows Sirt3^−/−-MT-SIRT3^DN and FIG. 29b shows that Sirt3^−/−-MT-SIRT3^WT tumor cells (1.0×10⁶ cells) were injected bilaterally into the hind limbs of nude mice (n=10) and treated without and with 2 mg/kg GC4401 injected IP starting at day four. Mice were subsequently injected with luciferin potassium (120 mg/kg) every week and signal intensity will be quantified. Error bars represent one SD from the mean.

FIGS. 30a-30b are plots showing that expression of MnSOD^K68Q induces ionizing radiation resistance (IRR) in MCF7 cells. FIG. 30a shows that MCF7-MnSODWT, and MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells were plated and exposed with 5 Gy ionizing radiation and the clonogenic cell survival was determined, and FIG. 30b shows MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells were treated with or without 5 μM GC4419 for 5 days and then exposed with 5 Gy ionizing radiation. All experiments were done in triplicate. Error bars represent±1 SEM. ***p<0.001. Data were analyzed by a t-test.

ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS

The following definitions and methods are provided to better define the present invention and to guide those of ordinary skill in the art in the practice of the present invention. Unless otherwise noted, terms are to be understood according to conventional usage by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

The term “AcK68” as used herein refers to the acetylated form of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) having acetylation at the K68 residue of the MnSOD protein, and may also be referred to herein as MnSOD-K68-Ac.

“Acyl” means a —COR moiety where R is alkyl, haloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl as defined herein, e.g., acetyl, trifluoroacetyl, benzoyl, and the like.

“Acyloxy” means a —OCOR moiety where R is alkyl, haloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl as defined herein, e.g., acetyl, trifluoroacetyl, benzoyl, and the like.

“Alkoxy” means a —OR moiety where R is alkyl as defined above, e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, or 2-propoxy, n-, iso-, or tert-butoxy, and the like.

“Alkyl” means a linear saturated monovalent hydrocarbon moiety such as of one to six carbon atoms, or a branched saturated monovalent hydrocarbon moiety, such as of three to six carbon atoms, e.g., C₁-C₆ alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, 2-propyl, butyl (including all isomeric forms), pentyl (including all isomeric forms), and the like.

Moreover, unless otherwise indicated, the term “alkyl” as used herein is intended to include both “unsubstituted alkyls” and “substituted alkyls,” the latter of which refers to alkyl moieties having substituents replacing a hydrogen on one or more carbons of the hydrocarbon backbone. Indeed, unless otherwise indicated, all groups recited herein are intended to include both substituted and unsubstituted options.

The term “C_x-y” when used in conjunction with a chemical moiety, such as alkyl and aralkyl, is meant to include groups that contain from x to y carbons in the chain. For example, the term C_x-y alkyl refers to substituted or unsubstituted saturated hydrocarbon groups, including straight chain alkyl and branched chain alkyl groups that contain from x to y carbon atoms in the chain.

“Alkylene” means a linear saturated divalent hydrocarbon moiety, such as of one to six carbon atoms, or a branched saturated divalent hydrocarbon moiety, such as of three to six carbon atoms, unless otherwise stated, e.g., methylene, ethylene, propylene, 1-methylpropylene, 2-methylpropylene, butylene, pentylene, and the like.

“Alkenyl” a linear unsaturated monovalent hydrocarbon moiety, such as of two to six carbon atoms, or a branched saturated monovalent hydrocarbon moiety, such as of three to six carbon atoms, e.g., ethenyl (vinyl), propenyl, 2-propenyl, butenyl (including all isomeric forms), pentenyl (including all isomeric forms), and the like.

“Alkaryl” means a monovalent moiety derived from an aryl moiety by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with an alkyl group.

“Alkenylcycloalkenyl” means a monovalent moiety derived from an alkenyl moiety by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with a cycloalkenyl group.

“Alkenylcycloalkyl” means a monovalent moiety derived from a cycloalkyl moiety by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with an alkenyl group.

“Alkylcycloalkenyl” means a monovalent moiety derived from a cycloalkenyl moiety by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with an alkyl group.

“Alkylcycloalkyl” means a monovalent moiety derived from a cycloalkyl moiety by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with an alkyl group.

“Alkynyl” means a linear unsaturated monovalent hydrocarbon moiety, such of two to six carbon atoms, or a branched saturated monovalent hydrocarbon moiety, such as of three to six carbon atoms, e.g., ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, isobutynyl, hexynyl, and the like.

“Alkoxy” means a monovalent moiety derived from an alkyl moiety by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with a hydroxy group.

“Amino” means a —NR^aR^b group where R^a and R^b are independently hydrogen, alkyl or aryl.

“Antibody” as used herein includes an antibody of classes IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, or IgE, or fragments or derivatives thereof, including Fab, F(ab′)2, Fd, and single chain antibodies, diabodies, bispecific antibodies, and bifunctional antibodies. The antibody may be a monoclonal antibody, polyclonal antibody, affinity purified antibody, or mixtures thereof, which exhibits sufficient binding specificity to a desired epitope or a sequence derived therefrom. The antibody may also be a chimeric antibody. The antibody may be derivatized by the attachment of one or more chemical, peptide, or polypeptide moieties known in the art. The antibody may be conjugated with a chemical moiety. The antibody may be a human or humanized antibody.

“Aralkyl” means a monovalent moiety derived from an alkyl moiety by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with an aryl group.

“Aryl” means a monovalent monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbon moiety of 6 to 10 ring atoms e.g., phenyl or naphthyl.

“Cycle” means a carbocyclic saturated monovalent hydrocarbon moiety of three to ten carbon atoms.

“Cycloalkyl” means a cyclic saturated monovalent hydrocarbon moiety of three to ten carbon atoms, e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, or cyclohexyl, and the like.

“Cycloalkylalkyl” means a monovalent moiety derived from an alkyl moiety by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with a cycloalkyl group, e.g., cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutylmethyl, cyclopentylethyl, or cyclohexylethyl, and the like.

“Cycloalkylcycloalkyl” means a monovalent moiety derived from a cycloalkyl moiety by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with a cycloalkyl group.

“Cycloalkenyl” means a cyclic monounsaturated monovalent hydrocarbon moiety of three to ten carbon atoms, e.g., cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, or cyclohexenyl, and the like.

“Cycloalkenylalkyl” means a monovalent moiety derived from an alkyl moiety by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with a cycloalkenyl group, e.g., cyclopropenylmethyl, cyclobutenylmethyl, cyclopentenylethyl, or cyclohexenylethyl, and the like.

“Ether” means a monovalent moiety derived from an alkyl moiety by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with an alkoxy group.

“Halo” means fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo, preferably fluoro or chloro.

“Heterocycle” or “heterocyclyl” means a saturated or unsaturated monovalent monocyclic group of 4 to 8 ring atoms in which one or two ring atoms are heteroatom selected from N, O, or S(O)n, where n is an integer from 0 to 2, the remaining ring atoms being C. The heterocyclyl ring is optionally fused to a (one) aryl or heteroaryl ring as defined herein provided the aryl and heteroaryl rings are monocyclic. The heterocyclyl ring fused to monocyclic aryl or heteroaryl ring is also referred to in this Application as “bicyclic heterocyclyl” ring. Additionally, one or two ring carbon atoms in the heterocyclyl ring can optionally be replaced by a —CO— group. More specifically the term heterocyclyl includes, but is not limited to, pyrrolidino, piperidino, homopiperidino, 2-oxopyrrolidinyl, 2-oxopiperidinyl, morpholino, piperazino, tetrahydropyranyl, thiomorpholino, and the like. When the heterocyclyl ring is unsaturated it can contain one or two ring double bonds provided that the ring is not aromatic. When the heterocyclyl group is a saturated ring and is not fused to aryl or heteroaryl ring as stated above, it is also referred to herein as saturated monocyclic heterocyclyl.

“Heteroaryl” means a monovalent monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic moiety of 5 to 10 ring atoms where one or more, preferably one, two, or three, ring atoms are heteroatom selected from N, O, or S, the remaining ring atoms being carbon. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, furanyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzimidazolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, and the like.

“Nitro” means —NO₂.

“Organosulfur” means a monovalent moiety a —SR group where R is hydrogen, alkyl or aryl.

“Substituted alkyl,” “substituted cycle,” “substituted phenyl,” “substituted aryl,” “substituted heterocycle,” and “substituted nitrogen heterocycles” means an alkyl, cycle, aryl, phenyl, heterocycle or nitrogen-containing heterocycle, respectively, optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents, such as those independently selected from alkyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, halo, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, or organosulfur. Generally, the term “substituted” includes groups that are substituted with any one or more of C_1-4alkyl, C_2-4alkenyl, halogen, alcohol and/or amine.

“Thioether” means a monovalent moiety derived from an alkyl moiety by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with an —SR group wherein R is alkyl.

As used herein, (i) the compound referred to herein and in the Figures as compound 401, 4401 or GC4401 is a reference to the same compound, (ii) the compound referred to herein and in the Figures as compound 403, 4403 or GC4403 is a reference to the same compound, (iii) the compound referred to herein and in the Figures as compound 419, 4419 or GC4419 is a reference to the same compound, and (iv) the compound referred to herein and in the Figures as compound 444, 4444 or GC4444 is a reference to the same compound.

Furthermore, the use of the term “consisting essentially of,” in referring to a method of treatment, means that the method substantially does not involve providing another therapy and/or another active agent in amounts and/or under conditions that would be sufficient to provide the treatment, and which are other than the therapies and/or active agents specifically recited in the claim. Similarly, the use of the term “consisting essentially of,” in referring to a kit for treatment, means that the kit substantially does not include another therapy and/or another active agent provided in amounts and/or under conditions that would be sufficient to provide the treatment, and which are other than the therapies and/or active agents specifically recited in the claim.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to the treatment of cancers with certain tumor signatures, using a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, optionally in combination with another therapeutic agent. Specifically, it has been unexpectedly discovered that certain pentaaza macrocyclic ring complexes may be capable of treating patients with cancers that are characterized by having an increased level of an acetylated form of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) having acetylation at the K68 residue of the MnSOD protein, and/or reduced levels of SIRT3 protein (see, Zhu et al., Lysine 68 Acetylation Directs MnSOD as a Tetrameric Detoxification Complex Versus a Monomeric Tumor Promoter, Nature Communications, 10: 2399 (2019)). According to certain further aspects, it has been unexpectedly discovered that certain pentaaza macrocyclic ring complexes may be capable of treating patients with cancers that are characterized by having an increased level of expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2_α (HIF2_α) that is indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness. For example, in certain embodiments, pentaaza macrocyclic ring complexes may be able to treat cancers that have an inherent resistance to certain treatment agents, and/or may be capable of reducing and even halting the development of resistance to, and thus increase the effectiveness of, certain treatment agents, such as endocrine therapy agents such as tamoxifen and/or enzalutamide, and other agents. That is, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complexes may provide treatment, in certain aspects, to tumors that have resistance to treatment with a therapeutic agent (e.g. tamoxifen) before treatment has even begun, and/or provide treatment to tumors that have developed resistance over the course of treatment with such treatment agents. According to other embodiments, similar effects are achieved with respect to reducing resistance to, and thus increasing effectiveness of, other therapeutic agents used to treat cancers, such as chemotherapeutic agents including cisplatin and doxirubicin, either with respect to inherent and/or acquired resistance of the tumors to the chemotherapeutic agents. According to certain other embodiments, certain pentaaza macrocyclic ring complexes described herein are capable of providing treatment as a sole therapy (i.e. without requiring administration of a further therapeutic agent, e.g. endocrine or chemotherapeutic agent), for cancers having a tumor signature characterized by a relatively high levels of AcK68 and/or HIF2_α and/or relatively low level of SIRT3.

According to certain embodiments, manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) functions as a tumor suppressor, however, once tumorigenesis occurs, clinical data suggest MnSOD levels correlate with more aggressive human tumors, implying a potential dual function of MnSOD in the regulation of metabolism. It has been unexpectedly discovered that the MnSOD-K68 acetylation (Ac) mimic mutant (MnSODK68Q) functions as a tumor promoter. Interestingly, in various breast cancer and primary cell types the expression of MnSODK68Q is accompanied with a change of MnSOD's stoichiometry from a known homotetramer complex to a monomeric form. Biochemical experiments using the MnSOD-K68Q Ac-mimic, or physically K68-Ac (MnSOD-K68-Ac), suggest that these monomers function as a peroxidase, distinct from the established MnSOD superoxide dismutase activity. MnSODK68Q expressing cells exhibit resistance to tamoxifen (Tam) and cells selected for Tam resistance exhibited increased K68-Ac and monomeric MnSOD. These results suggest a MnSOD-K68-Ac metabolic pathway for Tam resistance, carcinogenesis and tumor progression (see, Zhu et al., Lysine 68 Acetylation Directs MnSOD as a Tetrameric Detoxification Complex Versus a Monomeric Tumor Promoter, Nature Communications, 10: 2399 (2019)).

According to further embodiments, it has been unexpectedly discovered that tumors having increased levels of AcK68 also exhibit disrupted cellular metabolism, increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and stabilized levels of HIF2_α, which can lead to a lineage plasticity phenotype and thus tumor cells with resistance to treatment with therapeutic agents, such as prostate cancer cells with resistance to endocrine agents such as enzalutamide. In yet further embodiments, it has been unexpectedly discovered that the dysregulation and/or disruption of physiological MnSOD-K68-Ac axis can lead to a chemotherapy resistant phenotype in certain cancers, such as ER+breast cancer, as AcK expression directs disregulation of mitochondrial morphology and ultrastructure, and disrupts mitochondrial metabolism.

According to certain embodiments, a method of treating a cancer in a mammalian subject is provided, where the cancer comprises a tumor signature characterized by any one or more of (i) a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein that is below a first predetermined threshold level, (ii) a level of manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) that exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2_α (HIF2_α) that exceed a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness, and where the method comprises administering to the mammalian subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I) described herein. A cancer with the tumor signature meeting any of the criteria (i)-(iii) may, for example, have resistance to treatment comprising any one or more of treatment with certain chemotherapeutic agents, endocrine agents, ionizing radiation, and/or other anti-cancer therapeutic agents. According to certain embodiments, administration of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex can reduce the resistance of the cancer to treatment, to improve the efficacy thereof.

According to yet another embodiment, a method of treating a cancer in a mammalian subject is provided, where the method comprises selecting a subject that is a suitable subject for treatment with a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to Formula (I). For example, the subject may be selected on the basis of exhibit a biomarker, such as a tumor signature, indicative of a likelihood of responsiveness to such treatment. In another example, the subject may be one that has an inherent resistance to, and/or has developed resistance to, other therapeutic agents, such as endocrine therapeutic agents and/or chemotherapeutic agents. According to one embodiment, the method can comprise selecting the subject by obtaining a test tissue sample from the subject that comprises tumor cells, and testing the tissue sample for the presence of certain biomarkers. The test tissue sample can be obtained, for example, by biopsy or other conventional method. According to certain aspects, the tissue sample is selected from a subject suffering from a type of cancer where disregulation of any one or more of AcK68, SIRT3 and/or HIF2_α is implicated, as described further herein, such as for example any one or more of breast and prostate cancer. The SIRT3 may be levels of, for example, mitochondrial SIRT3. SIRT3 is a protein in humans encoded by the SIRT3 gene [sirtuin (silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog) 3 (S. cerevisiae)], and SIRT3 may also be referred to as NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-3. According to one embodiment, the tissue sample can be tested by assessing the tissue sample to determine criteria comprising any one or more of (i) whether a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein is below a first predetermined threshold level in tumor cells of the tissue sample, (ii) whether a level of manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) whether expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2_α (HIF2_α) exceed a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness. In yet another embodiment, a diagnostic method can be provided separately from the treatment with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, the diagnostic method including analyzing the tissue sample to determine any of criteria (i)-(iii) as described herein.

For example, in one embodiment, the tissue sample can be tested to determine whether a criteria (i) is met of exhibiting a relatively low level of SIRT3, as indicated by being below a predetermined threshold level, as this low level can indicate likely responsiveness of the tumor to treatment with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex of Formula (I). As another example, the tissue sample can be tested to determine whether a criteria (ii) is met of the tumor cells exhibiting a relatively high level of AcK68, as indicated by exceeding a predetermined threshold level, as this high level can indicate likely responsiveness of the tumor to treatment with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex of Formula (I). As yet another example, the tissue sample can be tested to determine whether a criteria (iii) is met of the tumor cells exhibiting a relatively high level of HIF2_α, as indicated by exceeding the predetermined threshold level, as this high level can indicate likely responsiveness of the tumor to treatment with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex of Formula (I). Accordingly, in certain embodiments, a method of treatment can involve determining that the subject is suitable for the treatment if any one or more one of the criteria (i), (ii) and/or (iii) is met. In a case where the subject is selected as suitable for treatment, the method of treatment can comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to Formula (I), optionally in combination with a further therapeutic treatment agent, such as an endocrine treatment agent and/or chemotherapeutic agent, and/or other suitable agents such as those described herein.

According to certain embodiments, the levels of any one or more of AcK68, SIRT3 and/or HIF2_α can be determined by suitable methods, such as by immunostaining or other similar methods. In an immunostaining method, antibodies to a protein and/or moiety of interest (e.g. a specific region of a protein) are used to detect a specific target (e.g. protein) in a sample. For example, in one embodiment an antibody used for immunostaining can comprise an anti-AcK68 monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to a region (epitope) of AcK68 comprising the acetylated lysine residue. The presence of antibody bound to the protein in the sample (e.g. tissue or cells) can be determined by a variety of methods, including by tagging or labelling the antibody with a moiety that can be detected, such as a fluorescent dye detectable by a fluorescence detector, and/or peroxidase that can be developed to give a colored product that is detectable by methods such as light microscopy, as well as other methods. According to further aspects, one or more secondary antibodies may be used that are labelled and/or tagged with a detectable moiety (e.g. peroxidase or fluorescent dye) and that binds the primary antibody that targets the protein of interest in the sample. According to even further aspects, the primary antibody can be labelled with a small molecule that interacts with a high affinity binding partner that is linked to an enzyme or fluorescent moiety, such as by using biotin-streptavidin interaction. Examples of immunostaining methods can include immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods for staining tissue samples, or immunocytochemistry staining methods for staining cells. Other techniques that can be used to implement and/or complement immunostaining techniques can include flow cytometry techniques, western blotting, enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays (ELISA) and immuno-electron microscopy. According to certain embodiments, immunoprecipitation methods that use antibodies to separate out target proteins from a sample for further analysis (e.g. by coupling to beads) can also be used. According to further embodiments, other indirect methods of determining levels of the target proteins of interest, such as by determining levels of activity of the proteins, or by determining other factors indicative of expression, protein activation and/or de-activation.

According to one embodiment, a kit for treating a cancer in a mammalian subject is provided. According to certain aspects, the kit comprises an assay for analyzing a tissue sample obtained from the subject and comprising tumor cells, where the assay is capable of determining criteria comprising any one or more of (i) whether a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein is below a first predetermined threshold level in tumor cells of the tissue sample, (ii) whether a level of manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) whether expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2_α (HIF2_α) exceed a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness. According to further aspects, the kit can further comprise a therapeutically effective amount of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to Formula (I), for treatment of the cancer in the event that any of the criteria (i)-(iii) are met as determined by the assay. In one embodiment, the assay comprises an immunostaining assay, such as an immunohistochemistry assay or assay corresponding to any of the immunostaining techniques described herein, for determining the levels of target protein in the tissue sample. In further embodiments, the assay can comprise an anti-AcK68 antibody that is capable of selectively binding to AcK68 to determine levels thereof. The assay may alternatively or additionally comprise tests utilizing techniques other than immunostaining for directly or indirectly assessing the target protein levels. In yet further embodiments, the kit can further comprise instructions for any one or more of utilizing the assay for determination of target protein levels, instructions for assessing whether any of criteria (i)-(ii) are met based on the results of the assay, and/or instructions for administration of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex. In further embodiments, the kit can comprise instruments and/or reagents for obtaining a tissue sample from the subject. The kit can also comprise one or more tools and/or reagents for preparing a tissue sample for analysis, such as tools and/or reagents for forming a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue section. The kit can also comprise one or more tools and/or reagents for carrying out the analysis of the tissue, such as one or more of primary antibodies, secondary antibodies, labels, blocking reagents, buffers, dyes, peroxidases, developing reagents, etc. In yet another embodiment, a diagnostic kit can be provided separately from the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, the diagnostic kit including the assay for analyzing the tissue sample to determine any of criteria (i)-(iii) as described herein, for example in a case where diagnosis is performed separately from treatment.

According to one embodiment, the levels of one or more of AcK68, SIRT3 and/or HIF2_α are compared to threshold levels to determine whether a subject is afflicted with a type of tumor that would benefit from treatment with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex of Formula (I), either alone or in combination with a further therapeutic agent. That is, the levels of the target proteins (AcK68, SIRT3 and/or HIF2_α) as determined in tumor cells obtained from a subject can be compared to predetermined threshold levels to determine whether any of the criteria (i)-(iii) are met. In one embodiment, the comparison to the threshold levels can involve evaluating a ratio of a detected level of any one or more of the target proteins in tumor cells, to a level in “normal” or non-cancerous tissue, of the same tissue type. For example, the threshold value may be met when a ratio of the detected value to the “normal” value is at or exceeds a predetermined value. In another embodiment, the comparison to the threshold levels can involve comparison of a value of a detected level of any one or more of the target proteins in tumor cells, to a value of a level in “normal” or non-cancerous tissue, of the same tissue type, such as for example a comparison to a predetermined level exceeding a standard deviation of the level for “normal” or non-cancerous tissue. Other comparisons of the detected level to a threshold level can also be provided. For example, other metrics of the threshold level can be provided based on the level at which resistance of tumors to treatment is observed. In one embodiment, the threshold levels are levels that deviate from average levels of the respective target proteins, in non-cancerous tissue of the same tissue type, obtained from a plurality of different individuals. For example, the average levels may be the average for the respective protein targets as measured in non-cancerous (normal) tissue obtained from at least 6 different individuals, with tissue type that is the same as that of the cancerous tissue (e.g., cancerous breast tissue is compared to non-cancerous breast tissue, etc.). The average levels for each respective target protein can comprise a normal score for that target protein in the respective tissue type as tested.

According to certain embodiments, the threshold level for comparison to the detected levels of target protein in tumor cells can be set at a level that is indicative of levels where treatment with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex would be beneficial. In one embodiment, the threshold level for the respective target proteins can be set according to the relation of the detected level of the target protein in tumor cells to the standard deviation from the normal score of that protein in non-cancerous tissue. That is, the threshold level can be set to be a level that is at least one half of one standard deviation from the normal score, at least one standard deviation from the normal score, at least one and a half standard deviations from the normal score, at least two standard deviations from the normal score, at least two and a half standard deviations from the normal score, at least three standard deviations from the normal score, at least four standard deviations from the normal score, and/or at least five standard deviations from the normal score. Accordingly, detected levels of one or more target proteins that are outside the predetermined threshold would be indicative of tumor tissue that may be responsive to treatment with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex. According to yet another embodiment, the normal score can comprise an average as obtained across a large population, such as for example values for members of a large population, for a particular type of immunostaining assay, to provide a reference value that can be referred to in subsequent determinations. According to further embodiments, the threshold levels for any one or more of the target proteins (AcK68, SIRT3, and/or HIF2_α) may be set according to alternative diagnostic methods and/or diagnostic correlations that provide a correlation between target levels and suitability of treatment. For example, the threshold levels may be set according to methods that provide a substantially equivalent result to the immunostaining methods described herein, which methods may be equivalent in that they provide an assessment of levels of target protein to allow for a determination as to whether the tumor cells are resistant to anti-cancer treatment agents (e.g. based on SIRT3, AcK68 and/or HITFα levels, or other diagnostic results).

According to certain embodiments, the levels of any one or more of the target proteins (AcK68, SIRT3 and/or HIF2_α) in tumor cells are determined by an immunostaining technique. According to certain aspects, the levels of the target proteins can be compared to respective threshold levels determined according the same immunostaining technique, such as by obtaining levels for non-cancerous tissue of the same tissue type as the tumor cells (e.g., breast cancer cells, prostate cancer cells), from at least 6 different individuals, to determine a normal score. According to one embodiment, the first predetermined threshold level for sirtuin (SIRT3) protein activity in tumor tissue is a level that is lower than one standard deviation from a normal score for non-cancerous tissue of the same type as the tumor tissue, where the normal score is determined by taking the average of at least 6 non-cancerous tissue samples of the same tissue type from at least 6 different individuals, as determined by immunostaining. According to another embodiment, the second predetermined threshold level for manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) is a level that is higher than one standard deviation from a normal score for non-cancerous tissue of the same type as the tumor tissue, where the normal score is determined by taking the average of at least 6 non-cancerous tissue samples of the same type from at least 6 different individuals, as determined by immunostaining. According to yet another embodiment, the third predetermined threshold level for expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2_α (HIF2_α) is a level that is higher than one standard deviation from a normal score for non-cancerous tissue of the same type as the tumor tissue, where the normal score is determined by taking the average of at least 6 non-cancerous tissue samples of the same type from at least 6 different individuals, as determined by immunostaining. In other embodiments, the respective threshold levels may be set at a different multiple and/or fraction of the standard deviation from the normal score, or according to other correlation, as described above.

According to one embodiment, the methods of treatment herein can comprise administration of a therapeutic anti-cancer agent comprising any one of more of a chemotherapeutic agent and a therapeutic agent that inhibits a hormone receptor pathway associated with growth or progression of the cancer (e.g., a hormone therapy agent such as an endocrine agent), prior to, concomitantly with, or after administration of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex of Formula (I). Such further therapeutic agents can also be included as a part of any kits described herein, for example to provide a co-therapy with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex of Formula (I). In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent comprises a chemotherapeutic agent comprising any of a platinum-containing chemotherapeutic agent and an anthracycline chemotherapeutic agent, and/or a combination thereof can also be provided. In a further embodiment, the therapeutic agent comprises at least one of a platinum-containing chemotherapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of cisplatin oxaliplatin, carboplatin, nedaplatin, lobaplatin, heptaplatin, dicycloplation, lipoplatin, LA-12, phosphaplatin, phenanthriplatin, prolindac, triplatin tetranitrate, picoplatin, satraplatin and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and/or an anthracycline chemotherapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin and idarubicin, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

According to yet another embodiment, the therapeutic anti-cancer agent can comprise a therapeutic agent that inhibits a hormone receptor pathway associated with growth or progression of the cancer (e.g. an endocrine therapy agent). According to one embodiment, the therapeutic agent that inhibits a hormone receptor pathway associated with growth or progression of the cancer targets any one or more of the estrogen receptor pathway, progesterone receptor pathway, and the androgen receptor pathway (e.g., hormone therapy agent and/or endocrine agent). For example, the therapeutic agent that targets any one or more of the estrogen receptor pathway, progesterone receptor pathway, and the androgen receptor pathway can comprise any selected from the group consisting of estrogen receptor inhibitors, estrogen receptor degraders/downregulators, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), aromatase inhibitors, GnRH agonists, and CDK4/6 inhibitors, and combinations thereof can also be provided. According to one embodiment, the therapeutic agent targeting the estrogen receptor pathway comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of tamoxifen, clomifene, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene, nafoxidine, lasofoxifene, bazedoxifene, ospemifene, fulvestrant, brilanestrant, elacestrant, palbociclib, abemaciclib, ribociclib and derivatives, salts and/or prodrugs thereof. According to another embodiment, the therapeutic agent targeting the androgen receptor pathway comprises any selected from the group consisting of an androgen receptor antagonist, an androgen synthesis inhibitor and an antigonadotropin. For example, the therapeutic agent that targets the androgen receptor pathway can comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of cyproterone acetate, megestrol acetate, chlormadinone acetate, spironolacone, oxendolone, osaterone acetate, flutamide, bicalutamide, nilutamide, topilutamide, enzalutamide, apalutamide, dienogest, drospirenone, medogestone, nomegestrol acetate, promegestone, trimegestone, ketoconazole, abiraterone acetate, seviteronel, aminoglutethimide, finasteride, dutasteride, episteride, alfatradial, cyproterone acetate, spironolactone, medrogestone, flutamide, nilutamide, bifluranol, leuprorelin, cetrorelix, allylestrenol, chlormadinone acetate, cyproterone acetate, gestonorone caproate, hydroxyprogesterone caproate, medroxyprogesterone acetate, megestrol acetate, osaterone acetate, oxendolone, estradiol, estradiol esters, ethinylestradiol, conjugated estrogens, diethylstilbestrol, and derivatives, salts and/or prodrugs thereof. According to another embodiment, the therapeutic agent targeting the progresterone receptor pathway can comprise a Type I, Type II or Type III selective modulator of progesterone (SPRM) that is at least one selected from the group consisting onapristone, mifepristone, lonaprisan, aglepristone, Org31710, Org31806, CDB-2914 and CDB-4124, and derivatives, salts and/or prodrugs thereof (see also Antiprogestins in Breast Cancer Treatment: Are We Ready? by Lanari et al., Endocrine-Related Cancer (2012) 19 R35-R500.

In one embodiment, a method of treating a tumor that is resistant to a therapeutic anti-cancer agent, such as a chemotherapeutic agent in a mammalian subject afflicted therewith is provided. For example, the tumor that is resistant to the chemotherapeutic agent may be one having the tumor having a tumor signature characterized by any one or more of (i) a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein that is below a first predetermined threshold level, (ii) a level of K68-acetylated manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD^K68) that exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2_α (HIF2_α) exceeds a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness. That is, the tumor signature characterized by any of (i)-(iii) may be indicative of resistance of tumor cells to treatment by the chemotherapeutic agent. According to certain aspects, the method can comprise selecting a subject that is a suitable subject for treatment, by obtaining a test tissue sample from the patient, the test tissue sample comprising tumor cells, and assessing the tissue sample to determine criteria comprising any one or more of (i) whether a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein activity is below a first predetermined threshold level in tumor cells of the tissue sample, (ii) whether a level of manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) whether expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2_α (HIF2_α) exceeds a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness. The method further comprises determining that the subject is suitable for the treatment if one or more of the criteria (i)-(iii) is met. According certain aspects, in a case where the subject is selected as suitable for treatment, the method can comprise treating the subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I), optionally with a further therapeutic agent such as any described herein. Alternatively, or additionally, a diagnostic method can be performed to determine whether a tumor is resistant to a chemotherapeutic agent by assessing the tissue to determine whether any of the criteria (i)-(iii) are met, without requiring administration of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex according to Formula (I). The treatment and/or diagnostic can also be implemented by a kit comprising an assay to assess any of criteria (i)-(iii), such as any kit described herein. In one embodiment, the method can further comprise administration of a chemotherapeutic agent prior to, concomitantly with, or after administration of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex of Formula (I), where the chemotherapeutic agent can be any described herein. The chemotherapeutic agent can also be provided as a part of a kit for performing the treatment method, and/or the kit can comprise instructions for administration of the chemotherapeutic agent as a part of treatment.

According to another aspect, a method of treating a tumor that is resistant to ionizing radiation therapy in a mammalian subject afflicted therewith is provided. For example, the tumor that is resistant to radiation therapy may be one having a tumor signature characterized by any one or more of (i) a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein that is below a first predetermined threshold level, (ii) a level of K68-acetylated manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD^K68) that exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2_α (HIF2_α) exceeds a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness. That is, the tumor signature characterized by any of (i)-(iii) may be indicative of resistance of tumor cells to treatment by ionizing radiation. According to certain embodiments, a method of treatment can comprise selecting a subject that is a suitable subject for treatment, by obtaining a test tissue sample from the subject, the test tissue sample comprising tumor cells, and assessing the tissue sample to determine criteria comprising any one or more of (i) whether a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein activity is below a first predetermined threshold level in tumor cells of the tissue sample, (ii) whether a level of manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) whether expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2_α (HIF2_α) exceeds a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness. According to certain aspects, it is determined that the subject is suitable for the treatment if one or more of the criteria (i)-(iii) is met. According to further aspects, in a case where the subject is selected as suitable for treatment, the method can comprise treating the subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I). That is, according to certain aspects, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to Formula (I) can be administered to reduce resistance of the cancer/tumor to radiation therapy involving ionizing radiation. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the method can further comprise administering ionizing radiation to the subject, such as in a course of radiation therapy, either prior to, concomitantly with, or after administration of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, such as for example according to and/or in combination with any of the radiation administration/radiation therapy methods described further herein. In certain further embodiments, an addition anti-cancer therapeutic agent can also be provided, such as an endocrine agent and/or chemotherapeutic agent, including any of those described herein.

According to one embodiment, a method of treating a cancer in a mammalian subject afflicted with the cancer, comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic agent that inhibits a hormone receptor pathway associated with growth or progression of the cancer (e.g. an endocrine agent), and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I), prior to, concomitantly with, or after administration of the therapeutic agent. For example, according to certain aspects, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may reduce the resistance of the tumor cells to, or otherwise enhance the effectiveness of, the therapeutic agent. According to yet another embodiment, a method of treating and/or reducing the likelihood of a recurrence of a cancer in a mammalian subject at risk thereof, comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I), optionally in combination with a further therapeutic agent (e.g. chemotherapeutic agent or endocrine agent). For example, according to certain aspects, the administration of the pentaazamacrocyclic ring complex may be effective to treat a recurrence of a cancer in a subject, such as a recurrence of a tumor that is resistant to other therapies, and/or may reduce the likelihood that a recurrence of a tumor occurs, by reducing the likelihood of developing resistance to the therapy. According to yet another embodiment, a method of treating a tumor that is resistant to a therapeutic agent that inhibits a hormone receptor pathway associated with growth or progression of the cancer endocrine therapy, in a mammalian subject, comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I), optionally in combination with the therapeutic agent. In yet a further embodiment, resistance of a tumor to a therapeutic agent can be determined according to the methods described herein, such as by determining whether the criteria (i)-(iii) herein are met. Furthermore, the methods described herein can additionally comprising administration of any one or more of the therapeutic agents herein either prior to, concomitantly with, or after, administration of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex. Kits comprising an assay, such as those described herein for determining the criteria (i)-(iii), with or without the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or further therapeutic agent, can also be provided as a diagnostic and/or treatment kit, to implement any part of the entirety of the method described herein.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complexes described herein may advantageously treat and/or reduce the likelihood of recurrence or relapse of certain cancers, either as provided in combination with a therapeutic agent and/or endocrine therapy agent, and/or to reduce the resistance of cancer cells to treatment with the therapeutic agent.

According to one embodiment, a method of treating a cancer in a mammalian subject afflicted with the cancer comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an endocrine therapy agent, and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I) below, prior to, concomitantly with, or after administration of the endocrine therapy agent. For example, the endocrine therapy agent and pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex can comprise a combination therapy administered for treating cancer in the afflicted individual.

According to yet another embodiment, a method of reducing the likelihood of recurrence of a cancer in a mammalian subject at risk thereof, comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an endocrine therapy agent, and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I), prior to, concomitantly with, or after administration of the endocrine therapy agent. For example, a method for reducing the likelihood of recurrence can comprising administering a combination therapy of the endocrine therapy agent and pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, to a subject at risk for recurrence of the cancer and/or experiencing a relapse of the cancer. According to another embodiment, the subject may be one that is in remission from a cancer, with the combination therapy being administered to reduce the likelihood of the recurrence of the cancer.

According to yet another embodiment, the predetermined thresholds use in the determination of criteria (i)-(ii) can be set in relation to an average or median level of the target proteins in the general population, such that the predetermined threshold correlates with therapeutically significant amounts of the target proteins (e.g., SIRT3, AcK68 and/or HIF2_α), such as a therapeutically significant extent of K68-acetylation. In one embodiment, the predetermined threshold for AcK68 is a level where significant peroxidase activity occurs that is indicative of K68-acetylation and/or presence of monomeric MnSOD form. In another embodiment, the predetermined threshold levels of the target proteins can correlate to levels that are indicative of increased resistance to anti-cancer therapy, such as endocrine therapy and/or chemotherapy, and/or increased risk of cancer recurrence and/or cancer growth or proliferation in the subject.

According to yet another embodiment, a method of reducing resistance to an anti-cancer therapy such as an endocrine therapy and/or chemotherapy in a mammalian subject having resistance to the anticancer therapy agent, comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of anti-cancer therapeutic agent, and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I), prior to, concomitantly with, or after administration of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent. For example, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may be capable of reducing and/or reversing the resistance that is either inherent in, and/or has developed in, cancer cells, to a particular anti-cancer therapy, such as a particular endocrine therapy agent and/or chemotherapeutic agent, such that efficacy of treatment with the endocrine therapy agent and/or chemotherapeutic agent is increased and/or restored. According to one embodiment, the combination therapy can be provided in a case where the mammalian subject has inherent resistance to, and/or had developed resistance to, endocrine therapy, for example as a result of receiving an endocrine therapy treatment regimen to treat a cancer which with the mammalian subject is afflicted. According to another embodiment, the combination therapy can be provided in a case where the mammalian subject has developed resistance to endocrine therapy as a result of receiving an endocrine therapy treatment regimen to reduce the likelihood of recurrence of a cancer for which the mammalian subject is at risk. According to another embodiment, the combination therapy can be provided in a case where the mammalian subject has developed resistance to chemotherapy as a result of receiving a chemotherapy treatment regimen to treat a cancer which with the mammalian subject is afflicted. According to certain aspects, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is capable of unexpectedly and advantageously restoring susceptibility of cancer cells to the anti-cancer therapeutic agent (e.g. endocrine therapy agent and/or chemotherapy agent), such that treatment with the anti-cancer therapeutic agent can be achieved.

According to one embodiment, the cancer and/or tumor that may be treated and/or likelihood of recurrence decreased according to any of the methods herein may be one selected from the group consisting of breast cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, glioma, glioblastoma, head and neck cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, desmoid tumors, pancreatic carcinoma, melanoma, and renal cell carcinoma (see also the article SIRT3 is a Mitochondrial-Localized Tumor Suppressor Required for Maintenance of Mitochondrial Integrity and Metabolism during Stress, by Kim et al, Cancer Cell, Vol. 16, 41-52 (2010)). According to certain embodiments, the cancer may be one that is known to be treatable and/or receptive to treatment with one or more of an endocrine therapy agent and/or chemotherapeutic agent, although in other embodiments other cancers may also be treated and/or prevented. According to one embodiment, the cancer that is treated and/or prevented according to any of the methods herein is a hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer. According to yet another embodiment, the cancer is any of luminal A type breast cancer and/or luminal B type breast cancer. For example, in one embodiment, the cancer is a luminal B type breast cancer. According to yet another embodiment, the cancer comprises cancer cells that exhibit increased levels of an acetylated form of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) having acetylation at the K68 residue of the MnSOD protein, and/or reduced levels of SIRT3 protein, and/or increased levels of HIF2_α, which are hallmarks of disrupted dismutase function associated with resistance to endocrine therapy and/or chemotherapy. According to yet another embodiment, the cancer and/or tumor that may be treated and/or for which the likelihood of recurrence may be decreased, may be a hormone receptor-positive (HR+) cancer, such as an estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) cancer, progesterone receptor-positive (PR+) cancer and/or an androgen receptor-positive (AR+) cancer.

According to yet another embodiment, the methods described herein can further comprise a step of performing an evaluation of the mammalian subject to identify whether they would benefit from treatment with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex as a part of a combination therapy, and administering the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex as a part of a combination therapy in response to results of the evaluation. For example, the evaluation can comprise determining whether the mammalian subject is afflicted with and/or at risk for developing recurrence of a cancer having any of characteristics described therein, such as a cancer that is treatable by an endocrine therapy agent and/or chemotherapeutic agent, a cancer that has inherent and/or acquired resistance to treatment with the endocrine therapy agent and/or chemotherapeutic agent, and/or a cancer that exhibits hallmarks of disrupted dismutase function (e.g. any of the criteria (i)-(iii) described herein), among other characteristics that can indicate that administration of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex would be advantageous. Once the subject is identified as one that would benefit from the treatment, as belonging to a population that would be receptive to the treatment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex can be administered to improve the efficacy of the anti-cancer treatment (e.g. endocrine therapy treatment and/or chemotherapy treatment). According to certain embodiments, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex can be administered in a therapeutically effective amount that results in an increase in cancer response corresponding to any selected from the group consisting of reduced tumor volume, reduced tumor growth rate, increased survival of the mammalian subject, reduced occurrence and/or extent of metastasis, and reduced proliferation of cancer cells, and/or decreased cancer complications. Furthermore, the methods herein can comprise additional cancer treatments in combination with any of the treatments described herein, such as any of radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and/or administration of a further chemotherapeutic agent.

Transition Metal Pentaaza Macrocyclic Ring Complex

In one embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponds to the complex of Formula (I):

wherein

• • M is Mn²⁺ or Mn³⁺;
  • R₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R′₅, R₆, R′₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R′₉, and R₁₀ are independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterocyclyl, an amino acid side chain moiety, or a moiety selected from the group consisting of —OR₁₁, —NR₁₁R₁₂, —COR₁₁, —CO₂R₁₁, —CONR₁₁R₁₂, —SR₁₁, —SOR₁₁, —SO₂R₁₁, —SO 2NR₁₁R₁₂, —N(OR₁₁)(R₁₂), —P(O)(OR₁₁)(OR₁₂), —P(O)(ORi1)(R₁₂), and —OP(O)(OR₁₁)(OR₁₂), wherein R₁₁ and R₁₂ are independently hydrogen or alkyl;
  • U, together with the adjacent carbon atoms of the macrocycle, forms a fused substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, cycle or heterocycle having 3 to 20 ring carbon atoms;
  • V, together with the adjacent carbon atoms of the macrocycle, forms a fused substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, cycle or heterocycle having 3 to 20 ring carbon atoms;
  • W, together with the nitrogen of the macrocycle and the carbon atoms of the macrocycle to which it is attached, forms an aromatic or alicyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated nitrogen-containing fused heterocycle having 2 to 20 ring carbon atoms, provided that when W is a fused aromatic heterocycle the hydrogen attached to the nitrogen which is both part of the heterocycle and the macrocycle and R₁ and R₁₀ attached to the carbon atoms which are both part of the heterocycle and the macrocycle are absent;
  • X and Y represent suitable ligands which are derived from any monodentate or polydentate coordinating ligand or ligand system or the corresponding anion thereof;
  • Z is a counterion;
  • n is an integer from 0 to 3; and
  • the dashed lines represent coordinating bonds between the nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle and the transition metal, manganese.

As noted above in connection with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex of Formula (I), M is Mn²⁺ or Mn³⁺. In one particular embodiment in which the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponds to Formula (I), M is Mn²⁺. In another particular embodiment in which the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponds to Formula (I), M is Mn³⁺.

In the embodiments in which one or more of R₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R′₅, R₆, R′₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R′₉, and R₁₀ are hydrocarbyl, for example, suitable hydrocarbyl moieties include, but are not limited to alkenyl, alkenylcycloalkenyl, alkenylcycloalkyl, alkyl, alkylcycloalkenyl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkynyl, aralkyl, aryl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkylcycloalkyl, cycloalkenylalkyl, and aralkyl. In one embodiment, R₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R′₅, R₆, R′₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R′₉, and R₁₀ are independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, or heterocyclyl. More preferably in this embodiment, R₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R′₅, R₆, R′₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R′₉, and R₁₀ are independently hydrogen or lower alkyl (e.g., C₁-C₆ alkyl, more typically C₁-C₄ alkyl). Thus, for example, R₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R′₅, R₆, R′₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R′₉, and R₁₀ may be independently hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl (straight, branched, or cyclic). In one preferred embodiment, R₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R′₅, R₆, R′₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R′₉, and R₁₀ are independently hydrogen or methyl.

In one preferred embodiment in which the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponds to Formula (I), R₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R′₅, R₇, R₈, R₉, R′₉, and R₁₀ are each hydrogen and one of R₆ and R′₆ is hydrogen and the other of R₆ and R′₆ is methyl. In this embodiment, for example, R₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R′₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R′₉, and R₁₀ may each be hydrogen while R′₆ is methyl. Alternatively, for example, R₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R′₅, R′₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R′₉, and R₁₀ may each be hydrogen while R₆ is methyl. In another preferred embodiment in which the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponds to Formula (I), R₁, R₃, R₄, R₅, R′₅, R′₆, R₇, R₈, and R₁₀ are each hydrogen, one of R₂ and R′₂ is hydrogen and the other of R₂ and R′₂ is methyl, and one of R₉ and R′₉ is hydrogen and the other of R₉ and R′₉ is methyl. In this embodiment, for example, R₁, R′₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R′₅, R₇, R₈, R₉, and R₁₀ may each be hydrogen while R₂ and R′₉ are methyl. Alternatively, for example, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R′₅, R₇, R₈, R′₉, and R₁₀ may each be hydrogen while R′₂ and R₉ are methyl. In another embodiment in which the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponds to Formula (I), R₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R′₅, R₆, R′₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R′₉, and R₁₀ are each hydrogen.

In certain embodiments the U and V moieties are independently substituted or unsubstituted fused cycloalkyl moieties having 3 to 20 ring carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 10 ring carbon atoms. In a particular embodiment, the U and V moieties are each trans-cyclohexanyl fused rings.

In certain embodiments the W moiety is a substituted or unsubstituted fused heteroaromatic moiety. In a particular embodiment, the W moiety is a substituted or unsubstituted fused pyridino moiety. Where W is a substituted fused pyridino moiety, for example, the W moiety is typically substituted with a hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl moiety (e.g., alkyl, substituted alkyl) at the ring carbon atom positioned para to the nitrogen atom of the heterocycle. In a one preferred embodiment, the W moiety is an unsubstituted fused pyridino moiety.

As noted above, X and Y represent suitable ligands which are derived from any monodentate or polydentate coordinating ligand or ligand system or the corresponding anion thereof (for example benzoic acid or benzoate anion, phenol or phenoxide anion, alcohol or alkoxide anion). For example, X and Y may be selected from the group consisting of halo, oxo, aquo, hydroxo, alcohol, phenol, dioxygen, peroxo, hydroperoxo, alkylperoxo, arylperoxo, ammonia, alkylamino, arylamino, heterocycloalkyl amino, heterocycloaryl amino, amine oxides, hydrazine, alkyl hydrazine, aryl hydrazine, nitric oxide, cyanide, cyanate, thiocyanate, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, alkyl nitrile, aryl nitrile, alkyl isonitrile, aryl isonitrile, nitrate, nitrite, azido, alkyl sulfonic acid, aryl sulfonic acid, alkyl sulfoxide, aryl sulfoxide, alkyl aryl sulfoxide, alkyl sulfenic acid, aryl sulfenic acid, alkyl sulfinic acid, aryl sulfinic acid, alkyl thiol carboxylic acid, aryl thiol carboxylic acid, alkyl thiol thiocarboxylic acid, aryl thiol thiocarboxylic acid, alkyl carboxylic acid, aryl carboxylic acid, urea, alkyl urea, aryl urea, alkyl aryl urea, thiourea, alkyl thiourea, aryl thiourea, alkyl aryl thiourea, sulfate, sulfite, bisulfate, bisulfite, thiosulfate, thiosulfite, hydrosulfite, alkyl phosphine, aryl phosphine, alkyl phosphine oxide, aryl phosphine oxide, alkyl aryl phosphine oxide, alkyl phosphine sulfide, aryl phosphine sulfide, alkyl aryl phosphine sulfide, alkyl phosphonic acid, aryl phosphonic acid, alkyl phosphinic acid, aryl phosphinic acid, alkyl phosphinous acid, aryl phosphinous acid, phosphate, thiophosphate, phosphite, pyrophosphite, triphosphate, hydrogen phosphate, dihydrogen phosphate, alkyl guanidino, aryl guanidino, alkyl aryl guanidino, alkyl carbamate, aryl carbamate, alkyl aryl carbamate, alkyl thiocarbamate, aryl thiocarbamate, alkylaryl thiocarbamate, alkyl dithiocarbamate, aryl dithiocarbamate, alkylaryl dithiocarbamate, bicarbonate, carbonate, perchlorate, chlorate, chlorite, hypochlorite, perbromate, bromate, bromite, hypobromite, tetrahalomanganate, tetrafluoroborate, hexafluoroantimonate, hypophosphite, iodate, periodate, metaborate, tetraaryl borate, tetra alkyl borate, tartrate, salicylate, succinate, citrate, ascorbate, saccharinate, amino acid, hydroxamic acid, thiotosylate, and anions of ion exchange resins, or the corresponding anions thereof, among other possibilities. In one embodiment, X and Y if present, are independently selected from the group consisting of halo, nitrate, and bicarbonate ligands. For example, in this embodiment, X and Y, if present, are halo ligands, such as chloro ligands.

Furthermore, in one embodiment X and Y correspond to —O—C(O)—X₁, where each X₁ is —C(X₂)(X₃)(X₄), and each X₁ is independently substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or —C(—X₂)(—X₃)(—X₄);

• • each X₂ is independently substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, methyl, ethyl or propyl;
  • each X₃ is independently hydrogen, hydroxyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, amino, —X₅C(═O)R₁₃ where X₅ is NH or O, and R₁₃ is C1-C18 alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or C1-C18 aralkyl, or —OR₁₄, where R₁₄ is C1-C18 alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or C1-C18 aralkyl, or together with X₄ is (═O); and
  • each X₄ is independently hydrogen or together with X₃ is (═O).

In yet another embodiment, X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of charge-neutralizing anions which are derived from any monodentate or polydentate coordinating ligand and a ligand system and the corresponding anion thereof; or X and Y are independently attached to one or more of R₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R′₅, R₆, R′₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R′₉, and R₁₀.

In the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to Formula (I), Z is a counterion (e.g., a charge-neutralizing anion), wherein n is an integer from 0 to 3. In general, Z may correspond to counterions of the moieties recited above in connection for X and Y.

In combination, among certain preferred embodiments are pentaaza macrocyclic ring complexes corresponding to Formula (I) wherein

• • M is Mn²⁺ or Mn³⁺;
  • R₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R′₅, R₆, R′₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R′₉, and R₁₀ are independently hydrogen or lower alkyl;
  • U and V are each trans-cyclohexanyl fused rings;
  • W is a substituted or unsubstituted fused pyridino moiety;
  • X and Y are ligands; and
  • Z, if present, is a charge-neutralizing anion.

More preferably in these embodiments, M is Mn²⁺; R₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R′₅, R₆, R′₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R′₉, and R₁₀ are independently hydrogen or methyl; U and V are each trans-cyclohexanyl fused rings; W is an unsubstituted fused pyridino moiety; and X and Y are independently halo ligands (e.g., fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo). Z, if present, may be a halide anion (e.g., fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide).

In yet another embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is represented by Formula (II) below:

wherein

• • X and Y represent suitable ligands which are derived from any monodentate or polydentate coordinating ligand or ligand system or the corresponding anion thereof; and
  • R_A, R_B, R_C, and R_D are independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterocyclyl, an amino acid side chain moiety, or a moiety selected from the group consisting
  • of —OR₁₁, —NR₁₁R₁₂, —COR₁₁, —CO₂R₁₁, —CONR₁₁R₁₂, —SR₁₁, —SOR₁₁, —SO₂R₁₁, —S O₂NR₁₁R₁₂, —N(OR₁₁)(R₁₂), —P(O)(OR₁₁)(OR₁₂), —P(O)(OR₁₁)(R₁₂), and —OP(O)(OR₁₁)(OR₁₂), wherein R₁₁ and R₁₂ are independently hydrogen or alkyl.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is represented by Formula (III) or Formula (IV):

wherein

• • X and Y represent suitable ligands which are derived from any monodentate or polydentate coordinating ligand or ligand system or the corresponding anion thereof; and
  • R_A, R_B, R_C, and R_D are independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterocyclyl, an amino acid side chain moiety, or a moiety selected from the group consisting
  • of —OR₁₁, —NR₁₁R₁₂, —COR₁₁, —CO₂R₁₁, —CONR₁₁R₁₂, —SR₁₁, —SOR₁₁, —SO₂R₁₁, —SO 2NR₁₁R₁₂, —N(OR₁₁)(R₁₂), —P(O)(OR₁₁)(OR₁₂), —P(O)(OR₁₁)(R₁₂), and —OP(O)(OR₁₁)(OR₁₂), wherein R₁₁ and R₁₂ are independently hydrogen or alkyl.

In yet another embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is a compound represented by a formula selected from the group consisting of Formulae (V)-(XVI):

In one embodiment, X and Y in any of the formulae herein are independently selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo anions. In yet another embodiment, X and Y in any of the formulae herein are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl carboxylates, aryl carboxylates and arylalkyl carboxylates. In yet another embodiment, X and Y in any of the formulae herein are independently amino acids.

In one embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex has the following Formula (IA):

wherein

• • M is Mn²⁺ or Mn³⁺;
  • R_1A, R_1B, R₂, R₃, R_4A, R_4B, R₅, R₆, R_7A, R_7B, R₈, R₉, R_10A, and R_10B are independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterocyclyl, an amino acid side chain moiety, or a moiety independently
  • selected from the group consisting of —OR₁₁, —NR₁₁R₁₂, —COR₁₁, —CO₂R₁₁, —C(═O) NR₁₁R₁₂, —SR₁₁, —SOR₁₁, —SO₂R₁₁, —SO₂NR₁₁R₁₂, —N(OR₁₁)(R₁₂), —P(═O)(OR₁₁)(OR 12), —P(═O)(OR₁₁)(R₁₂), and —OP(═O)(OR₁₁)(OR₁₂), wherein R₁₁ and R₁₂ are independently hydrogen or alkyl;
  • U, together with the adjacent carbon atoms of the macrocycle, forms a fused substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, cycle or heterocycle having 3 to 20 ring carbon atoms;
  • V, together with the adjacent carbon atoms of the macrocycle, forms a fused substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, cycle or heterocycle having 3 to 20 ring carbon atoms;
  • W, together with the nitrogen of the macrocycle and the carbon atoms of the macrocycle to which it is attached, forms an aromatic or alicyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated nitrogen-containing fused heterocycle having 2 to 20 ring carbon atoms, provided that when W is a fused aromatic heterocycle the hydrogen attached to the nitrogen which is both part of the heterocycle and the macrocycle and R₅ and R₆ attached to the carbon atoms which are both part of the heterocycle and the macrocycle are absent; wherein
  • each X₁ is independently substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or —C(—X₂)(—X₃)(—X₄);
  • each X₂ is independently substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or alkyl;
  • each X₃ is independently hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, amino, —X₅C(═O)R₁₃ where X₅ is NH or O, and R₁₃ is C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or C1-C18 aralkyl, or —OR₁₄, where R₁₄ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or C₁-C₁₈ aralkyl, or together with X₄ is (═O);
  • each X₄ is independently hydrogen or together with X₃ is (═O); and
  • the bonds between the transition metal M and the macrocyclic nitrogen atoms and the bonds between the transition metal M and the oxygen atoms of the axial ligands —OC(═O)X₁ are coordinate covalent bonds.

In one embodiment, within Formula (IA), and groups contained therein, in one group of compounds X₁ is —C(—X₂)(—X₃)(—X₄) and each X₂, X₃, and X₄, in combination, corresponds to any of the combinations identified in the following table:

	Combination	X2	X3	X4
	1	Ph	H	H
	2	Ph	OH	H
	3	Ph	NH2	H
	4	Ph	═O
			(X3 and X4 in
			combination)
	5	Ph	CH3	H
	6	CH3	H	H
	7	CH3	OH	H
	8	CH3	NH2	H
	9	CH3	═O
			(X3 and X4 in
			combination)

Furthermore, within embodiment (IA), and groups contained therein, in one group of compounds X₁ is C(—X₂)(—X₃)(—X₄), and X₃ is —X₅C(═O)R₁₃, such that the combinations of X₂, X₃ and X₄ include any of the combinations identified in the following table:

	Combination	X2	X3	X4
	1	Ph	NHC(═O)R13	H
	2	Ph	OC(═O)R13	H
	3	CH3	NHC(═O)R13	H
	4	CH3	OC(═O)R13	H

• • where R₁₃ is C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or C₁-C₁₈ aralkyl, or —OR₁₄, where R₁₄ is C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or C₁-C₁₈ aralkyl.

In one embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to Formula (IA) is one of the complexes Formula (IE), such as (IE_R1), (IE_S1), (IE_R2), (IE_S2), (IE_R3), or (IE_S3):

wherein

M is Mn⁺² or Mn⁺³;

each X₁ is independently substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or —C(X₂)(X₃)(X₄);

each X₂ is independently substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, methyl, ethyl, or propyl;

each X₃ is independently hydrogen, hydroxyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, amino, or together with X₄ is ═O;

each X₄ is independently hydrogen or together with X₃ is ═O; and

the bonds between the manganese and the macrocyclic nitrogen atoms and the bonds between the manganese and the oxygen atoms of the axial ligands —OC(O)X₁ are coordinate covalent bonds.

In one embodiment, each X₁ is —C(X₂)(X₃)(X₄) and each —C(X₂)(X₃)(X₄) corresponds to any of combinations 1 to 9 appearing in the table for Formula (IA) above.

In yet another embodiment, the X and Y in pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex of Formula (I) correspond to the ligands in Formulas (IA) or (IE). For example, X and Y in the complex of Formula (I) may correspond to —O—C(O)—X₁, where X₁ is as defined for the complex of Formula (IA) and (IE) above.

In one embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complexes corresponding to Formula (I) (e.g., of Formula (I) or any of the subsets of Formula (I) corresponding to Formula (II)-(XIV), (IA) and (IE)), can comprise any of the following structures:

In one embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complexes for use in the methods and compositions described herein include those corresponding to Formulae (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (7):

wherein X and Y in each of Formulae (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (7) are independently ligands. For example, according to one embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex for use in the methods and compositions described herein include those corresponding to Formulae (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (7) with X and Y in each of these formulae being halo, such as chloro. Alternatively, X and Y may be ligands other than chloro, such as any of the ligands described above.

In another embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponds to Formula (6) or Formula (7):

The chemical structures of 6 (such as the dichloro complex form described, for example, in Riley, D. P., Schall, O. F., 2007, Advances in Inorganic Chemistry, 59: 233-263) and of 7 herein (such as the dichloro complex form of 7), are identical except that they possess mirror image chirality; that is, the enantiomeric structures are non-superimposable.

For example, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may correspond to at least one of the complexes below:

In yet another embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may correspond to at least one of the complexes below, and/or an enantiomer thereof:

In one embodiment, the enantiomeric purity of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is greater than 95%, more preferably greater than 98%, more preferably greater than 99%, and most preferably greater than 99.5%. As used herein, the term “enantiomeric purity” refers to the amount of a compound having the depicted absolute stereochemistry, expressed as a percentage of the total amount of the depicted compound and its enantiomer. In one embodiment, the diastereomeric purity of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is greater than 98%, more preferably greater than 99%, and most preferably greater than 99.5%. As used herein, the term “diastereomeric purity” refers to the amount of a compound having the depicted absolute stereochemistry, expressed as a percentage of the total amount of the depicted compound and its diastereomers. Methods for determining diastereomeric and enantiomeric purity are well-known in the art. Diastereomeric purity can be determined by any analytical method capable of quantitatively distinguishing between a compound and its diastereomers, such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Similarly, enantiomeric purity can be determined by any analytical method capable of quantitatively distinguishing between a compound and its enantiomer. Examples of suitable analytical methods for determining enantiomeric purity include, without limitation, optical rotation of plane-polarized light using a polarimeter, and HPLC using a chiral column packing material.

In one embodiment, a therapeutically effective amount of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may be an amount sufficient to provide a peak plasma concentration of at least 0.1 μM when administered to a patient. For example, in one embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may be administered in an amount sufficient to provide a peak plasma concentration of at least 1 μM when administered to a patient. In yet another embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may be administered in an amount sufficient to provide a peak plasma concentration of at least 10 μM when administered to a patient. Generally, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex will not be administered in an amount that would provide a peak plasma concentration greater than 40 μM when administered to a patient. For example, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may be administered in an amount sufficient to provide a peak plasma concentration in the range of from 0.1 μM to 40 μM in a patient. As another example, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may be administered in an amount sufficient to provide a peak plasma concentration in the range of from 0.5 μM to 20 μM in a patient. As another example, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may be administered in an amount sufficient to provide a peak plasma concentration in the range of from 1 μM to 10 μM in a patient.

In yet another embodiment, a dose of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex that is administered per kg body weight of the patient may be at least 0.1 mg/kg, such as at least 0.2 mg/kg. For example, the dose of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex that is administered per kg body weight of the patient may be at least 0.5 mg/kg. As another example, the dose of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex that is administered per kg body weight of the patient may be at least 1 mg/kg. In another example, the pentaaza macrocyclic compound that is administered per kg body weight may be at least 2 mg/kg, such as at least 3 mg/kg, and even at least about 15 mg/kg, such as at least 24 mg/kg and even at least 40 mg/kg. Generally, the dose of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex that is administered per kg body weight of the patient will not exceed 1000 mg/kg. For example the dose of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex that is administered per kg body weight of the patient may be in the range of from 0.1 to 1000 mg/kg, such as from 0.2 mg/kg to 40 mg/kg, such as 0.2 mg/kg to 24 mg/kg, and even 0.2 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg. As another example, the dose of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex that is administered per kg body weight may be in a range of from 1 mg/kg to 1000 mg/kg, such as from 3 mg/kg to 1000 mg/kg, and even from 5 mg/kg to 1000 mg/kg, such as 10 mg/kg to 1000 mg/kg. As another example, the dose of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex that is administered per kg body weight may be in a range of from 2 mg/kg to 15 mg/kg. As yet another example, the dose of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex that is administered per kg body weight may be in a range of from 3 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg. As another example, the dose of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex that is administered per kg body weight of the patient may be in the range of from 0.5 to 5 mg/kg. As yet a further example, the dose of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex that is administered per kg body weight of the patient may be in the range of from 1 to 5 mg/kg.

In one embodiment, the dosages and/or plasma concentrations discussed above may be particularly suitable for the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to GC4419, although they may also be suitable for other pentaaza macrocyclic ring complexes. In addition, one or ordinary skill in the art would recognize how to adjust the dosages and/or plasma concentrations based on factors such as the molecular weight and/or activity of the particular compound being used. For example, for a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex having an activity twice that of GC4419, the dosage and/or plasma concentration may be halved, or for a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex having a higher molecular weight that GC4419, a correspondingly higher dosage may be used.

The dosing schedule of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex can similarly be selected according to the intended treatment. For example, in one embodiment, a suitable dosing schedule can comprise dosing a patient at least once per week, such as at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 days per week (e.g., daily), during a course of treatment. As another example, in one embodiment, the dosing may be at least once a day (qd), or even at least twice a day (bid). In one embodiment, the course of treatment with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may last at least as long as a course of treatment with an anti-cancer therapeutic agent, such as endocrine agent (e.g. tamoxifen or 4-hydroxytamoxifen) and/or chemotherapeutic agent and may even exceed the duration during which the anti-cancer therapeutic agent is provided. The course of therapy with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may also start on the same date as treatment with the endocrine therapy agent, or may start sometime after initial dosing with the anti-cancer therapeutic agent, as is discussed in more detail below. For example, in one embodiment, for an anti-cancer therapeutic agent that is administered for a course of therapy lasting at least a day, two days, three days, four days, five days, six days, one week, two weeks, three weeks, a month, two months, three months, four months, five months, six months, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may be administered for a course of therapy lasting at least at least a day, two days, three days, four days, five days, six days, one week, two weeks, three weeks, a month, two months, three months, four months, five months, six months.

Anti-Cancer Therapeutic Agent

According to one embodiment, an anti-cancer therapeutic agent is provided as a part of the treatment method(s) herein, in combination with the pentaaza macrocyclic compound. Anti-cancer therapeutic agents may be any one or more of a therapeutic agent that inhibits a hormone receptor pathway associated with growth or progression of the cancer (e.g. endocrine agents, which may be referred to as hormone therapy agents), and/or a chemotherapy agent. The endocrine agents are compounds that are capable of blocking or interfering with the effects of hormones on cancer cells (Lumachi et al., Curr Med Chem, 18(4) 513-522 (2011); Awan et al., Curr Oncol, 25(4): 285-291 (2018)). Cancer and/or tumor cells that contain hormone receptors and/or that depend on hormones for growth may be particularly responsive to endocrine therapy, such as for example estrogen receptor positive (ER positive) cells that use estrogen to grow. According to one embodiment, the therapeutic agent that inhibits a hormone receptor pathway associated with growth or progression of the cancer targets any one or more of the estrogen receptor pathway, the progesterone receptor pathway, and the androgen receptor pathway. For example the therapeutic agent that targets any one or more of the estrogen receptor pathway, progesterone receptor pathway, and the androgen receptor pathway can comprises any one or more of estrogen receptor inhibitors, estrogen receptor degraders/downregulators, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), aromatase inhibitors, GnRH agonists, and CDK4/6 inhibitors. According to another embodiment, the endocrine therapy agent comprises a SERM compound selected from the group consisting of tamoxifen, clomifene, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene, nafoxidine, lasofoxifene, bazedoxifene, ospemifene, and derivatives, salts and/or prodrugs thereof. According to yet another embodiment, the endocrine therapy agent comprises a SERM compound having a triphenylethylene structure, and/or a benzothiophene structure. According to yet a further embodiment, the endocrine therapy agent comprises a SERM that is any one selected from the group consisting of tamoxifen, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, and derivatives, prodrugs and/or salts thereof.

According to yet another embodiment, the anti-cancer therapeutic agent targets the androgen receptor pathway, and comprises any one or more of an androgen receptor antagonist, an androgen synthesis inhibitor and an antigonadotropin. For example, the therapeutic agent that targets the androgen receptor pathway can comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of cyproterone acetate, megestrol acetate, chlormadinone acetate, spironolacone, oxendolone, osaterone acetate, flutamide, bicalutamide, nilutamide, topilutamide, enzalutamide, apalutamide, dienogest, drospirenone, medogestone, nomegestrol acetate, promegestone, trimegestone, ketoconazole, abiraterone acetate, seviteronel, aminoglutethimide, finasteride, dutasteride, episteride, alfatradial, cyproterone acetate, spironolactone, medrogestone, flutamide, nilutamide, bifluranol, leuprorelin, cetrorelix, allylestrenol, chlormadinone acetate, cyproterone acetate, gestonorone caproate, hydroxyprogesterone caproate, medroxyprogesterone acetate, megestrol acetate, osaterone acetate, oxendolone, estradiol, estradiol esters, ethinylestradiol, conjugated estrogens, diethylstilbestrol, and derivatives, salts and/or prodrugs thereof.

According to yet another embodiment, the anti-cancer therapeutic agent targets the progesterone receptor pathway, and comprises any one or more comprises a Type I, Type II or Type III selective modulator of progesterone (SPRM) that is at least one selected from the group consisting onapristone, mifepristone, lonaprisan, aglepristone, Org31710, Org31806, CDB-2914 and CDB-4124, and derivatives, salts and/or prodrugs thereof.

According to yet another embodiment, the anti-cancer therapeutic agent comprises a chemotherapeutic agent, such as any of a platinum-containing chemotherapeutic agent and an anthracycline chemotherapeutic agent. For example, the chemotherapeutic agent can comprise any of a platinum-containing chemotherapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of cisplatin, oxaliplatin, carboplatin, nedaplatin, lobaplatin, heptaplatin, dicycloplation, lipoplatin, LA-12, phosphaplatin, phenanthriplatin, prolindac, triplatin tetranitrate, picoplatin, satraplatin and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and/or an anthracycline chemotherapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin and idarubicin, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Other chemotherapeutic agents described elsewhere herein may also be suitable.

The dose of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent can be selected according to the treatment to be provided and the particular anti-cancer therapeutic agent being used. The dosing schedule of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent can similarly be selected according to the intended treatment and the anti-cancer therapeutic agent being provided. For example, in one embodiment, a suitable dosing schedule can comprise dosing a patient at a frequency of once or twice per day, two days, three days, four days, five days, six days, per week, per two weeks, per three weeks or per month.

Timing of Administration

In one embodiment, a course of therapy with pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, optionally with the anti-cancer therapeutic agent can comprise one or multiple doses of the agent and/or complex, according to the treatment to be provided. In one embodiment, a course of therapy comprising one or multiple doses can comprise administering a dose of the pentaaza macrocyclic complex a predetermined period of time before administration of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent. For example, the course of therapy can comprise administering an initial dose and optionally one or more subsequent doses of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent, with the onset of dosing with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex being performed a predetermined period of time before the initial anti-cancer therapeutic agent. In another embodiment, a course of therapy comprising one or multiple doses can comprise administering a dose of the pentaaza macrocyclic complex after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since administration of a dose of anti-cancer therapeutic agent. That is, the course of therapy can comprise administering an initial dose and optionally one or more subsequent doses of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent, with the onset of dosing with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex being delayed for a predetermined period of time after the initial anti-cancer therapeutic agent.

In one embodiment, at least one of the doses of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex during the course of therapy, is administered at least one week, at least 5 days, at least 3 days, at least 2 days, at least 1 day at least 12 hours, at least 8 hours, at least 4 hours, at least 2 hours, at least 1 hour and/or at least 30 mins before administration of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent. In another embodiment, the at least one of the doses of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex during the course of therapy, is administered at least one week, at least 5 days, at least 3 days, at least 2 days, at least 1 day at least 12 hours, at least 8 hours, at least 4 hours, at least 2 hours, at least 1 hour and/or at least 30 mins after administration of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent. Furthermore, the timing of the at least one dose of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may also apply to a plurality of doses provided during the course of therapy, such as at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 90%, and even substantially all of the doses provided during the course of therapy.

Other Cancer Therapies

In one embodiment, the treatment provided herein can further comprise treatment with another therapy other than those specifically described above, such as for example one or more of a radiation therapy, immunotherapy and/or another chemotherapeutic treatment. For example, in one embodiment, a radiation therapy may be administered to the subject prior to, concomitantly with, or after administration of one or more of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex optionally with the anti-cancer therapeutic agent. Further detailed description of radiation therapies and other chemotherapies suitable for the treatment of cancer are provided below.

In one embodiment, a radiation therapy can be administered concomitantly with administration of one or more of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and optional anti-cancer therapeutic agent. For example, one or more of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent and pentaaza macrocyclic ring complexes may be administered during a course of radiation therapy, such as in between, before or after, or on the same day as dosing with radiation, such that the subject is receiving radiation therapy concurrently with one or more of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent and pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex.

In yet another embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and optional anti-cancer therapeutic agent, can be administered in the absence of any other cancer treatment. As demonstrated further in the examples below, it has been unexpectedly discovered that the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complexes are capable of enhancing the response to and/or efficacy of anti-cancer therapies such as endocrine therapies and chemotherapies, even when administered without radiation therapy. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the cancer treatment provided to the subject may consist essentially of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and optional anti-cancer therapeutic agent, without radiation exposure (i.e. without administering a radiation dose or dose fraction). For example, the combination of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and optionally the anti-cancer therapeutic agent may be administered to a subject that is not receiving radiation therapy, and/or a subject that has not received any radiation therapy for at least one day, such as at least one week and/or at least one month.

Methods of Administration

According to one embodiment, the anti-cancer therapeutic agent, is administered as a co-therapy or combination therapy with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex. Co-therapy or combination therapy according to the methods described herein is intended to embrace administration of each compound in a sequential manner in a regimen that will provide beneficial effects of the drug combination, and is intended as well to embrace co-administration of these agents in a substantially simultaneous manner, such as in a single capsule having a fixed ratio of these active agents or in multiple, separate capsules for each agent, or single or multiple parenteral administrations, or other routes of administration and dosage forms. When administered in combination, therefore, the therapeutic agents (i.e., the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent) can be formulated as separate compositions that are administered at the same time or sequentially at different times, or the therapeutic agents can be given as a single composition. Pharmaceutical compositions and formulations are discussed elsewhere herein.

It is not necessary that the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and the anti-cancer therapeutic agent be administered simultaneously or essentially simultaneously; the agents and compounds may be administered in sequence. The advantage of a simultaneous or essentially simultaneous administration, or sequential administration, is well within the determination of the skilled clinician. For instance, while a pharmaceutical composition or formulation comprising an anti-cancer therapeutic agent may be advantageous for administering first in the combination for one particular treatment, prior to administration of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, prior administration of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may be advantageous in another treatment. It is also understood that the instant combination of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and the anti-cancer therapeutic agent may be used in conjunction with other methods of treating cancer (typically cancerous tumors) including, but not limited to, radiation therapy and surgery, or other chemotherapy. It is further understood that another active agent, such as a cytostatic or quiescent agent, or antiemetic agent, if any, may be administered sequentially or simultaneously with any or all of the other synergistic therapies.

Thus, embodiments of the therapeutic method include wherein a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and an anti-cancer therapeutic agent, and combinations thereof, are administered simultaneously or sequentially. For instance, aspects of the present disclosure encompass a method for the treatment of cancer wherein a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and an anti-cancer therapeutic agent are administered simultaneously or sequentially. Other active agents can also be administered simultaneously or sequentially with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and the anti-cancer therapeutic agent.

As noted above, if the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and the anti-cancer therapeutic agent are not administered simultaneously or essentially simultaneously, then the initial order of administration of the components may be varied. Thus, for example, the anti-cancer therapeutic agent may be administered first, followed by the administration of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex; or the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may be administered first, followed by the administration of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent. This alternate administration may be repeated during a single treatment protocol. Other sequences of administration to exploit the effects described herein are contemplated, and other sequences of administration of other active agents can also be provided.

In one embodiment, the subject is pre-treated with the anti-cancer therapeutic agent, followed by administration of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, or vice versa. In accordance with such embodiments, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may be administered at least 1 hour, and even at least 3 days, after administration of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent, or vice versa. For example, in one embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is administered between 1 hour and 3 days after administration of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent, or vice versa. In another embodiment, for example, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is administered between 1 hour and 1 day after administration of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent, or vice versa. For example, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may be administered within 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours, one week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 9 weeks, 10 weeks or 12 weeks after administration of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent, or vice versa. In these and other embodiments, the anti-cancer therapeutic agent may be administered in multiple doses leading up to administration of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, or vice versa.

Alternatively, the subject may be pre-treated with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, followed by administration of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent, or vice versa. In accordance with such embodiments, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may be administered within at least 1 μlasma half-life of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent, such as within 4 μlasma half-lives of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent, or vice versa. For example, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may be administered within 1, 2, or 3 μlasma half-lives of the other anti-cancer therapeutic agent, or vice versa.

In other alternative embodiments, the subject may be pre-treated with the anti-cancer therapeutic agent, followed by administration of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, which is further followed by one or more additional administrations of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent, or vice versa. For example, the subject could be pre-treated with a dose of anti-cancer therapeutic agent, followed by administration of a dose of pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, which is then followed by the administration of additional (or partial) dose of the same or different anti-cancer therapeutic agent, which may be further followed by another dose of pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex. Further, the subject could be pre-treated with a partial or full dose of pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, followed by administration of an anti-cancer therapeutic agent, which is then followed by administration of an additional (or partial) dose of pentaaza macrocyclic complex.

As described in further detail below, the combinations of the disclosure may also be co-administered with other well known therapeutic agents that are selected for their particular usefulness against the condition that is being treated. Combinations may alternatively be used sequentially with known pharmaceutically acceptable agent(s) when a multiple combination formulation is inappropriate.

In one embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent can generally be administered according to therapeutic protocols that may be known for these agents. For example, the administration of the various components can be varied depending on the disease being treated and the effects of pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and anti-cancer therapeutic agent on that disease. Also, in accordance with the knowledge of the skilled clinician, the therapeutic protocols (e.g., dosage amounts and times of administration) can be varied in view of the observed effects of the administered therapeutic agents (i.e., pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, anti-cancer therapeutic agent) on the patient, and in view of the observed responses of the disease to the administered therapeutic agents.

Also, in general, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent do not have to be administered in the same pharmaceutical composition, and may, because of different physical and chemical characteristics, have to be administered by different routes. For example, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex may be administered orally to generate and maintain good blood levels thereof, while the anti-cancer therapeutic agent may be administered intravenously or via transfusion, or vice versa. The mode of administration may include, where possible, in the same pharmaceutical composition, or in separate pharmaceutical compositions (e.g., two or three separate compositions). Furthermore, once the initial administration has been made, then based upon the observed effects, the dosage, modes of administration and times of administration can be modified.

The particular choice of pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and the anti-cancer therapeutic agent, and other related therapies (such as radiation, immunotherapy, or other chemotherapies), will depend upon the diagnosis of the attending physicians and their judgment of the condition of the patient and the appropriate treatment protocol.

Thus, in accordance with experience and knowledge, the practicing physician may modify each protocol for the administration of a component (the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and the anti-cancer therapeutic agent) of the treatment according to the individual patient's needs, as the treatment proceeds.

The attending clinician, in judging whether treatment is effective at the dosage administered, will consider the general well-being of the patient as well as more definite signs such as relief of disease-related symptoms, inhibition of tumor growth, actual shrinkage of the tumor, or inhibition of metastasis. Size of the tumor can be measured by standard methods such as radiological studies, e.g., CAT or MRI scan, and successive measurements can be used to judge whether or not growth of the tumor has been retarded or even reversed. Relief of disease-related symptoms such as pain, and improvement in overall condition can also be used to help judge effectiveness of treatment.

The products of which the combination are composed may be administered simultaneously, separately or spaced out over a period of time so as to obtain the maximum efficacy of the combination; it being possible for each administration to vary in its duration from a rapid administration to a relatively continuous perfusion of either component (in separate formulations or in a single formulation). As a result, for the purposes of the present disclosure, the combinations are not exclusively limited to those which are obtained by physical association of the constituents, but also to those which permit a separate administration, which can be simultaneous or spaced out over a period of time.

Accordingly, administration of the components described herein can occur as a single event or over a time course of treatment. For example, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent can be administered (simultaneously or in sequence) hourly (e.g., every hour, every two hours, every three hours, every four hours, every five hours, every six hours, and so on), daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. For treatment of acute conditions, the time course of treatment may be at least several hours or days. Certain conditions could extend treatment from several days to several weeks. For example, treatment could extend over one week, two weeks, or three weeks. For more chronic conditions, treatment could extend from several weeks to several months, a year or more, or the lifetime of the patient in need of such treatment. Alternatively, the compounds and agents can be administered hourly, daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, for a period of several weeks, months, years, or over the lifetime of the patient as a prophylactic measure.

The dose or amount of pharmaceutical compositions including the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent administered to the patient should be an effective amount for the intended purpose, i.e., treatment or prophylaxis of one or more of the diseases, pathological disorders, and medical conditions discussed herein, particularly cancer. Generally speaking, the effective amount of the composition administered can vary according to a variety of factors such as, for example, the age, weight, sex, diet, route of administration, and the medical condition of the patient in need of the treatment. Specifically preferred doses are discussed more fully herein. It will be understood, however, that the total daily usage of the compositions described herein will be decided by the attending physician or veterinarian within the scope of sound medical judgment.

As noted above, the combinations can be co-administered (via a co-formulated dosage form or in separate dosage forms administered at about the same time). The combinations can also be administered separately, at different times, with each agent in a separate unit dosage form. Numerous approaches for administering the anti-cancer therapeutic agent and pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex can be readily adapted for use in the present disclosure. The pharmaceutical compositions may be delivered orally, e.g., in a tablet or capsule unit dosage form, or parenterally, e.g., in an injectable unit dosage form, or by some other route. For systemic administration, for example, the drugs can be administered by, for example, intravenous infusion (continuous or bolus). The compositions can be used for any therapeutic or prophylactic treatment where the patient benefits from treatment with the combination.

The specific therapeutically effective dose level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including the disorder being treated and the severity of the disorder; activity of the specific compound(s) employed; the age, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the patient; the time of administration; the route of administration; the rate of excretion of the specific compound(s) employed; the duration of the treatment; drugs used in combination or coincidental with the specific compound(s) employed and like factors well known in the medical and/or veterinary arts. If desired, the effective daily doses may be divided into multiple doses for purposes of administration. Consequently, single dose compositions may contain such amounts or submultiples to make up the daily dose.

In one embodiment, suitable or preferred doses for each of the components are employed in the methods or included in the compositions described herein. Preferred dosages for the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, for instance, may be within the range of 10 to 500 mg per patient per day. However, the dosage may vary depending on the dosing schedule, which can be adjusted as necessary to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. It should be noted that the ranges of effective doses provided herein are not intended to limit the disclosure and represent exemplary dose ranges. The most preferred dosage will be tailored to the individual subject, taking into account, among other things, the particular combinations employed, and the patient's age, sex, weight, physical condition, diet, etc., as is understood and determinable by one of ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation.

Treatment of cancer, or cancer therapies, described herein includes achieving a therapeutic benefit, however the therapy may also be administered to achieve a prophylactic benefit. Therapeutic benefits generally refer to at least a partial eradication or amelioration of the underlying disorder being treated. For example, in a cancer patient, therapeutic benefit includes (partial or complete) eradication or amelioration of the underlying cancer. Also, a therapeutic benefit is achieved with at least partial, or complete, eradication or amelioration of one or more of the physiological symptoms associated with the underlying disorder such that an improvement is observed in the patient, notwithstanding the fact that the patient may still be afflicted with the underlying disorder. For prophylactic benefit, a method of the disclosure may be performed on, or a composition of the invention administered to, a patient at risk of developing cancer, or to a patient reporting one or more of the physiological symptoms of such conditions, even though a diagnosis of the condition may not have been made.

Cancer Treatment Methods

In general, any subject having, or suspected of having, a cancer or other proliferative disorder may be treated using the compositions and methods of the present disclosure. Subjects receiving treatment according to the methods described herein are mammalian subjects, and typically human patients. Other mammals that may be treated according to the present disclosure include companion animals such as dogs and cats, farm animals such as cows, horses, and swine, as well as birds and more exotic animals (e.g., those found in zoos or nature preserves). In one embodiment of the disclosure, a method is provided for the treatment of cancerous tumors, particularly solid tumors. Advantageously, the methods described herein may reduce the development of tumors, reduce tumor burden, or produce tumor regression in a mammalian host. Cancer patients and individuals desiring cancer prophylaxis can be treated with the combinations described herein.

Cancer and tumors generally refer to or describe the physiological condition in mammals that is typically characterized by unregulated cell growth. By means of the pharmaceutical combinations, co-formulations, and combination therapies of the present disclosure, various tumors can be treated such as tumors of the breast, heart, lung, small intestine, colon, spleen, kidney, bladder, head and neck, ovary, prostate, brain, pancreas, skin, bone, bone marrow, blood, thymus, uterus, testicles, cervix, and liver.

In one embodiment, the tumor or cancer is chosen from adenoma, angio-sarcoma, astrocytoma, epithelial carcinoma, germinoma, glioblastoma, glioma, hamartoma, hemangioendothelioma, hemangiosarcoma, hematoma, hepato-blastoma, leukemia, lymphoma, medulloblastoma, melanoma, neuroblastoma, osteosarcoma, retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, sarcoma, and teratoma. The tumor can be chosen from acral lentiginous melanoma, actinic keratoses, adenocarcinoma, adenoid cycstic carcinoma, adenomas, adenosarcoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, astrocytic tumors, bartholin gland carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, bronchial gland carcinomas, capillary, carcinoids, carcinoma, carcinosarcoma, cavernous, cholangio-carcinoma, chondosarcoma, choriod plexus papilloma/carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma, cystadenoma, endodermal sinus tumor, endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial stromal sarcoma, endometrioid adenocarcinoma, ependymal, epitheloid, Ewing's sarcoma, fibrolamellar, focal nodular hyperplasia, gastrinoma, germ cell tumors, glioblastoma, glucagonoma, hemangiblastomas, hemangioendothelioma, hemangiomas, hepatic adenoma, hepatic adenomatosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, insulinoma, intaepithelial neoplasia, interepithelial squamous cell neoplasia, invasive squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, leiomyosarcoma, lentigo maligna melanomas, malignant melanoma, malignant mesothelial tumors, medulloblastoma, medulloepithelioma, melanoma, meningeal, mesothelial, metastatic carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, neuroblastoma, neuroepithelial adenocarcinoma nodular melanoma, oat cell carcinoma, oligodendroglial, osteosarcoma, pancreatic, papillary serous adeno-carcinoma, pineal cell, pituitary tumors, plasmacytoma, pseudo-sarcoma, pulmonary blastoma, renal cell carcinoma, retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, sarcoma, serous carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, soft tissue carcinomas, somatostatin-secreting tumor, squamous carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, submesothelial, superficial spreading melanoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, uveal melanoma, verrucous carcinoma, vipoma, well differentiated carcinoma, and Wilm's tumor.

Thus, for example, the present disclosure provides methods for the treatment of a variety of cancers, including, but not limited to, the following: carcinoma including that of the bladder (including accelerated and metastatic bladder cancer), breast, colon (including colorectal cancer), kidney, liver, lung (including small and non-small cell lung cancer and lung adenocarcinoma), ovary, prostate, testes, genitourinary tract, lymphatic system, rectum, larynx, pancreas (including exocrine pancreatic carcinoma), esophagus, stomach, gall bladder, cervix, thyroid, and skin (including squamous cell carcinoma); hematopoietic tumors of lymphoid lineage including leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, B-cell lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma, Hodgkins lymphoma, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, hairy cell lymphoma, histiocytic lymphoma, and Burketts lymphoma; hematopoietic tumors of myeloid lineage including acute and chronic myelogenous leukemias, myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloid leukemia, and promyelocytic leukemia; tumors of the central and peripheral nervous system including astrocytoma, neuroblastoma, glioma, and schwannomas; tumors of mesenchymal origin including fibrosarcoma, rhabdomyoscarcoma, and osteosarcoma; and other tumors including melanoma, xenoderma pigmentosum, keratoactanthoma, seminoma, thyroid follicular cancer, and teratocarcinoma.

For example, particular leukemias that can be treated with the combinations and methods described herein include, but are not limited to, acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia, chronic granulocytic leukemia, acute promyelocytic leukemia, adult T-cell leukemia, aleukemic leukemia, a leukocythemic leukemia, basophylic leukemia, blast cell leukemia, bovine leukemia, chronic myelocytic leukemia, leukemia cutis, embryonal leukemia, eosinophilic leukemia, Gross' leukemia, hairy-cell leukemia, hemoblastic leukemia, hemocytoblastic leukemia, histiocytic leukemia, stem cell leukemia, acute monocytic leukemia, leukopenic leukemia, lymphatic leukemia, lymphoblastic leukemia, lymphocytic leukemia, lymphogenous leukemia, lymphoid leukemia, lymphosarcoma cell leukemia, mast cell leukemia, megakaryocytic leukemia, micromyeloblastic leukemia, monocytic leukemia, myeloblastic leukemia, myelocytic leukemia, myeloid granulocytic leukemia, myelomonocytic leukemia, Naegeli leukemia, plasma cell leukemia, plasmacytic leukemia, promyelocytic leukemia, Rieder cell leukemia, Schilling's leukemia, stem cell leukemia, subleukemic leukemia, and undifferentiated cell leukemia.

Lymphomas can also be treated with the combinations and methods described herein. Lymphomas are generally neoplastic transformations of cells that reside primarily in lymphoid tissue. Lymphomas are tumors of the immune system and generally are present as both T cell- and as B cell-associated disease. Among lymphomas, there are two major distinct groups: non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin's disease. Bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen and circulating cells, among others, may be involved. Treatment protocols include removal of bone marrow from the patient and purging it of tumor cells, often using antibodies directed against antigens present on the tumor cell type, followed by storage. The patient is then given a toxic dose of radiation or chemotherapy and the purged bone marrow is then re-infused in order to repopulate the patient's hematopoietic system.

Other hematological malignancies that can be treated with the combinations and methods described herein include myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), myeloproliferative syndromes (MPS) and myelomas, such as solitary myeloma and multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma (also called plasma cell myeloma) involves the skeletal system and is characterized by multiple tumorous masses of neoplastic plasma cells scattered throughout that system. It may also spread to lymph nodes and other sites such as the skin. Solitary myeloma involves solitary lesions that tend to occur in the same locations as multiple myeloma.

In one embodiment, the methods and pharmaceutical compositions described herein are used to treat a cancer that is any of breast cancer, melanoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma, lung cancer including non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, brain cancer, spindle cell carcinoma, urothelial cancer, bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, head and neck cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, and pancreatic cancer. According to yet another embodiment, the cancer that is treated any one selected from the group consisting of breast cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, glioma, glioblastoma, head and neck cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, desmoid tumors, pancreatic carcinoma, melanoma, and renal cell carcinoma.

According to one embodiment, the cancer treatment involves administering one or both of the anti-cancer therapeutic agent and the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex in a therapeutically effective amount that results in an increase in cancer response corresponding to any selected from the group consisting of reduced tumor volume, reduced tumor growth rate, increased survival of the mammalian subject, reduced occurrence and/or extent of metastasis, and reduced proliferation of cancer cells, and/or may decrease cancer complications.

Pharmaceutical Formulations

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to the pharmaceutical compositions comprising the combinations described herein, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The pharmaceutical compositions include the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex (e.g., those corresponding to Formula (I)), and optionally at least anti-cancer therapeutic agent, and combinations thereof, as discussed above, typically formulated as a pharmaceutical dosage form, optionally in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, additive or excipient. In one embodiment, for example, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, anti-cancer therapeutic agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Pharmaceutical compositions according to the present disclosure may be used in the treatment of cancer.

The pharmaceutical compositions described herein are products that result from the mixing or combining of more than one active ingredient and include both fixed and non-fixed combinations of the active ingredients. Fixed combinations are those in which the active ingredients, e.g., a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and an anti-cancer therapeutic agent, are administered to a patient simultaneously in the form of a single entity or dosage. Other active agents may also be administered as a part of the single entity or dosage, or may be separately administered Non-fixed combinations are those in which the active ingredients, e.g., a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and an anti-cancer therapeutic agent, are administered to a patient as separate entities either simultaneously, concurrently or sequentially with no specific intervening time limits, wherein such administration provides effective levels of the compounds in the body of the patient. The latter also applies to cocktail therapy, e.g., the administration of three or more active ingredients.

The above-described pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent may be dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier prior to administration to the mammal; i.e., the components described herein are preferably co-formulated. The carrier, also known in the art as an excipient, vehicle, auxiliary, adjuvant, or diluent, is typically a substance which is pharmaceutically inert, confers a suitable consistency or form to the composition, and does not diminish the efficacy of the compound. The carrier is generally considered to be “pharmaceutically or pharmacologically acceptable” if it does not produce an unacceptably adverse, allergic or other untoward reaction when administered to a mammal, especially a human.

The selection of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier will also, in part, be a function of the route of administration. In general, the compositions of the described herein can be formulated for any route of administration so long as the blood circulation system is available via that route, and in accordance with the conventional route of administration. For example, suitable routes of administration include, but are not limited to, oral, parenteral (e.g., intravenous, intraarterial, subcutaneous, rectal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraorbital, intracapsular, intraspinal, intraperitoneal, or intrasternal), topical (nasal, transdermal, intraocular), intravesical, intrathecal, enteral, pulmonary, intralymphatic, intracavital, vaginal, transurethral, intradermal, aural, intramammary, buccal, orthotopic, intratracheal, intralesional, percutaneous, endoscopical, transmucosal, sublingual and intestinal administration.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers for use in combination with the compositions of the present disclosure are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are selected based upon a number of factors: the particular compound(s) and agent(s) used, and its/their concentration, stability and intended bioavailability; the subject, its age, size and general condition; and the route of administration. Suitable nonaqueous, pharmaceutically-acceptable polar solvents include, but are not limited to, alcohols (e.g., a-glycerol formal, 6-glycerol formal, 1,3-butyleneglycol, aliphatic or aromatic alcohols having 2 to 30 carbon atoms such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, t-butanol, hexanol, octanol, amylene hydrate, benzyl alcohol, glycerin (glycerol), glycol, hexylene glycol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, or stearyl alcohol, fatty acid esters of fatty alcohols such as polyalkylene glycols (e.g., polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol), sorbitan, sucrose and cholesterol); amides (e.g., dimethylacetamide (DMA), benzyl benzoate DMA, dimethylformamide, N-(6-hydroxyethyl)-lactamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide amides, 2-pyrrolidinone, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, or polyvinylpyrrolidone); esters (e.g., 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, 2-pyrrolidinone, acetate esters such as monoacetin, diacetin, and triacetin, aliphatic or aromatic esters such as ethyl caprylate or octanoate, alkyl oleate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), esters of glycerin such as mono, di-, or tri-glyceryl citrates or tartrates, ethyl benzoate, ethyl acetate, ethyl carbonate, ethyl lactate, ethyl oleate, fatty acid esters of sorbitan, fatty acid derived PEG esters, glyceryl monostearate, glyceride esters such as mono, di-, or tri-glycerides, fatty acid esters such as isopropyl myristrate, fatty acid derived PEG esters such as PEG-hydroxyoleate and PEG-hydroxystearate, N-methyl pyrrolidinone, pluronic 60, polyoxyethylene sorbitol oleic polyester,polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters such as polyoxyethylene-sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene-sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene-sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene-sorbitan monostearate, and Polysorbate® 20, 40, 60 or 80 from ICI Americas, Wilmington, Del., polyvinylpyrrolidone, alkyleneoxy modified fatty acid esters such as polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil and polyoxyethylated castor oils (e.g., Cremophor® EL solution or Cremophor® RH 40 solution), saccharide fatty acid esters (i.e., the condensation product of a monosaccharide (e.g., pentoses such as ribose, ribulose, arabinose, xylose, lyxose and xylulose, hexoses such as glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose and sorbose, trioses, tetroses, heptoses, and octoses), disaccharide (e.g., sucrose, maltose, lactose and trehalose) or oligosaccharide or mixture thereof with a C₄ to C₂₂ fatty acid(s) (e.g., saturated fatty acids such as caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids such as palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, erucic acid and linoleic acid)), or steroidal esters); alkyl, aryl, or cyclic ethers having 2 to 30 carbon atoms (e.g., diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dimethyl isosorbide, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether); glycofurol (tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol polyethylene glycol ether); ketones having 3 to 30 carbon atoms (e.g., acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone); aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons having 4 to 30 carbon atoms (e.g., benzene, cyclohexane, dichloromethane, dioxolanes, hexane, n-decane, n-dodecane, n-hexane, sulfolane, tetramethylenesulfon, tetramethylenesulfoxide, toluene, di methylsulfoxide (DMSO), or tetramethylenesulfoxide); oils of mineral, vegetable, animal, essential or synthetic origin (e.g., mineral oils such as aliphatic or wax-based hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, mixed aliphatic and aromatic based hydrocarbons, and refined paraffin oil, vegetable oils such as linseed, tung, safflower, soybean, castor, cottonseed, groundnut, rapeseed, coconut, palm, olive, corn, corn germ, sesame, persic and peanut oil and glycerides such as mono-, di- or triglycerides, animal oils such as fish, marine, sperm, cod-liver, haliver, squalene, squalane, and shark liver oil, oleic oils, and polyoxyethylated castor oil); alkyl or aryl halides having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and optionally more than one halogen substituent; methylene chloride; monoethanolamine; petroleum benzin; trolamine; omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, or docosahexaenoic acid); polyglycol ester of 12-hydroxystearic acid and polyethylene glycol (Solutol® HS-15, from BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany); polyoxyethylene glycerol; sodium laurate; sodium oleate; or sorbitan monooleate.

In some embodiments, oils or non-aqueous solvents may be employed in the formulations, e.g., to bring one or more of the compounds into solution, due to, for example, the presence of large lipophilic moieties. Alternatively, emulsions, suspensions, or other preparations, for example, liposomal preparations, may be used. With respect to liposomal preparations, for example, any known methods for preparing liposomes may be used. See, for example, Bangham et al., J. Mol. Biol, 23: 238-252 (1965) and Szoka et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci 75: 4194-4198 (1978), incorporated herein by reference. Thus, in one embodiment, one or more of the compounds are administered in the form of liposome delivery systems, such as small unilamellar vesicles, large unilamellar vesicles, and multilamellar vesicles. Liposomes can be formed from a variety of phospholipids, such as cholesterol, stearylamine or phophatidylcholines. Ligands may also be attached to the liposomes, for instance, to direct these compositions to particular sites of action.

Other pharmaceutically acceptable solvents for use in the pharmaceutical compositions described herein are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and are identified in The Chemotherapy Source Book (Williams & Wilkens Publishing), The Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, (American Pharmaceutical Association, Washington, D.C., and The Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London, England, 1968), Modern Pharmaceutics, (G. Banker et al., eds., 3d ed.) (Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1995), The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, (Goodman & Gilman, McGraw Hill Publishing), Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, (H. Lieberman et al., eds.) (Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1980), Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (A. Gennaro, ed., 19th ed.) (Mack Publishing, Easton, Pa., 1995), The United States Pharmacopeia 24, The National Formulary 19, (National Publishing, Philadelphia, Pa., 2000), and A. J. Spiegel et al., Use of Nonaqueous Solvents in Parenteral Products, Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol. 52, No. 10, pp. 917-927 (1963).

Formulations containing the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent may take the form of solid, semi-solid, lyophilized powder, or liquid dosage forms such as, for instance, aerosols, capsules, creams, emulsions, foams, gels/jellies, lotions, ointments, pastes, powders, soaps, solutions, sprays, suppositories, suspensions, sustained-release formulations, tablets, tinctures, transdermal patches, and the like, preferably in unit dosage forms suitable for simple administration of precise dosages. If formulated as a fixed dose, such pharmaceutical compositions or formulation products employ the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or and the anti-cancer therapeutic agent within accepted dosage ranges.

In one embodiment, a formulation is provided that contains the anti-cancer therapeutic agent as a part of liquid dosage form, such as a sterile liquid dosage form suitable for injection. For example, the liquid form containing the anti-cancer therapeutic agent in combination with one or more further ingredients, such as edetate disodium (EDTA). In one embodiment, the liquid form can comprise EDTA in an amount suitable to act as a preservative and/or metal-chelating agent, such as an amount of about 0.025%. The liquid form can further comprise water, and may also comprise a pH adjuster, such as sodium bicarbonate, for pH adjustment in the range of pH 5.5 to 7.0. In one embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex can also be provided as a part of a sterile liquid dosage form suitable for injection, either in the same liquid dosage form with the anti-cancer therapeutic agent or as a separate dosage form.

Formulations for certain pentaaza macrocyclic ring complexes are also described in, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,610,293, 5,637,578, 5,874,421, 5,976,498, 6,084,093, 6,180,620, 6,204,259, 6,214,817, 6,245,758, 6,395,725, and 6,525,041 (each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

It is contemplated that co-formulations of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and the anti-cancer therapeutic agent may employ conventional formulation techniques for these components individually, or alternative formulation routes, subject to compatibility and efficacy of the various components, in combination.

The above-described pharmaceutical compositions including the pentaaza macrocyclic compound and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent may additionally include one or more additional pharmaceutically active components. Suitable pharmaceutically active agents that may be included in the compositions according to aspects of the present invention include, for instance, antiemetics, anesthetics, antihypertensives, antianxiety agents, anticlotting agents, anticonvulsants, blood glucose-lowering agents, decongestants, antihistamines, antitussives, antineoplastics, beta blockers, anti-inflammatory agents, antipsychotic agents, cognitive enhancers, cholesterol-reducing agents, antiobesity agents, autoimmune disorder agents, anti-impotence agents, antibacterial and antifungal agents, hypnotic agents, anti-Parkinsonism agents, anti-Alzheimer's Disease agents, antibiotics, anti-depressants, and antiviral agents. The individual components of such combinations may be administered either sequentially or simultaneously in separate or combined pharmaceutical formulations.

In yet another embodiment, a kit may be provided that includes a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and optionally the anti-cancer therapeutic agent, for treatment of a condition such as cancer, and/or to reduce the likelihood of recurrence of cancer. For example, the kit may comprise a first vessel or container having therein a formulation comprising the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, such as an oral or injectable formulation of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex, and a second vessel or container having therein a formulation comprising the anti-cancer therapeutic agent, such as an injectable formulation of anti-cancer therapeutic agent. The kit may further comprise a label or other instructions for administration of the active agents, recommended dosage amounts, durations and administration regimens, warnings, listing of possible drug-drug interactions, and other relevant instructions, such as a label instructing therapeutic regimens (e.g., dosing, frequency of dosing, etc.) corresponding to any of those described herein.

Combination Treatment with Cancer Therapy

In one embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent can be administered in combination with another cancer therapy, to provide therapeutic treatment. For example, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent may be administered as a part of a radiation therapy treatment regime.

In general, the temporal aspects of the administration of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent may depend for example, on the particular radiation therapy that is selected, or the type, nature, and/or duration of the radiation exposure. Other considerations may include the disease or disorder being treated and the severity of the disease or disorder; activity of the specific compound employed; the specific composition employed; the age, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the subject; the time of administration, route of administration, and rate of excretion of the specific compound employed; the duration of the treatment; drugs used in combination or coincidental with the specific compound employed; and like factors. For example, the compounds may be administered in various embodiments before, during, and/or after the administration of the radiation therapy (e.g., before, during or after exposure to and/or before, during or after a course of radiation therapy comprising multiple exposures and/or doses). By way of another example, the compounds may be administered in various embodiments before, during, and/or after an exposure to radiation.

If desired, the effective dose can be divided into multiple doses for purposes of administration; consequently, single dose compositions may contain such amounts or submultiples thereof to make up the dose.

In one embodiment, for example, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent are administered to the patient prior to or simultaneous with the radiation exposure. In another embodiment, for example, the components are administered to the patient prior to, but not after, the radiation exposure. In yet another embodiment, one or more of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent are administered to the patient at least 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 180 minutes, 0.5 days, 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, one week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, five weeks, six weeks, seven weeks, eight weeks, nine weeks, ten weeks, eleven weeks, twelve weeks, or longer, prior to the radiation exposure, such as an initial radiation exposure in a course of radiation treatment, or prior to another dose or dose fraction of radiation that is one of the doses or dose fractions of radiation in the course of treatment. In still other embodiments, for example, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent are administered to the patient after the radiation exposure; thus, for example, the compound may be administered up to 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, or 180 minutes, 0.5 days, 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, one week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, five weeks, six weeks, seven weeks, eight weeks, nine weeks, ten weeks, eleven weeks, twelve weeks, or longer, after the radiation exposure, which may be a dose or dose fraction of radiation in a multi-dose course of radiation therapy, or may be the single or final dose or dose fraction of radiation in the radiation therapy.

In one embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent are administered as a part of a course of therapy that includes the radiation therapy. In radiation therapy, a patient receives a dose or dose fraction of ionizing radiation to kill or control the growth of cancerous cells. The dose or dose fraction of radiation may be directed at a specific part of the body, and the beam of radiation may also be shaped according to a predetermined treatment regimen, to reduce deleterious effects on parts of the body not afflicted with cancer. A typical course of radiation therapy may include one or a plurality of doses or dose fractions of radiation, which can be administered over the course of days, weeks and even months. A total “dose” of radiation given during a course of radiation therapy typically refers to the amount of radiation a patient receives during the entire course of radiation therapy, which doses may be administered as dose “fractions” corresponding to multiple radiation exposures in the case where the total dose is administered over several sessions, with the sum of the fractions administered corresponding to the overall dose.

In one embodiment, at least one of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent are administered within a predetermined time period before or after a radiation exposure, such as a before or after a radiation dose or dose fraction. For example, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent may be administered within 1 week, 48 hours, 24 hours, 12 hours, 6, hours, 2 hours, 1 hour or even within 30 minutes of the patient receiving the radiation exposure, such as the dose or dose fraction (either before or after the radiation exposure corresponding to the radiation dose or dose fraction). Other durations between the radiation exposure and administration of the compound that result in the enhanced the killing of cancer cells may also be suitable. In one embodiment, one or more of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent may be administered before the radiation exposure, and the remaining one or more of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent can be administered after the radiation exposure. One or more of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and the anti-cancer therapeutic agent may also be administered both before and after administration of a radiation exposure.

In one embodiment, a course of radiation therapy includes a plurality of radiation doses or dose fractions given over a predetermined period of time, such as over the course of hours, weeks, days and even months, with the plural doses or dose fractions being either of the same magnitude or varying. That is, a course of radiation therapy can comprise the administration of a series of multiple doses or dose fractions of radiation. In one embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent can be administered before one or more radiation doses or dose fractions in the series, such as before each radiation dose or dose fraction, or before some number of the radiation doses or dose fractions. Furthermore, the administration of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent during the course of radiation therapy can be selected to enhance the cancer treating effects of the radiation therapy, such as by sensitizing cancer cells to the radiation therapy. In one embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent are administered within a predetermined duration before or after of each dose or dose fraction, such as the predetermined duration discussed above. In another embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent are administered within a predetermined duration of time before or after only select doses or dose fractions. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent is administered within a predetermined duration of time before the doses, while another of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent is administered within a predetermined duration of time after the doses or dose fraction. In a further embodiment, at least one of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent is administered only within the predetermined duration before or after select doses or dose fractions, while another of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent is administered only within the predetermined duration before or after doses or dose fractions other than the select doses or dose fractions.

A suitable overall dose to provide during a course of therapy can be determined according to the type of treatment to be provided, the physical characteristics of the patient and other factors, and the dose fractions that are to be provided can be similarly determined. In one embodiment, a dose fraction of radiation that is administered to a patient may be at least 1.8 Gy, such as at least 2 Gy, and even at least 3 Gy, such as at least 5 Gy, and even at least 6 Gy. In yet another embodiment, a dose fraction of radiation that is administered to a patient may be at least 10 Gy, such as at least 12 Gy, and even at least 15 Gy, such as at least 18 Gy, and even at least 20 Gy, such as at least 24 Gy. In general, a dose fraction of radiation administered to a patient will not exceed 54 Gy. Furthermore, it should be noted that, in one embodiment, a dose fraction delivered to a subject may refer to an amount delivered to a specific target region of a subject, such as a target region of a tumor, whereas other regions of the tumor or surrounding tissue may be exposed to more or less radiation than that specified by the nominal dose fraction amount.

In yet another embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent are administered as a part of a course of therapy that includes administration of an additional chemotherapeutic agent. In chemotherapy, chemotherapeutic agents are administered to a patient to kill or control the growth of cancerous cells. A typical course of chemotherapy may include one or a plurality of doses of one or more chemotherapeutic agents, which can be administered over the course of days, weeks and even months. Chemotherapeutic agents can include at least one of: alkylating antineoplastic agents such as nitrogen mustards (e.g. cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil), nitrosoureas (e.g. n-nitroso-n-methylurea, carmustine, semustine), tetrazines (e.g. dacarbazine, mitozolimide), aziridines (e.g. thiotepa, mytomycin); anti-metabolites such as anti-folates (e.g. methotrexate and pemetrexed), fluoropyrimidines (e.g., fluorouracil, capecitabine), anthracyclines (e.g. doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin), deoxynucleoside analogs (e.g. cytarabine, gemcitabine, decitabine) and thiopurines (e.g., thioguanine, mercaptopurine); anti microtubule agents such as taxanes (e.g. paclitaxel, docetaxel); topoisomerase inhibitors (e.g. etoposide, doxorubicin, mitoxantrone, teniposide); and antitumor antibiotics (e.g. bleomycin, mitomycin). For example, the chemotherapeutic agent may be selected from the group consisting of all-trans retinoic acid, arsenic trioxide, azacitidine, azathioprine, bleomycin, carboplatin, capecitabine, cisplatin, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, daunorubicin, docetaxel, doxifluridine, doxorubicin, epirubicin, epothilone, etoposide, fluorouracil, gemcitabine, hydroxyurea, idarubicin, imatinib, mechlorethamine, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, mitoxantrone, oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, pemetrexed, teniposide, tiguanine, valrubicin, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine, and vinorelbine. The administration of many of the chemotherapeutic agents is described in the “Physicians' Desk Reference” (PDR), e.g., 1996 edition (Medical Economics Company, Montvale, N.J. 07645-1742, USA).

In one embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent are administered as a part of a course of therapy that includes an additional chemotherapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of cisplatin, doxorubicin, bleomycin, and paclitaxel. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the additional chemotherapeutic agent may be selected from the group consisting of a taxane, an anticancer antibiotic, and an anthracycline. Other chemotherapeutic agents can include arsenic trioxide and 5-FU, which agents can also be used in the methods and compositions described herein. (Alexandre et al., Cancer Res. 67: (8), 3512-3517 (2007); Yen et al., J. Clin. Invest. 98 (5), 1253-1260 (1996); Masuda et al., Cancer Chemother. Pharmacol. 47(2), 155-160 (2001)).

According to yet another embodiment, the additional chemotherapeutic agent can include at least one of an antimetabolite anti-cancer agents and antimitotic anti-cancer agents, and combinations thereof, which may include some of the agents described above and well as other agents described further herein. Various antimetabolite and antimitotic agents may be employed in the methods and compositions described herein.

Antimetabolic agents typically structurally resemble natural metabolites, which are involved in normal metabolic processes of cancer cells such as the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins. The antimetabolites, however, differ enough from the natural metabolites such that they interfere with the metabolic processes of cancer cells. In the cell, antimetabolites are mistaken for the metabolites they resemble, and are processed by the cell in a manner analogous to the normal compounds. The presence of the “decoy” metabolites prevents the cells from carrying out vital functions and the cells are unable to grow and survive. For example, antimetabolites may exert cytotoxic activity by substituting these fraudulent nucleotides into cellular DNA, thereby disrupting cellular division, or by inhibition of critical cellular enzymes, which prevents replication of DNA.

In one embodiment, therefore, the antimetabolite agent is a nucleotide or a nucleotide analog. In certain embodiments, for example, the antimetabolite agent may comprise purine (e.g., guanine or adenosine) or analogs thereof, or pyrimidine (cytidine or thymidine) or analogs thereof, with or without an attached sugar moiety.

Suitable antimetabolite agents for use in the present disclosure may be generally classified according to the metabolic process they affect, and can include, but are not limited to, analogues and derivatives of folic acid, pyrimidines, purines, and cytidine. Thus, in one embodiment, the antimetabolite agent(s) is selected from the group consisting of cytidine analogs, folic acid analogs, purine analogs, pyrimidine analogs, and combinations thereof.

In one particular embodiment, for example, the antimetabolite agent is a cytidine analog. According to this embodiment, for example, the cytidine analog may be selected from the group consisting of cytarabine (cytosine arabinodside), azacitidine (5-azacytidine), and salts, analogs, and derivatives thereof.

In another particular embodiment, for example, the antimetabolite agent is a folic acid analog. Folic acid analogs or antifolates generally function by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), an enzyme involved in the formation of nucleotides; when this enzyme is blocked, nucleotides are not formed, disrupting DNA replication and cell division. According to certain embodiments, for example, the folic acid analog may be selected from the group consisting of denopterin, methotrexate (amethopterin), pemetrexed, pteropterin, raltitrexed, trimetrexate, and salts, analogs, and derivatives thereof.

In another particular embodiment, for example, the antimetabolite agent is a purine analog. Purine-based antimetabolite agents function by inhibiting DNA synthesis, for example, by interfering with the production of purine containing nucleotides, adenine and guanine which halts DNA synthesis and thereby cell division. Purine analogs can also be incorporated into the DNA molecule itself during DNA synthesis, which can interfere with cell division. According to certain embodiments, for example, the purine analog may be selected from the group consisting of acyclovir, allopurinol, 2-aminoadenosine, arabinosyl adenine (ara-A), azacitidine, azathiprine, 8-aza-adenosine, 8-fluoro-adenosine, 8-methoxy-adenosine, 8-oxo-adenosine, cladribine, deoxycoformycin, fludarabine, gancylovir, 8-aza-guanosine, 8-fluoro-guanosine, 8-methoxy-guanosine, 8-oxo-guanosine, guanosine diphosphate, guanosine diphosphate-beta-L-2-aminofucose, guanosine diphosphate-D-arabinose, guanosine diphosphate-2-fluorofucose, guanosine diphosphate fucose, mercaptopurine (6-MP), pentostatin, thiamiprine, thioguanine (6-TG), and salts, analogs, and derivatives thereof.

In yet another particular embodiment, for example, the antimetabolite agent is a pyrimidine analog. Similar to the purine analogs discussed above, pyrimidine-based antimetabolite agents block the synthesis of pyrimidine-containing nucleotides (cytosine and thymine in DNA; cytosine and uracil in RNA). By acting as “decoys,” the pyrimidine-based compounds can prevent the production of nucleotides, and/or can be incorporated into a growing DNA chain and lead to its termination. According to certain embodiments, for example, the pyrimidine analog may be selected from the group consisting of ancitabine, azacitidine, 6-azauridine, bromouracil (e.g., 5-bromouracil), capecitabine, carmofur, chlorouracil (e.g. 5-chlorouracil), cytarabine (cytosine arabinoside), cytosine, dideoxyuridine, 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine, 3′-dideoxycytidin-2′-ene, 3′-deoxy-3′-deoxythymidin-2′-ene, dihydrouracil, doxifluridine, enocitabine, floxuridine, 5-fluorocytosine, 2-fluorodeoxycytidine, 3-fluoro-3′-deoxythymidine, fluorouracil (e.g., 5-fluorouracil (also known as 5-FU), gemcitabine, 5-methylcytosine, 5-propynylcytosine, 5-propynylthymine, 5-propynyluracil, thymine, uracil, uridine, and salts, analogs, and derivatives thereof. In one embodiment, the pyrimidine analog is other than 5-fluorouracil. In another embodiment, the pyrimidine analog is gemcitabine or a salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the antimetabolite agent is selected from the group consisting of 5-fluorouracil, capecitabine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate, gemcitabine, cytarabine, fludarabine, pemetrexed, and salts, analogs, derivatives, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the antimetabolite agent is selected from the group consisting of capecitabine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate, gemcitabine, cytarabine, fludarabine, pemetrexed, and salts, analogs, derivatives, and combinations thereof. In one particular embodiment, the antimetabolite agent is other than 5-fluorouracil. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the antimetabolite agent is gemcitabine or a salt or thereof (e.g., gemcitabine HCl (Gemzar®)).

Other antimetabolite agents may be selected from, but are not limited to, the group consisting of acanthifolic acid, aminothiadiazole, brequinar sodium, Ciba-Geigy CGP-30694, cyclopentyl cytosine, cytarabine phosphate stearate, cytarabine conjugates, Lilly DATHF, Merrel Dow DDFC, dezaguanine, dideoxycytidine, dideoxyguanosine, didox, Yoshitomi DMDC, Wellcome EHNA, Merck & Co. EX-015, fazarabine, fludarabine phosphate, N-(2′-furanidyl)-5-fluorouracil, Daiichi Seiyaku FO-152, 5-FU-fibrinogen, isopropyl pyrrolizine, Lilly LY-188011; Lilly LY-264618, methobenzaprim, Wellcome MZPES, norspermidine, NCI NSC-127716, NCI NSC-264880, NCI NSC-39661, NCI NSC-612567, Warner-Lambert PALA, pentostatin, piritrexim, plicamycin, Asahi Chemical PL-AC, Takeda TAC-788, tiazofurin, Erbamont TIF, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, Taiho UFT and uricytin, among others.

In one embodiment, the chemotherapeutic agent comprises an antimitotic agent that is a microtubule inhibitor or a mictrotubule stabilizer. In general, microtubule stabilizers, such as taxanes (some of which are also described above) and epothilones, bind to the interior surface of the beta-microtubule chain and enhance microtubule assembly by promoting the nucleation and elongation phases of the polymerization reaction and by reducing the critical tubulin subunit concentration required for microtubules to assemble. Unlike mictrotubule inhibitors, such as the vinca alkaloids, which prevent microtubule assembly, the microtubule stabilizers, such as taxanes, decrease the lag time and dramatically shift the dynamic equilibrium between tubulin dimers and microtubule polymers towards polymerization. In one embodiment, therefore, the microtubule stabilizer is a taxane or an epothilone. In another embodiment, the microtubule inhibitor is a vinca alkaloid.

One element of the therapy described herein may include the use of a taxane or derivative or analog thereof, some of which have also been discussed above. In one embodiment, the taxane may be a naturally derived compound or a related form, or may be a chemically synthesized compound or a derivative thereof, with antineoplastic properties. The taxanes are a family of terpenes, including, but not limited to paclitaxel (Taxol®) and docetaxel (Taxotere®), which are derived primarily from the Pacific yew tree, Taxus brevifolia, and which have activity against certain tumors, particularly breast and ovarian tumors. In one embodiment, the taxane is docetaxel or paclitaxel. Paclitaxel is a preferred taxane and is considered an antimitotic agent that promotes the assembly of microtubules from tubulin dimers and stabilizes microtubules by preventing depolymerization. This stability results in the inhibition of the normal dynamic reorganization of the microtubule network that is essential for vital interphase and mitotic cellular functions.

Also included are a variety of known taxane derivatives, including both hydrophilic derivatives, and hydrophobic derivatives. Taxane derivatives include, but are not limited to, galactose and mannose derivatives described in International Patent Application No. WO 99/18113; piperazino and other derivatives described in WO 99/14209; taxane derivatives described in WO 99/09021, WO 98/22451, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,680; 6-thio derivatives described in WO 98/28288; sulfenamide derivatives described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,821,263; deoxygenated paclitaxel compounds such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,440,056; and taxol derivatives described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,869. As noted above, it further includes prodrugs of paclitaxel including, but not limited to, those described in WO 98/58927; WO 98/13059; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,824,701. The taxane may also be a taxane conjugate such as, for example, paclitaxel-PEG, paclitaxel-dextran, paclitaxel-xylose, docetaxel-PEG, docetaxel-dextran, docetaxel-xylose, and the like. Other derivatives are mentioned in “Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Taxol Derivatives,” D. G. I. Kingston et al., Studies in Organic Chemistry, vol. 26, entitled “New Trends in Natural Products Chemistry” (1986), Atta-ur-Rabman, P. W. le Quesne, Eds. (Elsevier, Amsterdam 1986), among other references. Each of these references is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Various taxanes may be readily prepared utilizing techniques known to those skilled in the art (see also WO 94/07882, WO 94/07881, WO 94/07880, WO 94/07876, WO 93/23555, WO 93/10076; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,294,637; 5,283,253; 5,279,949; 5,274,137; 5,202,448; 5,200,534; 5,229,529; and EP 590,267) (each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety), or obtained from a variety of commercial sources, including for example, Sigma-Aldrich Co., St. Louis, Mo.

Alternatively, the antimitotic agent can be a microtubule inhibitor; in one preferred embodiment, the microtubule inhibitor is a vinca alkaloid. In general, the vinca alkaloids are mitotic spindle poisons. The vinca alkaloid agents act during mitosis when chromosomes are split and begin to migrate along the tubules of the mitosis spindle towards one of its poles, prior to cell separation. Under the action of these spindle poisons, the spindle becomes disorganized by the dispersion of chromosomes during mitosis, affecting cellular reproduction. According to certain embodiments, for example, the vinca alkaloid is selected from the group consisting of vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine, vinorelbine, and salts, analogs, and derivatives thereof.

The antimitotic agent can also be an epothilone. In general, members of the epothilone class of compounds stabilize microtubule function according to mechanisms similar to those of the taxanes. Epothilones can also cause cell cycle arrest at the G2-M transition phase, leading to cytotoxicity and eventually apoptosis. Suitable epithiolones include epothilone A, epothilone B, epothilone C, epothilone D, epothilone E, and epothilone F, and salts, analogs, and derivatives thereof. One particular epothilone analog is an epothilone B analog, ixabepilone (Ixempra™).

In certain embodiments, the antimitotic anti-cancer agent is selected from the group consisting of taxanes, epothilones, vinca alkaloids, and salts and combinations thereof. Thus, for example, in one embodiment the antimitotic agent is a taxane. More preferably in this embodiment the antimitotic agent is paclitaxel or docetaxel, still more preferably paclitaxel. In another embodiment, the antimitotic agent is an epothilone (e.g., an epothilone B analog). In another embodiment, the antimitotic agent is a vinca alkaloid.

In one embodiment, at least one of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent are administered within a predetermined time period before or after a dose of an additional chemotherapeutic agent is administered. For example, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent may be administered within 1 week, 48 hours, 24 hours, 12 hours, 6, hours, 2 hours, 1 hour or even within 30 minutes of the patient receiving the dose of the additional chemotherapeutic agent (either before or after the dose of chemotherapeutic agent). Other durations between the additional chemotherapeutic agent dose and administration of the components that result in the enhanced the killing of cancer cells may also be suitable. In one embodiment, one or more of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent may be administered before the dose of the additional chemotherapeutic agent, and the remaining one or more of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent can be administered after the dose of the additional chemotherapeutic agent. One or more of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent may also be administered both before and after administration of the dose of additional chemotherapeutic agent.

In one embodiment, a course of chemotherapy includes a singular dose of the additional chemotherapeutic agent. In another embodiment, a course of chemotherapy includes a plurality of doses of the additional chemotherapeutic agent given over a predetermined period of time, such as over the course of hours, weeks, days and even months. The plural doses may be either of the same magnitude or varying, and can include doses of the same or different chemotherapeutic agents and/or a combination of chemotherapeutic agents. The administration of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent during the course of chemotherapy can be selected to enhance the cancer treating effects of the chemotherapy, such as by increasing intracellular levels of hydrogen peroxide to promote oxidative stress in the cancer cells. In one embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent are administered within a predetermined duration before or after each dose, such as the predetermined duration discussed above. In another embodiment, the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or anti-cancer therapeutic agent are administered within a predetermined duration of time before or after only select doses. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent are administered within a predetermined duration of time before the doses, while another of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent are administered within a predetermined duration of time after the doses. In a further embodiment, at least one of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent is administered only within the predetermined duration before or after select doses, while another of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent is administered only within the predetermined duration before or after doses other than the select doses.

In yet another embodiment, at least one of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex and/or the anti-cancer therapeutic agent is administered in combination with both a radiation therapy and a chemotherapy involving administration of an additional chemotherapeutic agent.

EXAMPLES

The following non-limiting examples are provided to further illustrate aspects of the present invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the techniques disclosed in the examples that follow represent approaches the inventors have found function well in the practice of the invention, and thus can be considered to constitute examples of modes for its practice. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments that are disclosed and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Example 1

The mitochondrial sirtuin, SIRT3, acts as a tumor suppressor (TS) protein that targets several metabolic proteins for deacetylation, including manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD)^1,2,3,4, to protect against metabolic damage⁵. Research^1,6, has shown that acetylation of MnSOD disrupts normal cellular and mitochondrial metabolism, leading to a tumor-permissive phenotype, suggesting that MnSOD is an adaptive enzyme responding to cellular oxidative stress^7,8,9. It has been proposed that the acetylation of MnSOD is a mechanistic link between the cellular and organismal physiology of aging, energy status, and metabolic stressors, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), carcinogenesis, and resistance to anticancer agents^2,3,4,8; however, the mechanism by which MnSOD acetylation directs these processes remains unclear.

Mammalian MnSOD is a mitochondrial matrix-localized, homotetrameric, antioxidant enzyme with four identical subunits each harboring a Mn2+ atom¹⁰; the primary function of MnSOD is to scavenge superoxide generated from different metabolic processes. While multiple MnSOD acetylation sites have been identified, recent publications seem to suggest that K68 is central to the regulation of MnSOD superoxide dismutase activity^{1,6,8,9,11,12,13}. However, the specific cell biological, biochemical, and/or physiological significance of MnSOD acetylation, and the underlying molecular mechanism regulating MnSOD detoxification activity and mitochondrial metabolism, remains to be fully determined. Thus, it has been proposed that MnSOD is a mitochondrial signaling hub that regulates how cells adapt to ROS-induced metabolic stress in addition to directing mitochondrial metabolism¹⁴, which may play an important role in late-onset diseases^2,5.

Mice lacking Sirt3, and thus containing acetylated MnSOD (MnSOD-Ac), developed tumors⁷, implying that SIRT3 may function as a tumor suppressor (TS). Female mice lacking Sirt3 spontaneously develop estrogen-positive (ER+), poorly differentiated, high Ki-67 mammary gland tumors that appear to be similar to human luminal B breast malignancies, which are often diagnosed in older women^2,5,7,15. As compared to luminal A ER+breast cancers, luminal B subtypes tend to have increased proliferation markers and, most importantly, can exhibit an endocrine-resistant phenotype⁵. Mice that have a monoallelic knockout for MnSOD (MnSOD+/−) exhibit decreased MnSOD activity, increased oxidative stress, and decreased life span, as well as aging-related phenotypes, especially carcinogenesis¹⁶. This in vitro and in vivo evidence supports the possibility that there is a link between the mitochondrial acetylome, as directed by SIRT3, and ROS detoxification, mitochondrial metabolism, and carcinogenesis. Furthermore, the examples herein suggest that, under specific physiological conditions when K68 becomes acetylated, MnSOD may function as a tumor promoter, consistent with data implying that MnSOD levels positively correlate with aggressive tumor phenotypes. In this regard, several publications in the last few years have shown a connection between disruption of the MnSOD-Ac axis and human illnesses⁴, including aging³⁴, neurodegeneration³⁵ cardiovascular disease³⁶, and insulin resistance³⁷.

The Examples herein present data showing that the acetylation status of MnSOD, specifically K68, directs ROS detoxification activity, as well as connects metabolic stress and mitochondrial reparative pathways that maintain metabolic balance. The results show that MnSOD exists in both homotetrameric and monomeric forms, which function as a superoxide dismutase and a peroxidase, respectively. The results further show that the homotetramer is a TS, whereas the monomer, as modeled by enforced MnSOD^K68Q expression, functions as a tumor promoter.

MnSOD^K68Q Expression Promotes a Transformation Phenotype.

MnSOD is a TS protein in vitro and in vivo^17,18, as well as in human tumor samples¹⁹. However, correlative findings in human tumor samples suggest that while MnSOD may function as a TS during the early stages of tumor initiation, once tumorigenesis progresses, MnSOD levels positively correlate with more aggressive human tumors²⁰, suggesting that specific isoforms of MnSOD, including potentially the acetylated form of MnSOD, may function as a tumor promoter. In addition, it also appears that, under specific conditions, there is a link between dysregulated MnSOD, aberrant cellular ROS levels^21,22,23, and resistance to tamoxifen (Tam)-induced cytotoxicity. These and other findings²⁴ suggest a mechanistic link between mitochondrial redox/ROS balance and the biology of ER+breast cancer.

To test this hypothesis, MnSOD K68 acetylation mimic (MnSOD^K68Q) and deacetylation mimic (MnSOD^K68R) mutants were made where the substitution of a lysine with a glutamine (Q) mimics an acetylated amino acid state, while substitution with an arginine (R) mimics deacetylation⁸. To determine if MnSOD^K68Q, a site-directed mutant that genetically mimics K68-Ac, may function as a tumor promoter, lenti-MnSOD^K68R or lenti-MnSOD^K68Q were co-infected into wild-type (WT) primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (pMEFs) with lentiviral expression of either c-Myc or Ras. In these experiments, at least two oncogenes, i.e., c-Myc and Ras (WT Ras gene)²⁵, are required to immortalize and/or transform primary cells. pMEFs infected with lenti-MnSOD^K68Q, and either c-Myc or Ras, became immortalized (i.e., divided beyond 15 cell passages), as well as cells infected with both genes (FIG. 1a, bottom row). In contrast, infection with lenti-MnSOD^K68R did not immortalize WT pMEFs infected with c-Myc or Ras, and interestingly, MnSOD^K68R prevented immortalization in cells infected with both genes (FIG. 1a, middle row). As a control, pMEFs were immortalized by c-Myc and Ras together, but not with c-Myc or Ras alone (FIG. 1a, top row). In addition, pMEFs infected with lenti-MnSOD^K68Q exhibited a more transformed in vitro phenotype as determined by growth in soft agar (FIG. 1b, top panel), a measure of anchorage-independent growth; increased colony formation when plated at low density (bottom panel), a measure of proliferative capacity; decreased doubling time, a measurement of proliferation rate (FIG. 9a, middle column); and the formation of xenograft tumors, a measure of an in vivo tumorigenic permissive phenotype (FIG. 9a, right column).

To further characterize the link between MnSOD-Ac and its function, TS versus tumor promoter, pMEFs were co-infected with oncogenic lenti-Kras^G12V (i.e., the oncogenic Kras gene) and lenti-MnSOD^WT, lenti-MnSOD^K68R, or lenti-MnSOD^K68Q. The pMEFs expressing MnSOD^K68Q were immortalized (FIG. 1c, bottom row, second column), as well as exhibited a more transformed in vitro phenotype, as measured by doubling time in culture (22 versus 35 h, third column) and growth in soft agar (bottom row, right column). Interestingly, infection with lenti-MnSOD^K68R, the deacetylation mimic MnSOD mutant, prevented immortalization when co-infected with lenti-Kras^G12V (middle row, second column). Finally, these experiments were repeated in immortalized NIH 3T3 cells, an established in vitro model, to determine in vitro transformation, and NIH 3T3 cells expressing MnSODK68Q exhibited increased growth in soft agar (FIG. 1d, upper panels) and colony formation when plated at low density (bottom panels).

MnSODK68Q Increases In Vitro and Xenograft Proliferation.

To determine the role of MnSOD^K68Q expression on tumor growth properties, human mammary ER+MCF7 tumor cells infected with lenti-MnSOD^WT, lenti-MnSOD^K68R, or lenti-MnSOD^K68Q were engrafted into nude mice. Normally, MCF7 cells will not grow in nude mice without estrogen supplementation; however, MCF7 cells infected with lenti-MnSOD^K68Q (MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q) grew tumors in nude mice without estrogen supplementation (FIG. 2a, b). In contrast, MCF7 cells infected with lenti-MnSOD^WT (MCF7-MnSODWT) or lenti-MnSODK68R (MCF7-MnSODK68R) did not form tumors (FIG. 2a, b). These results suggest increased growth characteristics in xenograft tumors that express MnSODK68Q; however, this could also reflect estrogen-independent growth properties. To address this, MCF7-MnSODK68Q cells were injected into the hind limbs of nude mice, and these xenograft experiments showed that estrogen supplementation did not alter the tumor growth curve (FIG. 9b).

Luminal B ER+breast cancer cells are more aggressive and display increased proliferation, as measured by Ki-67 staining, compared to luminal A cancer cells⁵. Tumors in mice lacking Sirt3, which contain MnSOD-Ac, display a luminal B-like tumor signature, including increased Ki-67⁵. Consistent with these observations, MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells stained with an anti-Ki-67 antibody showed a significant increase in Ki-67 immunofluorescence (IF) staining, as compared to MCF7-MnSOD^K68R or MCF7-MnSOD^WT cells (FIG. 2c) and quantified using ImageJ analysis (FIG. 2d). MCF7-MnSODWT cells exhibited the same Ki-67 staining as the control, non-infected MCF7 cells (FIG. 10a). In addition, experiments using a second ER+human breast cancer cell line, T47D, also showed increased Ki-67 staining for T47D-MnSOD^K68Q as compared to T47D-MnSOD^K68R and T47D-MnSOD^WT cells (FIG. 2e, f). T47D-MnSOD^WT cells exhibited the same Ki-67 staining as the control, non-infected T47D cells (FIG. 10b). Finally, MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells exhibited similar Ki-67 staining when exposed to either estrogen (FIG. 10c, e) or Tam (FIG. 10d, f).

MnSOD^K68Q is a Monomer that Exhibits Peroxidase Activity.

MnSOD consists of four subunits that form a homotetramer, each binds to a manganese ion (˜88 kDa)^3,10 To determine if the acetylation status of K68 alters the conformation of MnSOD, as well as its activity, MCF7-MnSOD^WT, MCF7-MnSOD^K68R, and MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells were harvested and cell lysates were crosslinked with glutaraldehyde, followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting with an anti-MnSOD antibody. These experiments showed that cells expressing MnSOD^K68Q exhibited a significant decrease in the tetrameric form of MnSOD (FIG. 3a, left panel), with a slight increase in both the dimeric and monomeric forms. Similar results were also observed in T47D-MnSOD^K68Q cells (right panel). In addition, these experiments were repeated in MCF7 and T47D cells infected with lenti-shSIRT3, and these cells also showed a significant decrease in the tetrameric form of MnSOD (FIG. 3b), in contrast to little or no change in the oligomerization status of MnSOD in the control cells.

It has been previously shown that MnSOD, under specific conditions and when significantly overexpressed, can exhibit peroxidase activity²⁶; however, the mechanism to explain this observation is unknown. In this regard, a peroxidase assay showed that MnSODK68Q mutant Immunoprecipitated (IPed) from MCF7 cells functions as a peroxidase (FIG. 3c). In contrast, IPed MnSOD^K68R exhibited significantly less peroxidase activity (i.e., a roughly 50-fold difference), suggesting that this peroxidase activity may require acetylation of K68 (FIG. 3c). Finally, experiments confirmed that the MnSOD−/− MEFs expressing MnSODK68Q exhibited a significant decrease in tetrameric MnSOD, as compared to cells expressing MnSOD^WT or MnSODK68R (FIG. 3d).

In the experiments above, it is shown that MnSOD^K68Q, which is a genetic mutant that functions as a mimic for K68-Ac, leads to a tumor promoting phenotype (FIG. 1a, b). To more rigorously address this idea, immortalized, but not transformed, MnSOD−/− MEFs were infected with the MnSOD site-directed mutants described above. These experiments showed that MnSOD−/− MEFs infected with only lenti-MnSOD^K68Q, (i.e., a single gene) exhibited a more transformed phenotype (FIG. 3e, middle column), as compared to cells infected with lenti-empty vector, lenti-MnSOD^WT, or lenti-MnSOD^K68R (FIG. 11a), as measured by growth in soft agar, contact inhibition, and doubling time (FIGS. 11b-d). Since these results were done in cells lacking MnSOD, it seems reasonable that MnSOD^K68Q functions as an in vitro tumor promoter.

Finally, if MnSOD^K68Q acts as a peroxidase, then removing cellular hydrogen peroxide, which is a necessary and required substrate for peroxidase activity, might prevent its ability to function as a peroxidase, as well as a tumor promoter. In this regard, co-infection with lenti-MnSOD^K68R and AdMitoCat, which expresses catalase and decreases cellular hydrogen peroxide, prevented transformation (FIG. 3e, right column). Since it is shown that immortalized MnSOD−/− MEFs can be transformed by infection with MnSOD^K68Q, these results suggest that MnSOD^K68Q, which enriches for monomeric MnSOD, is potentially an in vitro tumor promoter that requires hydrogen peroxide.

MnSOD-K68-Ac Exhibits Peroxidase Activity.

The data presented above showed enrichment of monomeric MnSOD (FIG. 3a) and peroxidase activity (FIG. 3c) upon expression of MnSOD^K68Q to mimic K68-Ac. However, it is also essential to show how the physical acetylation of K68 affects enzymatic activity. To initially address this issue, an established tissue culture system was used that enriches for acetylated, versus deacetylated, K68. In this system, transfected MnSOD−/− MEFs with FLAG-MnSOD^WT were followed by the exposure to (i) 10 mM nicotinamide (NAM) and 1 μM trichostatin A (TSA), to inhibit SIRT3 deacetylase activity and enrich for K68-Ac, or (ii) 10 mM NAD+, to activate SIRT3 activity and enrich for deacetylated K68. As expected, whole-cell extracts harvested 40 h after transfection and IPed with an anti-FLAG antibody showed that NAM/TSA exposure increased MnSOD-K68-Ac (FIG. 4a, top row, left two lanes), while NAD+exposure minimized MnSOD-K68-Ac (right two lanes). Similar results were observed in 293T cells (FIG. 12a). The MnSOD-K68-Ac antibody specificity (Abcam, Inc, ab137037) was validated by two different methods¹².

These samples were subsequently separated, using a spin column, into fractions above or below 50 kDa. Immunoblotting with an anti-MnSOD antibody, the sample from cells grown in NAM/TSA showed an enrichment of MnSOD in the <50 kDa fraction, suggesting that most of the MnSOD is in the monomeric form, with minimal MnSOD in the >50 kDa fraction (FIG. 4a, 2nd and 3rd row, left two lanes). The enrichment of the monomeric MnSOD was confirmed when the <50 kDa fraction was run on a semi-native gel followed by immunoblotting for MnSOD (FIG. 12b, left two lanes) with minimal tetrameric MnSOD in the >50 kDa fraction (right panel, left two lanes). In contrast, MnSOD from cells grown in NAD+showed increased levels of MnSOD in the >50 kDa fraction (FIG. 4a, 2nd and 3rd row, right two lanes), with enrichment of tetrameric MnSOD in the >50 kDa fraction (FIG. 12b, right panel, right two lanes). These experiments confirm that samples enriched for MnSOD-K68-Ac contain predominantly monomeric MnSOD, and those with deacetylated MnSOD-K68 contain predominantly tetrameric MnSOD.

Biochemical analysis of the <50 kDa fraction from cells exposed to NAM/TSA (i.e., enriched for MnSOD-K68-Ac and monomeric MnSOD) showed elevated peroxidase activity compared to the <50 kDa fraction from cells treated with NAD+(FIG. 4b). In contrast, MnSOD from both <50 kDa fractions exhibited minimal MnSOD detoxification activity (FIG. 4c). Analysis of the >50 kDa fraction from cells treated with NAD+(i.e., enriched for tetrameric MnSOD) exhibited elevated MnSOD detoxification activity compared to cells exposed to NAM/TSA (FIG. 4d). There was little MnSOD peroxidase activity in the >50 kDa fraction from cells treated with either NAD+ or NAM/TSA (FIG. 12c).

A second method was also used to determine how the physical acetylation of MnSOD-K68 alters enzymatic activity. Recombinant MnSOD-K68-Ac was produced in E. coli transformed with both pEVOL-AcKRS, which expresses an acetyl-lysyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNA^CUA pair from M. barkeri, and pET21a-MnSOD^K68TAG, a MnSOD bacterial expression vector that allows the site-specific incorporation of N-(ϵ)-acetyl-l-lysine into K68. The bacterially expressed proteins from the control (carrying pET21a-MnSOD^WT) and acetylated form (carrying pET21a-MnSOD^K68TAG) were purified by nickel affinity columns followed by size exclusion chromatography (SEC)^13,27,28 Purified wild-type MnSOD from bacteria eluted at a volume roughly corresponding to 92 kDa (FIG. 4e, peak 1) on SEC consistent with the size of its known homotetrameric complex (FIG. 13a, full chromatogram), as shown by others (Knyphausen et al., 2016)¹³. Purified MnSOD-K68-Ac from bacteria carrying pEVOL-AcKRS and pET21a-MnSOD^K68TAG eluted at a volume consistent with the monomeric form of MnSOD (FIG. 4e, peak 2) roughly corresponding to 25 kDa (FIG. 13b, full chromatogram).

Prior to further analysis, two eluted fractions corresponding to peak 1 (elution volumes 13 and 14 mL) and peak 2 (elution volumes 16 and 17 mL) were analyzed to confirm MnSOD. Immunoblotting (FIG. 4f, top panel) and Coomassie staining (bottom panel) for purified wild-type bacterial expressed protein confirmed the presence of MnSOD. Similar experiments also confirmed the presence of MnSOD in bacteria carrying pET21a-MnSOD^K68TAG (FIG. 4g, top and bottom panel). These samples were also analyzed via mass spectrometry (FIG. 13c-e) and by staining with the anti-MnSOD-K68-Ac antibody (FIG. 13f) confirming that peak 2 is enriched for MnSOD-K68-Ac protein.

Purified protein samples from the bacteria cells expressing pET21a-MnSOD^WT (elution volumes 13 and 14 mL) showed significant superoxide dismutase activity (FIG. 4h, left bar) with minimal peroxidase activity (FIG. 4i, left bar). In contrast, recombinant MnSOD-K68-Ac protein from bacterial cells expressing pET21a-MnSOD^K68TAG (elution volumes 16 and 17 mL) exhibited minimal superoxide activity (FIG. 4h, right bar) and significant peroxidase activity (FIG. 4i, right bar). These biochemical results show two different methods to isolate MnSOD where K68 is either physically acetylated (bacterial expression system) or enriched for K68 acetylation (transfection expression system) to confirm a switch to monomeric MnSOD and exhibits a peroxidase enzymatic function.

MnSOD-K68-Ac Increases Oxidative Stress in Breast Cells.

The MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q (FIG. 5a) and T47D-MnSODK68Q (FIG. 5b) cells, which constitutively express MnSOD^K68Q, also exhibited a significant decrease in MnSOD superoxide detoxification activity, consistent with that shown by others^6,12 Since the primary function of MnSOD is to detoxify mitochondrial superoxide (O2.-), the mitochondrial oxidation/reduction status was measured in MCF7 and T47D cells expressing the various MnSOD acetylation mutants. Among these cell lines, MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q and T47D-MnSOD^K68Q cells exhibited a significant increase in: (1) MitoSox oxidation, a measure of mitochondrial O2.- (FIG. 5c, d); (2) CDCFH2 oxidation, a measure of cellular hydroperoxide levels (FIG. 5e, f); and (3) GSSG/GSH ratio, a measure of cellular oxidative stress (FIG. 5g, h), as compared to the MCF7-MnSOD^K68R, T47D-MnSOD^K68R, and control cell lines.

Tumor Cells Expressing MnSOD K68Q Exhibit Tam Resistance.

It has previously been shown that there is a link between dysregulated MnSOD^29,30,31 and aberrant cellular ROS levels and/or oxidative stress, due to several different mechanisms^23,32, and resistance to endocrine therapy. Based on these previous publications, and the results above identifying MnSOD^K68Q as an in vitro tumor promoter, it seems reasonable that, similar to other oncogenes, enforced expression of MnSOD^K68Q may also lead to, either indirectly or directly, resistance to Tam.

To test this idea, MCF7, MCF7-MnSOD^K68R, and MCF-MnSOD^K68Q cells were treated with 1 μM hydroxy-Tam for 5 days, and clonogenic survival assays were performed. The results of these experiments showed that MCF7 (FIG. 6a) and T47D (FIG. 14a) cells constitutively expressing MnSOD^K68Q exhibited significant resistance to the cytotoxicity of hydroxy-Tam, as compared to cells expressing MnSOD^K68WT or MnSOD^K68R. In addition, MCF7 (FIG. 6b) and T47D (FIG. 14b) cells expressing shSIRT3, which results in increased cellular MnSOD-K68-Ac, also exhibited resistance to hydroxy-Tam cytotoxicity. These experiments indicate a link between MnSOD^K68Q expression and hydroxy-Tam-resistant tumor cells. These results also add to the literature implicating the role of the MnSOD pathway^29,30,31, as well as ROS levels^23,32, in Tam resistance.

Tam-Resistant Breast Cells Exhibit a MnSOD-K68-Ac Signature.

Since breast cancer cells expressing MnSOD^K68Q exhibited resistance in vitro to Tam-induced cytotoxicity, it seems that MCF7 cells selected for resistance to hydroxy-Tam could also display a MnSOD-K68-Ac signature. To address this idea, MCF7 (FIG. 6c) and T47D (FIG. 14c) cells were cultured in the presence of 1 μM hydroxy-Tam for 3 months to generate hydroxy-Tam-resistant (HTR) cells. Both MCF7-HTR and T47D-HTR cells showed an increase in MnSOD-K68-Ac (FIG. 6d, e). In addition, staining with antibodies for several other SIRT3 deacetylation targets (MnSOD-K122-Ac, IDH2-K413-Ac, and OSCP-K139-Ac), which are a proxy for SIRT3 activity, also showed increased acetylation (FIG. 14d), suggesting decreased SIRT3 activity. The results of these experiments indicate that ER+breast cancer cell lines selected for resistance to Tam exhibit a MnSOD-K68-Ac signature, which may also serve as a potential molecular biomarker.

Tam Resistance is Reversed by MnSOD K68R Expression.

To further show that MnSOD-K68-Ac is a potential marker of Tam resistance, HTR cells were infected with lenti-MnSOD^WT, lenti-MnSOD^K68Q, and lenti-MnSOD^K68R, and hydroxy-Tam resistance was measured by clonogenic cell survival assays. The results showed that infection with lenti-MnSOD^K68R, but not with lenti-MnSOD^WT or lenti-MnSOD^K68Q, reversed the hydroxy-Tam resistance (FIG. 6f and FIG. 14e). Furthermore, when MCF7-HTR and T47D-HTR cells were infected with lenti-SIRT3^WT (FIG. 6g and FIG. 14f), which will result in MnSOD deacetylation, or treated with 5 μM GC4419 (FIG. 6h and FIG. 14g), a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex that chemically removes superoxide versus the catalytic mechanism used by homotetrameric MnSOD, they became sensitive to hydroxy-Tam. These results suggest that MnSOD-K68-Ac is a potential molecular biomarker and/or tumor signature for resistance to Tam. These results also show that cells having hydroxy-Tam resistance can be treated and/or the hydroxy-Tam resistance can be reversed by providing pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex such as GC4419.

Tam Exposure Increases Oxidative Stress and Monomeric MnSOD.

MnSOD activity is tightly correlated with mitochondrial metabolism, and HTR cells exhibit a MnSOD-K68-Ac signature (FIG. 6d, e); thus determine the mitochondrial metabolic profile in HTR ER+cells was determined. In this regard, MCF7-HTR (FIG. 7a) and T47D-HTR (FIG. 15a) cells exhibited a decrease in MnSOD activity, an increase in mitochondrial O2.- levels (FIG. 7b), and increased cellular hydroperoxide, as measured by CDCFH2 oxidation (FIG. 7c), as well as an increase in the GSSG/GSH ratio (FIG. 7d and FIG. 15b). Finally, monomeric MnSOD is enriched in MCF7-HTR and T47D-HTR cells (FIG. 7e), which is consistent with the decrease in MnSOD activity (FIG. 7a) and increase in MnSOD-K68-Ac (FIG. 6d), as compared to control MCF7 and T47D cells.

Furthermore, to determine if this increased oxidative stress in HTR cells is due to the acetylation status of MnSOD-K68, MCF7-HTR and T47D-HTR cells were infected with lenti-MnSOD^WT, lenti-MnSOD^K68R, and lenti-MnSOD^K68Q. These experiments showed that enforced expression of MnSOD^K68R reversed the increase in mitochondrial O2.- (FIG. 7f and FIG. 15c), intracellular hydroperoxide (FIG. 7g and FIG. 15d), and GSSG/GSH ratio (FIG. 7h and FIG. 15e), as compared to cells expressing MnSOD^K68Q or MnSOD^WT. These data show that HTR increases MnSOD-K68-Ac, indicating that there may be a Tam resistance tumor signature that also includes changes in cellular ROS profiles, which has been shown by others^23,30.

Tam-Resistant MCF7 and T47D Cells Exhibit Increased Ki-67.

MCF7-HTR (FIG. 7i and FIG. 16a) and T47D-HTR cells (FIG. 16b, c), which display a MnSOD-K68-Ac signature (FIG. 6d), exhibit increased Ki-67 levels, similar to luminal B breast malignancies, similar to MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q and T47D-MnSOD^K68Q cells (FIG. 2c, d). In addition, MCF7-HTR (FIG. 16d, e) and T47D-HTR (FIG. 16f, g) cells treated with the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex GC4419 or hydroxy-Tam and GC4419 exhibited decreased Ki-67 IHC staining. GC4419 or hydroxy-Tam and GC4419 also reversed the increase in Ki-67 IHC staining in MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q (FIG. 17a, b) and T47D-MnSODK68Q (FIG. 17c, d) cell lines, suggesting that chemically replacing the SOD activity of MnSOD reverses the increase in Ki-67.

To determine if hydrogen peroxide is necessary for the HTR observed in the MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells, we infected these cells with AdMitoCat, which removed and/or significantly reduced mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide levels, a critical and necessary substrate for peroxidase enzymatic activity. The results of clonogenic cell survival experiments demonstrated that decreased mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide levels reversed the HTR observed in MCF7 cells that constitutively express MnSOD^K68Q (FIG. 7j, k). These results suggest that, either indirectly or directly, cells expressing the MnSOD acetylation mutant require hydrogen peroxide to maintain resistance to Tam.

Tam-Resistant Xenografts Exhibit a More Aggressive Phenotype.

To test if MCF7-HTR cells, which exhibit a MnSOD-K68-Ac signature (FIG. 6d), form more aggressive in vivo xenograft tumors, MCF7 and MCF7-HTR cells were injected into immunodeficient mice, and tumor growth was monitored. Without estrogen supplementation, control MCF7 cells were not able to form tumors in vivo, as expected. In contrast, MCF7-HTR cells formed tumors averaging 859 mm³ in 6 weeks without estrogen supplementation (FIG. 8a, b), and xenograft engraftment was 100% (FIG. 17e), indicating that these cells exhibited a highly tumorigenic phenotype. Finally, the MCF7-HTR cells were used to construct a Tet-On expression system for the inducible expression of the deacetylation mimic mutant (MnSODK68R). As such, MCF7-HTR cells were initially infected with pTet-DualOn (Clontech) and selected with puromycin, followed by infection with pTre-Dual2-MnSODK68R and hygromycin selection, and finally, these cells were validated for MnSODK68R Tet-induction (FIG. 18a, b). MCF7-HTR-Dual2-MnSODK68R xenografts were grown to 100 mm, and mice were exposed to doxycycline to induce MnSODK68R expression. These experiments showed that enforced expression of MnSODK68R inhibited in vivo MCF7-HTR xenograft tumor cell growth (FIG. 8c).

Human Luminal B Tumors Exhibit High Levels of MnSOD-K68-Ac.

Mice lacking Sirt3 develop mammary tumors with a luminal B-like phenotype that are ER+, poorly differentiated, and display high levels of Ki-67^5,7,33. To determine if there is a subgroup of human ER+tumors that display a loss of SIRT3/MnSOD-Ac signature, breast cancer patient tissue microarray (TMA) slides containing all four subtypes of breast malignancies were analyzed. The TMA was stained using anti-MnSOD-K68-Ac (see FIG. 12a, b for antibody specificity) and anti-SIRT3 antibodies, and representative IHC images for luminal A and B tumor samples are shown (FIG. 8d and FIG. 18c, d). Staining intensity was subsequently quantified using automated HistoQuest software that revealed that MnSOD-K68-Ac levels are significantly higher (FIG. 8e), and SIRT3 protein levels are markedly lower (FIG. 8f) in the luminal B samples, as compared to luminal A tumor samples. In addition, stratification of the staining intensities from the luminal A versus luminal B TMAs into low, intermediate, and high staining suggests that there may be a subgroup of luminal B tumors that exhibit significant MnSOD-K68-Ac staining (FIG. 18c, d). These results suggest that the SIRT3/MnSOD-Ac signature is a useful marker to identify a specific subgroup of women with luminal B breast cancer.

Methods

Cell lines. The ER+MCF7 and T47D human breast cells, which were all obtained from ATCC, authenticated using STR profiling with CellCheck 9 Plus by IDEXX Bioresearch, and tested for mycoplasma using Mycoplasma Detection Kit, InvivoGen, Inc in April 2016, were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM, Gibco) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS; Sigma) and Antimycotic solution (Sigma). Cells were maintained in a humidified 37° C. environment with 5% CO₂. pMEFs were isolated from E14.5 isogenic SIRT3+/+ mice (through a protocol that was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and complied with related animal research ethical regulations) and maintained in a 37° C. incubator with 5% CO₂ and 6% oxygen, except when otherwise noted. MCF7 and T47D cells were grown for 3 months in 1 μM hydroxy-Tam to create MCF7-HTR and T47D-HTR permanent cell lines, and several different subclones were frozen. MCF7-HTR and T47D-HTR were not used for >5 passages, and new cell lines were used. All experiments were done using exponentially growing cell cultures at 50% confluence.

Virus Plasmids and Short-Hairpin RNA (shRNA) Constructs and Mutagenesis.

To package lentivirus, 293T cells (obtained from ATCC) were transfected with 5 μg DNA, 5 μg psPAX2 packaging plasmid, and 500 ng VSV.G envelope plasmid. Viral supernatant was collected after 72 h and filtered through a 0.45 μm filter (Corning). Lenti-SIRT3^WT and the deacetylation-null mutant (lenti-SIRT3^DN) were gifts from Dr. Toren Finkel (NIDDK). pLKO.1 human SIRT3 shRNA was purchased from OpenBiosystem. Lenti-MnSOD plasmid (human) was used as the MnSOD^WT μlasmid and for site-directed mutagenesis, i.e., K68 to arginine (R: deacetyl mimic) or glutamine (Q: acetyl mimic) (Bioinnovatise,). MCF7, T47D, and NIH3T3 cells were infected with 5 MOI of lentivirus and selected with DMEM containing 2 μg/mL puromycin (Invitrogen) or 100 μg/mL G418 sulfate (Invitrogen) for 14 days. After a 2-week selection period, cells were grown in DMEM with 10% FBS.

Transduction of antioxidant enzymes. Replication-incompetent adenoviral vectors, AdCMV Bgl II (AdBglII) and AdCMV Mito-Catalase (AdMitoCat) were received as a gift from Dr. Douglas Spitz (University of Iowa) and Dr. Marcelo Bonini (Medical College of Wisconsin, Wis.). Cells were plated the day before virus administration. The desired number of viral particles was added for 24 h, and then the media was changed to fresh media and left for another 48 h prior to each experiment.

In vitro cell transformation assay. For this study, spontaneous immortalization of pMEFs is the ability to continue dividing past passage 15. For in vitro immortalization experiments, MnSOD, or one of its site-directed mutants (K-R or K-Q), was co-infected with c-Myc and/or Kras into third-passage pMEFs. Cells were cultured and split every 2 days to prevent confluency and plated onto a new 100 mm dish at 3.0×10⁵ cells. After 15 additional passages (18 total), cells were considered immortalized.

Clonogenic cell survival assay. For the clonogenic survival analysis, exponentially growing cells were replated using appropriate dilutions, and clonogenic survival was evaluated after 14 days in regular growth medium. Cells were stained with crystal violet, and colonies of >50 cells were counted and utilized to calculate clonogenic survival⁴⁶.

Soft-agar colony formation assay analysis. Ten-thousand cells were plated on 0.3% agar in growth medium over a 0.6% base agar foundation layer in growth medium^7,8. After 21 days, the colonies were visualized under a x20 microscope (Zeiss), and images were acquired.

Xenograft in vivo tumorigenesis analysis. Five million MCF7, MCF7-HTR, or MCF7 cells (obtained from ATCC) expressing MnSOD^K68WT MnSOD^K68R or MnSOD^K68Q were injected into Foxn1 nu athymic nude mice (Jackson Laboratory) that were 6-weeks-old (through a protocol that was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and complied with related animal research ethical regulations). Tumor sizes were examined using a Vernier caliper every 2-3 days, and the volumes were calculated using V=½×W2×L. When the sizes of tumors reached an average of 1000 mm³, the mice were sacrificed, and the tumors were collected for weight and size analysis.

TetOn inducible system for MCF-HTR MnSOD^K68R xenografts. MCF7-HTR cells were infected with pLenti-CMV-IE-Tet-On Advanced-IRES2-ZsGreen1-P2A-Puro plasmid (Clontech, Mountain View, Calif., modified by Bioinnovatise, Inc., Baltimore, Md.) and selected under puromycin (1 μg/mL) and for green color (MCF7-HTR TetOn). Subsequently, MCF7-HTR TetOn cells were infected with pLenti-SV40 promotor-HygroR-SV40 poly(A)/pTreDual2MnSOD^K68R-mCherry (MCF7-HTR TetOn MnSOD^K68R; Clontech, Inc.) and were selected for mCherry and with hygromycin (50 μg/mL). To confirm the activation of the TetOn system, 1 μg/mL of doxycycline (Acros Organics, New Jersey) was added and after 24 h, expression was verified by the presence of mCherry, and fluorescent images were taken. Western blots for were used to validate that expression of MnSOD^K68R was activated. Eight-week-old nude mice (Jackson Labs) were injected with 5×106 MCF7-HTR TetOn MnSOD^K68R cells into the right hind flank at the time of tamoxifen pellet placement (5 mg pellet, Innovative Research of America, Sarasota, Fla.). The experimental group was given feed containing doxycycline (625 ppm, Envigo Teklad Diets, Madison, Wis.); the control group remained on standard feed provided by Northwestern's Animal Facility. Feed was changed every three days for the duration of the experiment. Tumors were measured every other day, and at the end of the experiment, tumors were removed for analysis through a protocol that was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and complied with related animal research ethical regulations.

Immunohistochemistry staining and analysis. Breast cancer tissue array slides (Biomax) were immersed twice in 100% xylene (Sigma) for 5 min and 100% ethanol (Sigma) for 5 min. Slides were sequentially immersed with 95%, 80 and 50% ethanol for 5 min before immersion in water and fixation in 95 mL of 95% ethanol and 5 mL of 37% formaldehyde for 2 min. Slides were then treated with 1% Triton X-100 in 1×PBS (Corning) for 20 min, washed three times in 1×PBS for 5 min, and quenched in 0.3% H₂O₂ in 1×PBS for 20 min. Slides were blocked with 10% donkey serum (Sigma), 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA; Sigma) and 0.3% Triton X-100 (Sigma) in 1×PBS for 2 h before treatment with an anti-MnSOD-K68-Ac antibody (1:250 dilution, Abcam #ab137037) for 48 h at 4° C. These slides were subsequently incubated at room temperature for 1 h before being washed three times with 1×PBS for 5 min. Rabbit secondary antibody (1:200 dilution, A0545, Sigma) was diluted in antibody solution and applied to slides for 1 h before being washed three times with 1×PBS for 5 min each. The slides were treated with VECTASTAIN ABC kit (Vector Laboratories) for 45 min following the manufacturer's protocol to detect avidin/biotinylated enzyme complexes. Slides were treated using the DAB peroxidase substrate kit (Vector Laboratories), per the manufacturer's protocol, and stained in hematoxylin (Sigma) for 10 min. Then slides were destained with 100 mL of 70% ethanol and 1 mL of 37% hydrochloric acid before dehydration. The intensities were quantified using HistoQuest software (Tissuegnostics).

Peroxidase Activity Assay.

One-million cells expressing Flag-tagged MnSOD^WT, MnSOD^K68R, and MnSOD^K68Q were lysed for 30 min in 25 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, 0.1% NP-40, 5% glycerol, protease inhibitors (BioTool) and TSA (Trichostatin A, Sigma). Lysates were quantified with the Bradford assay (BioRad) and IPed using anti-Flag antibody (Sigma). The peroxidase enzymatic activities of these IPed proteins were determined by using pyrogallol as the substrate. In the reaction mix, the final concentrations were 14 mM potassium phosphate (Sigma), 0.027% (v/v) hydrogen peroxide (Sigma), and 0.5% (w/v) pyrogallol (Sigma). The plate was tapped to mix the sample and reaction reagent, incubated for 10 min at room temperature, and then read at OD 420 nm. The increase in A420 was recorded every 3 min. The ΔA420/20s was obtained using the maximum linear rate or 0.5-min interval for all the test samples and blanks. The peroxidase activity was calculated using this equation:

Units/mL=[(ΔA420/20 s Test Sample−ΔA420/20 s Blank)(reaction volume)(dilution factor)]/[(12)(0.1)].

Glutathione Analysis.

One-million cells at 70-80% confluency were lysed in 1.34 mM diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid (DETAPAC, Sigma) and dissolved in 143 mM sodium phosphate (Sigma). Then 6.3 mM EDTA (Sigma) and 5% 5-sulfosalicylic acid (Sigma) were added to the lysates. Fifty microliters of lysate were mixed with 700 μL 0.298 mM NADPH (Sigma) dissolved in sodium phosphate buffer, 100 μL 6 mM 5,5′-dithio-bis-2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB, Sigma) in sodium phosphate buffer, 100 μL water, and 50 μL 0.023 U/μL glutathione reductase (GR) dissolved in water (Sigma). Kinetic absorbance was read at 412 nm every 15 s for 2.5 min using an xMark™ microplate absorbance spectrophotometer (BioRad), and the rates were compared to a standard curve. Tumors were lysed in DETAPAC buffer before being assayed, and protein concentrations were measured for standardization of GSH levels that were normalized using the BCA method.

MnSOD/SOD Enzymatic Activity.

Total SOD and MnSOD activity were determined by an indirect competitive inhibition assay⁴⁷. Superoxide is generated from xanthine by xanthine oxidase and detected by recording the rate of reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT). SOD scavenges superoxide and competitively inhibits the reduction of NBT. One unit of SOD activity is defined as the amount of protein required to inhibit 50% of the maximal NBT reduction. To obtain the amount of MnSOD activity, 5 mM sodium cyanide was added to inhibit the CuZnSOD enzyme activity. The protein levels in each sample were measured using the BCA protein assay^48,49,50,51.

Western Blot Analysis.

Cells and tissues were washed three times with cold 1×PBS, harvested, and lysed for 30 min in 25 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, 0.1% NP-40, 5% glycerol with protease inhibitors (BioTool) and TSA (Sigma), then quantified by Bradford assay and immunoblotted with: anti-MnSOD (1:1000 dilution, Millipore, #06-984), anti-MnSOD-K68-Ac (1:1000 dilution, Abcam, #Ab137037), anti-MnSOD-K122-Ac (1:500, Abcam, #Ab214675), anti-SIRT3 (1:1000 dilution, Cell Signaling, #D22A3), anti-IDH2 (1:1000 dilution, Cell Signaling, #56439), anti-IDH2-K413-Ac (1:1000 dilution, Epitomics, Inc, Burlingame, Calif. (this company has been bought by Abcam, Inc.)), anti-OSCP (1:1000 dilution, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, #sc-365162), anti-OSCP-K139-Ac (1:1000 dilution, Epitomics, Inc, Burlingame, Calif.), and anti-actin (1:10,000 dilution, Cell Signaling, #4970). Secondary antibody includes anti-rabbit and anti-mouse (1:10,000 dilution, Cell Signaling, #7074, #7076). For the MnSOD tetramerization assay, lysed cells were treated with 0.1% glutaraldehyde for 10 min at room temperature before samples were immunoblotted with anti-MnSOD antibody.

Determination of Cellular Superoxide Levels Using MitoSox.

Steady-state levels of mitochondrial O2.- were estimated using the oxidation of a fluorescent dye, dihydroethidium (DHE) (Life Technologies). Cells were trypsinized, washed, and then labeled in 5 mM pyruvate containing 1×PBS with MitoSox Red (2 μM in 0.1% DMSO) for 20 min at 37° C. After labeling, cells were kept on ice. Samples were analyzed using a Fortessa flow cytometer (Becton Dickinson Immunocytometry System, Inc., Mountain View, Calif.; excitation 488 nm, emission 585, 25 nm band-pass filter). The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of 10,000 cells was analyzed in each sample and corrected for autofluorescence from unlabeled cells. The MFI data were normalized to control levels.

Estimation of Cellular H₂O₂ Levels Using CDCFH₂ Oxidation.

Steady-state levels of H₂O₂ were estimated using the oxidation-sensitive 5-(and 6)-carboxy-2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (CDCFH2) (Life Technologies). The cells were trypsinized and washed with 1×PBS once and then labeled with CDCFH₂ or CDCF (10 μg/mL, in 0.1% DMSO, 15 min) at 37° C. After being labeled, the cells were kept on ice. Samples were analyzed using a Fortessa flow cytometer (Becton Dickinson Immunocytometry System, Inc., Mountain View, Calif.; excitation 488 nm, emission 530 nm, 25 nm band-pass filter). The MFI of 10,000 cells was analyzed in samples and corrected for autofluorescence from unlabeled cells. The MFI data were normalized to control levels.

Survival Experiments Using MnSOD Mimetic GC4419 Treatments.

To test parameters indicative of oxidative stress, a clonogenic assay with hydroxy-Tam and antioxidant treatments was performed. Cells were plated at a density of 50,000 cells per 60-mm dish and treated with 1 μM hydroxy-Tam (Sigma) and 5 μM GC4419 (Galera Therapeutics) for a total of 120 h. This protocol was repeated with a fresh medium change every 24 h for 5 days. On day 6, the cells were trypsinized, counted, and replated in control medium using appropriate dilutions, and clonogenic survival was evaluated.

Incorporation of N-(ϵ)-acetyl-lysine into K68.

BL21 (DE3) pMAGIC chemically competent E. coli cells, which were a kind gift from Andrzej Joachimiak, Argonne National Labs, were co-transformed with pEVOL-AcKRS and pET21a-MnSOD^K68TAG μlasmids or pET21a-wtMnSOD to express MnSOD-K68-Ac and MnSOD-WT proteins. The cells harboring pEVOL-AcKRS and pET21a-MnSOD^K68TAG μlasmids were incubated in 100 mL LB with 300 μg/mL ampicillin, 50 μg/mL kanamycin, and 50 μg/mL chloramphenicol (37° C., 220 rpm) for 3 h at 37° C., and 50 mM nicotinamide (Sigma) was added to this culture. When OD600 reached 1.1, 2 mM NE-acetyl-lysine (Sigma) was added to the culture and cells were induced by the addition of 0.4 mM IPTG and 0.2% arabinose (25° C., 180 rpm) for another 20 h. (The bacterial MnSOD expression and lysine acetylation tRNA mutant plasmids used to make physically acetylated MnSOD-K68-Ac were a kind gift from Dr. Jiangyun Wang, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China).

The BL21 (DE3) cells harboring pET21a-wtMnSOD plasmid were cultured in 5 mL LB media with 300 μg/mL ampicillin and 50 μg/mL kanamycin and 1 mL of this culture was incubated in 100 mL LB with 300 μg/mL ampicillin and 50 μg/mL kanamycin (37° C., 200 rpm) overnight. The next day, 1 L of LB with 300 μg/mL ampicillin and 50 μg/mL kanamycin was inoculated with 10 mL of overnight culture, for ˜2.5 h until OD600=0.6, and then cells were induced with 0.4 mM IPTG (25° C. 180 rpm) overnight. All purification steps were performed on ice. E. coli cells in 1 L LB were harvested by centrifugation (6000 rpm, 10 min, 4° C.) and washed with 50 mL Buffer I containing 20 mM imidazole, 50 mM Tris-HCl, 200 mM NaCl, 5 mM MgCl₂, 50 mM nicotinamide, pH=8.0. Then pellets after centrifugation were suspended with 50 mL Buffer I supplemented with 1 mM PMSF and ˜1 mg/mL lysozyme, and the lysates were incubated at 4° C. for 10 min. Then protein was extracted by sonication cycling (5 s on, 6 s off, 25 min). The extract was clarified by centrifugation (13,000×g, 30 min, 4° C.) and the pellet discarded. In all, 0.2 mL Ni2+-NTA beads were added to the supernatant and incubated with agitation at 4° C. for 1 h.

Beads were transferred into a column and washed three times with Buffer I containing increasing imidazole gradient (50, 75, 100 mM) and protein was eluted in 1 mL Buffer I supplemented with 200 mM imidazole. The proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and then concentrated using Ultra-15 Centrifugal Filter Unit (10 kDa, Millipore Amicon™, USA UFC800324). The eluted protein was then re-buffered to Buffer 11 (50 mM Tris-HCl, 200 mM NaCl, 5 mM MgCl₂, 50 mM nicotinamide, pH 8.0) and loaded onto an equilibrated Ni2+-NTA ÄKTA FPLC Purifier system with GE HisTrap HP columns (Product #GE17524701) and further purified by a Superdex 200 Increase 10/300 GL column (GE Healthcare, Product #GE28-9909-44) in a buffer containing 50 mM potassium phosphate (pH=7.8). Peak fractions were collected using an automated fraction collector. A280 as a function of elution volume/time was also recorded^13,27,21. The peak protein fraction concentrations were determined and immunoblotted with anti-MnSOD and anti-MnSOD-K68-Ac. The remaining purified proteins were measured for peroxidase activity and MnSOD activity. The eluted fractions were then subjected to further analysis. A calibration curve was generated using a gel filtration low and high molecular weight kit (GE Healthcare) according to the manufacturer's instructions and is shown FIG. 4e, which was used to determine the relative size of peak 1 and peak 2.

Immunofluorescence Sample Preparation and Image Acquisition.

Cells seeded on glass coverslips were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and then blocked with 1% BSA and 10% normal goat serum in 1×PBS. Cells were incubated with anti-Ki-67 (c-bioscience) antibody in 1×PBS followed by incubation with goat anti-rabbit IgG conjugated with Alexa Fluor 647 (Invitrogen) in 1×PBS with 5% goat serum. Cells were washed in 1×PBS, mounted, and imaged with a fluorescence microscope. Fluorescence images were captured using a laser scanning confocal microscope (Nikon A1R). The paired images in all the figures were collected at the same gain and offset settings. Post-collection processing was applied uniformly to all paired images. The images were either presented as a single optic layer after acquisition in z-series stack scans from individual fields or displayed as maximum intensity projections to represent confocal stacks.

Statistical analysis.

Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism for Windows (GraphPad Software, San Diego, Calif.). Error bars indicate mean±SEM. One-way ANOVA analysis with Tukey's post-analysis was used to study the differences among three or more groups. For two column bar graphs (i.e., is a significant difference between the means of two groups), a t-test was used. All experiments were repeated at least three times. Statistical significance was assumed at p<0.05.

Example 2

Most men diagnosed with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) will initially exhibit an excellent response to androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT), including ENZ, both of which target the Androgen Receptor (AR) Signaling pathway81. However, with time nearly most men will exhibit progression of their disease. As such, the lethality in men with ADTR is due, at least in significant part, to the development of resistance against ADT agents and importantly, a lack of effective systemic therapies⁸². Thus, the identification of the specific processes leading to ENZ resistance (ENZR), its underlying mechanism, new therapeutic interventions, and predictive signatures is of importance. In this regard, multiple mechanisms of ADTR have been identified that contribute to ADTR/ENZR, which are mainly focused on the AR, including AR amplification and hypersensitivity, AR mutations leading to promiscuity, mutations in coactivators/co-repressors, and AR-independent intratumoral androgen production81,83,84, used as escape pathways that provide alternative proliferative and survival stimuli. While most men develop ADTR through a mechanism involving altered AR signaling, an emerging mechanism of resistance centers on the development of lineage plasticity properties^85-87.

In a NCI white paper (Beltran, 2019) and a seminal review (Yuan, 2019, Cancer Discovery)⁸⁸ it was proposed that cellular lineage plasticity, due to microenvironmental cues, stochastic genetic and/or epigenetic alterations, or treatment-imposed selective pressures, contributes to tumor heterogeneity and the development of resistant tumor cell phenotypes. The development of a lineage plasticity phenotype has recently emerged as an important mechanism of treatment resistance in prostate cancer^81,84 that occurs in roughly 20% of advanced prostate cancer patients, representing important clinical and therapeutic implications^86,87. In this regard, prolonged exposure to ADT is associated with a subset of tumor cells exhibiting a loss of AR signaling dependence and luminal prostate markers, and the induction of stem cell-like developmental programs^85,86. Disrupted mitochondrial metabolism, including aberrant ROS levels, is one potential mechanism leading to a drug resistance phenotypes rooted in the development of lineage plasticity-like properties⁸⁷. Thus, lineage plasticity is defined as CRPC associated with the loss of AR-regulated lineage characteristics that, where plasticity is driven by the disruption of the cells normal metabolic physiology, leads to the acquisition of new phenotypes, including AR independence, sustained tumor cell proliferation, and ENZR.

Detoxification activity of antioxidant enzymes is dysregulated in tumors^89,90, and the subsequent loss of metabolic homeostasis corresponds with tumors that exhibit resistance to anticancer agents, including ADT/ENZ^89-91. MnSOD is a mitochondrial detoxification enzyme (i.e., a superoxide dismutase) that, when either deleted or dysregulated, plays a role in metabolism, oncogenesis, and a therapeutic resistance phenotype. MnSOD-Ac may act as a nexus between the metabolic and bioenergetic balance and tumor cell growth and/or survival, and, under specific cellular conditions, it can function as an in vivo driver of an ENZR tumor phenotype. A mitochondrial signaling axis centered on MnSOD-Ac has been identified which when dysregulated, disrupts cell metabolism, leading to aberrant ROS (Zhu, 2019, Nature Commun.)⁵² and also abnormally stabilized HIF2_α activates dedifferentiation programs (He, 2019; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.)⁵⁵. In certain cases, when MnSOD-K68-Ac exists outside of its normal physiological context, modeled by MnSOD^K68Q expression, it disrupts cellular metabolism, increases ROS levels, and stabilizes HIF2_α, leading to a lineage plasticity phenotype and ENZR tumors cells^89,90. Accordingly, targeting the MnSOD-K68-Ac axis with appropriate therapeutic agents (i.e., pentaaza macrocyclic ring complexed such as GC4419) may provide an effective therapeutic option.

ENZR Prostate Tumor Cells Exhibit Increased MnSOD-K68-Ac and Decreased MnSOD Activity

To address whether there is a link between MnSOD-K68-Ac and ENZR, two ENZ sensitive prostate tumor cell lines were used, LNCaP or 22RV1, which were cultured in 5 μM of ENZ for 3 weeks and then continuously grown at 10 μM, using an established method⁹¹ to select for ENZR cells. Immunoblotting of LNCaP-ENZR (FIG. 19a) or 22RV1-ENZR (data not shown) cells showed an increase in MnSOD-K68-Ac, implying altered MnSOD biology may be one potential mechanism driving ENZR. Since K68-Ac alters the surface charge at the MnSOD tetramerization interface, we assessed the oligomerization state of MnSOD in LNCaP-ENZR cells. Cross-linking experiments showed a decrease in the tetramer complex (FIG. 19b). This gel also showed trimer and dimer bands, which are not observed using a semi-native separation method, which imply these are artifacts bands likely due to the harsh glutaraldehyde crosslinking isolation method.

LNCaP-ENZR (FIG. 19c) and 22RV1-ENZR (data not shown) cells exhibited a decrease in MnSOD detoxification activity, and increased cellular ROS levels (data not shown). These results imply that when MnSOD-K68-Ac exists outside of its normal physiological context due to chronic ENZ exposure, or enforced expression of the MnSOD K68 acetylation mimic mutant gene (MnSOD^K68Q), it disrupts cell metabolism, including aberrant ROS levels, leading to an ENZR phenotype in prostate tumor tissue culture cells. Finally, these are pooled cells and thus, it seems likely that subsets of cells have different mechanisms of ENZR, however, it also appears that dysregulated MnSOD biology is at least one mechanism.

Expression of MnSOD^K68R Reversed ENZR, while in Contrast, MnSOD^K68Q Induced ENZR in PCa Cells

To determine if the MnSOD-K68-Ac-ROS axis plays a role in the ENZR phenotype, our ENZR tissue culture model cells were infected with the MnSOD deacetylation mimic mutant (MnSOD^K68R), which enriches for tetrameric MnSOD and increases MnSOD activity. Clonogenic cell survival experiments, done 72 hrs. after infection in cells cultured in 10 μm ENZ, showed LNCaP-ENZR (FIG. 20a, bar 1 vs. 2) and 22RV1-ENZR (data not shown) cells, infected with lenti-MnSOD^K68R (the deacetylation mimic mutant), converted from ENZR to a sensitive phenotype. MnSOD-K68R levels were confirmed via immunoblotting with an anti-Flag antibody. MnSOD^K68R expression also decreased cellular ROS levels (data not shown), implying that when MnSOD-K68-Ac exists outside of its normal physiological context it disrupts cell metabolism leading to an ENZR phenotype. Thus, expression of an acetylation mimic, which would also disrupt MnSOD biology, should also induce an ENZR phenotype. Indeed, LNCaP cells infected with lentivirus expressing the acetylation mimic mutant gene (MnSOD^K68Q), which we have previously shown mimics MnSOD-K68-Ac (Zhu, 2019, Nature Common.) also exhibited an ENZR phenotype.

The ENZR Observed in LNCaP-ENZR and LNCaP-MnSOD^K68Q Cells is Reversed by GC4419 Treatment

The data in FIGS. 20a-20b suggests that the disruption of MnSOD biology, due to aberrent MnSOD-K68-Ac and ROS levels, may play a role, at least in part, in the development of the ENZR phenotype. Thus, it was surmised that restoring SOD activity, using the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex GC4419, an agent that chemically detoxifies superoxide, would reverse/convert the ENZR to a sensitive phenotype. Indeed, LNCaP-ENZR cells, treated with GC4419, exhibited a significant decrease in tumor cell survival in the presence of ENZ, measured by clonogenic survival experiments (FIG. 21a, left two bars). In addition, the ENZR seen in LNCaP-MnSOD^K68Q cells (FIG. 21a, left two bars) was also converted to a sensitive phenotype by GC4419 exposure (right two bars). LNCaP-MnSOD^K68Q cells, which exhibited ENZR (FIG. 20b, bar 3), were also used for in vivo murine lindlimb xenografts experiments with exposure to GC4419. The dose and pharmacokinetics for GC4419 is based on data for murine models^92-93. LNCaP-MnSOD^K68Q cells grown in mice with ENZ (FIG. 21b top plot of boxes in graph) exhibited similar growth characteristics as the control LNCaP cells (triangle), identifying LNCaP-MnSOD^K68Q xenografts as ENZR. In contrast, LNCaP-MnSOD^K68Q murine xenografts treated with GC4419 (second from bottom plot of boxes in graph), and to a great extent GC4419+ENZ (bottom plot of boxes in graph), lead to a significant inhibition of xenograft growth.

This result may explain surprising clinical data showing that MnSOD levels, under specific conditions, positively correlate with more aggressive breast cancers, implying that MnSOD can also act as a tumor promoter, instead of its more established function as a tumor suppressor (TS)^95-97. These studies, and previous data^52,55, suggest a dichotomous role for MnSOD where the tetramer acts as a TS, theoretically during the early, proliferative stage of tumor initiation. However, once carcinogenesis progresses, monomeric MnSOD-K68-Ac may establish more aggressive tumor phenotypes. Thus, MnSOD may switch from a tetrameric SOD to a monomeric peroxidase, under specific conditions, such as nutrient status, genetic damage, or cell stress. In this model, we surmise that the cellular and/or mitochondrial stress from normal metabolic requirements for energy generation, however, continuous ENZ exposure disrupts MnSOD biology, due to MnSOD-K68-Ac, shifting the balance towards higher levels of the monomer form the MnSOD. Thus, this process may play a role directing leading to ENZR in tumors. Lastly, replacing MnSOD detoxification activity with certain pentaaza macrocyclic ring complexes such as GC4419 may functionally increase SOD activity in the cell, potentially restoring cellular metabolism, and importantly, reversing the ENZR tumor cell phenotype.

Prostate Tumor Grade Correlates with Increased MnSOD-K68-Ac Levels

Using genomics, a correlative link has been shown between MnSOD-Ac and prostate cancer⁹⁸. To extend this data, a tissue microarray (TMA) containing twenty-one PIN, 28 grade 3, and 25 grade 4 prostate tumors, was stained with our anti-MnSOD-K68-Ac antibody, and samples were scored by staining intensity. Quantification by Tissue-Gnostics software showed a significant increase in MnSOD-K68-Ac staining that correlated with increasing tumor grade (FIGS. 22a,b). These results show there are human prostate tumors that exhibit a MnSOD-K68-Ac signature.

Dysregulation of the MnSOD-K68-Ac/ROS/HIF2_α Axis Directs a Lineage Plasticity ENZR Tumor Phenotype.

While mechanisms of ENZR include a wide range of genetic mutations, AR splice variants, dysregulation of AR, and AR-related signaling pathways, there are a subset of metastatic prostate tumors that exhibit ENZR, via a stem cell-like mechanism, which is independent of AR-signaling⁸⁷. To determine if the mechanism by which MnSOD^K68Q expression leads to ENZR, is via dysregulation of AR signaling, we LNCaP-3×AR-LNCaP cells were used that contain a mCherry reporter gene downstream of 3×AR binding sites, and a minimal promoter, which is a proxy to assay AR signaling. These cells were infected with lenti-MnSOD^K68Q and the subsequent cells (LNCaP-3×AR-Cherry-MnSOD^K68Q) exhibited ENZR, similar to the LNCaP-MnSOD^K68Q cells (see FIG. 20b, bar 3). Surprisingly, these cells did not exhibit any changes in AR protein levels (FIG. 23a) or AR transcriptional activity (FIG. 23b), compared to control cells. Rather, these cells exhibited an increase in HIF2_α (FIG. 24b), and SOX2/Oct4 levels, two downstream biomarkers linked to lineage plasticity. This is of importance since HIF2_α stabilization can induce a lineage plasticity phenotype, and ENZR. Lastly, HIF2_α knockdown decreased both SOX2/Oct4 levels (data not shown) and reverted ENZR tumor cells to a sensitive phenotype (FIG. 24b, bar 5 vs. 6). Thus, it is surmised that disrupted cell metabolism, due to expression of MnSOD^K68Q, stabilizes HIF2_α leading to lineage plasticity properties, that is a potentially novel mechanism for the ENZR phenotype in a subset of prostate tumors. Thus, these results suggest the MnSOD-K68-Ac/ROS/HIF2_α may be a therapeutic target for new interventions.

Example 3

Estrogen receptor positive (ER+) invasive ductal cancers (IDCs), the most common type of breast cancer, are commonly treated with selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), which have been shown in multiple studies to improve clinical outcomes^99,100. ER+IDCs are classified as luminal A versus luminal B cancer (LuBCa). LuBCa's, which account for most breast cancer deaths in America, exhibit aggressive tumor characteristics including an elevated proliferative index (high Ki-67), are poorly differentiated (high grade), and display an increased risk of recurrence and metastasis^101,102. The lethality in women with LuBCa is due, at least in part, to the development of resistance against selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and a lack of alternative systemic therapies¹⁰³. Thus, the identification of mechanism(s) of SERM resistance is of great clinical importance.

While the ER pathway plays a pivotal role in breast cancer, and endocrine therapy blocking ER signaling is highly effective, over time, a small subset of ER+women recur due to the development of endocrine resistance^99,100. Multiple mechanisms of endocrine resistance have been identified, including deregulation of various components of the ER signaling pathway, altered cell cycle and cell survival processes, and the activation of escape pathways that provide tumors with alternative proliferative and survival stimuli^99,104. While most resistance to SERMs involves one of these processes, an increasingly accepted mechanism involves the development lineage plasticity. In this regard, a recent NCI white paper (Beltran, 2019)⁸⁶ and a seminal review (Yuan, 2019, Cancer Discovery)⁸⁸ stated lineage plasticity, due to microenvironmental cues, stochastic genetic/epigenetic, metabolic alterations, or other therapy-imposed selective pressures, contributes to tumor heterogeneity and importantly, to the development of resistant phenotypes. Lineage plasticity is understood as a reversible or irreversible reprogramming where a mature somatic cell can display plasticity, via a change in cell “identity”, by dedifferentiation to a progenitor-like state or by transdifferentiation to an alternative differentiated cell type, leading to the emergence of new phenotypes^105-109. Disruption of mitochondrial physiology may be a novel mechanism leading to lineage plasticity and how tumor cells establish resistant phenotypes to therapeutic interventions^110,111. Lineage plasticity may thus also lead to a therapy resistance phenotype in a subgroup of ER+LuBCa IDCs.

Antioxidant enzymes are dysregulated in tumors^108,109, and the subsequent loss of metabolic homeostasis corresponds with tumor cells exhibiting therapy resistance^108-110. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is a key mitochondrial detoxification enzyme that, when deleted or dysregulated, plays a role in metabolism, oncogenesis, and, importantly, therapy resistance. While a mechanistic link between the dysregulation of mitochondrial ROS, MnSOD detoxification activity, and tumor cell resistance has long been suggested, rigorous models to support this idea are limited. Non-physiological levels of MnSOD acetylation (Ac) may, at least in some part, connect metabolic and bioenergetic balance and tumor cell growth and/or survival, and that, under specific cellular conditions, such that it can function as an in vivo driver of tumor resistance by inducing lineage plasticity. For example, a mitochondrial signaling axis centered on MnSOD-Ac exists, which when dysregulated, disrupts cell metabolism, leading to aberrant ROS levels (Zhu, 2019, Nature Commun.)⁵² and abnormally stabilizes HIF2_α, which activates dedifferentiation programs (He, 2019; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.)⁵⁵ Thus, it appears MnSOD exhibits a dichotomous function, based on its lysine 68 (K68) acetylation status, where the deacetylated homotetrameric form acts as a protective detoxification enzyme against persistent/aberrant ROS. In contrast, K68-Ac inhibits homotetramer formation and shifts the MnSOD equilibrium towards a predominantly monomeric form of MnSOD that functions as a peroxidase and/or oncoprotein. Thus, when MnSOD-K68-Ac exists outside of its normal physiological context, modeled by MnSOD^K68Q expression, it disrupts cellular metabolism, increases ROS levels, stabilizes HIF2_α, and promotes lineage plasticity and a PanR (treatment resistant) phenotype^112,113. Accordingly, targeting the MnSOD-K68-Ac axis with a suitable pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex (e.g., GC4419) may provide an effective new therapeutic option.

MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q Cells Exhibited Resistance to Fulvestrant (Fulv) and Palbociclib (Palb)

The PALOMA-3¹¹⁴ study showed that a combination of Fulv and Palb improved progression-free survival (PFS), compared to Fulv alone, yet no survival benefit was observed in endocrine-resistant women. To assess whether cells expressing MnSOD^K68Q would exhibit resistance to these agents, clonogenic tumor cell survival studies were performed that that showed MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells exhibited resistance to Fulv (Fulv-R, FIG. 25a) and Palb (Palb-R, FIG. 25b), compared to MCF7 cells expressing MnSOD^WT (bars 2 vs. 4). It was also shown that combining the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex GC4419 and Palb led to increased tumor cell killing (FIG. 25c), comfirming the efficacy of the macrocyclic ring complex in reducing resistance an increasing effectiveness of tumor cell killing in a co-therapy.

Disrupting the MnSOD-Ac-K68/HIF2_α Axis Leads to Lineage Plasticity in Breast Cancer Cells

Disrupting mitochondrial metabolism can reprogram tumors, including breast cancers, to exhibit lineage plasticity¹¹⁵, a cellular developmental process leading to alternative cell “fates” and tumor resistance phenotypes, due to changes in cell environments, e.g., genetic/epigenetic damage or exposure to therapeutic agents^104,116. MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q and T47D-MnSOD^K68Q cells did not exhibit changes in ER signaling, or ER-related pathways, implying that TamR emerges via an ER-independent mechanism⁵⁴. However, it is also shown that MCF7-MnSOD^K68Q cells exhibited increased HIF2_α levels (FIG. 26a), known to promote lineage plasticity properties. In addition, levels of OCT4 and SOX2, two established stemness markers, were also increased (FIG. 26a). Importantly, HIF2_α knockdown also decreased SOX2 and OCT4 levels (data not shown) as well as converted the TamR cells to a sensitive tumor cell phenotype (FIG. 26b, bar 5 vs. 6). These results are is consistent with published data where HIF2_α correlates with increased risk of distant recurrence and poor outcomes. This indicates that induction of lineage plasticity may be a mechanism leading to more aggressive tumors and a TamR phenotype in breast tumor cells expressing MnSOD_K68Q.

Aberrant HIF2_α levels promote lineage plasticity, leading to chemoresistance and metastasis. Breast tumor cells expressing MnSOD^K68Q may exhibit a PanR tumor cell phenotype to agents commonly used to treat women with LuBCa. Thus, MCF7 cells were selected for cisplatin resistance (Cispl-R) by 3 months of exposure to 5 μM Cispl. These MCF7-Cispl-R cells exhibited an increase in MnSOD-K68-Ac and HIF2_α levels (FIG. 27a) and also exhibited increased ROS levels (FIG. 27b), implying aberrant MnSOD-K68-Ac, via increased ROS levels, leads to HIF2, stabilization. To test this idea, we showed that GC4419 exposure or HIF2_α knockdown decreased cell ROS levels (data not shown. Lastly, MCF7-Cispl-R treated with GC4419 or shHIF2_α showed decreased SOX2 and OCT4 levels (data not shown), and converted the Cispl-R cells to a sensitive phenotype (FIG. 27c). This data implies that HIF2_α stabilization, due to aberrant MnSOD-K68-Ac and ROS levels, leads to lineage plasticity and a Cispl-R phenotype. Based on this data, we propose that MnSOD-K68-Ac promotes aberrant ROS and HIF2_α levels, leading to the enrichment of stemness properties that induce a breast tumor cell PanR phenotype.

Example 4

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) acetylation (Ac) is a key post-translational modification that has important regulator detoxification activity in various disease models. MnSOD lysine-68 (K68) acetylation (K68-Ac) leads to a change in function from a superoxide-scavenging homotetramer to a peroxidase-directed monomer. Estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer cell lines (MCF7 and T47D), selected for continuous growth in cisplatin (CDDP) and doxorubicin (DXR), exhibited an increase in MnSOD-K68-Ac. In addition, MnSOD-K68-Ac, as modeled by the expression of a validated acetylation mimic mutant gene (MnSOD^K68Q), also leads to therapy resistance to CDDP and DXR, loss of tetrameric MnSOD, altered mitochondrial structure and morphology, and aberrant cellular metabolism. MnSOD^K68Q expression in mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) induced an in vitro transformation permissive phenotype.

Cisplatin and Doxorubicin-Resistant Breast Cancer Cells Exhibit an Increase in MnSOD-K68-Ac

MnSOD-K68-Ac is enriched in women with luminal B breast malignancies⁵², which commonly recur with endocrine therapy, and is a mitochondrial based signaling network for the development of tamoxifen resistance (TamR), as determined using breast cancer tissue culture cells. In this example, it was explored whether this resistance phenotype could be extended to a broader application in other standard treatments in women with luminal B breast cancer, including cisplatin (CDDP) and doxorubicin (DXR). To address this question, a standard method was used to select tissue culture for resistance to anticancer agents in both MCF7 and T47D, two established ER+breast cancer cell lines⁵³. MCF7 cells were selected for resistance with three different doses of CDDP (250 nM, 500 nM, 1 μM) and DXR (500 μM, 1 nM, and 2 nM) for 3 months. Both MCF7 CDDP-resistant (MCF7-CDDP-R) and MCF7 DXR-resistant (MCF7-DXR-R) cells showed a dose-dependent increase in MnSOD-K68-Ac (FIGS. 28a and 28b), without changes in total MnSOD protein levels. In order to study specifically on the effect of K68 acetylation on drug resistance, K68 acetylation mimic (MnSOD^K68Q) and deacetylation mimic (MnSOD^K68R) mutants were made where the substitution of a lysine (K) with a glutamine (Q) mimics an constitutively acetylated amino acid state, while the substitution with an arginine (R) mimics constitutive deacetylation^54,52,55. MCF7 cells overexpressing MnSOD^K68Q exhibited higher resistance to the short-term treatment (48 hours) of the highest dose of CDDP (1 μM) and DXR (2 nM). These results clearly suggest a role for the disruption of MnSOD biology, through dysregulated MnSOD-Ac, and a pan resistance (PanR) tumor cell phenotype in MCF7 and T47D breast cancer cells.

Cell Lines

The wild-type ER+MCF7 human breast cancer cells and immortalized MnSOD^−/− mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (MEF) were cultured at 37° C. with 5% CO₂ in regular growth medium, which is composed of Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM, Gibco) with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS; Sigma) and 1% Antibiotic Antimycotic solution (Sigma). Primary MEFs were isolated from isogenic mouse embryos (E13.5) and cultured at 37° C. with 5% CO₂ and 6% oxygen. Lenti-virally infected MCF7 and MEFs were grown in media with 1 μg/ml puromycin. Cisplatin and doxorubicin resistant MCF7 cells were treated for over 3 months to establish permanent cell lines. All experiments were done using exponentially growing cells at 50%-70% confluence.

Lentiviral Infection

Human Lenti-MnSOD plasmid was used for site-directed mutagenesis where lysine at location 68 is mutated to either arginine (deacetylation mimetic) or glutamine (acetylation mimetic) (Bioinnovatise). 293T cells were transfected with 5 μg DNA of interest, 5 μg psPAX2 packaging plasmid, and 300 ng VSV.G envelope plasmid. Fresh medium was added after overnight incubation and viral supernatant was collected after an additional 48 h and filtered using a 0.45 μm filter (Corning). MCF7 and MEFs were lenti-virally infected at 40% confluence with 10 μg/ml polybrene for 72 h. Cells were subsequently recovered with regular medium for 24 h and then selected with 1 μg/ml puromycin.

Clonogenic Cell Survival Assay

To evaluate clonogenic cell survival by testing cell growth at low density, 500 exponentially growing cells were plated in triplicate in 6-well plates using serial dilution, and the growth of the cells was examined throughout 14 days in regular growth medium. Cells were fixed with 70% ethanol for 5 minutes and then stained with 0.5% crystal violet (in 25% methanol) for 20 minutes. Photos of stained plates were taken, and colonies of more than 50 cells were counted and used to calculate clonogenic survival.

Soft Agar Colony Formation Assay

10,000 cells were plated in triplicate on 0.3% agar in growth medium 1× over a 0.6% base agar foundation layer in growth medium 1× (growth medium 2× consisted of DMEM supplemented with 20% FBS, 2% penicillin-streptomycin, 1% 2.5M glucose and 2% GlutaMax 100×). The size of colonies was monitored over a period of 3 weeks, and by the end of 3 weeks, colony growth was visualized via microscope and images were acquired.

MTT Cell Proliferation Assay

Cell proliferation was measured using MTT proliferation assay kit (ab211091). 10,000 exponentially growing cells were plated in regular growth medium per well into 96-well plates in triplicate. Cells were treated with specified drugs after overnight and incubated for 48 hours. The treatment media was then discarded and a mixture of 50 μl MTT reagent and 50 μl serum-free media was added into each well and incubated for 3 hours at 37° C. 150 μl of MTT solvent was then added, and the plate was shaken for 15 minutes avoiding light. The absorbance was read at OD=590 nm and used to evaluate cell proliferation.

Incorporation and Isolation of N-(ϵ)-Acetyl-Lysine into MnSOD-K68

BL21 (DE3) pMAGIC bacteria were co-transformed with pEVOL-AcKRS, which expresses an acetyl-lysyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNA^CUA pair from M. barkeri, and pET21a-MnSOD^K68TAG, which expresses a site-specific mutation that allows incorporation of N-(ϵ)-acetyl-1-lysine (AcK) into K68. BL21(DE3) pMAGIC cells were transformed with pEVOL-AcKRS and pET21a-MnSODK68TAG were cultured in 3 ml of sterile LB media with 300 μg/ml ampicillin, 50 μg/ml kanamycin and 50 μg/ml chloramphenicol, and 1 ml of the culture was then cultured in 100 ml of LB media with 300 μg/ml ampicillin, 50 μg/ml kanamycin and 50 μg/ml chloramphenicol overnight (200 rpm, 37° C.). 1 ml of the overnight culture was inoculated in 100 ml of LB media with the same antibiotic concentration and shaken at 220 rpm, 37° C. until OD=600 nm reaches 0.6. Bacterial culture was induced with 0.4 mM IPTG, nicotinamide, arabinose and N-acetyl lysine and shaken overnight at 180 rpm, room temperature.

BL21(DE3) pMAGIC cells were transformed with pEVOL-AcKRS and pET21a-MnSODK68TAG were cultured in 3 ml of sterile LB media with 300 μg/ml ampicillin, 50 μg/ml kanamycin and 50 μg/ml chloramphenicol, and 1 ml of the culture was then cultured in 100 ml of LB media with 300 μg/ml ampicillin, 50 μg/ml kanamycin and 50 μg/ml chloramphenicol overnight (200 rpm, 37° C.). 1 ml of the overnight culture was inoculated in 100 ml of LB media with the same antibiotic concentration and shaken at 220 rpm, 37° C. until OD¬600 reaches 0.6. Bacterial culture was induced with 0.4 mM IPTG, nicotinamide, arabinose and N-acetyl lysine and shaken overnight at 180 rpm, room temperature.

Protein was lysed in buffer (20 mM imidazole, 50 mM Tris-HCl, 200 mM NaCl, pH=8) with 1.5 mg/ml PMSF and 1 mg/ml lysozyme. Lysates were incubated on ice for 10 minutes, sonicated for 20 min (10 s on, 5 s off, 50% amplitude), and centrifuged for supernatant (13,000 g, 30 min). 0.2 mL Ni2+ NTA beads were added to the collected supernatant and rotated for 1 hour at 4° C. Protein was filtered via passing the supernatant through Probond Purification System filter column. The column was washed three times using the lysing buffer. Then the protein was eluted with elution buffer (250 mM imidazole, 50 mM Tris-HCl, 200 mM NaCl, pH=8) and quantified for further experiments.

Peroxidase Activity Assay

One million cells expressing Flag-tagged MnSOD^WT, MnSOD^K68R, and MnSOD^K68Q were lysed for 30 min in 25 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, 0.1% NP-40, 5% glycerol, protease inhibitors (BioTool) and TSA (Tri chostatin A, Sigma). Lysates were quantified with the Bradford assay (BioRad) and IPed using anti-Flag antibody (company). The peroxidase enzymatic activities of these IPed proteins were determined by using pyrogallol as the substrate. In the reaction mix, the final concentrations were 14 mM potassium phosphate (Sigma), 0.027% (v/v) hydrogen peroxide (Sigma), and 0.5% (w/v) pyrogallol (Sigma). The plate was tapped to mix the sample and reaction reagent, incubated for 10 min at room temperature, and then read at OD=420 nm. The increase in A420 was recorded every 3 min. The ΔA420/20 sec was obtained using the maximum linear rate or 0.5-minute interval for all the test samples and blanks. The peroxidase activity was calculated using the following equation:

Units/mL=[(ΔA420/20 sec Test Sample−ΔA420/20 sec Blank)(reaction volume)(dilution factor)]/[(12)(0.1)].

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism for Windows (GraphPad Software, San Diego, Calif.). Data were expressed as mean SEM unless otherwise specified. One-way ANOVA analysis with Tukey's post-analysis was used to study the differences among three or more means. Significance was determined at p<0.05 and the 95% confidence interval.

Example 5

Allograft Mammary Tumors Isolated from Mice Lacking Sirt3 Exhibit Significant Cytotoxic Sensitivity to GC4419

It was evaluated whether agents that remove superoxide might be cytotoxic and/or reverse the Tam resistance in cells exhibiting a SIRT3-MnSOD-Ac signature. IP injection with 2 mg/kg GC4419 (a specific Mn-based MnSOD mimic that scavenges superoxide) 30 minutes before IR attenuated liver damage in mice lacking Sirt3 via a mechanism has been shown to prevented ROS accumulation (Coleman et al., 2014, Antioxid. Redox Signal.) To address whether the Tam resistance could be reversed, tumor cell lines were used derived from a mammary tumor that developed spontaneously in Sirt3 knockout mouse, referred to as Sirt3^−/−-mammary tumor cells (Sirt3^−/−-MT). These cell lines were subsequently infected with and selected to express either a SIRT3 wild-type (Sirt3^{−/−-MT-SIRT}3^WT) or deacetylation null (Sirt3^{−/−-MT-SIRT}3^DN) gene and a lenti-luciferase to assess tumor growth by bioluminescence. Allograft tumor mice were split into four groups: (1) control, untreated Sirt3^−/−-MT-SIRT3^DN; (2) GC4419 treated Sirt3^−/−-MT-SIRT3^DN; (3) control, untreated Sirt3^{−/−-MT-SIRT}3^WT; and (4) GC4419 treated Sirt3^{−/−-MT-SIRT}3^WT. These experiments demonstrated that the Sirt3^−/−-MT-SIRT3^DN allografts injected by IP every other day for five weeks exhibited an anti-proliferative effect, as measured by a significant decrease in tumor growth, as compared to control mice (FIG. 29a, top line control vs. bottom line with GC4419). In contrast, no change in tumor growth was observed in Sirt3^{−/−-MT-SIRT}3^WT allografts exposed to GC4419 (FIG. 29b), though these tumors did grow slightly slower (FIGS. 29a-b, line ending highest on the y axis after 4 weeks in FIG. 7b is control, line ending lower on y axis after 6 weeks is with GC4419). In vitro data with different Tam resistant as well as loss of Sirt3 tumor cell lines also shows that GC4419 reverses Tam resistance (data not shown).

Example 6

Expression of MnSOD^K68Q (i.e., the K68-Ac Mimic Mutant) Induces Ionizing Radiation Resistance (IRR) in MCF7 Cells

To determine if the MnSOD-K68-Ac-ROS axis plays a role in IRR, it was hypothesized that MnSOD acetylation might play a role in how tumor cells are reprogrammed to produce a IRR phenotype. To address this idea, an established tumor cell line MCF-7 was infected with lenti-MnSOD^K68Q to induce MnSOD^K68Q expression, which was validated. MCF-7-MnSOD^WT and MCF-7-MnSOD^K68Q cells were treated without or with 5 Gy of IR. Clonogenic cell survival experiments showed that enforced MnSOD^K68Q expression in MCF7 cells led to decreased IR-induced cell killing (FIG. 30a, black bar vs. checked bar). In addition, it was surmised that GC4419 exposure, which was shown to chemically remove superoxide would replace MnSOD activity and reverse the IRR phenotype in the MCF-7-MnSOD^K68Q cells. Indeed, clonogenic cell survival studies showed that exposure to GC4419 reversed the IRR phenotype (FIG. 30b, checked bar 2 vs. bar 4). These experiments suggest that the IRR observed in the MCF-7-MnSOD^K68Q cells was converted to a sensitive phenotype due to exposure to GC4419, indicating that replacement of SOD activity is a mechanism in this process.

Example Protocols

The example protocols below show methods of determining levels of target proteins, including AcK68, SIRT3 and HIF2_α, in tissue samples containing tumor cell.

Breast Tissue Protocol

Breast cancer tissue and normal breast tissue slides (n>=6) were immersed twice in 100% xylene (Sigma) for 5 min and 100% ethanol (Sigma) for 5 min. Slides were sequentially immersed with 95%, 80 and 50% ethanol for 5 min before immersion in water and fixation in 95 mL of 95% ethanol and 5 mL of 37% formaldehyde for 2 min. Slides were then treated with 1% Triton X-100 in 1×PBS (Corning) for 20 min, washed three times in 1×PBS for 5 min, and quenched in 0.3% H₂O₂ in 1×PBS for 20 min. Slides were blocked with 10% donkey serum (Sigma), 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA, Sigma) and 0.3% Triton X-100 (Sigma) in 1×PBS for 2 h before treatment with an anti-MnSOD-K68-Ac antibody (1:250 dilution) for 48 h at 4° C. These slides were subsequently incubated at room temperature for 1 h before being washed three times with 1×PBS for 5 min. Rabbit secondary antibody (1:200 dilution, A0545, Sigma) was diluted in antibody solution and applied to slides for 1 h before being washed three times with 1×PBS for 5 min each. The slides were treated with VECTASTAIN ABC kit (Vector Laboratories) for 45 min following the manufacturer's protocol to detect avidin/biotinylated enzyme complexes. Slides were treated using the DAB peroxidase substrate kit (Vector Laboratories), per the manufacturer's protocol, and stained in hematoxylin (Sigma) for 10 min. Then slides were destained with 100 mL of 70% ethanol and 1 mL of 37% hydrochloric acid before dehydration. The intensities were quantified using HistoQuest software (Tissuegnostics). Each tissue received a score between 0-250 according to the signal intensity. Any tissue slide received score that is lower than 1 standard deviation of the normal breast tissue average score was considered low. Any tissue slide received score that is higher than 1 standard deviation of the normal breast tissue average score was considered high. The normal breast tissue average score was determined by assessing at least 6 non-cancerous breast tissue samples from different individuals.

Prostate Tissue Protocol

Prostate cancer tissue and normal prostate tissue slides (n>=6) were immersed twice in 100% xylene (Sigma) for 5 min and 100% ethanol (Sigma) for 5 min. Slides were sequentially immersed with 95%, 80 and 50% ethanol for 5 min before immersion in water and fixation in 95 mL of 95% ethanol and 5 mL of 37% formaldehyde for 2 min. Slides were then treated with 1% Triton X-100 in 1×PBS (Corning) for 20 min, washed three times in 1×PBS for 5 min, and quenched in 0.3% H₂O₂ in 1×PBS for 20 min. Slides were blocked with 10% donkey serum (Sigma), 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA, Sigma) and 0.3% Triton X-100 (Sigma) in 1×PBS for 2 h before treatment with an anti-MnSOD-K68-Ac antibody (1:250 dilution) for 48 h at 4° C. These slides were subsequently incubated at room temperature for 1 h before being washed three times with 1×PBS for 5 min. Rabbit secondary antibody (1:200 dilution, A0545, Sigma) was diluted in antibody solution and applied to slides for 1 h before being washed three times with 1×PBS for 5 min each. The slides were treated with VECTASTAIN ABC kit (Vector Laboratories) for 45 min following the manufacturer's protocol to detect avidin/biotinylated enzyme complexes. Slides were treated using the DAB peroxidase substrate kit (Vector Laboratories), per the manufacturer's protocol, and stained in hematoxylin (Sigma) for 10 min. Then slides were destained with 100 mL of 70% ethanol and 1 mL of 37% hydrochloric acid before dehydration. The intensities were quantified using HistoQuest software (Tissuegnostics). Each tissue received a score between 0-250 according to the signal intensity. Any tissue slide received score that is lower than 1 standard deviation of the normal prostate tissue average score was considered low. Any tissue slide received score that is higher than 1 standard deviation of the normal prostate tissue average score was considered high. The normal prostate tissue average score was determined by assessing at least 6 non-cancerous prostate tissue samples from different individuals.

REFERENCES

Each of the references referred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

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Certain examples herein were adapted from the article “Lysine 68 Acetylation Directs MnSOD as a Tetrameric Detoxification Complex Versus a Monomeric Tumor Promoter” by Zhu et al., Nature Communications (2019) 10:2399, published online Jun. 3, 2019. This article was published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, a copy of which can be viewed at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

Claims

1. A method of treating a cancer in a mammalian subject with a tumor signature characterized by any one or more of (i) a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein that is below a first predetermined threshold level, (ii) a level of manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) that exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) that exceed a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness, the method comprising: administering to the mammalian subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I) below:

2. A method of treating a cancer in a mammalian subject, the method comprising: selecting a subject that is a suitable subject for treatment with a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to Formula (I) below, by: (a) obtaining a test tissue sample from the subject, the test tissue sample comprising tumor cells;(b) assessing the test tissue sample to determine criteria comprising any one or more of (i) whether a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein is below a first predetermined threshold level in tumor cells of the tissue sample, (ii) whether a level of manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) whether expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) exceed a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness; and(c) determining the subject is suitable for the treatment if either one or more of the criteria (i), (ii) and/or (iii) is met; andin a case where the subject is selected as suitable for treatment, administering a therapeutically effective amount of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to Formula (I) below:

3.-5. (canceled)

6. A kit for treating a cancer in a mammalian subject, the kit comprising: (a) an assay for analyzing a tissue sample obtained from the subject and comprising tumor cells, the assay being capable of determining criteria comprising any one or more of (i) whether a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein is below a first predetermined threshold level in tumor cells of the tissue sample, (ii) whether a level of manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) whether expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) exceed a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness; and(b) a therapeutically effective amount of the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to Formula (I) below:

7. (canceled)

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined threshold level for sirtuin (SIRT3) protein activity in tumor tissue is a level that is lower than one standard deviation from a normal score for non-cancerous tissue of the same type as the tumor tissue, where the normal score is determined by taking the average of at least 6 non-cancerous tissue samples of the same tissue type from at least 6 different individuals, as determined by immunostaining.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the second predetermined threshold level for manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) is a level that is higher than one standard deviation from a normal score for non-cancerous tissue of the same type as the tumor tissue, where the normal score is determined by taking the average of at least 6 non-cancerous tissue samples of the same type from at least 6 different individuals, as determined by immunostaining.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the third predetermined threshold level for expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) is a level that is higher than one standard deviation from a normal score for non-cancerous tissue of the same type as the tumor tissue, where the normal score is determined by taking the average of at least 6 non-cancerous tissue samples of the same type from at least 6 different individuals, as determined by immunostaining.

11.-21. (canceled)

22. A method of treating a tumor that is resistant to a chemotherapeutic agent in a mammalian subject afflicted therewith, the tumor having a tumor signature characterized by any one or more of (i) a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein that is below a first predetermined threshold level, (ii) a level of K68-acetylated manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSODK68) that exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) exceeds a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness the method comprising: selecting a subject that is a suitable subject for treatment, by: (a) obtaining a test tissue sample from the subject, the test tissue sample comprising tumor cells,(b) assessing the tissue sample to determine criteria comprising any one or more of (i) whether a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein activity is below a first predetermined threshold level in tumor cells of the tissue sample, (ii) whether a level of manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) whether expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) exceeds a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness; and(c) determining the subject is suitable for the treatment if one or more of the criteria (i)-(iii) is met; andin a case where the subject is selected as suitable for treatment, treating the subject by:administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I) below:

23. (canceled)

24. A method of treating a tumor that is resistant to ionizing radiation therapy in a mammalian subject afflicted therewith, the tumor having a tumor signature characterized by any one or more of (i) a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein that is below a first predetermined threshold level, (ii) a level of K68-acetylated manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSODK68) that exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) exceeds a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness the method comprising: selecting a subject that is a suitable subject for treatment, by: (a) obtaining a test tissue sample from the subject, the test tissue sample comprising tumor cells;(b) assessing the tissue sample to determine criteria comprising any one or more of (i) whether a level of sirtuin (SIRT3) protein activity is below a first predetermined threshold level in tumor cells of the tissue sample, (ii) whether a level of manganese superoxide dismutase acetylated at the lysine 68 residue (AcK68) exceeds a second predetermined threshold level, and (iii) whether expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) exceeds a third predetermined threshold level indicative of lineage plasticity for stemness; and(c) determining the subject is suitable for the treatment if one or more of the criteria (i)-(iii) is met; andin a case where the subject is selected as suitable for treatment, treating the subject by:administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I) below:

25.-31. (canceled)

32. A method of treating a cancer in a mammalian subject afflicted with the cancer, the method comprising: administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic agent that inhibits a hormone receptor pathway associated with growth or progression of the cancer; andadministering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I) below, prior to, concomitantly with, or after administration of the therapeutic agent:

33. A method of treating and/or reducing the likelihood of, a recurrence of a cancer in a mammalian subject at risk thereof, the method comprising: administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I) below:

34. (canceled)

35. A method of treating tumor that is resistant to a therapeutic agent that inhibits a hormone receptor pathway associated with growth or progression of the cancer, in a mammalian subject, the method comprising: administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex corresponding to the Formula (I):

36.-43. (canceled)

44. The method of claim 1, wherein the cancer and/or tumor is any one selected from the group consisting of breast cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, glioma, glioblastoma, head and neck cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, desmoid tumors, pancreatic carcinoma, melanoma, and renal cell carcinoma.

45.-52. (canceled)

53. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises administration of (i) radiation therapy, (ii) immunotherapy, and/or a further chemotherapeutic agent.

54. The method of claim 1, wherein R1, R2, R′2, R3, R4, R5, R′5, R6, R′6, R7, R8, R9, R′9, and R10 are each hydrogen.

55. The method of claim 1, wherein W is an unsubstituted pyridine moiety.

56. The method of claim 1, wherein U and V are transcyclohexanyl fused rings.

57. The method of claim 1, wherein the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is represented by Formula (II):

58. The method of claim 1, wherein the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is represented by Formula (III) or Formula (IV):

59. The method of claim 1, wherein the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is a compound represented by a formula selected from the group consisting of Formulae (V)-(XVI):

60. The method of claim 1, wherein X and Y are independently selected from substituted or unsubstituted moieties of the group consisting of halide, oxo, aquo, hydroxo, alcohol, phenol, dioxygen, peroxo, hydroperoxo, alkylperoxo, arylperoxo, ammonia, alkylamino, arylamino, heterocycloalkyl amino, heterocycloaryl amino, amine oxides, hydrazine, alkyl hydrazine, aryl hydrazine, nitric oxide, cyanide, cyanate, thiocyanate, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, alkyl nitrile, aryl nitrile, alkyl isonitrile, aryl isonitrile, nitrate, nitrite, azido, alkyl sulfonic acid, aryl sulfonic acid, alkyl sulfoxide, aryl sulfoxide, alkyl aryl sulfoxide, alkyl sulfenic acid, aryl sulfenic acid, alkyl sulfinic acid, aryl sulfinic acid, alkyl thiol carboxylic acid, aryl thiol carboxylic acid, alkyl thiol thiocarboxylic acid, aryl thiol thiocarboxylic acid, alkyl carboxylic acid, aryl carboxylic acid, urea, alkyl urea, aryl urea, alkyl aryl urea, thiourea, alkyl thiourea, aryl thiourea, alkyl aryl thiourea, sulfate, sulfite, bisulfate, bisulfite, thiosulfate, thiosulfite, hydrosulfite, alkyl phosphine, aryl phosphine, alkyl phosphine oxide, aryl phosphine oxide, alkyl aryl phosphine oxide, alkyl phosphine sulfide, aryl phosphine sulfide, alkyl aryl phosphine sulfide, alkyl phosphonic acid, aryl phosphonic acid, alkyl phosphinic acid, aryl phosphinic acid, alkyl phosphinous acid, aryl phosphinous acid, phosphate, thiophosphate, phosphite, pyrophosphite, triphosphate, hydrogen phosphate, dihydrogen phosphate, alkyl guanidino, aryl guanidino, alkyl aryl guanidino, alkyl carbamate, aryl carbamate, alkyl aryl carbamate, alkyl thiocarbamate, aryl thiocarbamate, alkylaryl thiocarbamate, alkyl dithiocarbamate, aryl dithiocarbamate, alkylaryl dithiocarbamate, bicarbonate, carbonate, perchlorate, chlorate, chlorite, hypochlorite, perbromate, bromate, bromite, hypobromite, tetrahalomanganate, tetrafluoroborate, hexafluoroantimonate, hypophosphite, iodate, periodate, metaborate, tetraaryl borate, tetra alkyl borate, tartrate, salicylate, succinate, citrate, ascorbate, saccharinate, amino acid, hydroxamic acid, thiotosylate, and anions of ion exchange resins, or the corresponding anions thereof; or X and Y correspond to —O—C(O)—X1, where each X1 is —C(X2)(X3)(X4), and each X1 is independently substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or —C(—X2)(—X3)(—X4);each X2 is independently substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, methyl, ethyl or propyl;each X3 is independently hydrogen, hydroxyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, amino, —X5C(═O)R13 where X5 is NH or O, and R13 is C1-C18 alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or C1-C18 aralkyl, or —OR14, where R14 is C1-C18 alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or C1-C18 aralkyl, or together with X4 is (═O); andeach X4 is independently hydrogen or together with X3 is (═O);or X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of charge-neutralizing anions which are derived from any monodentate or polydentate coordinating ligand and a ligand system and the corresponding anion thereof;or X and Y are independently attached to one or more of R1, R2, R′2, R3, R4, R5, R′5, R6, R′6, R7, R8, R9, R′9, and R10.

61. The method of claim 1, wherein X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo, and iodo anions.

62. The method of claim 1, wherein X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl carboxylates, aryl carboxylates and arylalkyl carboxylates.

63. The method of claim 1, wherein X and Y are independently amino acids.

64. The method of claim 1, wherein the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is a compound represented by the formula:

65. The method of claim 1, wherein the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is a compound represented by the formula:

66. The method of claim 1, wherein the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is a compound represented by the formula:

67. The method of claim 1, wherein the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is represented by the formula:

68. The method of claim 1, wherein the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is represented by the formula:

69. The method of claim 1, wherein the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is represented by the formula:

70. The method of claim 1, wherein the pentaaza macrocyclic ring complex is represented by the formula:

71.-76. (canceled)