Combination of EZH2 and MEK inhibitors as an Effective Therapy for Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Associated Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors

Clicks: 1
ID: 325812
2026
Article Quality & Performance Metrics
Overall Quality
Not rated
Combines reader engagement with the AI quality analysis. This article has not been analysed, so there is no overall score — reader engagement is measured and shown alongside.
AI Quality Assessment
Not analyzed
Readership in this journal

Ranked #104 of 104 articles by views in Neuro-Oncology Advances

Most read Least read

Bar heights use a square-root scale.

Mint this article as an NFT
Not yet minted

Create a permanent, verifiable on-chain record of this article on the Scimatic Network. The NFT is held in your Journament account, and you can withdraw it to your own wallet at any time.

5 SUSD one-off · no wallet required
Abstract
Abstract Background Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)–associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive sarcomas with poor outcomes and limited therapeutic options. Although mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors are active in benign plexiform neurofibromas, their efficacy in MPNST treatment is modest. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibitors are preclinically efficacious in MPNST treatment, but their mechanisms of action remain unclear. We evaluated the therapeutic potential and molecular mechanism of combined EZH2 and MEK inhibitors in NF1-associated MPNST. Methods Five human NF1-associated MPNST cell lines were exposed to EZH2 and/or MEK inhibitors. Cell growth and apoptosis were quantified over time. Therapeutic efficacy was tested in a subcutaneous xenograft model. Proliferation and apoptosis in tumors were assessed using standard histologic markers, and intracellular localization of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) was examined using fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Results Monotherapy with EZH2 or MEK inhibitors reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis across all MPNST lines. Combination therapy produced greater tumor cell growth suppression and marked increases in apoptosis. In vivo, the combination significantly delayed tumor progression compared with monotherapy, with concomitant reductions in proliferative indices and increases in apoptotic indices. EZH2 inhibitor limited nuclear pERK entry. Conclusions Dual EZH2 and MEK inhibitors yields additive antitumor activity in NF1-associated MPNST. Although the molecular mechanism could not be elucidated, our findings suggest that EZH2 inhibitors exhibited a polycomb repressive complex 2-independent, noncanonical mechanism characterized by pERK nuclear translocation restriction, providing a strong rationale for clinical evaluation of this combination in NF1-associated MPNST.
Reference Key
openalex_W7203864760 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Sogo Oki, Yukitomo Ishi, Shigeru Yamaguchi, Manabu Natsumeda, Christine A. Pratilas, Michiyuki Hakozaki, Hideki Tanizawa, Zen‐ichi Tanei, Miki Fujimura
Journal Neuro-Oncology Advances
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/noajnl/vdag221
URL
Keywords Keywords not found

Citations

No citations found. To add a citation, contact the admin at info@scimatic.org

No comments yet. Be the first to comment on this article.