Background

Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial pediatric solid tumor. ¹³¹I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) is a targeted radiopharmaceutical highly specific for neuroblastoma tumors, providing potent radiotherapy to widely metastatic disease. Aurora kinase A (AURKA) plays a role in mitosis and stabilization of the MYCN protein in neuroblastoma. We aimed to study the impact of AURKA inhibitors on DNA damage and tumor cell death in combination with ¹³¹I-MIBG therapy in a pre-clinical model of high-risk neuroblastoma.

Results

Using an in vivo model of high-risk neuroblastoma, we demonstrated a marked combinatorial effect of ¹³¹I-MIBG and alisertib on tumor growth. In MYCN amplified cell lines, the combination of radiation and an AURKA A inhibitor increased DNA damage and apoptosis and decreased MYCN protein levels.

Conclusion

The combination of AURKA inhibition with ¹³¹I-MIBG treatment is active in resistant neuroblastoma models.