Targeting CXCL12/CXCR4 and myeloid cells to improve the therapeutic ratio in patient-derived cervical cancer models treated with radio-chemotherapy

Background The CXCL12/CXCR4 chemokine pathway is involved in cervical cancer pathogenesis and radiation treatment (RT) response. We previously reported that radiochemotherapy (RTCT) and concurrent administration of the CXCR4 inhibitor plerixafor improved primary tumour response. The aims of this study were to determine optimal sequencing of RTCT and plerixafor, the mechanisms responsible for improved response and the effect of plerixafor on late intestinal toxicity. Methods Orthotopic cervical cancer xenografts were treated with RTCT (30 Gy in 2 Gy fractions and cisplatin) with or without concurrent, adjuvant or continuous plerixafor. The endpoints were growth delay and molecular and immune cell changes at the end of treatment. Late intestinal toxicity was assessed by histologic examination of the rectum 90 days after a single 20 Gy fraction. Results RTCT increased CXCL12/CXCR4 signalling and the intratumoral accumulation of myeloid cells; the addition of plerixafor mitigated these effects. All of the RTCT and plerixafor arms showed prolonged tumour growth delay compared to RTCT alone, with the adjuvant arm showing the greatest improvement. Plerixafor also reduced late intestinal toxicity. Conclusion Adding Plerixafor to RTCT blunts treatment-induced increases in CXCL12/CXCR4 signalling, improves primary tumour response and reduces intestinal side effects. This combination warrants testing in future clinical trials.