PARP inhibition in UV-associated angiosarcoma preclinical models

PURPOSE: Angiosarcoma (AS) is a rare vasoformative sarcoma, with poor overall survival and a high need for novel treatment options. Clinically, AS consists of different subtypes, including AS related to previous UV exposure (UV AS) which could indicate susceptibility to DNA damage repair inhibition. We, therefore, investigated the presence of biomarkers PARP1 (poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1) and Schlafen-11 (SLFN11) in UV AS. Based on experiences in other sarcomas, we examined (combination) treatment of PARP inhibitor (PARPi) olaparib and temozolomide (TMZ) in UV AS cell lines. METHODS: Previously collected UV AS (n = 47) and non-UV AS (n = 96) patient samples and two UV AS cell lines (MO-LAS and AS-M) were immunohistochemically assessed for PARP1 and SLFN11 expression. Both cell lines were treated with single agents PARPi olaparib and TMZ, and the combination treatment. Next, cell viability and treatment synergy were analyzed. In addition, effects on apoptosis and DNA damage were examined. RESULTS: In 46/47 UV AS samples (98%), PARP1 expression was present. SLFN11 was expressed in 80% (37/46) of cases. Olaparib and TMZ combination treatment was synergistic in both cell lines, with significantly increased apoptosis compared to single agent treatment. Furthermore, a significant increase in DNA damage marker γH2AX was present in both cell lines after combination therapy. CONCLUSION: We showed combination treatment of olaparib with TMZ was synergistic in UV AS cell lines. Expression of PARP1 and SLFN11 was present in the majority of UV AS tumor samples. Together, these results suggest combination treatment of olaparib and TMZ is a potential novel AS subtype-specific treatment option for UV AS patients. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00432-021-03678-4.