Abstract C012: Overcoming Cell Subtype-Specific Adaptive Resistance to KRAS G12D Inhibition in KRAS G12D-Mutant Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a 5-year survival rate of only 12%, with limited treatment options. Oncogenic KRAS mutations drive PDAC tumor progression, which occur in the majority of PDAC tumors. KRAS G12D is the most common KRAS mutation, found in 36% of PDAC cases, which is associated with the worst clinical outcomes. Mutant-selective KRAS G12D inhibitors (KRASi G12D), such as MRTX1133, have recently demonstrated initial responses in KRAS G12D-mutant preclinical models. However, mechanisms of adaptive resistance to KRAS G12D inhibition are largely under-investigated and novel therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance are urgently needed. Results: Adaptive RAS signaling reactivation was found to dampen KRAS G12D inhibition in a library of KRAS G12D PDAC cell lines, thereby minimizing drug efficacy. Quantitative downstream analyses of drug combination screening using a KRAS G12D cell line library further identified this adaption to KRAS inhibition was cell subtype specific. Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFRs) drove adaptive RAS reactivation specifically in mesenchymal PDAC cells, which are aggressive, and intrinsically resistant to KRASi. In contrast, epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) reactivated RAS G12D signaling in epithelial cells, which are sensitive to KRASi G12D. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of FGFR1 or FGFR2 improved drug efficacy by decreasing FGFR-mediated RAS reactivation specifically in mesenchymal PDAC lines. Pharmacological blockade of EGFR enhanced drug efficacy by inhibiting EGFR-mediated RAS reactivation specifically in epithelial PDAC lines. Furthermore, low-concentration of a novel pan- RAS inhibitor, which inhibits both wild-type and mutant RAS, completely abrogated MAPK signaling and significantly improved efficacy, when combined with KRASi G12D, suggesting a pro-survival dependency on wild-type RAS as a compensatory mechanism in response to KRAS G12D inhibition. Conclusion: Upstream RTK-mediated adaptive RAS signaling re-activation in response to KRAS inhibition in PDAC is cell subtype specific. Complete inhibition of RAS signaling by overcoming adaptive RAS rebound improves efficacy of KRASi G12D. Citation Format: Qingxiang (Nick) Lin, Alvin Morales, Haley Barnes, Ryan Bruce Corcoran. Overcoming Cell Subtype-Specific Adaptive Resistance to KRAS G12D Inhibition in KRAS G12D-Mutant Pancreatic Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research; 2024 Sep 15-18; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(17 Suppl_2):Abstract nr C012.