Coordinate direct input of both KRAS and IGF1 receptor to activation of PI 3-kinase in KRAS mutant lung cancer

Using a panel of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lines, we show here that MEK and RAF inhibitors are selectively toxic for the KRAS mutant genotype, while PI 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT and mTOR inhibitors are not. IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) tyrosine kinase inhibitors also show selectivity for KRAS mutant lung cancer lines. Combinations of IGF1R and MEK inhibitors resulted in strengthened inhibition of KRAS mutant lines and also showed improved effectiveness in autochthonous mouse models of Kras induced NSCLC. PI3K pathway activity is dependent on basal IGF1R activity in KRAS mutant, but not wild-type, lung cancer cell lines. KRAS is needed for both MEK and PI3K pathway activity in KRAS mutant, but not wild-type, lung cancer cells, while acute activation of KRAS causes stimulation of PI3K dependent upon IGF1R kinase activity. Coordinate direct input of both KRAS and IGF1R is thus required to activate PI3K in KRAS mutant lung cancer cells