The anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody blocks cisplatin-induced activation of EGFR signaling mediated by HB-EGF

FEBS Lett. 2008 Dec 24;582(30):4125-30. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2008.11.010. Epub 2008 Nov 21.

Abstract

Cisplatin is a key agent in combination chemotherapy for various types of solid tumor. We now show that cisplatin activates signaling by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by inducing cleavage of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF). Matuzumab, a monoclonal antibody to EGFR, inhibited cisplatin-induced EGFR signaling, likely through competition with the soluble form of HB-EGF for binding to EGFR. Matuzumab enhanced the antitumor effect of cisplatin in nude mice harboring human non-small cell lung cancer xenografts. Our findings shed light on the mechanism by which monoclonal antibodies to EGFR might augment the efficacy of cisplatin.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cisplatin / pharmacology*
  • ErbB Receptors / agonists
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Female
  • Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / metabolism*
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • HBEGF protein, human
  • Hbegf protein, mouse
  • Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors
  • matuzumab
  • Cisplatin