Objective: To investigate the expression and significance of Survivin mRNA in xenotransplanted nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated by paclitaxel combined with radiotherapy.
Method: Xenotransplanted nasopharyngeal carcinoma was established by CNE-2 cell line, then grouped and treated with paclitaxel, radiotherapy, paclitaxel combined with radiotherapy respectively. Xenotransplanted tumor volume was measured; tumor specimens were confirmed by routine hemotoxylin-eosin staining; apoptosis index was assayed by flow cytometry and Survivin mRNA was detected by one step RT-PCR.
Result: Xenotransplanted tumor growth was significantly inhibited by paclitaxel combined with radiotherapy and its inhibition rate was 99.3%. Compared to control group, apoptosis index was apparently increased in the other three groups (P<0.05), especially in the combined therapy group (P<0.05). Survivin mRNA expression was obviously decreased in the combined therapy group (P<0.05); whereas there was no difference in its expression among the groups of paclitaxel, radiotherapy, and control group (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Paclitaxel combined with radiotherapy can induce significant killing effect in xenotransplanted nasopharyngeal carcinoma; paclitaxel can enhance the radiosensitivity of xenotransplanted nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its mechanism may rely on the down-regulation of Survivin expression.