Cetuximab inhibits cisplatin-induced activation of EGFR signaling in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Oncol Rep. 2014 Sep;32(3):1188-92. doi: 10.3892/or.2014.3302. Epub 2014 Jul 3.

Abstract

A malignant esophageal cancer, squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most prevalent cancers. Despite the use of present surgical techniques combined with various treatment modalities, the overall 5-year survival rate remains at 15-34%. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the most well studied receptor in various cancers and EGFR overexpression is detected in 40% of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) and ESCC cell lines. To examine the EGFR antibody combination effect, we used treatment with cisplatin and cetuximab in ESCC cell lines, TE-4 and TE-8. Combination of cetuximab and cisplatin resulted in a growth inhibition only in the EGFR overexpressed TE-8 cell line. Furthermore, we confirmed that cisplatin-induced EGFR activation was inhibited by cetuximab in TE-8 but not in TE-4 cells. Our data suggest that cetuximab combined with cisplatin exerts antitumorigenic effects in vitro and in vivo via suppression of EGF signaling, which can be applied toward targeted ESCC treatments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cetuximab
  • Cisplatin / administration & dosage*
  • Cisplatin / pharmacology
  • Drug Synergism
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Cetuximab
  • Cisplatin