Combining radiation to EGFR and Bcl-2 blockade: a new approach to target cancer stem cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The clinical outcome of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains poor, partly due to the presence of resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs) which are responsible of recurrences. CSCs have low EGFR expression and, conversely, overexpress the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, which is involved in resistance to apoptosis and the invasion/migration capacities of tumour cells.

Methods

The combination therapy of ABT-199, a Bcl-2 inhibitor, cetuximab an EGFR inhibitor, and radiation using an HNSCC model (SQ20B cell line) and its corresponding CSC subpopulation were evaluated in vitro (2D/3D cell proliferation; invasion/migration and apoptosis using videomicroscopy) and in vivo.

Results

Cetuximab strongly inhibited 2D and 3D cell proliferation, as well as invasio

SUBMITTER: Guy JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11802089 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature