AKT/mTOR as a targetable hub to overcome multimodal resistance to EGFR inhibitors in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is associated with late-stage diagnosis, limited treatment options, the development of drug resistance and poor outcome. Epidermal growth factor receptor is frequently dysregulated in ESCC. EGFR copy number gain and/or protein overexpression are beneficial as predictive biomarkers for EGFR inhibitor therapy; however, inherent and acquired resistance limit response rates, and durable disease control is infrequent.

Methods

This study investigates the causes of resistance to the off-patent EGFR inhibitor gefitinib in three gefitinib-resistance model systems: intrinsic, acquired resistance and growth factor (TGFβ)-induced resistance. Findings from studies in 13 ESCC cell lines were validated in tumour specimens from the GO2 c

SUBMITTER: Spender LC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12405532 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature