Radiosensitization of solid tumors by Z-VAD, a pan-caspase inhibitor.

ABSTRACT: Despite recent advances in the management of breast and lung cancer, novel treatment strategies are still needed to further improve patient outcome. The targeting of cell death pathways has therefore been proposed to enhance therapeutic ratio in cancer. In this study, we examined the in vitro and in vivo effects of Z-VAD, a broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor, on breast and lung cancer in association with radiation. Using clonogenic assays, we observed that Z-VAD markedly radiosensitized breast and lung cancer cells, with a radiation dose enhancement ratio of 1.31 (P < 0.003). For both models, the enhanced tumor cytotoxicity was associated with induction of autophagy. Furthermore, we found that administration of Z-VAD with radiation in both breast and lung cancer xenograft produced a signific

SUBMITTER: Moretti L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2888880 | biostudies-literature | 2009 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature