Synergistic effect between erlotinib and MEK inhibitors in KRAS wild-type human pancreatic cancer cells.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The combination of erlotinib and gemcitabine has shown a small but statistically significant survival advantage when compared with gemcitabine alone in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. However, the overall survival rate with the erlotinib and gemcitabine combination is still low. In this study, we sought to identify gene targets that, when inhibited, would enhance the activity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapies in pancreatic cancer cells.

Experimental design

A high-throughput RNA interference (RNAi) screen was carried out to identify candidate genes. Selected gene hits were further confirmed and mechanisms of action were further investigated using various assays.

Results

Six gene hits from siRNA screening were confirmed to s

SUBMITTER: Diep CH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3265169 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature