Work

Antitumor effect of vandetanib through EGFR inhibition in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) have been implicated as therapeutic targets for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Vandetanib is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with dual specificity for EGFR and VEGFR. Here we characterize the phenotypic and biochemical effects of vandetanib on various HNSCC cell lines. METHODS: In vitro models were used for studying tumor cell viability, invasion, and signaling as well as in vivo xenograft models. RESULTS: Treatment with vandetanib reduced viability, invasion, and tumor growth of HNSCC cell lines. Phosphorylation levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were reduced in vandetanib-treated HNSCC cells. Additionally, vandetanib abrogates EGF-induced STAT3 activity and STAT3 target gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that vandetanib inhibits the growth of head and neck cancer cell lines. The antitumor effects of vandetanib appear to be exerted via the EGFR inhibitory effect of the compound.

Source: Head & Neck

DOI: 10.1002/hed.21917

Authors: Jonah D. Klein, Apostolos Christopoulos, Sun M. Ahn, William E. Gooding, Jennifer R. Grandis, Seungwon Kim

Institutions: University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Language: English

Topic: Head and Neck Cancer Studies

Subfield: Otorhinolaryngology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research