Trametinib Synergized With Abemaciclib to Inhibit Tumor Growth in Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND/AIM: The cyclin-D-CDK4/6-RB pathway is often deregulated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), making it an attractive therapeutic target. However, previous studies showed that treatment with specific CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6Is) induced ROS generation and the activation of ERK phosphorylation in HNSCC, enabling cancer cells escape from CDK4/6I-medicated cell cycle arrest. Here we aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of the combination of abemaciclib (CK4/6I) and trametinib (an ERK1/2 inhibitor) in preclinical models of HNSCCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The activities of trametinib as a monotherapy and a combination therapy with abemaciclib in HNSCC cells and tumors were evaluated using cell viability assays, colony formation assays, and xenograft models, respectively. RESULTS: Trametinib enhanced the inhibitory effect of abemaciclib in HNSCC cancer cells and xenografts, and the co-administration of abemaciclib and trametinib exhibited synergy in anti-tumor activities. CONCLUSION: The combination of abemaciclib and trametinib potently repressed the growth of HNSCC cells and xenografts in a synergistic manner, thus being a potential therapeutic approach for HNSCC.
Source: Anticancer Research
Authors: ERNEST DUAH, MING POI, JUNAN LI
Institution: The Ohio State University
Language: English
Topic: Head and Neck Cancer Studies
Subfield: Otorhinolaryngology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Funder: Ohio State University
OpenAlex ID: W4410775826