Original Treatment effects of the EGFR pathway drugs on head and neck cancer stem cells

Author(s)

Fernandes, Glaucia Maria de Mendonca ; Junior, Vilson Serafim ; Galbiatti-Dias, Ana Livia Silva ; Ferreira, Leticia Antunes Muniz ; Castanhole-Nunes, Marcia Maria Urbanin ; Kawasaki-Oyama, Rosa Sayoko ; Maniglia, Jose Victor ; Pavarino, Erika Cristina ; Goloni-Bertollo, Eny Maria

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH; v. 12, n. 9, p. 16-pg., 2022-01-01.

Abstract

(1) Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and show low survival rates and drug resistance, which can be due to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small cell population with metastatic potential, invasion and self-renewal ability. (2) Here, seven tumor cells were sorted as CD44+/CD117+/ CD133+ or ALDH+, considered as HNC stem cells (HNCSCs), and as CD44-/CD117-/CD133-or ALDH-, considered non-HNCSCs after both cells sorted criteria was compared to evaluate cell migration, invasion, and colony forming assays. These subpopulations were treated with Cetuximab, Paclitaxel, or a combination of both drugs and evalu-ated for cell viability. Quantitative PCR and western blot were performed to evaluate EGFR, TRKB, KRAS and HIF-1 alpha gene and protein expression. (3) HNCSCs presented more colonies and appeared to be more sensitive to the drug combination when compared with non-HNCSCs, regardless cells sorted criteria and primary tumor subsite. The EGFR, TRKB, KRAS and HIF-1 alpha genes and proteins were upregulated in CSCs compared with non-HNCSCs, thus explaining the drug resistance. (4) This study contributes to the better development of specific therapeutic protocols based on Cetuximab and Paclitaxel drugs in the treatment of HNC in the presence of CSCs and cell proliferation biomarkers. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/04403-8 - Evaluation of angiogenesis biomarkers in cancer development and response to treatment.
• Grantee: Eny Maria Goloni Bertollo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/26166-6 - Biomarkers and tumor stem cells in the treatment of head and neck cancer
• Grantee: Eny Maria Goloni Bertollo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants