Abstract 2525
Background
Inhibition of EGFR signalling has emerged as a new treatment strategy for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Previously, we found that loss of EGFR expression in OSCC was associated with EMT, and might have functional implications with regard to resistance to cetuximab, a monoclonal anti-EGFR antibody. Eribulin (a microtubule inhibitor) reportedly renders breast cancer less aggressive, and less likely to metastasise, by triggering the mesenchymal-to-epithelial (MET) transition. Here, we evaluated whether eribulin-induced MET was associated with re-sensitization of resistant OSCC cell lines to cetuximab.
Methods
In vitro antiproliferative activities were determined in three human OSCC lines (OSC-20, OSC-19 and HOC313) treated with eribulin. These three human OSCC represented different EMT/MET states.
Results
Interestingly, HOC313 cells (mesenchymal phenotype) were highly sensitive to eribulin in comparison with other cell lines, and significantly enhanced the anti-proliferative effect of cetuximab in response to the drug. Eribulin also underwent a MET-associated gene switch that resulted in high EGFR expression in HOC313 cells, and abrogated a TGF-β-induced EMT gene expression signature.
Conclusions
Eribulin-dependent sensitization of OSCC to cetuximab is likely due to induction of MET. Combination therapies based on eribulin and cetuximab have potential as a novel treatment regimen in OSCC.
Clinical trial identification
Legal entity responsible for the study
Kanazawa University
Funding
None
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.