Combined Cetuximab and Genistein Treatment Shows Additive Anti-cancer Effect on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

In this study, the authors evaluated the potency of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway inhibition achieved by combining cetuximab, an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, with genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which target extracellular and intracellular domains of the receptor, respectively, in oral squamous cell carcinoma in vitro and in vivo.

Cancer Letters

Journal: (December 2009)

Authors: Park SJ, Kim MJ, Kim YK, et al.

in vitro

in vivo

Purpose: To evaluate the potency of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway inhibition achieved by combining cetuximab, an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, with genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which target extracellular and intracellular domains of the receptor, respectively, in oral squamous cell carcinoma and .

in vivo

Results: The investigators found that a combination of cetuximab and genistein significantly inhibited tumor growth and caused a substantial growth delay in models of both cell lines while each single-agent exposure caused no delay of tumor growth. Immunohistochemical staining with proliferating cell nuclear antigen revealed that the group receiving combined cetuximab and genistein exhibited the lowest number of proliferating cells and microvessel density (P <.05). Combined therapy with genistein and cetuximab can add the potency of EGFR signaling inhibition; however, because not all oral squamous cell carcinoma cell types appeared to respond uniformly, the authors noted that selective targeting of distinct molecular pathways is required for effective clinical response.

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