Cetuximab enhances the efficacy of bortezomib in squamous cell carcinoma cell lines.
OBJECTIVE
Proteasome inhibition has been shown to be effective in multiple myeloma and solid tumor models. In this in vitro study, we investigated the antitumor effect of bortezomib (Velcade) in combination with cetuximab in squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (SCC).


METHODS
Dose-escalation studies were performed in five squamous cell carcinoma cell lines using bortezomib or cetuximab alone or in combination. Cell survival and growth inhibition were measured quantitatively using an MTT and LDH assay.


RESULTS
Bortezomib alone showed a significant antiproliferative activity in all SCC cell lines (P < 0.042), and the activity was further significantly enhanced by the addition of cetuximab (P < 0.043).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that cetuximab increases the cytotoxic activity of bortezomib in SCC cell lines. Combination therapy of SCC with bortezomib and cetuximab might be less toxic than conventional drug regimens used in the treatment of these tumors.
Wagenblast
Jens
J
ENT Department, Frankfurt University Medical School, University Hospital, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt/Main, Germany. Jens.Wagenblast@kgu.de
Baghi
Mehran
M
Arnoldner
Christoph
C
Bisdas
Sotirios
S
Gstöttner
Wolfgang
W
Ackermann
Hanns
H
May
Angelika
A
Hambek
Markus
M
Knecht
Rainald
R
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001897:Boronic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069286:Bortezomib; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D000068818:Cetuximab; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy; D011719:Pyrazines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001897:Boronic Acids; D011719:Pyrazines; D000069286:Bortezomib; D000068818:Cetuximab