Abstract
Background Combined inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) has been proposed as a therapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Methods Receptor expression and downstream signaling were assessed in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines and patient samples. EGFR and IGF-1R signaling was inhibited in cutaneous SCC cell lines using erlotinib and/or picropodophyllin. Results EGFR and IGF-1R were overexpressed in cutaneous SCCHN specimens relative to normal skin. Dual inhibition of both receptors prevented cell growth and decreased activation of Akt and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) more effectively than either inhibitor alone. Conclusion Dual inhibition of EGFR and IGF-1R is effective at blocking cell growth, and is correlated with inhibition of Akt and p42/44 MAPK, suggesting that this may be a promising treatment for cutaneous SCCHN.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 86-93 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Head and Neck |
Volume | 35 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2013 |
Keywords
- cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
- epidermal growth factor receptor
- insulin-like growth factor receptor
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Otorhinolaryngology