Caffeic acid phenethyl ester: Unveiling its potential as a potent apoptosis inducer for combating hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

The objective of the present study was to examine the ability of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), which is an active compound found in propolis, to combat HSCC tumor growth. CAPE exerted its tumor‑suppressive activity in HSCC cell lines through the induction of apoptosis. Mechanistically, the CAPE‑mediated apoptotic process was attributed to the perturbation of the mitochondrial membrane potential and the activation of caspase‑9. CAPE also modulated survivin and X‑linked inhibitor of apoptosis, which are potent members of the inhibitors of apoptosis protein family, either through transcriptional or post‑translational regulation, leading to HSCC cell line death. Therefore, the findings of the present study suggested that CAPE is an effective treatment alternative for HSCC via the stimulation of mitochondria‑dependent apoptosis.PMID:38099422 | DOI:10.3892/or.2023.8680
Source: Oncology Reports - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Source Type: research