Molecularly-targeted therapy for the oral cancer stem cells

Publication date: May 2018Source: Japanese Dental Science Review, Volume 54, Issue 2Author(s): Yuichi Ohnishi, Hiroki Yasui, Masami Nozaki, Masahiro NakajimaSummaryHuman cancer tissues are heterogeneous in nature and become differentiated during expansion of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs initiate tumorigenesis, and are involved in tumor recurrence and metastasis. Furthermore, data show that CSCs are highly resistant to anticancer drugs. Cetuximab, a specific anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody, is used in cancer treatment. Although development of resistance to cetuximab is well recognized, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Lapatinib, a dual inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/ErbB2, has antiproliferative effects and is used to treat patients with ErbB2-positive metastatic breast cancer. In this review, cetuximab and lapatinib-resistant oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells proliferation and migration signal transduction passway is discussed by introducing our research.
Source: Japanese Dental Science Review - Category: Dentistry Source Type: research