Cetuximab induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against EGFR-expressing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Int J Cancer. 2007 Feb 15;120(4):781-7. doi: 10.1002/ijc.22370.

Abstract

To evaluate the possibility of treatment with antiepidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mAb, Cetuximab against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), we performed detail analysis of the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by Cetuximab against esophageal SCC. Esophageal SCC cell lines with various levels of EGFR (n = 8) were evaluated for their Cetuximab-mediated ADCC by (51)Cr-release assay. As a result, Cetuximab was able to induce ADCC against EGFR-expressing esophageal SCC and the activities reflected the degree of EGFR expression on the esophageal SCC. The activities of Cetuximab-mediated ADCC by patients' PBMC were impaired in comparison with those by healthy donors' PBMC. Moreover, the inhibition of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta could enhance Cetuximab-mediated ADCC against TGF-beta-producing SCC. In conclusion, Cetuximab was able to induce ADCC against EGFR-expressing esophageal SCC. Some modalities aiming at enhancing the Cetuximab-mediated ADCC may be necessary for successful Cetuximab treatment of patients with esophageal SCC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity / drug effects*
  • Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity / immunology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / immunology*
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cetuximab
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / metabolism
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ErbB Receptors / immunology*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 / pharmacology
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology
  • Transforming Growth Factor alpha / metabolism
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta2 / immunology
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta2 / pharmacology
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Interleukin-2
  • TGFB2 protein, human
  • Transforming Growth Factor alpha
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta2
  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Cetuximab