EGFR and VEGFR as potential target for biological therapies in HCC cells

Cancer Lett. 2008 Apr 18;262(2):257-64. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2007.12.001. Epub 2008 Jan 11.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant cancer with poor prognosis. Inhibitors of EGFR and VEGFR for HCC treatment are currently under investigation. Gefitinib and vandetanib inhibit migration of HCC cells on Laminin-5 and Fibronectin, and invasion through matrigel. Both drugs inhibit p-EGFR after short time, while their efficacy on p-Erk1/2 and p-Akt is progressive and stable over time. PI3K/Akt and MEK/Erk1/2 inhibitors, inhibit migration and invasion as well as inducing de-phosphorylation of downstream effectors. Finally, both inhibitors, vandetanib and gefitinib down-regulated the secretion of matrix metalloproteases MMP-2 and MMP-9. All these biological effects seem to depend on the activity of gefitinib and vandetanib blocking activity towards p-EGFR mediated pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Gefitinib
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Piperidines / pharmacology*
  • Quinazolines / pharmacology*
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Piperidines
  • Quinazolines
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
  • Gefitinib
  • vandetanib