Cisplatin reduces epidermal growth factor receptors in squamous-cell carcinoma in vitro. Preliminary results

A radioreceptor assay was used to determine the number and affinity of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors in a human squamous carcinoma cell line of the larynx (HLac 79) after exposure to cisplatin (DDP). Cells exposed to high concentrations of cisplatin showed about 30% fewer receptors compared to untreated and low-dose-treated cells. This reduction in the number of receptors might be responsible for the decreased growth when stimulated by EGF. Cisplatin appears to lower the concentration of EGF receptors on carcinoma cells, which might result in additional antiproliferative activity especially in carcinomas with high EGF receptor expression.