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Molecularly-targeted therapy for the oral cancer stem cells

Yuichi Ohnishi1,2, Hiroki Yasui1, Masami Nozaki2

  • 1Second Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Osaka Dental University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan.

The Japanese Dental Science Review
|May 15, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive tumor growth and drug resistance. This review explores resistance mechanisms to cetuximab and lapatinib in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by examining signaling pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Human cancers exhibit heterogeneity, with cancer stem cells (CSCs) driving tumorigenesis, recurrence, and metastasis.
  • CSCs are recognized for their inherent resistance to conventional anticancer therapies.
  • Resistance to targeted therapies like cetuximab and lapatinib is a significant clinical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and discuss the signaling pathways involved in cetuximab and lapatinib resistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying CSC-mediated resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies.
  • To present novel research findings on the signal transduction pathways in resistant OSCC cells.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on CSCs, targeted therapy resistance, and OSCC.
  • Analysis of signal transduction pathways implicated in cetuximab and lapatinib resistance.
  • Introduction of specific research data on OSCC cell proliferation and migration.

Main Results:

  • CSCs play a critical role in the development of resistance to EGFR inhibitors.
  • Specific signaling pathways are identified as key mediators of resistance in OSCC.
  • Understanding these pathways offers potential targets for overcoming therapeutic resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting CSCs and their associated signaling pathways is crucial for overcoming resistance to cetuximab and lapatinib in OSCC.
  • Further research into these pathways may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for managing resistant cancers.
  • This review highlights the importance of investigating CSC biology in the context of targeted therapy resistance.
Keywords:
Cancer stem cellsCetuximabEpidermal growth factor receptorLapatinibMolecularly-targeted therapyOral squamous cell carcinomaSphere formation

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