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Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Enrichment for Chemoresistant Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells from Human Cell Lines
11:50

Enrichment for Chemoresistant Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells from Human Cell Lines

Published on: September 10, 2014

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IL-6/IL-6R pathway is a therapeutic target in chemoresistant ovarian cancer

Hassan Yousefi1,2, Majid Momeny1, Seyed H Ghaffari1

  • 11 Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Tumori
|July 20, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling drives chemoresistance in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Blocking IL-6 with tocilizumab resensitizes resistant EOC cells to chemotherapy, offering a new treatment strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a leading cause of cancer death globally.
  • Most EOC patients develop chemoresistant disease, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Overcoming therapy resistance is critical for improving EOC patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its receptor (IL-6R) in EOC cell lines.
  • To correlate IL-6/IL-6R expression with chemosensitivity in EOC.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting the IL-6 pathway in chemoresistant EOC.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to measure IL-6 and IL-6R expression.
  • MTT assay to determine chemosensitivity of EOC cell lines.
  • Treatment of EOC cells with tocilizumab (anti-IL-6R antibody) and carboplatin.

Main Results:

  • Higher IL-6 and IL-6R expression was observed in therapy-resistant EOC cells compared to sensitive cells.
  • Elevated IL-6/IL-6R levels correlated with resistance to specific chemotherapeutic agents.
  • Combination therapy with tocilizumab and carboplatin synergistically inhibited EOC cell growth and proliferation.
  • The NF-κB pathway was identified as a key regulator of IL-6 gene expression.

Conclusions:

  • IL-6 signaling blockade using tocilizumab may resensitize chemoresistant EOC cells to existing chemotherapeutics.
  • Targeting the IL-6 pathway represents a promising strategy to overcome treatment resistance in EOC.
  • Further clinical investigation of IL-6 pathway inhibitors in EOC is warranted.
Keywords:
Epithelial ovarian cancerIL-6Rtherapy resistancetocilizumab

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