Increased breast cancer cell sensitivity to cisplatin using a novel small molecule inhibitor

Although cisplatin is used for the treatment of more than half of cancer patients, its use is restricted by serious side effects as well as the development of cisplatin-resistant cancer cells, limiting its use. In RGCC we have synthesized an intermediate molecule in an ERK inhibitor synthesis process.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of combined cisplatin plus RGCC molecule treatment on MCF-7 and MDAMB231 breast cancer cell viability, proliferation, ability to form clones and migrate, as well as the effects on cell cycle and gene expression.

Cell viability and proliferation were measured by Crystal violet exclusion dye and MTT respectively. Clone formation and wound healing assays were also used for clone formation and cell migration evaluation. Cell cycle was studied by flow cytometry, expression of genes was evaluated by PCR and protein expression was evaluated by western blot.

It was found that combination therapy decreased cell viability and proliferation, caused growth arrest, decreased cancer cell invasiveness and the ability to form clones as well as perturbed the expression of genes involved in ERK, cell cycle and cell death pathways. Conclusion: Although the exact mechanism of action of the combination therapy remains to be investigated, it was found that it is more effective than cisplatin monotherapy. Our findings could potentially lead to a new therapeutic regime for the treatment of cancer.