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Published on: April 22, 2019
Pharmacological PI3K inhibition in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review
L B Alves1, A C Moura1, J Amorim Dos Santos1
1Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
Background:
This systematic review aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Considering the role of PI3K and its downstream effectors in cell proliferation, invasion, and survival, it is reasonable to expect that treatment with PI3K inhibitors could control HNSCC onset and progression. Thus, the research question for our review was whether pharmacological inhibition of PI3K affects HNSCC progression.
Methods:
In vitro and in vivo studies were selected from six databases. We collected data regarding cell viability, apoptosis, and the regulation of protein expression levels from in vitro studies. For the in vivo studies, we analyzed the reduction in tumor size or gene and protein expression.
Results:
The included studies showed reduced cell proliferation and apoptosis after treatment with PI3K inhibitors. PI3K inhibitors in combination with other drugs had an enhanced anticancer effects compared to those of single-drug treatments.
Conclusions:
The results support the potential of PI3K inhibitors as candidates for clinical trials in HNSCC.
Insights
Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors show promise in controlling head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) progression. Studies reveal these inhibitors reduce cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis, suggesting potential for clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) progression is linked to the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway.
- Investigating PI3K inhibitors offers a potential therapeutic strategy for HNSCC.
Approach:
- Systematic review of in vitro and in vivo studies.
- Data collection on cell viability, apoptosis, and protein expression.
- Analysis of tumor size reduction in preclinical models.
Key Points:
- PI3K inhibitors demonstrated significant reduction in cancer cell proliferation.
- Induction of apoptosis was observed following PI3K inhibitor treatment.
- Combination therapy with PI3K inhibitors enhanced anticancer effects.
Conclusions:
- PI3K inhibitors exhibit therapeutic potential against HNSCC.
- Further clinical trials are warranted to evaluate PI3K inhibitors for HNSCC treatment.
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