Enhanced growth inhibition of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck by combination therapy of paclitaxel and opioid growth factor.

Patricia J. McLaughlin, Jeffrey R. Jaglowski, Michael F. Verderame, Brendan C. Stack, Alphonse E. Leure-Dupree, Ian S. Zagon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of a combination of opioid growth factor (OGF) and paclitaxel on squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) using a tissue culture model of human SCCHN. The combination of OGF and paclitaxel was markedly inhibitory to SCCHN proliferation, reducing growth from control levels by 48 to 69% within 48 h. OGF in combination with carboplatin also depressed cell growth. The effect of a combination of OGF and paclitaxel or carboplatin on SCCHN growth was greater than either of the individual compounds. The efficacy of OGF, but not paclitaxel, was mediated by a naloxone-sensitive receptor and completely reversible. OGF, but no other endogenous or exogenous opioid, altered replication of SCCHN. OGF and paclitaxel depressed DNA synthesis, whereas only paclitaxel induced apoptosis. The combination of OGF and paclitaxel also had a supra-additive effect on the growth of another SCCHN, CAL-27, indicating the ubiquity of the combined drug activity. These data suggest that the combination of a biotherapy (OGF) and chemotherapy (paclitaxel and carboplatin) may provide an enhanced antitumor effect with respect to SCCHN.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)809-816
Number of pages8
JournalInternational journal of oncology
Volume26
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2005

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Enhanced growth inhibition of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck by combination therapy of paclitaxel and opioid growth factor.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this