Characterization of CD44v-positive oral cancer stem cells using PDX model and establishment of novel drug therapy

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K10103
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 57060:Surgical dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: Yoshikawa Momoko 慶應義塾大学, 医学部(信濃町), 講師(非常勤) (50570967)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 莇生田 整治 慶應義塾大学, 医学部(信濃町), 講師 (80296706) ; 小澤 宏之 慶應義塾大学, 医学部(信濃町), 教授 (30327621) ; 佐谷 秀行 慶應義塾大学, 医学部(信濃町), 名誉教授 (80264282)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 口腔扁平上皮癌 / CD44v / PDXモデル

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Using a PDX model of oral squamous cell carcinoma, we investigated the feasibility of treatment with drugs that specifically target CD44v-positive cancer stem cells, which are responsible for tumor malignancy and resistance to therapy. Administration of a CD44v-positive cell-specific drug resulted in reduction of tumor size, and RNA-seq analysis of PDX after drug treatment showed a decrease in interferon signaling-related genes. We will further analyze the relationship between interferon signaling and tumor size reduction in the future.

Free Research Field

口腔がん

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

口腔扁平上皮癌において、CD44v高発現の未分化な腫瘍では、従来の抗癌剤感受性が低く、予後が悪いことを報告してきた。申請者らが見つけたCD44v特異的阻害剤の有用性をPDXモデルで検討することで、CD44v高発現の腫瘍において標準治療を補完できる新規治療の可能性が示唆された。