Development of the therapy for cetuximab-resistant oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26861579
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Pathobiological dentistry/Dental radiology
• Research Institution: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: Yoshikawa Momoko 慶應義塾大学, 医学部(信濃町), 共同研究員 (50570967)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: CD44v / 口腔扁平上皮癌 / セツキシマブ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Using cancer stem cell marker of CD44v positive oral squamous cell carcinoma cells, we prepared cetuximab-resistant oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. We analyzed changes in the characteristics of cancer stem cells associated with cetuximab resistance. In cetuximab-resistant cells, gene expression was similar to cells forming undifferentiated tumors with CD44v positivity as compared with the parent cells. Tumor tissues formed from cetuximab-resistant cells were undifferentiated tumors and were mostly CD44v positive cells. Consequently, it can be concluded that cetuximab-resistant cells display stronger characteristics of cancer stem cells than parent cells.

Free Research Field

口腔癌