Hsp90 as a Target in Oesophageal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Wu X, Wanders A, Wardega P, Tinge B, Gedda L, Bergstrom S, Sooman L, Gullbo J, Bergqvist M, Hesselius P, Lennartsson J, Ekman S
Primary Institution: Uppsala University
Hypothesis
Hsp90 is expressed in human oesophageal cancer and can be targeted for therapy using the inhibitor 17-AAG.
Conclusion
Hsp90 is selectively expressed in oesophageal cancer tissue, and its inhibition leads to decreased cell proliferation and increased sensitivity to radiation.
Supporting Evidence
- Hsp90 was found to be abundantly expressed in human tumours of oesophageal cancer.
- 17-AAG treatment resulted in a significant decrease in cell proliferation and viability in oesophageal cancer cell lines.
- Hsp90 inhibition increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to γ-photon radiation.
- Both squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas showed Hsp90 expression at weak-to-moderate intensity levels.
Takeaway
Hsp90 is a protein that helps cancer cells grow, and blocking it with a drug can make cancer cells weaker and more sensitive to treatment.
Methodology
The study involved immunohistochemical analysis of Hsp90 expression in tumour samples and cell lines, along with proliferation and apoptosis assays using 17-AAG.
Limitations
Only formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from 81 out of 126 patients could be retrieved for analysis.
Participant Demographics
The study included 81 patients with oesophageal cancer, comprising 53 squamous cell carcinomas and 28 adenocarcinomas.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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