Nimotuzumab Inhibits Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Metastasis via Suppression of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Changes in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are commonly found in cancer progression, signaling a poor outcome in patients. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether nimotuzumab could be of benefit for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of EGFR was explored using immunohistochemical staining in cases divided into groups with low and high expression. The effect of nimotuzumab on CCA cell growth, metastasis and the molecular mechanisms by which nimotuzumab inhibits CCA cell metastasis were evaluated.

RESULTS: The expression of EGFR was high in 55% of patients with CCA. This was significantly correlated with a shorter survival of patients. CCA cells treated with nimotuzumab showed inhibited cell growth. Moreover, nimotuzumab inhibited CCA cell metastasis via induction of E-cadherin and suppression of zinc finger protein SNAI1 (SNAIL1), vimentin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) expression.

CONCLUSION: Nimotuzumab appears to inhibit cell metastasis via suppression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. Therefore, nimotuzumab should be considered as a potential therapeutic agent against CCA.