Glucocorticoid reduces the efficacy of afatinib on the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Glucocorticoids (GC) are widely used to counter the adverse events during cancer therapy; nonetheless, previous studies pointed out that GC may reduce efficacy of chemotherapy on cells, especially in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remaining be elucidated. The primary aim present study was probe into GC-induced resistance EGFR-targeted drug afatinib underlying mechanism. HNSCC lines (HSC-3, SCC-25, SCC-9, H-400) human oral keratinocyte (HOK) were assessed for (GR) expression. promoting tumor effect evaluated by CCK-8 assay flow cytometry. Levels signaling pathways participants GR, mTOR, EGFR determined quantitative polymerase chain reaction western blotting. increased proliferation cells a GR-dependent manner promoted AKT/mTOR signaling. But failed counteracting inhibition rapamycin mTOR pathway. Besides, also induced through instead EGFR/ERK Thus, GCs HNSCC, implicating cautious use glucocorticoids clinical practice.