Synergistic effects of combined treatment with ultrasound‐mediated cisplatin‐loaded microbubbles and atorvastatin on head and neck cancer

Synergistic effects of combined treatment with ultrasound‐mediated cisplatin‐loaded microbubbles and atorvastatin on head and neck cancer:

Abstract

Background

Previously, we used ultrasound (US)‐mediated cisplatin (CDDP)‐loaded microbubbles (CDDP‐MBs) to increase intratumoral CDDP level while decreasing systemic cytotoxicity. Statins have shown antitumorigenic properties. Our study investigated the effects of atorvastatin with CDDP‐MBs and US on head neck cancer.

Methods

Cell viability analysis with CDDP‐MBs and atorvastatin combined with US in FaDu cell line were tested. Cell proliferation and glutathione level were also evaluated.

Results

Both CDDP and atorvastatin reduced cell's viability. Coadministration of CDDP and atorvastatin resulted in synergistic inhibitory effect. After US sonication, cell viability with atorvastatin and CDDP was significantly reduced for CDDP combined with MBs (65.98% to 49.13%) and for CDDP‐MBs (86.17% to 50.15%). CDDP‐MBs combined with atorvastatin and US inhibited the proliferation of cells: 19.61% for CDDP‐MBs + atorvastatin + US, 36.28% for CDDP + atorvastatin, and 71.73% for atorvastatin alone. Also, CDDP‐MBs + atorvastatin + US induced apoptosis by decreasing cellular level of glutathione.

Conclusions

Atorvastatin combined with MB‐conjugated CDDP exerts synergistic inhibitory effect on head neck cancer.