Co-targeting EGFR and IKKβ/NF-κB signalling pathways in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a potential novel therapy for head and neck squamous cell cancer

Background Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) proliferation and therapy resistance, but the efficacy of targeting of EGFR for therapy has been limited. Here, we explore the molecular link between EGFR and inhibitor of κB kinase β/nuclear factor-κB (IKKβ/NF-κB) signalling pathways in the regulation of HNSCC EGFR inhibitor resistance. Methods We performed in vitro experiments in eight human HNSCC cell lines and a patient-derived HNSCC cell line as well as in vivo xenografts in a human HNSCC cell line. Results We found that treatment of all HNSCC cells with Gefitinib and Erlotinib, two Food Drug Administration-approved EGFR inhibitors, blocked the activity of Akt/mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase, two crucial downstream effectors of EGFR, but up-regulated IKKβ/NF-κB signalling. In addition, induction of IKKβ/NF-κB by EGFR inhibitors required HER2 and HER3 expression. In keeping with these, IKKβ inhibitor CmpdA synergistically enhanced the efficacy of EGFR inhibitors to further inhibit in vitro HNSCC cell growth. Importantly, we demonstrated that the combination of Gefitinib with CmpdA inhibited xenograft tumour formation. Conclusion Our data demonstrated that co-targeting EGFR and IKKβ with Gefitinib and IKKβ inhibitors could provide a potential novel therapy for head and neck squamous cell cancer.