Abstract
Albendazole is an anti-helminthic drug that has been shown to exhibit anti-cancer properties, however its activity in head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) was unknown. Using a series of in vitro assays, we assessed the ability of albendazole to inhibit proliferation in 20 HNSCC cell lines across a range of albendazole doses (1 nM–10 μM). Cell lines that responded to treatment were further examined for cell death, inhibition of migration and cell cycle arrest. Thirteen of fourteen human papillomavirus-negative HNSCC cell lines responded to albendazole, with an average IC50 of 152 nM. In contrast, only 3 of 6 human papillomavirus-positive HNSCC cell lines responded. Albendazole treatment resulted in apoptosis, inhibition of cell migration, cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and altered tubulin distribution. Normal control cells were not measurably affected by any dose tested. This study indicates that albendazole acts to inhibit the proliferation of human papillomavirus-negative HNSCC cell lines and thus warrants further study as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for patients suffering from head and neck cancer.
Highlights
Head and neck cancer is the 6th most common cancer diagnosis worldwide, with a reported annual incidence of over 550,000 cases [1]
This study indicates that albendazole acts to inhibit the proliferation of human papillomavirus-negative head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) cell lines and warrants further study as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for patients suffering from head and neck cancer
Tobacco and alcohol consumption are recognized as the two main risk factors for the development of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC), a subset of the tumours are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and viral oncogene expression
Summary
Head and neck cancer is the 6th most common cancer diagnosis worldwide, with a reported annual incidence of over 550,000 cases [1]. Tobacco and alcohol consumption are recognized as the two main risk factors for the development of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC), a subset of the tumours are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and viral oncogene expression. The favorable survival outcomes in the HPV-positive patients has led to significant efforts to de-intensify their treatment [3]. Patients with HPV-negative www.impactjournals.com/oncotarget disease make up a large portion of HNSCC (~40–60%) and experience markedly poorer survival outcomes relative to those that are HPV-positive [4, 5]. There is a critical need to identify novel therapeutics for patients with classic risk factors (smoking and drinking) that lead to HPV-negative HNSCC disease
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