STAT3 inhibitor stattic enhances radiosensitivity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

The radioresistance of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains an obstacle for the effective radiotherapy of ESCC. This study aimed to investigate the radiosensitization of ESCC by signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor stattic. ECA109, TE13, and KYSE150 cell lines were exposed to hypoxia and treated with stattic or radiation, alone or in combination.

Targets and molecular mechanisms of triptolide in cancer therapy.

Triptolide (TPL/TL) is a natural drug with novel anticancer effects. Preclinical studies indicated that TPL inhibits cell proliferation, induces cell apoptosis, inhibits tumor metastasis and enhances the effect of other therapeutic methods in various cancer cell lines. Multiple molecules and signaling pathways, such as caspases, heat-shock proteins, NF-κB, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair-associated factors, are associated with the anti-cancer effect.

Berberine inhibits the expression of hypoxia induction factor-1alpha and increases the radiosensitivity of prostate cancer.

Background: The radiation resistance of prostate cancer remains the primary obstacle to improve patient survival. This study aimed to investigate the effects of berberine, a commonly used natural product, on the radiosensitivity of prostate cancer.

Methods: Prostate cancer cell line LNCaP and DU-145 were subjected to hypoxia and/or ionizing radiation (IR), in the presence or absence of berberine treatment.