Downregulation of EphA2 expression suppresses the growth and metastasis in squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck in vitro and in vivo.

Purpose: Our previous study has revealed that EphA2 overexpression is significantly associated with aggressive behavior and poor prognosis in patients with squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). However, the function of EphA2 in tumorigenesis and cervical lymph node metastasis of SCCHN has never been elucidated in vivo.

Methods: EphA2 was knocked down in SCCHN cell lines. CCK-8 assays, fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, invasion and migration assays were performed in vitro. In vivo tumorigenicity assays were performed, and the impact on cervical lymph node metastasis was evaluated.

Results: The present investigation demonstrated that suppression of EphA2 resulted in a significant inhibition of proliferation, migration, invasion of SCCHN cells in vitro and markedly diminished their tumorigenicity and lymph node metastasis in vivo.

Conclusions: These results suggest that EphA2 plays a critical role in SCCHN growth and metastasis and may be a promising therapeutic target to prevent the progression of SCCHN.