Wound-healing factors can prime head and neck cancer cells to increase their tumor-forming capacity.

Objectives/hypothesis: We investigated whether exposing a wound-healing-sensitive cell line to human wound fluid (HWF) could prime the cells to increase their tumor-forming ability in nude mice and, if so, whether this ability can be inhibited by pharmacological substances.

Study Design: Experimental animal model.

Methods: Take rate was measured in BALB/c nude mice after pretreatment of the cells with HWF using human serum and fetal bovine serum as controls. Inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) with S3I-201 tocilizumab, and of interleukin 6 receptor (IL6R) with tocilizumab was performed.

Results: Preincubation with HWF resulted in a significant increase in take rate compared to controls. The increase in take rate could be decreased by both STAT3 and IL6R inhibition.

Conclusions: The results indicate that head and neck squamous cell cancer cells might be stimulated to increase their tumor-forming ability both close to a surgical wound and at more distant locations, as a consequence of the wound-healing response. The work also suggests new treatment modalities aimed at decreasing these stimulatory effects.

Level Of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 126:E213-E217, 2016.