Combination chemotherapy of valproic acid (VPA) and gemcitabine regulates STAT3/Bmi1 pathway to differentially potentiate the motility of pancreatic cancer cells

摘要

BackgroundGemcitabine is the standard first-line chemotherapy regimen for pancreatic cancer. However, its therapeutic value is substantially limited in pancreatic cancer patients due to occurrence of resistance towards gemcitabine. A strategy of combined chemo-regimens is widely employed in clinical settings in attempt to reduce the chance of developing therapeutic resistance. Valproic acid (VPA) has been reported as a promising anticancer drug in various clinical trials and studies. However, the clinical value and potential dose–effect of VPA in combination with gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer treatment are under investigated.