Targeting valosin‐containing protein enhances the efficacy of radiation therapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

摘要

Overcoming resistance to radiation is a great challenge in cancer therapy. Here, we highlight that targeting valosin‐containing protein ( ) improves radiation sensitivity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma ( ) cell lines and show the potential of using as a prognosis marker in locally advanced treated with radiation therapy. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines with high expression were treated with inhibitor combined with radiotherapy. Cell proliferation, colony formation, cell death, and endoplasmic reticulum ( ) stress signaling were evaluated. Moreover, patients with newly diagnosed locally advanced who were treated with radiotherapy were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of . The correlation between overall survival and was investigated. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells treated with inhibitor and radiotherapy showed attenuated cell proliferation and colony formation and enhanced apoptosis. Further investigation showed this combined strategy activated the stress signaling involved in unfolded protein response, and inhibited the ‐associated degradation ( ) pathway. Clinical analysis revealed a significant survival benefit in the low expression group. Targeting resulted in antitumor activity and enhanced the efficacy of radiation therapy in cells in vitro. Valosin‐containing protein is a promising and novel target. In patients with locally advanced who received radiotherapy, can be considered as a useful prognostic indicator of overall survival. Valosin‐containing protein inhibitors could be developed for use as effective cancer therapies, in combination with radiation therapy.