The Effect of Autophagy Inhibitors Alone or in Combination with mTOR Inhibitors in a Neuroendocrine Tumor Cell Model

#815

Introduction: Most patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) require systemic treatment, often with a limited therapeutic effect. RAD001 and Torin1 are mTOR inhibitors (mTORi) known to suppress cell proliferation in NETs. However, cancer cells may use mTORi-induced autophagy to escape the anti-proliferative effect and to prolong cell survival. Chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) inhibit autophagy.

Aim(s): To explore the effect of autophagy inhibitors in combination with mTORi on NET cell proliferation.

Materials and methods: NET cell line BON1 was treated with RAD001, Torin1, CQ and HCQ alone or in combinations. Cell viability was examined by XTT method. Flow cytometry and Western blot were used to assess drug effect on cell cycle, apoptosis, PI3K/Akt/ mTOR and autophagy pathways.

Conference: 11th Annual ENETSConcerence (2014)

Presenting Author: Glasberg S

Authors: Avniel-Polak S, Leibowitz G, Glaser B, Gross D, Glasberg S,

Keywords: NETs, autophagy, mTOR inhibitors,

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