Sensitivity of Lung Carcinoma Cells to γ-rays and Erlotinib

Abstract

In order to increase radio-sensitivity of human lung adenocarcinoma NCI-H1568 cells, targeted therapy drug, erlotinib was used. The impact of radiation and erlotinib on cell behaviour was analyzed using three biological endpoints. Irradiations with γ-rays resulted in reduction of cell survival, viability and proliferation. Erlotinib significantly inhibited cell growth and proliferation capacity. Combined treatments with radiation and erlotinib showed high level of reduction of cell viability and proliferation. Preliminary data encourage further investigations of mechanisms underlying the radiation responses enhanced by erlotinib.