Title:Novel Synergistic Combination of Pamidronate and Temozolomide for
Breast Cancer Therapeutics
Volume: 23
Issue: 3
Author(s): Nida Syed, Amber Ilyas, Basir Syed, Aftab Ahmed, Shamshad Zarina and Zehra Hashim*
Affiliation:
- Dr. Zafar H. Zaidi Center for Proteomics, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
Keywords:
Pamidronate, MVA pathway, synergistic effect, proteomics, breast cancer, pamidronate (PAM).
Abstract:
Objective: Human breast cancer is among one major health concerns with high prevalence
and mortality among women worldwide. Various cellular signaling pathways are implicated in carcinogenesis.
One of the major pathways that affect the downstream cellular growth cascades is Mevalonate
pathway (MVA). The inhibition of MVA is therapeutically beneficial for various cancers. Pamidronate
(PAM) (MVA inhibitor), a nitrogen-containing bisphosphosphonate, is an antiresorptive FDAapproved
drug. The objective of our study was to explore adjuvant therapy using a combination of
PAM and an alkylating agent, Temozolomide (TMZ) against breast cancer.
Methods: We have examined the differential gene and protein expression in response to the combination
treatment strategy. For gene expression analysis RT-qPCR and for proteomic study, twodimensional
gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry techniques were utilized.
Results: Combination treatment (PAM+TMZ) showed more pronounced cytotoxic effect as compared
to single agent treatment. Our results indicate that MVA pathway regulatory genes (FDFT1, FDPS,
KRAS) are significantly (p<0.05) downregulated in combination-treated breast cancer cells. The differential
proteomic analysis showed lower expression of GFAP, PPA1 and TRIM68 proteins after synergistic
treatment whereas, these proteins are found to be up-regulated in multiple cancers.
Conclusion: The present study reveals that a combination of PAM and TMZ produces an effective
anti-cancerous effect on breast cancer cells. Therefore, this novel therapeutic regimen is likely to provide
a better treatment strategy for breast cancer.