EpCAM-Targeted Erlotinib Delivery: Enhancing Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treatment With Polyethylene Glycol-Coated Graphene Oxide.

BACKGROUND

Recently, graphene oxide (GO) has attracted significant attention as a potential innovative vehicle for the delivery of anticancer agents. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether functionalized GO, known as epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-targeted polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated GO (GO-PEG-EpCAM), could be used as a therapeutic agent against nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to identify its underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

We used NPC cells to assess the anticancer effects of GO-PEG-EpCAM/erlotinib in vitro and in vivo. Employing RNA sequencing and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), we sought to elucidate the molecular pathways through which GO-PEG-EpCAM/erlotinib affects NPC cells.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that GO-PEG-EpCAM/erlotinib reduced NPC cell viability and decreased invasion and migration abilities. An in vivo study further corroborated the anticancer potential of GO-PEG-EpCAM/erlotinib. Our comprehensive RNA sequencing analysis highlighted several molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of GO-PEG-EpCAM/erlotinib.

CONCLUSIONS

GO-PEG-EpCAM/erlotinib could be a potential therapeutic strategy for NPC.