Investigation of synergistic effects of silver nanoparticles with sorafenib on <i>in vitro</i> prostate and head and neck cancer models

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and hypopharyngeal cancer is a rare aggressive malignant cancer. Since conventional cancer treatments have side effects, most of the current studies are directed towards finding innovative approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In recent years, research has focussed on the anticancer properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The synergistic effects of AgNPs and sorafenib have been studied, however, their impacts on PC3 and FaDu cells have not been studied yet. In this study, AgNPs and sorafenib were applied individually and together to both cell types, their effects were examined at cellular and molecular levels. Cell viability was measured by CVDK-8 assay. Apoptosis was measured colorimetrically and changes in Caspase-3 levels were identified with western blot analysis. Cell viability in AgNPs and sorafenib individual groups was decreased concentration-dependent in both cells. AgNPs-Sorafenib combination was more effective in inhibiting the cell viability in FaDu cells compared to PC3 cells. According to Western blot analysis, a significant change in apoptosis was observed in the AgNPs and AgNPs-Sorafenib groups in FaDu cells, while not observed in the sorafenib group. The findings of this study will provide new perspectives on nanocarrier drug systems.