Combined inhibition of EGFR and FGFRs with Cetuximab and Infigratinib showed effectiveness and relevance in proliferation and migration of HNSCC cell lines

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents a significant oncological challenge, necessitating novel treatments due to high global mortality. The current study focuses on the potential of combining Cetuximab (CTX), targeting EGFR, and Infigratinib (BGJ), targeting FGFRs, to improve treatment outcomes. The effects of CTX and BGJ on HNSCC cell lines were investigated by analyzing cell count and gap closure to assess proliferation and migration. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess EGFR and FGFRs expressions, and responses to related growth factors were studied. CTX primarily reduced gap closure in the migration assay, while BGJ reduced cell counts more clearly. Combined application enhanced performance in three out of four cell lines. All cell lines exhibited high EGFR expression, while KGFR expression was observed in a subpopulation. EGF stimulation led to cell elongation and an increase in size in three cell lines, accompanied by notable changes in migration. KGF affected cell morphology and migration in one cell line. This study shows that the combination of CTX and BGJ was most effective in the cell lines, highlighting the crucial roles of EGFR and KGFR, with KGFR potentially mediating the effects of BGJ. The findings suggest that adding targeted therapies for receptors on relevant cell subpopulations may enhance outcomes in therapy.