Objective: This in vitro study evaluated cytotoxicity and cell migration effects of zoledronic acid and irradiation upon oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Materials and methods: Zoledronic acid was administrated at doses of 10, 25, 50, and 100 μM to PE/CA-PJ15 oral squamous cell carcinoma cultures, irradiated with different doses (0, 5, 15, and 30 Gy), followed by evaluation of the effects on cell viability. Cell migration capacity was studied after 24- and 72-h incubation.
Results: At 24 h, the 100 μM concentration of zoledronic acid combined with 15 Gy irradiation caused the greatest decrease in cell viability. At 72 h, statistically significant decreases in cell viability were found with all concentrations of zoledronic acid with or without irradiation: 0 Gy (P < 0.001), 5 Gy (P < 0.001), 15 Gy (P < 0.001), and 30 Gy (P < 0.001). 50 μM and 100 μM doses of zoledronic acid combined with 5 Gy irradiation yielded the greatest decrease in cell migration capacity.
Conclusions: Zoledronic acid increases cytotoxic activity in the PE/CA-PJ15 cell line and reduces cell migration capacity. These findings suggest that combination therapy using biphosphates and radiation may offer a promising therapy.
Keywords: in vitro cell line; irradiation; squamous cell carcinoma; zoledronic acid.
© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.