Combination treatment with Phloretin enhances the anti-tumor efficacy of radiotherapy in lung cancer models.

INTRODUCTION

Phloretin (Ph), an apple polyphenol, has been shown to possess anti-tumor effects. This study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor effects of the combination of Ph and radiotherapy on lung cancer.

METHODS

The proliferative rate of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells treated with Ph was evaluated using the MTT assay. The radiosensitization effect of Ph was assessed using the clone formation assay. Additionally, the anti-tumor and radiosensitization effects of Ph were explored in LLC xenografts in mice.

RESULTS

Ph inhibited the proliferation of LLC cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Moreover, the combination of Ph with radiotherapy significantly inhibited LLC cell colony formation (p < 0.05). In vivo studies demonstrated that the combination of Ph with radiotherapy significantly inhibited tumor growth, achieving a tumor inhibition rate of 74.44% compared to the control group (p < 0.01). This combination also prolonged the median survival times of mice by 31 days compared to the control group (p < 0.01), reduced tumor glucose uptake, promoted tumor cell apoptosis, and suppressed tumor cell proliferation.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the combination of Ph with radiotherapy exhibits promising activity against lung cancer, potentially through mechanisms including inhibition of glucose transport and promotion of apoptosis. These findings may provide a new therapeutic strategy for improving lung cancer treatment.