Growth response of colon cancer cell lines to selective estrogen receptor modulators
Picariello, L.; Fiorelli, G.; Martineti, V.; Tognarini, I.; Pampaloni, B.; Tonelli, F.; Brandi, M.Luisa.
Anticancer Research 23(3b): 2419-2424
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 12894523 Document Number: 564156
Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the "in vitro" effects of the selective estrogen receptor modulators, tamoxifen and raloxifene, on two human colon cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: Serial concentrations (0.1, 1, 5 and 10 muM) of tamoxifen and raloxifene were used and evaluated for cell proliferation, viability and apoptosis in HCT8 and HCT116 cells. Results: Micromolar doses of raloxifene significantly reduced HCT116 and HCT8 cell proliferation. Tamoxifen (5 muM) strongly reduced HCT8 cell growth with minor effects on HCT116 cells. Raloxifene (10 muM) was lethal on both cell lines, while 10 muM tamoxifen caused lethality only in HCT8 cells. Five muM raloxifene reduced cell viability in HCT8 and HCT116 cells, while 5 muM tamoxifen halved only HCT8 cell viability. Raloxifene and tamoxifen did not induce apoptosis in the two cell lines. Conclusion: Tamoxifen, and even more raloxifene, were effective in reducing HCT8 and HCT116 cell proliferation and viability, suggesting their potential application in the prevention and therapy of colorectal cancer.