Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by autocrine mechanisms. Stem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor c-kit can activate Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) pathways. Imatinib mesylate (STI571) can inhibit c-kit tyrosine kinase activity, but clinical trials have resulted in failure. We investigated the possibility of SCF/c-kit-targeted therapy against SCLC. Using c-kit-positive SCLC cells (H209 and H69 cells) and SCF as a model of the autocrine mechanisms, the effects of SCF, LY294002, PD98059 or STI571 on Akt and Erk were assessed by Western blot analysis. The cell growth inhibitions of cisplatin, etoposide irinotecan and amrubicin (AMR) with or without SCF, LY294002, PD98059 or STI571 were evaluated by MTT assay. Treatment with SCF activated Akt and Erk and the activations were inhibited by STI571 in H209 but not in H69 cells. LY294002 and PD98059 inhibited SCF-induced Akt and Erk activation in H209 cells, respectively. STI571 alone did not exert growth inhibition in the SCF-treated cells. In H209 cells, SCF decreased the cytotoxicity of AMR, but not of other drugs. In H69 cells, SCF did not affect sensitivity to any drugs. LY294002 but not PD98059 restored or enhanced AMR-sensitivity in SCF-treated H209 or untreated H69 cells, respectively. STI571 restored the AMR-sensitivity of SCF-treated H209 cells to the basal level. If the SCF/c-kit contributes to Akt activation in vivo, the combination of STI571 and AMR may be effective against SCLC. Additionally, using a combination of AKT inhibitors and AMR may be a promising treatment in the future.

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