EpCAM‐Targeted Erlotinib Delivery: Enhancing Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treatment With Polyethylene Glycol‐Coated Graphene Oxide

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Abstract
Background: Recently, graphene oxide (GO) has attracted significant attention as a potential innovative vehicle for the delivery of anticancer agents. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether functionalized GO, known as epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)‐targeted polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐coated GO (GO‐PEG‐EpCAM), could be used as a therapeutic agent against nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to identify its underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods: We used NPC cells to assess the anticancer effects of GO‐PEG‐EpCAM/erlotinib in vitro and in vivo. Employing RNA sequencing and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), we sought to elucidate the molecular pathways through which GO‐PEG‐EpCAM/erlotinib affects NPC cells.Results: Our findings revealed that GO‐PEG‐EpCAM/erlotinib reduced NPC cell viability and decreased invasion and migration abilities. An in vivo study further corroborated the anticancer potential of GO‐PEG‐EpCAM/erlotinib. Our comprehensive RNA sequencing analysis highlighted several molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of GO‐PEG‐EpCAM/erlotinib.Conclusions: GO‐PEG‐EpCAM/erlotinib could be a potential therapeutic strategy for NPC.
Funding Information
  • Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh (MOST106‐2314‐B‐075‐035‐MY3)
  • National Science and Technology Council (NSTC 112‐2314‐B‐075‐008‐MY3, NRRPD1M0093)

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