Phenethyl isothiocyanate potentiates anti-tumor effects of cisplatin through Nrf2/keap1 signaling pathways

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in head and neck cancers, commonly developing therapeutic resistance. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is found in cruciferous vegetables, such as watercress, and is responsible for anti-cancer activities on different types of cancers. However, the underlying mechanisms of PEITC, alone and in combination with cisplatin, regarding OSCC development have not been fully elucidated. Present results showed that PEITC inhibited proliferation and induced autophagy in Cal-27. In addition, it was demonstrated that PEITC, either alone or in combination with cisplatin, inhibited Cal-27 cell proliferation through the activation of Nrf2/Keap1 signaling. PEITC enhanced cisplatin killing ability in Cal-27 cells. Collectively, this study concludes that PEITC acts via multiple molecular targets to elicit anti-carcinogenic activity. PEITC/cisplatin combination therapy may be a new potential strategy, benefitting patients with OSCC.