Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, malignant type of cancer with a long-term survival rate of only fifty percent. Currently surgery is the most important prognostic factor, while the role of chemotherapy is largely unestablished. Compared to normal adrenal glands, the gene insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) is upregulated in ACC's. Upregulation of IGF-II is believed to aid tumorigenesis and cancer cell survival. Inhibitors of targets along the IGF-II pathway, such as the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin, are believed to be key treatment options. By inhibiting these targets with LY294002 and rapamycin, respectively, it was determined that cell viability was decreased and cell death occurred. Common chemotherapeutic agents were also tested for cell viability and cell cycle analysis. Topotecan appears to be a promising chemotherapeutic option, as high levels of G2 arrest were present at low concentrations.

Inhibition of the IGF-II pathway in adrenocortical carcinomas

239th National Meeting (2010)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.