AIM: Transferrin receptor (TfR) has been used as a target for the molecular cancer therapy due to its higher expression in a variety of tumors. Anti-TfR antibodies combined with chemotherapeutic drugs has showed great potential as a possible cancer therapeutic strategy. In our study, we investigated the anti-tumor effects of anti-TfR monoclonal antibody (mAb) alone or in combination with curcumin in vitro.

MATERIAL and METHODS: We detected the apoptosis, proliferation and cell cycle of glioma cells after treated with anti-TfR mAb and curcumin alone or the combinations by flow cytometer.

RESULTS: Anti-TfR mAb or curcumin could inhibit proliferation of tumor cells. Anti-TfR mAb marked S phase arrest and curcumin induced G2/M arrest in tumor cells. When anti-TfR mAb and curcumin were used simultaneously, a synergistic effect was detected in relation to tumor growth inhibition and the induction of cells necrosis.

CONCLUSION: These results provided a potential role of anti-TfR mAb-containing curcumin in the treatment for gliomas.