The synergistic anticancer effects of apatinib combined with PD-L1 inhibitor on breast cancer

Abstract Purpose: Apatinib have potential anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor activities in breast cancer. PD-L1 inhibitor also has a good effect on breast cancer . In this study we aimed to discuss the synergistic effect of apatinib combined with PD-L1 inhibitor and explore its mechanisms in breast cancer. Method: We investigated the synergistic effects of apatinib and PD-L1 inhibitor on breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. MTT assay, Wound-healing, and transwell invasion assays were used to determine the effects of apatinib and PD-L1 inhibitor on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro. Western blotting was performed to assess the expression of Erk, p-Erk, NF-κB and slug. In vivo, xenograft model were established to test the effect of single drug or the combined therapy in the nude mice.Results: The results indicated that apatinib and PD-L1 inhibitor significantly inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The combined treatment showed synergistic anticancer activities. Moreover, apatinib and PD-L1 inhibitor significantly downregulated the expression of p-Erk, NF-κB and slug in breast cancer cells. Conclusion: Apatinib and PD-L1 inhibitor show synergistic effects both in vitro and in vivo,which may provide a more effective treatment option for breast cancer patients.