Sertraline in combination with sorafenib: A promising pharmacotherapy to target both depressive disorders and hepatocellular cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is found within the first five most common tumors worldwide. Sorafenib is an approved agent in HCC treatment. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. The aim of the study is to investigate the combination of sertraline and sorafenib at hepatocellular cancer cell proliferation and death. Methods: HepG2 cells were treated with drugs and viability test XTT was performed. Cells were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological examination or with anti-Bcl-2 antibody and Hoechst 33258 for immunofluorescence. Results: Viability results supported dose-dependent antiproliferative effect for both sertraline and sorafenib. Microscopic evaluation of stained cells exerts morphological changes. Discussion: This is the first study to show that sorafenib and sertraline have synergistic effect in hepatocellular cancer.