Celecoxib suppresses cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma cell migration via inhibition of SDF1-induced endocytosis of CXCR4

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), the main type of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), contributes to 20-30% of the overall number of NMSC cases. Some CSCCs are observed to have metastatic potential induced by solar ultra violet (UV) radiation. Celecoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has been largely associated with prevention of many cancer types. However, the relationship between celecoxib and CSCC cell migration has yet to be determined. METHODS: To determine the association between celecoxib and CSCC, we performed a series of studies in human samples and in vitro models to assess the influence of celecoxib in CSCC cell migration. RESULTS: In the present study, we found that celecoxib suppresses CSCC cell migration via inhibition of SDF1-induced endocytosis of CXCR4. In addition, ERK/AKT signaling pathways were found to play a key role in this biological process. CONCLUSION: Our study provides promising evidence that celecoxib could serve as a potential preventative agent for the metastasis of CSCC cells.