Effect of fibroblast co-culture on the proliferation, viability and drug response of colon cancer cells

Interactions between cancer cells and the surrounding fibroblasts serve an important role in cancer proliferation. Colon cancer co-culture model with colon fibroblasts and two metastatic models with lung and skin fibroblasts were established, and the co-culture effects on colon cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis and drug response were evaluated. Co-culture with CCD-18Co and BJ reduces SW480 cell proliferation by 4.2 and 5.3%, respectively, while WI-38 acts as a positive regulator and increases SW480 cell proliferation by 36%. CCD-18Co and BJ co-culture can also enhance XAV939 potency against SW480 cells by 16.8 and 27.3%; however, WI-38 co-culture reduces the effect of XAV939 by 38.2%. The present results suggest that, depending on fibroblast type, co-culture can have a positive/negative influence on colon cancer growth; therefore, care should be taken when considering fibroblasts as a target for future cancer therapies.