P1.061. Anti-Tumor Effects of Pinellia Ternata on Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Evidence From Patient-Derived Organoid Models

Abstract

Abstract Topic Esophageal Cancer: Molecular Biology/Pathology Background Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide, with limited therapeutic options for advanced-stage patients. Pinellia ternata (Banxia), a traditional Chinese medicine herb, has demonstrated potential anti-tumor properties in several solid tumors. However, its efficacy against ESCC and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) offer a physiologically relevant platform to evaluate drug responses ex vivo. Methods ESCC organoids were established from surgically resected tumor tissues. Organoids were treated with varying concentrations of Pinellia ternata extract. Cell viability was assessed by CellTiter-Glo 3D assay. Apoptosis was evaluated via TUNEL staining and flow cytometry. Transcriptomic profiling (RNA-seq) was performed to identify differentially expressed genes and enriched signaling pathways. Key pathway proteins were validated by Western blot. Results Pinellia ternata extract significantly inhibited ESCC organoid growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner (IC50 = XX μg/mL at 72 h). TUNEL-positive rates were markedly elevated in treated groups compared to controls (P < 0.01). RNA-seq analysis revealed significant downregulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. Western blot confirmed decreased expression of p-AKT, p-mTOR, and β-catenin in treated organoids. Conclusion Pinellia ternata exerts potent anti-tumor effects on ESCC organoids by inducing apoptosis and suppressing proliferation-related signaling pathways. These findings support further investigation of Pinellia ternata as a complementary therapeutic strategy for ESCC. The PDO platform provides a robust preclinical model for evaluating traditional Chinese medicine in esophageal cancer.