Escitalopram oxalate inhibits proliferation and migration and induces apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Population-based cohort studies have revealed that neuroleptic medications are associated with a reduced cancer risk. Recent studies have demonstrated that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have an antiproliferative or cytotoxic effect on certain cancer types. Known as a superior SSRI, escitalopram oxalate exhibits favorable tolerability with generally mild and temporary adverse events. The present study aimed to examine the effects of escitalopram oxalate on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. The experimental results revealed that escitalopram oxalate significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of A549, and H460 cells compared with BEAS‑2B cells. Additionally, escitalopram oxalate significantly increased the sub‑G1 population and caspase‑3 activity of A549, and H460 cells. Furthermore, escitalopram oxalate significantly induced mitochondria‑dependent apoptotic signaling cascades in A549 and H460 cells, which included increases in the protein expression levels of apoptosis regulator Bax, truncated BH3‑interacting domain death agonist, cytochrome c, apoptotic protease‑activating factor 1, and cleaved caspase-9. These findings suggest that escitalopram oxalate could serve a therapeutic agent for the treatment of NSCLC due to its antiproliferative and apoptotic effects.