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Viana PHL, Schvarcz CA, Danics LO, Besztercei B, Aloss K, Bokhari SMZ, Giunashvili N, Bócsi D, Koós Z, Benyó Z, Hamar P. Heat shock factor 1 inhibition enhances the effects of modulated electro hyperthermia in a triple negative breast cancer mouse model. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8241. [PMID: 38589452 PMCID: PMC11002009 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57659-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Female breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive type and there is no existing endocrine or targeted therapy. Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) is a non-invasive complementary cancer therapy using an electromagnetic field generated by amplitude modulated 13.56 MHz frequency that induces tumor cell destruction. However, we have demonstrated a strong induction of the heat shock response (HSR) by mEHT, which can result in thermotolerance. We hypothesized that inhibition of the heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) can synergize with mEHT and enhance tumor cell-killing. Thus, we either knocked down the HSF1 gene with a CRISPR/Cas9 lentiviral construct or inhibited HSF1 with a specific small molecule inhibitor: KRIBB11 in vivo. Wild type or HSF1-knockdown 4T1 TNBC cells were inoculated into the mammary gland's fat pad of BALB/c mice. Four mEHT treatments were performed every second day and the tumor growth was followed by ultrasound and caliper. KRIBB11 was administrated intraperitoneally at 50 mg/kg daily for 8 days. HSF1 and Hsp70 expression were assessed. HSF1 knockdown sensitized transduced cancer cells to mEHT and reduced tumor growth. HSF1 mRNA expression was significantly reduced in the KO group when compared to the empty vector group, and consequently mEHT-induced Hsp70 mRNA upregulation diminished in the KO group. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) confirmed the inhibition of Hsp70 upregulation in mEHT HSF1-KO group. Demonstrating the translational potential of HSF1 inhibition, combined therapy of mEHT with KRIBB11 significantly reduced tumor mass compared to either monotherapy. Inhibition of Hsp70 upregulation by mEHT was also supported by qPCR and IHC. In conclusion, we suggest that mEHT-therapy combined with HSF1 inhibition can be a possible new strategy of TNBC treatment with great translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro H L Viana
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Utca 37-47, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Csaba A Schvarcz
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Utca 37-47, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SU Cerebrovascular and Neurocognitive Diseases Research Group, Tűzoltó Utca 37-47, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Lea O Danics
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Utca 37-47, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Balázs Besztercei
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Utca 37-47, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Kenan Aloss
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Utca 37-47, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Syeda M Z Bokhari
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Utca 37-47, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Nino Giunashvili
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Utca 37-47, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Dániel Bócsi
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Utca 37-47, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Koós
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Utca 37-47, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Benyó
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Utca 37-47, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SU Cerebrovascular and Neurocognitive Diseases Research Group, Tűzoltó Utca 37-47, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Péter Hamar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Utca 37-47, Budapest, 1094, Hungary.
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Viana P, Hamar P. Targeting the heat shock response induced by modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189069. [PMID: 38176599 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The Heat Shock Response (HSR) is a cellular stress reaction crucial for cell survival against stressors, including heat, in both healthy and cancer cells. Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) is an emerging non-invasive cancer therapy utilizing electromagnetic fields to selectively target cancer cells via temperature-dependent and independent mechanisms. However, mEHT triggers HSR in treated cells. Despite demonstrated efficacy in cancer treatment, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms for improved therapeutic outcomes remains a focus. This review examines the HSR induced by mEHT in cancer cells, discussing potential strategies to modulate it for enhanced tumor-killing effects. Approaches such as HSF1 gene-knockdown and small molecule inhibitors like KRIBB11 are explored to downregulate the HSR and augment tumor destruction. We emphasize the impact of HSR inhibition on cancer cell viability, mEHT sensitivity, and potential synergistic effects, addressing challenges and future directions. This understanding offers opportunities for optimizing treatment strategies and advancing precision medicine in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Viana
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó utca 37-49, 1094 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Péter Hamar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó utca 37-49, 1094 Budapest, Hungary.
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Kleef R, Dank M, Herold M, Agoston EI, Lohinszky J, Martinek E, Herold Z, Szasz AM. Comparison of the effectiveness of integrative immunomodulatory treatments and conventional therapies on the survival of selected gastrointestinal cancer patients. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20360. [PMID: 37990076 PMCID: PMC10663566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47802-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, the use of immunomodulating treatments (IMT) at integrative oncology providers (IOP) increased. IMTs are used to modulate the tumor microenvironment, which might lead to increased response-to-treatment, and the indication of immune checkpoint inhibitors might also be widened. The efficacy and safety of IMTs in advanced/metastatic gastrointestinal cancers were compared with conventional chemo(radio)therapy (CT). 21 colorectal- (CRC), 14 pancreatic- (PC), 5 cholangiocellular- (CCC), 5 gastric- (GC) and 4 esophageal cancer (EC) patients received IMT. IMT and CT were compared in CRC and PC. CT was administered at an academic oncology center. After the initiation of IMT, a median survival of ~ 20 (CRC, PC and EC) and ~ 10 months (CCC and GC) was observed. Of the IMTs, locoregional modulated electro-hyperthermia had the most positive effect on overall survival (HR: 0.3055; P = 0.0260), while fever-inducing interleukin-2, and low-dose ipilimumab showed a positive tendency. IMT was superior to CT in PC (HR: 0.1974; P = 0.0013), while modest effect was detected in CRC (HR: 0.7797; P = 0.4710). When the whole study population was analyzed, IMTs showed minimal effect on patient survival, still CT had the greatest effect if introduced as early as possible (HR: 0.0624; P < 0.0001). The integrative IMTs in the presented form have mild impact on gastrointestinal cancer patients' survival, however, we observed its benefit in PC, which warrants further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Kleef
- Dr. Kleef Medical Center, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Magdolna Dank
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1082, Hungary
| | - Magdolna Herold
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1082, Hungary
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
| | - Emese Irma Agoston
- Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Gastroenterology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1082, Hungary
| | - Julia Lohinszky
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
| | - Emoke Martinek
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1082, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Herold
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1082, Hungary
| | - Attila Marcell Szasz
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1082, Hungary.
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Xi P, Ma X, Hu F, Li L, Liu H, Zhou J, Wu W. ROS-Sp1 axis is involved in thermochemotherapy-enhanced sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:1825-1834. [PMID: 37545170 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Gemcitabine (GEM)-based chemotherapy represents the first choice for locally unresectable advanced pancreatic cancer, while the benefit is limited due to acquired chemoresistance or drug delivery insufficiency. Hyperthermia treatment potentially improves the clinical efficacy of GEM. However, the underlying mechanism is incompletely revealed. Our study aims to investigate the effect and involved mechanism of thermochemotherapy on cell survival. Pancreatic cancer cells PANC-1 and ASPC-1 were either treated with GEM or thermochemotherapy, then cell viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and Sp1 expression were evaluated. The results showed that GEM dose and time-dependently affected cell viability, and 30 μM GEM achieved favorable effect in suppressing cancer cell growth. Meanwhile, hyperthermia preconditioning (43°C for 60 min) 24 h before GEM treatment yielded superior effect than other treatment sequence. GEM caused significant cell apoptosis and proapoptotic genes of both cancer cells, and thermochemotherapy further promoted apoptosis and genes transcription, accompanied by excessive ROS production. Thermochemotherapy was superior to GEM in suppressing cell migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. Meanwhile, GEM significantly reduced Sp1 mRNA and protein and its downstream gene Cox-2, and thermochemotherapy further suppressed their expressions. ROS elimination with N-acetyl-l-cysteine notably neutralizes the suppressive effect of GEM and thermochemotherapy on cell growth and expressions of Sp1 and Cox-2. In conclusion, thermochemotherapy inhibited pancreatic cell viability, migration and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis by inducing excessive ROS production, which subsequently suppressed Sp1 expression and the downstream Cox-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Xi
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Xi'an, China
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaojuan Ma
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, Northwest University Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Fuquan Hu
- College of Medicine, Bethel University, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Huijuan Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenan Wu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Xi'an, China
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Lee SY, Lorant G, Grand L, Szasz AM. The Clinical Validation of Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia (mEHT). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4569. [PMID: 37760538 PMCID: PMC10526385 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The mEHT method uses tissues' thermal and bioelectromagnetic heterogeneity for the selective mechanisms. The success of the therapy for advanced, relapsed, and metastatic aggressive tumors can only be demonstrated by measuring survival time and quality of life (QoL). The complication is that mEHT-treated patients cannot be curatively treated any longer with "gold standards", where the permanent progression of the disease, the refractory, relapsing situation, the organ failure, the worsening of blood counts, etc., block them. Collecting a cohort of these patients is frequently impossible. Only an intent-to-treat (ITT) patient group was available. Due to the above limitations, many studies have single-arm data collection. The Phase III trial of advanced cervix tumors subgrouping of HIV-negative and -positive patients showed the stable efficacy of mEHT in all patients' subgroups. The single-arm represents lower-level evidence, which can be improved by comparing the survival data of various studies from different institutes. The Kaplan-Meier probability comparison had no significant differences, so pooled data were compared to other methods. Following this approach, we demonstrate the feasibility and superiority of mEHT in the cases of glioblastoma multiform, pancreas carcinomas, lung tumors, and colorectal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Young Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Republic of Korea;
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Republic of Korea
| | - Gergo Lorant
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Laszlo Grand
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Attila Marcell Szasz
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary;
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Fiorentini G, Sarti D, Mambrini A, Hammarberg Ferri I, Bonucci M, Sciacca PG, Ballerini M, Bonanno S, Milandri C, Nani R, Guadagni S, Dentico P, Fiorentini C. Hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy vs chemotherapy in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: A multicenter retrospective observational comparative study. World J Clin Oncol 2023; 14:215-226. [PMID: 37398545 PMCID: PMC10311475 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v14.i6.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies report the useful therapeutic results of regional hyperthermia in association with chemotherapy (CHT) and radiotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) is a new hyperthermia technique that induces immunogenic death or apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells in laboratory experiments and increases tumor response rate and survival in pancreatic cancer patients, offering beneficial therapeutic effects against this severe type of cancer.
AIM To assess survival, tumor response and toxicity of mEHT alone or combined with CHT compared with CHT for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer.
METHODS This was a retrospective data collection on patients affected by locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer (stage III and IV) performed in 9 Italian centers, members of International Clinical Hyperthermia Society-Italian Network. This study included 217 patients, 128 (59%) of them were treated with CHT (no-mEHT) and 89 (41%) patients received mEHT alone or in association with CHT. mEHT treatments were performed applying a power of 60-150 watts for 40-90 min, simultaneously or within 72 h of administration of CHT.
RESULTS Median patients’ age was 67 years (range 31-92 years). mEHT group had a median overall survival greater than non-mEHT group (20 mo, range 1.6-24, vs 9 mo, range 0.4-56.25, P < 0.001). mEHT group showed a higher number of partial responses (45% vs 24%, P = 0.0018) and a lower number of progressions (4% vs 31%, P < 0.001) than the no-mEHT group, at the three months follow-up. Adverse events were observed as mild skin burns in 2.6% of mEHT sessions.
CONCLUSION mEHT seems safe and has beneficial effects on survival and tumor response of stage III-IV pancreatic tumor treatment. Further randomized studies are warranted to confirm or not these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giammaria Fiorentini
- Integrative Oncology, Integrative Oncology Outpatient Clinic, Bologna 40121, Italy
| | - Donatella Sarti
- Department of Oncology, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Urbino 60129, Italy
| | - Andrea Mambrini
- Department of Oncology, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Toscana Nord Ovest, Massa Carrara Hospital, Massa 54100, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Bonucci
- Integrative Oncology, Association Research Center for Integrative Oncology Treatments, Roma 00166, Italy
| | | | - Marco Ballerini
- Hyperthermia Unit, Bellessere Medical Center, Terni 05100, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Milandri
- Medical Oncology, San Donato Hospital, Arezzo 52100, Italy
| | - Roberto Nani
- Interventional Radiology Unit, Humanitas Gavazzeni, Bergamo 24121, Italy
| | - Stefano Guadagni
- Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of General Surgery, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, Italy
| | - Patrizia Dentico
- Hyperthermia Service, Medical Oncology Unit, San Giuseppe Hospital, Empoli 50053, Italy
| | - Caterina Fiorentini
- Prevention and Sports Medicine, University Hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich 80331, Germany
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Are Aspects of Integrative Concepts Helpful to Improve Pancreatic Cancer Therapy? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041116. [PMID: 36831465 PMCID: PMC9953994 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous clinical studies have been conducted to improve the outcomes of patients suffering from pancreatic cancer. Different approaches using targeted therapeutic strategies and precision medicine methods have been investigated, and synergies and further therapeutic advances may be achieved through combinations with integrative methods. For pancreatic tumors, a particular challenge is the presence of a microenvironment and a dense stroma, which is both a physical barrier to drug penetration and a complex entity being controlled by the immune system. Therefore, the state of immunological tolerance in the tumor microenvironment must be overcome, which is a considerable challenge. Integrative approaches, such as hyperthermia, percutaneous irreversible electroporation, intra-tumoral injections, phytotherapeutics, or vitamins, in combination with standard-oncological therapies, may potentially contribute to the control of pancreatic cancer. The combined application of standard-oncological and integrative methods is currently being studied in ongoing clinical trials. An actual overview is given here.
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Lee SY, Lee DH, Cho DH. Modulated electrohyperthermia in locally advanced cervical cancer: Results of an observational study of 95 patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e32727. [PMID: 36701697 PMCID: PMC9857257 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Most federation of gynecology and obstetrics stage II or higher locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients are treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT); however, recurrence is high, and the prognosis is poor. In this observational retrospective study, data from LACC patients treated with CCRT alone or combined with modulated electrohyperthermia (mEHT) were collected from 2011 to 2018. Ninety-five LACC patients, including 53 (%) treated with CCRT alone and 42 (%) treated with CCRT + mEHT, were enrolled. The complete remission rate significantly increased with CCRT + mEHT compared with CCRT alone among LACC cases with lymph node metastasis (45% vs 71%, P = .0377). Additionally, at the last follow-up point, the no-evidence-of-disease rate significantly improved with CCRT + mEHT compared with CCRT (58% vs 82%, P = .0315). Disease-free survival increased in the CCRT + mEHT group with lymph node metastasis (P = .04). The addition of mEHT to CCRT led to a better therapeutic response in LACC with regional lymph node metastasis without severe complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Young Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hyu Cho
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- * Correspondence: Dong-Hyu Cho, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Republic of Korea (e-mail: )
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A patterns of care analysis of hyperthermia in combination with radio(chemo)therapy or chemotherapy in European clinical centers. Strahlenther Onkol 2022; 199:436-444. [PMID: 36038671 PMCID: PMC10133066 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-022-01980-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The combination of hyperthermia (HT) with radio(chemo)therapy or chemotherapy (CT) is an established treatment strategy for specific indications. Its application in routine clinical practice in Europe depends on regulatory and local conditions. We conducted a survey among European clinical centers to determine current practice of HT. METHODS A questionnaire with 22 questions was sent to 24 European HT centers. The questions were divided into two main categories. The first category assessed how many patients are treated with HT in combination with radio(chemo)therapy or CT for specific indications per year. The second category addressed which hyperthermia parameters are recorded. Analysis was performed using descriptive methods. RESULTS The response rate was 71% (17/24) and 16 centers were included in this evaluation. Annually, these 16 centers treat approximately 637 patients using HT in combination with radio(chemo)therapy or CT. On average, 34% (range: 3-100%) of patients are treated in clinical study protocols. Temperature readings and the time interval between HT and radio(chemo)therapy or CT are recorded in 13 (81%) and 9 (56%) centers, respectively. The thermal dose quality parameter "cumulative equivalent minutes at 43 °C" (CEM43°C) is only evaluated in five (31%) centers for each HT session. With regard to treatment sequence, 8 (50%) centers administer HT before radio(chemo)therapy and the other 8 in the reverse order. CONCLUSION There is a significant heterogeneity among European HT centers as to the indications treated and the recording of thermometric parameters. More evidence from clinical studies is necessary to achieve standardization of HT practice.
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Microwave Radiation and the Brain: Mechanisms, Current Status, and Future Prospects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169288. [PMID: 36012552 PMCID: PMC9409438 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern humanity wades daily through various radiations, resulting in frequent exposure and causing potentially important biological effects. Among them, the brain is the organ most sensitive to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure. Despite numerous correlated studies, critical unknowns surround the different parameters used, including operational frequency, power density (i.e., energy dose), and irradiation time that could permit reproducibility and comparability between analyses. Furthermore, the interactions of EMR with biological systems and its precise mechanisms remain poorly characterized. In this review, recent approaches examining the effects of microwave radiations on the brain, specifically learning and memory capabilities, as well as the mechanisms of brain dysfunction with exposure as reported in the literature, are analyzed and interpreted to provide prospective views for future research directed at this important and novel medical technology for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies on brain degeneration caused by microwave radiation. Additionally, the interactions of microwaves with biological systems and possible mechanisms are presented in this review. Treatment with natural products and safe techniques to reduce harm to organs have become essential components of daily life, and some promising techniques to treat cancers and their radioprotective effects are summarized as well. This review can serve as a platform for researchers to understand the mechanism and interactions of microwave radiation with biological systems, the present scenario, and prospects for future studies on the effect of microwaves on the brain.
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11
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Systematic review about complementary medical hyperthermia in oncology. Clin Exp Med 2022; 22:519-565. [PMID: 35767077 PMCID: PMC9244386 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00846-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Hyperthermia is a generic term for different techniques using heat in cancer therapies. Temperatures of about 42° Celsius in combination with chemo- or radiotherapy may improve the effectiveness of those treatments. Clinical benefit is shown in “standard hyperthermia” with tumour temperatures assessed during treatment. This systematic review thoroughly assesses the state of evidence concerning the benefits and side effects of electro hyperthermia or whole-body hyperthermia (“alternative hyperthermia”) in oncology. From 26 April 2021 to 09 May 2021, a systematic search was conducted searching five electronic databases (Embase, Cochrane, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Medline) to find studies concerning the use, effectiveness and potential harm of alternative medical hyperthermia therapy on cancer patients. From all 47,388 search results, 53 publications concerning 53 studies with 2006 patients were included in this systematic review. The patients were diagnosed with different types of cancer. The hyperthermic methods included whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) with different methods and electro hyperthermia (EH). The majority of the included studies were single-arm studies, counting in total 32 studies. Six studies were randomized controlled trials (RCT). In addition, one systematic review (SR) was found. The most critical endpoints were tumour response, survival data, pain relief, myelosuppression and toxicities. Outcome was heterogeneous, and considering the methodological limitations, clinical evidence for the benefit of alternative hyperthermia in cancer patients is lacking. Neither for whole-body hyperthermia nor for electro hyperthermia there is any evidence with respect to improvement of survival or quality of life in cancer patients.
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Germano IM, Ziu M, Wen P, Ormond DR, Olson JJ. Congress of Neurological Surgeons systematic review and evidence-based guidelines update on the role of cytotoxic chemotherapy and other cytotoxic therapies in the management of progressive glioblastoma in adults. J Neurooncol 2022; 158:225-253. [PMID: 35195819 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-021-03900-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
TARGET POPULATION These recommendations apply to adult patients diagnosed with progressive glioblastoma (pGBM). QUESTION (Q1): In adult patients with pGBM does the use of temozolomide (TMZ) with alternative dosing or the use of TMZ in combination with other cytotoxic treatments result in increased overall survival compared to other chemotherapy? RECOMMENDATION Level III: Adult patients with pGBM might derive benefit in treatment with TMZ, especially those who progress after more than 5 months of TMZ-treatment free interval. LEVEL III Combination of TMZ with other cytotoxic agents such as nitrosourea, cisplatin, electrohyperthermia, or tamoxifen is not suggested in adult patients with pGBM as a stand-alone therapy. There is insufficient data to make a recommendation about which alternative TMZ dosing provides the best benefits. QUESTION (Q2): In adult patients with pGBM does the use of systemic or in situ nitrosourea result in increased overall survival compared to other chemotherapy? RECOMMENDATION Level III: In the setting of pGBM, fotemustine is suggested in elderly patients with methylated MGMT promoter status. There is insufficient evidence to compare fotemustine to other nitrosoureas. There is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation about the use of in situ nitrosourea in patients with pGBM who underwent the Stupp regimen. QUESTION (Q3): In adult patients with pGBM does the use of platinum compounds and topoisomerase result in increased survival compared to other chemotherapy? RECOMMENDATION Level III: Other chemotherapy including platinum compounds and topoisomerase inhibitors are not suggested to be used in adult patients with pGBM. LEVEL III Other cytotoxic therapies like perillyl acohol or ketogenic diet are not suggested for use in adult patients with pGBM as a stand-alone therapy. QUESTION (Q4): In adult patients with pGBM does the use of tumor treating field (TTF) result in increased overall survival compared to chemotherapy? RECOMMENDATION Level III: The use of TTF with other chemotherapy may be considered when treating adult patients with pGBM. There is insufficient evidence to recommend TTF to increase overall survival in adult patients with pGBM. QUESTION (Q5): In adult patients with pGBM does the use of oncolytic virotherapy result in increased survival compared to chemotherapy? RECOMMENDATION Level III: Oncolytic virotherapy is not suggested in patients with pGBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle M Germano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Mateo Ziu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Inova Neurosciences, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Patrick Wen
- Center For Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D Ryan Ormond
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Olson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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13
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Long-Term Feasibility of 13.56 MHz Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia-Based Preoperative Thermoradiochemotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051271. [PMID: 35267579 PMCID: PMC8909844 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We demonstrated that a 13.56 MHz modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) boost is feasible in neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer. Herein, we attempted to present the long-term results for this phase 2 trial. Although there are many reports on the usefulness of thermoradiochemotherapy for loco-regional control, so far, only a few cases of survival benefit exist. Thus, this study assessed whether this limitation of hyperthermia could be overcome through the mEHT method featuring an applied energy variable. Following a median follow-up of 58 months for 60 patients, mEHT boost showed comparable results with conventional hyperthermia; potential therapeutic effects were also observed. Moreover, mEHT could be considered a useful tool in combination treatment with radiotherapy owing to its low thermotoxicity and improved treatment compliance. Abstract We evaluated the effect of 13.56 MHz modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) boost in neoadjuvant treatment for cT3-4- or cN-positive rectal cancer. Sixty patients who completed the mEHT feasibility trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02546596) were analyzed. Whole pelvis radiotherapy of 40 Gy, mEHT boost twice a week during radiotherapy, and surgical resection 6–8 weeks following radiotherapy were performed. The median age was 59. The median follow-up period was 58 (6–85) months. Total/near total tumor regression was observed in 20 patients (33.3%), including nine cases of complete response. T- and N-downstaging was identified in 40 (66.6%) and 53 (88.3%) patients, respectively. The 5-year overall and disease-free survival were 94.0% and 77.1%, respectively. mEHT energy of ≥3800 kJ potentially increased the overall survival (p = 0.039). The ypN-stage and perineural invasion were possible significant factors in disease-free (p = 0.003 and p = 0.005, respectively) and distant metastasis-free (p = 0.011 and p = 0.034, respectively) survival. Tumor regression, resection margin status, and other molecular genetic factors showed no correlation with survival. Although a limited analysis of a small number of patients, mEHT was feasible considering long-term survival. A relatively low dose irradiation (40 Gy) plus mEHT setting could ensure comparable clinical outcomes with possible mEHT-related prognostic features.
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14
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Heterogeneous Heat Absorption Is Complementary to Radiotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040901. [PMID: 35205649 PMCID: PMC8870118 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review shows the advantages of heterogeneous heating of selected malignant cells in harmonic synergy with radiotherapy. The main clinical achievement of this complementary therapy is its extreme safety and minimal adverse effects. Combining the two methods opens a bright perspective, transforming the local radiotherapy to the antitumoral impact on the whole body, destroying the distant metastases by “teaching” the immune system about the overall danger of malignancy. Abstract (1) Background: Hyperthermia in oncology conventionally seeks the homogeneous heating of the tumor mass. The expected isothermal condition is the basis of the dose calculation in clinical practice. My objective is to study and apply a heterogenic temperature pattern during the heating process and show how it supports radiotherapy. (2) Methods: The targeted tissue’s natural electric and thermal heterogeneity is used for the selective heating of the cancer cells. The amplitude-modulated radiofrequency current focuses the energy absorption on the membrane rafts of the malignant cells. The energy partly “nonthermally” excites and partly heats the absorbing protein complexes. (3) Results: The excitation of the transmembrane proteins induces an extrinsic caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway, while the heat stress promotes the intrinsic caspase-dependent and independent apoptotic signals generated by mitochondria. The molecular changes synergize the method with radiotherapy and promote the abscopal effect. The mild average temperature (39–41 °C) intensifies the blood flow for promoting oxygenation in combination with radiotherapy. The preclinical experiences verify, and the clinical studies validate the method. (4) Conclusions: The heterogenic, molecular targeting has similarities with DNA strand-breaking in radiotherapy. The controlled energy absorption allows using a similar energy dose to radiotherapy (J/kg). The two therapies are synergistically combined.
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15
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Forika G, Kiss E, Petovari G, Danko T, Gellert AB, Krenacs T. Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia Supports the Effect of Gemcitabine Both in Sensitive and Resistant Pancreas Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines. Pathol Oncol Res 2021; 27:1610048. [PMID: 34955688 PMCID: PMC8702438 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.1610048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is frequently associated to high treatment resistance. Gemcitabine (GEM) alone or in combination is the most used chemotherapy for unresecable PDACs. Here we studied whether modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT), a non-invasive complementary treatment, can support the effect of GEM on PDAC cells in vitro. The LD20 for the GEM-resistant Panc1 cells proved to be 200× higher than for the drug-sensitive Capan1. The mEHT alone caused significant apoptosis in Capan1 cultures as confirmed by the elevated SubG1 phase cell fraction and increased number of cleaved Caspase-3 positive cells 48 h after treatment, with an additive effect when GEM was used after hyperthermia. These were accompanied by reduced number of G1, S, and G2/M phase cells and elevated expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21waf1 protein. In GEM-resistant Panc1 cells, an initial apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry 24 h after mEHT ± GEM treatment, which however diminished by 48 h at persistent number of cleaved Caspase-3 positive tumor cells. Though GEM monotherapy reduced the number of tumor progenitor colonies in Capan1 cell line, an additive colony inhibitory effect of mEHT was observed after mEHT + GEM treatment. The heat shock induced Hsp27 and Hsp70 proteins, which are known to sensitize PDAC cells to GEM were upregulated in both Capan1 and Panc1 cells 24 h after mEHT treatment. The level of E-Cadherin, a cell adhesion molecule, increased in Capan1 cells after mEHT + GEM treatment. In conclusion, in GEM-sensitive PDAC cells mEHT treatment alone induced cell death and cell cycle inhibition and improved GEM efficiency in combination, which effects were milder and short-term up to 24 h in the GEM-resistant Panc1 cells. Our data further support the inclusion of hyperthermia, in particular of mEHT, into the traditional oncotherapy regimens of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gertrud Forika
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eva Kiss
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Oncology Profile, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabor Petovari
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Titanilla Danko
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Aron Bertram Gellert
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tibor Krenacs
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Tibor Krenacs,
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16
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Fiorentini G, Sarti D, Ranieri G, Gadaleta CD, Fiorentini C, Milandri C, Mambrini A, Guadagni S. Modulated electro-hyperthermia in stage III and IV pancreatic cancer: Results of an observational study on 158 patients. World J Clin Oncol 2021; 12:1064-1071. [PMID: 34909400 PMCID: PMC8641006 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v12.i11.1064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies report the beneficial effects of regional hyperthermia in association with chemotherapy (CHT) and radiotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer; in particular, the use of modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) results in increased survival and tumor response.
AIM To compare outcomes of CHT alone or in association with mEHT for the treatment of stage III and IV pancreatic cancer.
METHODS This was an observational retrospective study; data were collected for patients with stage III-IV pancreatic cancer that were treated with CHT alone or in combination with mEHT from 2003 to 2019. A total of 158 patients were included in the study out 270 patients screened in four Italian hospitals; 58 (37%) of these received CHT + mEHT and 100 (63%) CHT. CHT was mainly gemcitabine-based regimens in both groups.
RESULTS Overall (19.5 mo vs 11.02 mo, P < 0.001) and progression-free (12 mo vs 3 mo, P < 0.001) survival were better for the CHT + mEHT group compared to the CHT group. The association of mEHT resulted also in an improvement of tumor response with disease control rate 95% vs 58% (P < 0.001) at 3 mo. Toxicity was comparable in the two study groups, and mEHT related adverse events were limited in 8 patients presenting G1-2 skin burns.
CONCLUSION The addition of mEHT to systemic CHT improved overall and progression-free survival and local tumor control with comparable toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giammaria Fiorentini
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera “Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord”, Pesaro 61122, Italy
| | - Donatella Sarti
- Oncology Department, Ospedale S. Maria Della Misericordia, ASUR1, Urbino 61029, Italy
| | - Girolamo Ranieri
- Interventional and Integrated Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Cosmo Damiano Gadaleta
- Interventional and Integrated Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Caterina Fiorentini
- Department of Medical Biothecnologies, Division of Cardiology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Carlo Milandri
- Medical Oncology Unit, San Donato Hospital, Arezzo 52100, Italy
| | - Andrea Mambrini
- Department of Oncology - ASL Toscana Nord Ovest, Massa Carrara Hospital, Massa 54100, Italy
| | - Stefano Guadagni
- Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of General Surgery, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila 67100, Italy
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17
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Petenyi FG, Garay T, Muhl D, Izso B, Karaszi A, Borbenyi E, Herold M, Herold Z, Szasz AM, Dank M. Modulated Electro-Hyperthermic (mEHT) Treatment in the Therapy of Inoperable Pancreatic Cancer Patients-A Single-Center Case-Control Study. Diseases 2021; 9:diseases9040081. [PMID: 34842668 PMCID: PMC8628793 DOI: 10.3390/diseases9040081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Our present oncological treatment arsenal has limited treatment options for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Extended reviews have shown the benefits of hyperthermia for PDAC, supporting the perspectives with the improvements of the treatment possibilities. METHODS: A retrospective single-center case-control study was conducted with the inclusion of 78 inoperable PDAC patients. Age-, sex-, chemotherapy-, stage-, and ascites formation-matched patients were assigned to two equal groups based on the application of modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT). The EHY2030 mEHT device was used. RESULTS: A trend in favor of mEHT was found in overall survival (p = 0.1420). To further evaluate the potential beneficial effects of mEHT, the presence of distant metastasis or ascites in the patients’ oncological history was investigated. Of note, mEHT treatment had a favorable effect on patients’ overall survival in metastatic disease (p = 0.0154), while less abdominal fluid responded to the mEHT treatment in a more efficient way (p ≤ 0.0138). CONCLUSION: mEHT treatment was associated with improved overall survival in PDAC in our single-center retrospective case-control study. The outcome measures encourage us to design a randomized prospective clinical study to further confirm the efficiency of mEHT in this patient cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Greta Petenyi
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pazmany Peter Catholic University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (F.G.P.); (T.G.); (B.I.)
| | - Tamas Garay
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pazmany Peter Catholic University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (F.G.P.); (T.G.); (B.I.)
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (D.M.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (Z.H.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Dorottya Muhl
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (D.M.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (Z.H.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Blanka Izso
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pazmany Peter Catholic University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (F.G.P.); (T.G.); (B.I.)
| | - Adam Karaszi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (D.M.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (Z.H.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Erika Borbenyi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (D.M.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (Z.H.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Magdolna Herold
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Zoltan Herold
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (D.M.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (Z.H.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Attila Marcell Szasz
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (D.M.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (Z.H.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Magdolna Dank
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (D.M.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (Z.H.); (A.M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-1-266-0926
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18
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Huffman DL, Vusqa UT, Shankar K, Alnimer L, Samhouri Y, Srinivasamaharaj S, Malayala SV, Monga D. An Internal Review of Rates of Palliative Medicine Referral for Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Cancer. Cureus 2021; 13:e19670. [PMID: 34976460 PMCID: PMC8682948 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends that patients with advanced cancer receive palliative care services in concurrence with active treatment. While the benefits of palliative care are clear, integration of palliative care can be challenging. We aim to review rates of palliative care consultation in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer at our institution, intending to improve these rates. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the electronic records of all patients with pancreatic cancer treated at Allegheny General Hospital diagnosed between 2009-2020. Summary statistics are presented as percentages for categorical data and median with interquartile range for quantitative data. Results Of the 171 patients reviewed, 121 completed all treatment and evaluation within our health network (Pittsburgh, United States). The median age was 63 years (IQR 40-91 years); 55 patients (45%) were male; the majority were white (107 patients, 88%). At the time of diagnosis, 28% of our patients had stage IV disease (34 patients), and 19.8% of patients who developed stage IV disease had palliative care referrals. Conclusions Palliative care is an integral part of usual care for advanced pancreatic cancer. Our analysis showed that palliative care is underutilized in our hospital. We aim to improve palliative care integration in our patients’ care by adding a hard stop to electronic medical records to remind physicians to offer palliative care to our patients with pancreatic cancer and to arrange lecture series to emphasize the importance of palliative care in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Urwat T Vusqa
- Internal Medicine, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Karthik Shankar
- Internal Medicine, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Lynna Alnimer
- Internal Medicine, Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield, USA
| | - Yazan Samhouri
- Department of Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, USA
| | | | | | - Dulabh Monga
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, USA
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19
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Herold Z, Szasz AM, Dank M. Evidence based tools to improve efficiency of currently administered oncotherapies for tumors of the hepatopancreatobiliary system. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:1109-1120. [PMID: 34616516 PMCID: PMC8465447 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i9.1109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatopancreatobiliary tumors are challenging to treat, and the advanced or metastatic forms have a very low 5-year survival rate. Several drug combinations have been tested, and new therapeutic approaches have been introduced in the last decades, including radiofrequency and heat based methods. Hyperthermia is the artificial heating of tumors by various biophysical methods that may possess immunostimulant, tumoricidal, and chemoradiotherapy sensitizer effects. Both whole-body and regional hyperthermia studies have been conducted since the 1980s after the introduction of deep-seated tumor hyperthermia techniques. Results of the effects of hyperthermia in hepatocellular and pancreatic cancer are known from several studies. Hyperthermia in biliary cancers is a less investigated area. High local and overall responses to treatment, increased progression-free and overall survival, and improved laboratory and quality-of-life results are associated with hyperthermia in all three tumor types. With the evolution of chemotherapeutic agents and the introduction of newer techniques, the combination of adjuvant hyperthermia with those therapies is advantageous and has not been associated with an increase in alarming adverse effects. However, despite the many positive effects of hyperthermia, its use is still only known at the experimental level, and its concomitant utilization in routine cancer treatment is not certain because of the lack of thorough clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Herold
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest H-1083, Hungary
| | - A Marcell Szasz
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest H-1083, Hungary
| | - Magdolna Dank
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest H-1083, Hungary
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20
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Fiorentini G, Sarti D, Gadaleta CD, Ballerini M, Fiorentini C, Garfagno T, Ranieri G, Guadagni S. A Narrative Review of Regional Hyperthermia: Updates From 2010 to 2019. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 19:1534735420932648. [PMID: 33054425 PMCID: PMC7570290 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420932648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of hyperthermia (HT) in cancer therapy and palliative care has been discussed for years in the literature. There are plenty of articles that show good feasibility of HT and its efficacy in terms of tumor response and survival improvements. Nevertheless, HT has never gained enough interest among oncologists to become a standard therapy in clinical practice. The main advantage of HT is the enhancement of chemotherapy (CHT), radiotherapy (RT), chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and immunotherapy benefits. This effect has been confirmed in several types of tumors: esophageal, gastrointestinal, pancreas, breast, cervix, head and neck, and bladder cancers, and soft tissue sarcoma. HT effects include oxygenation and perfusion changes, DNA repair inhibition and immune system activation as a consequence of new antigen exposure. The literature shows a wide variety of randomized, nonrandomized, and observational studies and both prospective and retrospective data to confirm the advantage of HT association to CHT and RT. There are still many ongoing trials on this subject. This article summarizes the available literature on HT in order to update the current knowledge on HT use in association with RT and/or CHT from 2010 up to 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giammaria Fiorentini
- Azienda Ospedaliera "Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord," Pesaro, Italy.,Private Clinic Ravenna33, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Donatella Sarti
- Azienda Ospedaliera "Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord," Pesaro, Italy
| | - Cosmo Damiano Gadaleta
- Department of Interventional and Integrated Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Girolamo Ranieri
- Department of Interventional and Integrated Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
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21
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Tansi FL, Maduabuchi WO, Hirsch M, Southern P, Hattersley S, Quaas R, Teichgräber U, Pankhurst QA, Hilger I. Deep-tissue localization of magnetic field hyperthermia using pulse sequencing. Int J Hyperthermia 2021; 38:743-754. [PMID: 33941016 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2021.1912412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Deep-tissue localization of thermal doses is a long-standing challenge in magnetic field hyperthermia (MFH), and remains a limitation of the clinical application of MFH to date. Here, we show that pulse sequencing of MFH leads to a more persistent inhibition of tumor growth and less systemic impact than continuous MFH, even when delivering the same thermal dose. METHODS We used an in vivo orthotopic murine model of pancreatic PANC-1 cancer, which was designed with a view to the forthcoming 'NoCanTher' clinical study, and featured MFH alongside systemic chemotherapy (SyC: gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel). In parallel, in silico thermal modelling was implemented. RESULTS Tumor volumes 27 days after the start of MFH/SyC treatment were 53% (of the initial volume) in the pulse MFH group, compared to 136% in the continuous MFH group, and 337% in the non-treated controls. Systemically, pulse MFH led to ca. 50% less core-temperature increase in the mice for a given injected dose of magnetic heating agent, and inflicted lower levels of the stress marker, as seen in the blood-borne neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (1.7, compared to 3.2 for continuous MFH + SyC, and 1.2 for controls). CONCLUSION Our data provided insights into the influence of pulse sequencing on the observed biological outcomes, and validated the nature of the improved thermal dose localization, alongside significant lowering of the overall energy expenditure entailed in the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felista L Tansi
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Department of Experimental Radiology, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Wisdom O Maduabuchi
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Department of Experimental Radiology, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Melanie Hirsch
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Department of Experimental Radiology, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Paul Southern
- Resonant Circuits Limited, London, UK.,Healthcare Biomagnetics Laboratory, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Ulf Teichgräber
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Department of Experimental Radiology, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Quentin A Pankhurst
- Resonant Circuits Limited, London, UK.,Healthcare Biomagnetics Laboratory, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ingrid Hilger
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Department of Experimental Radiology, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
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22
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Nagata T, Kanamori M, Sekine S, Arai M, Moriyama M, Fujii T. Clinical study of modulated electro-hyperthermia for advanced metastatic breast cancer. Mol Clin Oncol 2021; 14:103. [PMID: 33796292 PMCID: PMC8010507 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2021.2265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) is a new treatment modality developed to overcome the problems associated with traditional hyperthermia; mEHT uses a precise impedance-matched system and modulated radiofrequency current flow to malignant tumors. It selects the malignant cells based on their biophysical differences, due to their high metabolic rate, individual (autonomic) behavior and membrane status. The aim of the present study was to report the outcomes of mEHT in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. mEHT was examined in 10 patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer and recurrent disease, who were considered incurable by standard therapy protocols. Of the 10 patients, partial response was achieved in 3, disease stability in 3, and progressive disease in 4; however, their quality of life was improved based on their subjective reports. No adverse effects were observed in any of the 10 patients. The present study demonstrated the feasibility of mEHT as a possible therapy for advanced breast cancer cases when standard therapies fail. Moreover, mEHT had no side effects and may be combined with various treatments for long-term therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Nagata
- Department of Surgery, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center, Tokyo 153-8515, Japan
| | - Masahiko Kanamori
- Department of Human Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sekine
- Department of Surgery, Kamiichi General Hospital, Toyama 930-0391, Japan
| | - Mie Arai
- Department of Surgery, Toyama Nishi General Hospital, Toyama 939-2716, Japan
| | - Makoto Moriyama
- Department of Surgery, Tomei Atsugi Hospital, Kanagawa 243-8571, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Fujii
- Department of Science and Surgery, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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Lee SY, Fiorentini G, Szasz AM, Szigeti G, Szasz A, Minnaar CA. Quo Vadis Oncological Hyperthermia (2020)? Front Oncol 2020; 10:1690. [PMID: 33014841 PMCID: PMC7499808 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Heating as a medical intervention in cancer treatment is an ancient approach, but effective deep heating techniques are lacking in modern practice. The use of electromagnetic interactions has enabled the development of more reliable local-regional hyperthermia (LRHT) techniques whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) techniques. Contrary to the relatively simple physical-physiological concepts behind hyperthermia, its development was not steady, and it has gone through periods of failures and renewals with mixed views on the benefits of heating seen in the medical community over the decades. In this review we study in detail the various techniques currently available and describe challenges and trends of oncological hyperthermia from a new perspective. Our aim is to describe what we believe to be a new and effective approach to oncologic hyperthermia, and a change in the paradigm of dosing. Physiological limits restrict the application of WBH which has moved toward the mild temperature range, targeting immune support. LRHT does not have a temperature limit in the tumor (which can be burned out in extreme conditions) but a trend has started toward milder temperatures with immune-oriented goals, developing toward immune modulation, and especially toward tumor-specific immune reactions by which LRHT seeks to target the malignancy systemically. The emerging research of bystander and abscopal effects, in both laboratory investigations and clinical applications, has been intensified. Our present review summarizes the methods and results, and discusses the trends of hyperthermia in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Young Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonbuk, South Korea
| | | | - Attila Marcell Szasz
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gyula Szigeti
- Innovation Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andras Szasz
- Biotechnics Department, St. Istvan University, Godollo, Hungary
| | - Carrie Anne Minnaar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wits Donald Gordon Medical Center, Johannesburg, South Africa
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24
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Krenacs T, Meggyeshazi N, Forika G, Kiss E, Hamar P, Szekely T, Vancsik T. Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia-Induced Tumor Damage Mechanisms Revealed in Cancer Models. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6270. [PMID: 32872532 PMCID: PMC7504298 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The benefits of high-fever range hyperthermia have been utilized in medicine from the Ancient Greek culture to the present day. Amplitude-modulated electro-hyperthermia, induced by a 13.56 MHz radiofrequency current (mEHT, or Oncothermia), has been an emerging means of delivering loco-regional clinical hyperthermia as a complementary of radiation-, chemo-, and molecular targeted oncotherapy. This unique treatment exploits the metabolic shift in cancer, resulting in elevated oxidative glycolysis (Warburg effect), ion concentration, and electric conductivity. These promote the enrichment of electric fields and induce heat (controlled at 42 °C), as well as ion fluxes and disequilibrium through tumor cell membrane channels. By now, accumulating preclinical studies using in vitro and in vivo models of different cancer types have revealed details of the mechanism and molecular background of the oncoreductive effects of mEHT monotherapy. These include the induction of DNA double-strand breaks, irreversible heath and cell stress, and programmed cells death; the upregulation of molecular chaperones and damage (DAMP) signaling, which may contribute to a secondary immunogenic tumor cell death. In combination therapies, mEHT proved to be a good chemosensitizer through increasing drug uptake and tumor reductive effects, as well as a good radiosensitizer by downregulating hypoxia-related target genes. Recently, immune stimulation or intratumoral antigen-presenting dendritic cell injection have been able to extend the impact of local mEHT into a systemic "abscopal" effect. The complex network of pathways emerging from the published mEHT experiments has not been overviewed and arranged yet into a framework to reveal links between the pieces of the "puzzle". In this paper, we review the mEHT-related damage mechanisms published in tumor models, which may allow some geno-/phenotype treatment efficiency correlations to be exploited both in further research and for more rational clinical treatment planning when mEHT is involved in combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor Krenacs
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary; (N.M.); (G.F.); (T.S.)
| | - Nora Meggyeshazi
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary; (N.M.); (G.F.); (T.S.)
| | - Gertrud Forika
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary; (N.M.); (G.F.); (T.S.)
| | - Eva Kiss
- Institute of Oncology at 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Semmelweis University, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Peter Hamar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary; (P.H.); (T.V.)
| | - Tamas Szekely
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary; (N.M.); (G.F.); (T.S.)
| | - Tamas Vancsik
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary; (P.H.); (T.V.)
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25
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Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia Resolves Radioresistance of Panc1 Pancreas Adenocarcinoma and Promotes DNA Damage and Apoptosis In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145100. [PMID: 32707717 PMCID: PMC7404126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor outcome of pancreas ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) is frequently linked to therapy resistance. Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) generated by 13.56 MHz capacitive radiofrequency can induce direct tumor damage and promote chemo- and radiotherapy. Here, we tested the effect of mEHT either alone or in combination with radiotherapy using an in vivo model of Panc1, a KRAS and TP53 mutant, radioresistant PDAC cell line. A single mEHT shot of 60 min induced ~50% loss of viable cells and morphological signs of apoptosis including chromatin condensation, nuclear shrinkage and apoptotic bodies. Most mEHT treatment related effects exceeded those of radiotherapy, and these were further amplified after combining the two modalities. Treatment related apoptosis was confirmed by a significantly elevated number of annexin V single-positive and cleaved/activated caspase-3 positive tumor cells, as well as sub-G1-phase tumor cell fractions. mEHT and mEHT+radioterapy caused the moderate accumulation of γH2AX positive nuclear foci, indicating DNA double-strand breaks and upregulation of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p21waf1 besides the downregulation of Akt signaling. A clonogenic assay revealed that both mono- and combined treatments affected the tumor progenitor/stem cell populations too. In conclusion, mEHT treatment can contribute to tumor growth inhibition and apoptosis induction and resolve radioresistance of Panc1 PDAC cells.
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Kao PHJ, Chen CH, Tsang YW, Lin CS, Chiang HC, Huang CC, Chi MS, Yang KL, Li WT, Kao SJ, Minnaar CA, Chi KH, Wang YS. Relationship between Energy Dosage and Apoptotic Cell Death by Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8936. [PMID: 32488092 PMCID: PMC7265408 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65823-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) is a form of mild hyperthermia (HT) used for cancer treatment. The principle utility of HT is the ability not only to increase cell temperature, but also to increase blood flow and associated pO2 to the microenvironment. While investigational evidence has shown the unique ability of mEHT to elicit apoptosis in cancer cells, in vivo and in vitro, the same trait has not been observed with conventional HT. There is dissension as to what allows mEHT to elicit apoptosis despite heating to only mild temperatures, with the predominant opinion in favor of increased temperature at a cellular level as the driving force. For this study, we hypothesized that in addition to temperature, the amount of electrical energy delivered is a major factor in induction of apoptosis by mEHT. To evaluate the impact of electrical energy on apoptosis, we divided generally practiced mEHT treatment into 3 phases: Phase I (treatment start to 10 min. mark): escalation from 25 °C to 37 °C Phase II (10 min. mark to 15 min. mark): escalation from 37 °C to 42 °C Phase III (15 min. mark to 45 min. mark): maintenance at 42 °C Combinations of mEHT at 18 W power, mEHT at 7.5 W power, water bath, and incubator were applied to each of the three phases. Power output was recorded per second and calculated as average power per second. Total number of corresponding Joules emitted per each experiment was also recorded. The biological effect of apoptotic cell death was assayed by annexin-V assay. In group where mEHT was applied for all three phases, apoptosis rate was measured at 31.18 ± 1.47%. In group where mEHT was only applied in Phases II and III, apoptosis rate dropped to 20.2 ± 2.1%. Where mEHT was only applied in Phase III, apoptosis was 6.4 ± 1.7%. Interestingly, when mEHT was applied in Phases I and II, whether Phase III was conducted in either water bath at 42 °C or incubator at 37 °C, resulted in nearly identical apoptosis rates, 26 ± 4.4% and 25.9 ± 3.1%, respectively. These results showed that accumulation of mEHT at high-powered setting (18 W/sec) during temperature escalation (Phase I and Phase II), significantly increased apoptosis of tested cancer cells. The data also showed that whereas apoptosis rate was significantly increased during temperature escalation by higher power (18 W/sec), apoptosis was limited during temperature maintenance with lower power (7.5 W/sec). This presents that neither maintenance of 42 °C nor accumulation of Joules by mEHT has immediate correlating effect on apoptosis rate. These findings may offer a basis for direction of clinical application of mEHT treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Hung-Ju Kao
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hung Chen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yuk-Wah Tsang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Si Lin
- Institute of Veterinary Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chien Chiang
- Institute of Veterinary Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chung Huang
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Oncology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mau-Shin Chi
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Oncology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Lin Yang
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Oncology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Radiation Science and School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Tyng Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Jyh Kao
- Division of Chest Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Carrie Anne Minnaar
- Department of Radiation Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kwan-Hwa Chi
- Institute of Veterinary Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Oncology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Radiation Science and School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
- Institute of Veterinary Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Oncology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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