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Yang LJ, Han T, Liu RN, Shi SM, Luan SY, Meng SN. Plant-derived natural compounds: A new frontier in inducing immunogenic cell death for cancer treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117099. [PMID: 38981240 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) can activate adaptive immune response in the host with normal immune system. Some synthetic chemotherapeutic drugs and natural compounds have shown promising results in cancer treatment by triggering the release of damage-associated molecules (DAMPs) to trigger ICD. However, most chemotherapeutic drugs exhibit non-selective cytotoxicity and may also induce and promote metastasis, thereby significantly reducing their clinical efficacy. Among the natural compounds that can induce ICD, plant-derived compounds account for the largest proportion, which are of increasing value in the treatment of cancer. Understanding which plant-derived natural compounds can induce ICD and how they induce ICD is crucial for developing strategies to improve chemotherapy outcomes. In this review, we focus on the recent findings regarding plant-derived natural compounds that induce ICD according to the classification of flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids and discuss the potential mechanisms including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, DNA damage, apoptosis, necroptosis autophagy, ferroptosis. In addition, plant-derived natural compounds that can enhance the ICD induction ability of conventional therapies for cancer treatment is also elaborated. The rational use of plant-derived natural compounds to induce ICD is helpful for the development of new cancer treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Ting Han
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Ruo-Nan Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Shu-Ming Shi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Shi-Yun Luan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Sheng-Nan Meng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
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Scuderi M, Dermol-Cerne J, Scancar J, Markovic S, Rems L, Miklavcic D. The equivalence of different types of electric pulses for electrochemotherapy with cisplatin - an in vitro study. Radiol Oncol 2024; 58:51-66. [PMID: 38378034 PMCID: PMC10878774 DOI: 10.2478/raon-2024-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a treatment involving the administration of chemotherapeutics drugs followed by the application of 8 square monopolar pulses of 100 μs duration at a repetition frequency of 1 Hz or 5000 Hz. However, there is increasing interest in using alternative types of pulses for ECT. The use of high-frequency short bipolar pulses has been shown to mitigate pain and muscle contractions. Conversely, the use of millisecond pulses is interesting when combining ECT with gene electrotransfer for the uptake of DNA-encoding proteins that stimulate the immune response with the aim of converting ECT from a local to systemic treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate how alternative types of pulses affect the efficiency of the ECT. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed in vitro experiments, exposing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to conventional ECT pulses, high-frequency bipolar pulses, and millisecond pulses in the presence of different concentrations of cisplatin. We determined cisplatin uptake by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and cisplatin cytotoxicity by the clonogenic assay. RESULTS We observed that the three tested types of pulses potentiate the uptake and cytotoxicity of cisplatin in an equivalent manner, provided that the electric field is properly adjusted for each pulse type. Furthermore, we quantified that the number of cisplatin molecules, resulting in the eradication of most cells, was 2-7 × 107 per cell. CONCLUSIONS High-frequency bipolar pulses and millisecond pulses can potentially be used in ECT to reduce pain and muscle contraction and increase the effect of the immune response in combination with gene electrotransfer, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Scuderi
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Dermol-Cerne
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Scancar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stefan Markovic
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lea Rems
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavcic
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Fesmire CC, Peal B, Ruff J, Moyer E, McParland TJ, Derks K, O’Neil E, Emke C, Johnson B, Ghosh S, Petrella RA, DeWitt MR, Prange T, Fogle C, Sano MB. Investigation of integrated time nanosecond pulse irreversible electroporation against spontaneous equine melanoma. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1232650. [PMID: 38352036 PMCID: PMC10861690 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1232650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Integrated time nanosecond pulse irreversible electroporation (INSPIRE) is a novel tumor ablation modality that employs high voltage, alternating polarity waveforms to induce cell death in a well-defined volume while sparing the underlying tissue. This study aimed to demonstrate the in vivo efficacy of INSPIRE against spontaneous melanoma in standing, awake horses. Methods A custom applicator and a pulse generation system were utilized in a pilot study to treat horses presenting with spontaneous melanoma. INSPIRE treatments were administered to 32 tumors across 6 horses and an additional 13 tumors were followed to act as untreated controls. Tumors were tracked over a 43-85 day period following a single INSPIRE treatment. Pulse widths of 500ns and 2000ns with voltages between 1000 V and 2000 V were investigated to determine the effect of these variables on treatment outcomes. Results Treatments administered at the lowest voltage (1000 V) reduced tumor volumes by 11 to 15%. Higher voltage (2000 V) treatments reduced tumor volumes by 84 to 88% and eliminated 33% and 80% of tumors when 500 ns and 2000 ns pulses were administered, respectively. Discussion Promising results were achieved without the use of chemotherapeutics, the use of general anesthesia, or the need for surgical resection in regions which are challenging to keep sterile. This novel therapeutic approach has the potential to expand the role of pulsed electric fields in veterinary patients, especially when general anesthesia is contraindicated, and warrants future studies to demonstrate the efficacy of INSPIRE as a solid tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris C. Fesmire
- Bioelectricity Lab, UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Bridgette Peal
- Department of Clinical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Jennifer Ruff
- Department of Clinical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Elizabeth Moyer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Thomas J. McParland
- Department of Clinical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Kobi Derks
- Department of Clinical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Erin O’Neil
- Department of Clinical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Carrie Emke
- Clinical Studies Core, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Brianna Johnson
- Clinical Studies Core, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Shatorupa Ghosh
- Bioelectricity Lab, UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Ross A. Petrella
- Bioelectricity Lab, UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Matthew R. DeWitt
- Bioelectricity Lab, UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Timo Prange
- Department of Clinical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Callie Fogle
- Department of Clinical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Michael B. Sano
- Bioelectricity Lab, UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
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Vilfan M, Lampreht Tratar U, Milevoj N, Nemec Svete A, Čemažar M, Serša G, Tozon N. Comparison of Nucleosome, Ferritin and LDH Levels in Blood with Clinical Response before and after Electrochemotherapy Combined with IL-12 Gene Electrotransfer for the Treatment of Mast Cell Tumours in Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:438. [PMID: 38338081 PMCID: PMC10854863 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030438] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) in combination with the gene electrotransfer of interleukin 12 (IL-12 GET) has been successfully used in veterinary medicine for the treatment of mast cell tumours (MCT), but the biomarkers that could predict response to this treatment have not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the plasma nucleosome and serum ferritin concentrations, as well as the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, in the serum of treated patients before and one and six months after treatment to evaluate their utility as potential biomarkers that could predict response to the combined treatment. The study was conducted in 48 patients with a total of 86 MCTs that we treated with the combined treatment. The blood samples used for analysing the potential predictive biomarkers were taken before treatment and one and six months after treatment, when the response to treatment was also assessed. The Nu. Q® Vet Cancer Test, the Canine Ferritin ELISA Kit, and the RX Daytona+ automated biochemical analyser were used to analyse the blood samples. The results showed that the plasma nucleosome concentration (before treatment (BT): 32.84 ng/mL (median); one month after treatment (1 M AT): 58.89 ng/mL (median); p = 0.010) and serum LDH activity (BT: 59.75 U/L (median); 1 M AT: 107.5 U/L (median); p = 0.012) increased significantly one month after treatment and that the increase correlated significantly with the presence of a more pronounced local reaction (necrosis, swelling, etc.) at that time point for both markers (nucleosome: BT (necrosis): 21.61 ng/mL (median); 1 M AT (necrosis): 69.92 ng/mL (median), p = 0.030; LDH: BT (necrosis): 54.75 U/L (median); 1 M AT (necrosis): 100.3 U/L (median), p = 0.048). Therefore, both the plasma nucleosome concentration and serum LDH activity could serve as early indicators of the effect of the treatment. In this context, the serum ferritin concentration showed no significant predictive potential for treatment response (p > 0.999 for all comparisons). In conclusion, this study provides some new and important observations on the use of predictive biomarkers in veterinary oncology. Furthermore, it emphasises the need for the continued identification and validation of potential predictive biomarkers in dogs with MCT and other malignancies undergoing ECT treatment in combination with IL-12 GET to ultimately improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maša Vilfan
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (U.L.T.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Urša Lampreht Tratar
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (U.L.T.); (A.N.S.)
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.Č.); (G.S.)
| | - Nina Milevoj
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (U.L.T.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Alenka Nemec Svete
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (U.L.T.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Maja Čemažar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.Č.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Serša
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.Č.); (G.S.)
| | - Nataša Tozon
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (U.L.T.); (A.N.S.)
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Hadzialjevic B, Omerzel M, Trotovsek B, Cemazar M, Jesenko T, Sersa G, Djokic M. Electrochemotherapy combined with immunotherapy - a promising potential in the treatment of cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1336866. [PMID: 38292489 PMCID: PMC10825954 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1336866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy is a novel, locoregional therapy that is used to treat cutaneous and deep-seated tumors. The electric pulses used in electrochemotherapy increase the permeability of the cell membranes of the target lesion and thus enhance the delivery of low-permeant cytotoxic drugs to the cells, leading to their death. It has also been postulated that electrochemotherapy acts as an in situ vaccination by inducing immunogenic cell death. This in turn leads to an enhanced systemic antitumor response, which could be further exploited by immunotherapy. However, only a few clinical studies have investigated the role of combined treatment in patients with melanoma, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. In this review, we therefore aim to review the published preclinical evidence on combined treatment and to review clinical studies that have investigated the combined role of electrochemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Hadzialjevic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Masa Omerzel
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Blaz Trotovsek
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Jesenko
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mihajlo Djokic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Ramon J, Engelen Y, De Keersmaecker H, Goemaere I, Punj D, Mejía Morales J, Bonte C, Berx G, Hoste E, Stremersch S, Lentacker I, De Smedt SC, Raemdonck K, Braeckmans K. Laser-induced vapor nanobubbles for B16-F10 melanoma cell killing and intracellular delivery of chemotherapeutics. J Control Release 2024; 365:1019-1036. [PMID: 38065413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
The most lethal form of skin cancer is cutaneous melanoma, a tumor that develops in the melanocytes, which are found in the epidermis. The treatment strategy of melanoma is dependent on the stage of the disease and often requires combined local and systemic treatment. Over the years, systemic treatment of melanoma has been revolutionized and shifted toward immunotherapeutic approaches. Phototherapies like photothermal therapy (PTT) have gained considerable attention in the field, mainly because of their straightforward applicability in melanoma skin cancer, combined with the fact that these strategies are able to induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), linked with a specific antitumor immune response. However, PTT comes with the risk of uncontrolled heating of the surrounding healthy tissue due to heat dissipation. Here, we used pulsed laser irradiation of endogenous melanin-containing melanosomes to induce cell killing of B16-F10 murine melanoma cells in a non-thermal manner. Pulsed laser irradiation of the B16-F10 cells resulted in the formation of water vapor nanobubbles (VNBs) around endogenous melanin-containing melanosomes, causing mechanical cell damage. We demonstrated that laser-induced VNBs are able to kill B16-F10 cells with high spatial resolution. When looking more deeply into the cell death mechanism, we found that a large part of the B16-F10 cells succumbed rapidly after pulsed laser irradiation, reaching maximum cell death already after 4 h. Practically all necrotic cells demonstrated exposure of phosphatidylserine on the plasma membrane and caspase-3/7 activity, indicative of regulated cell death. Furthermore, calreticulin, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), three key damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in ICD, were found to be exposed from B16-F10 cells upon pulsed laser irradiation to an extent that exceeded or was comparable to the bona fide ICD-inducer, doxorubicin. Finally, we could demonstrate that VNB formation from melanosomes induced plasma membrane permeabilization. This allowed for enhanced intracellular delivery of bleomycin, an ICD-inducing chemotherapeutic, which further boosted cell death with the potential to improve the systemic antitumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Ramon
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Biophotonics Research Group, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Yanou Engelen
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Herlinde De Keersmaecker
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Ghent Light Microscopy Core Facility, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Ilia Goemaere
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Biophotonics Research Group, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Deep Punj
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Biophotonics Research Group, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Julián Mejía Morales
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Cédric Bonte
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Geert Berx
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Esther Hoste
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Stephan Stremersch
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ine Lentacker
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Biophotonics Research Group, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Egeland C, Balsevicius L, Gögenur I, Gehl J, Baeksgaard L, Garbyal RS, Achiam MP. Calcium electroporation of esophageal cancer induces gene expression changes: a sub-study of a phase I clinical trial. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:16031-16042. [PMID: 37688629 PMCID: PMC10620256 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05357-y] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, we aim to investigate gene expression changes in tumor samples obtained from patients with esophageal cancer treated with calcium electroporation. Previously, local treatment with calcium electroporation has been shown to induce gene expression alterations, potentially contributing to a more tumor-hostile microenvironment. METHODS In this sub-study of a phase I clinical trial, we included five patients with esophageal cancer treated with calcium electroporation. We compared cancer-associated gene expression patterns in tumor samples before and after treatment. Furthermore, we used linear support vector regression to predict the cellular composition of tumor samples. RESULTS Using differential expression analysis, we identified the downregulation of CXCL14 and upregulation of CCL21, ANGPTL4, and CRABP2 genes. We also found a decreased predicted proportion of dendritic cells while the proportion of neutrophils was increased. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence that calcium electroporation for esophageal cancer induces local transcriptional changes and possibly alters the cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment. The results are explorative, larger studies are needed to confirm and further correlate our findings with clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Egeland
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Lukas Balsevicius
- Center for Surgical Science, Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Koege, Denmark
- Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ismail Gögenur
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Surgical Science, Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Koege, Denmark
| | - Julie Gehl
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Center for Experimental Drug and Gene Electrotransfer (C*EDGE), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Lene Baeksgaard
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rajendra Singh Garbyal
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Patrick Achiam
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Kranjc M, Polajžer T, Novickij V, Miklavčič D. Determination of the Impact of High-Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on the Release of Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern Molecules. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14607. [PMID: 37834054 PMCID: PMC10572873 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914607] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
High-Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (HI-PEMF) treatment is an emerging noninvasive and contactless alternative to conventional electroporation, since the electric field inside the tissue is induced remotely by an externally applied pulsed magnetic field. Recently, HI-PEMF has been successfully used in the transfer of plasmid DNA and siRNA in vivo, with no or minimal infiltration of immune cells. In addition to gene electrotransfer, treatment with HI-PEMF has also shown potential for electrochemotherapy, where activation of the immune response contributes to the treatment outcome. The immune response can be triggered by immunogenic cell death that is characterized by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from damaged or/and dying cells. In this study, the release of the best-known DAMP molecules, i.e., adenosine triphosphate (ATP), calreticulin and high mobility group box 1 protein (HMBG1), after HI-PEMF treatment was investigated in vitro on three different cell lines of different tissue origin and compared with conventional electroporation treatment parameters. We have shown that HI-PEMF by itself does not cause the release of HMGB1 or calreticulin, whereas the release of ATP was detected immediately after HI-PEMF treatment. Our results indicate that HI-PEMF treatment causes no to minimal release of DAMP molecules, which results in minimal/limited activation of the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Kranjc
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Trzaska cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.K.); (T.P.)
| | - Tamara Polajžer
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Trzaska cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.K.); (T.P.)
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- Institute of High Magnetic Fields, Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Plytinės g. 27, 10105 Vilnius, Lithuania;
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Santariskiu g. 5, 08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Trzaska cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.K.); (T.P.)
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Di Raimondo C, Lozzi F, Di Domenico PP, Campione E, Bianchi L. The Diagnosis and Management of Cutaneous Metastases from Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14535. [PMID: 37833981 PMCID: PMC10572973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the deadliest skin tumors, accounting for almost 90% of skin cancer mortality. Although immune therapy and targeted therapy have dramatically changed the prognosis of metastatic melanoma, many patients experience disease progression despite the currently available new treatments. Skin metastases from melanoma represent a relatively common event as first sign of advanced disease or a sign of recurrence. Skin metastases are usually asymptomatic, although in advanced stages, they can present with ulceration, bleeding, and superinfection; furthermore, they can cause symptoms related to compression on nearby tissues. Treatments vary from simple surgery resections to topical or intralesional local injections, or a combination of these techniques with the most recent systemic immune or target therapies. New research and studies should focus on the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms of the cutaneous metastases of melanoma in order to shed light on the mechanisms underlying the different behavior and prognoses of different patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Di Raimondo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.L.); (P.P.D.D.); (E.C.); (L.B.)
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10
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Martin CH, Martin RCG. Optimal Dosing and Patient Selection for Electrochemotherapy in Solid Abdominal Organ and Bone Tumors. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:975. [PMID: 37627860 PMCID: PMC10451240 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10080975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to analyze studies that use electrochemotherapy (ECT) in "deep-seated" tumors in solid organs (liver, kidney, bone metastasis, pancreas, and abdomen) and understand the similarities between patient selection, oncologic selection, and use of new procedures and technology across the organ systems to assess response rates. A literature search was conducted using the term "Electrochemotherapy" in the title field using publications from 2017 to 2023. After factoring in inclusion and exclusion criteria, 29 studies were analyzed and graded based on quality in full. The authors determined key patient and oncologic selection characteristics and ECT technology employed across organ systems that yielded overall responses, complete responses, and partial responses of the treated tumor. It was determined that key selection factors included: the ability to be administered bleomycin, life expectancy greater than three months, unrespectability of the lesion being treated, and a later stage, more advanced cancer. Regarding oncologic selection, all patient cohorts had received chemotherapy or surgery previously but had disease recurrence, making ECT the only option for further treatment. Lastly, in terms of the use of technology, the authors found that studies with better response rates used the ClinporatorTM and updated procedural guidelines by SOP. Thus, by considering patient, oncologic, and technology selection, ECT can be further improved in treating lesions in solid organs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert C. G. Martin
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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11
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Radzevičiūtė-Valčiukė E, Želvys A, Mickevičiūtė E, Gečaitė J, Zinkevičienė A, Malyško-Ptašinskė V, Kašėta V, Novickij J, Ivaškienė T, Novickij V. Calcium Electrochemotherapy for Tumor Eradication and the Potential of High-Frequency Nanosecond Protocols. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1083. [PMID: 37630998 PMCID: PMC10460074 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081083] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium electroporation (CaEP) is an innovative approach to treating cancer, involving the internalization of supraphysiological amounts of calcium through electroporation, which leads to cell death. CaEP enables the replacement of chemotherapeutics (e.g., bleomycin). Here, we present a standard microsecond (μsCaEP) and novel high-frequency nanosecond protocols for calcium electroporation (nsCaEP) for the elimination of carcinoma tumors in C57BL/6J mice. We show the efficacy of CaEP in eliminating tumors and increasing their survival rates in vivo. The antitumor immune response after the treatment was observed by investigating immune cell populations in tumors, spleens, lymph nodes, and blood, as well as assessing antitumor antibodies. CaEP treatment resulted in an increased percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ central memory T cells and decreased splenic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). Moreover, increased levels of antitumor IgG antibodies after CaEP treatment were detected. The experimental results demonstrated that the administration of CaEP led to tumor growth delay, increased survival rates, and stimulated immune response, indicating a potential synergistic relationship between CaEP and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eivina Radzevičiūtė-Valčiukė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.Ž.); (J.G.); (A.Z.); (T.I.)
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (V.M.-P.); (J.N.)
| | - Augustinas Želvys
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.Ž.); (J.G.); (A.Z.); (T.I.)
| | - Eglė Mickevičiūtė
- Department of Biomodels, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 11342 Vilnius, Lithuania; (E.M.); (V.K.)
| | - Jovita Gečaitė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.Ž.); (J.G.); (A.Z.); (T.I.)
| | - Auksė Zinkevičienė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.Ž.); (J.G.); (A.Z.); (T.I.)
| | - Veronika Malyško-Ptašinskė
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (V.M.-P.); (J.N.)
| | - Vytautas Kašėta
- Department of Biomodels, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 11342 Vilnius, Lithuania; (E.M.); (V.K.)
| | - Jurij Novickij
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (V.M.-P.); (J.N.)
| | - Tatjana Ivaškienė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.Ž.); (J.G.); (A.Z.); (T.I.)
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.Ž.); (J.G.); (A.Z.); (T.I.)
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (V.M.-P.); (J.N.)
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12
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Campelo SN, Huang PH, Buie CR, Davalos RV. Recent Advancements in Electroporation Technologies: From Bench to Clinic. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2023; 25:77-100. [PMID: 36854260 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-110220-023800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the increased adoption of electroporation-based technologies has led to an expansion of clinical research initiatives. Electroporation has been utilized in molecular biology for mammalian and bacterial transfection; for food sanitation; and in therapeutic settings to increase drug uptake, for gene therapy, and to eliminate cancerous tissues. We begin this article by discussing the biophysics required for understanding the concepts behind the cell permeation phenomenon that is electroporation. We then review nano- and microscale single-cell electroporation technologies before scaling up to emerging in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina N Campelo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA;
| | - Po-Hsun Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cullen R Buie
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rafael V Davalos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA;
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13
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Polajžer T, Miklavčič D. Immunogenic Cell Death in Electroporation-Based Therapies Depends on Pulse Waveform Characteristics. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1036. [PMID: 37376425 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, electroporation-based therapies such as electrochemotherapy (ECT), gene electrotransfer (GET) and irreversible electroporation (IRE) are performed with different but typical pulse durations-100 microseconds and 1-50 milliseconds. However, recent in vitro studies have shown that ECT, GET and IRE can be achieved with virtually any pulse duration (millisecond, microsecond, nanosecond) and pulse type (monopolar, bipolar-HFIRE), although with different efficiency. In electroporation-based therapies, immune response activation can affect treatment outcome, and the possibility of controlling and predicting immune response could improve the treatment. In this study, we investigated if different pulse durations and pulse types cause different or similar activations of the immune system by assessing DAMP release (ATP, HMGB1, calreticulin). Results show that DAMP release can be different when different pulse durations and pulse types are used. Nanosecond pulses seems to be the most immunogenic, as they can induce the release of all three main DAMP molecules-ATP, HMGB1 and calreticulin. The least immunogenic seem to be millisecond pulses, as only ATP release was detected and even that assumingly occurs due to increased permeability of the cell membrane. Overall, it seems that DAMP release and immune response in electroporation-based therapies can be controlled though pulse duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Polajžer
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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14
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Tellado M, De Robertis M, Montagna D, Giovannini D, Salgado S, Michinski S, Signori E, Maglietti F. Electrochemotherapy Plus IL-2+IL-12 Gene Electrotransfer in Spontaneous Inoperable Stage III-IV Canine Oral Malignant Melanoma. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1033. [PMID: 37376422 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061033] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a standard of care in veterinary and human oncology. The treatment induces a well-characterized local immune response which is not able to induce a systemic response. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the addition of gene electrotransfer (GET) of canine IL-2 peritumorally and IL-12 intramuscularly to enhance the immune response. Thirty canine patients with inoperable oral malignant melanoma were included. Ten patients received ECT+GET as the treatment group, while twenty patients received ECT as the control group. Intravenous bleomycin for the ECT was used in both groups. All patients had compromised lymph nodes which were surgically removed. Plasma levels of interleukins, local response rate, overall survival, and progression-free survival were evaluated. The results show that IL-2 and IL-12 expression peaked around days 7-14 after transfection. Both groups showed similar local response rates and overall survival times. However, progression-free survival resulted significantly better in the ECT+GET group, which is a better indicator than overall survival, as it is not influenced by the criterion used for performing euthanasia. We can conclude that the combination of ECT+GET using IL-2 and IL-12 improves treatment outcomes by slowing down tumoral progression in stage III-IV inoperable canine oral malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías Tellado
- VetOncologia, Veterinary Oncology Clinic, Buenos Aires 1408, Argentina
| | - Mariangela De Robertis
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari 'A. Moro', 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Montagna
- Instituto de Medicina Experimental (IMEX-CONICET), Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina
| | - Daniela Giovannini
- ENEA SSPT-TECS-TEB, Casaccia Research Center, Division of Health Protection Technology (TECS), Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Experimental Oncology, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome 0133, Italy
| | - Sergio Salgado
- CREOVet, Veterinary Oncology Clinic, Lima 04, Peru
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 31, Peru
| | - Sebastián Michinski
- Instituto de Física Interdsiciplinaria y Aplicada (INFINA), Facultad de Cs Exactas y Naturales, UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina
| | - Emanuela Signori
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Experimental Oncology, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome 0133, Italy
| | - Felipe Maglietti
- Instituto Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Fundación Barceló-CONICET, Buenos Aires 1117, Argentina
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15
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Lampreht Tratar U, Milevoj N, Cemazar M, Znidar K, Ursic Valentinuzzi K, Brozic A, Tomsic K, Sersa G, Tozon N. Treatment of spontaneous canine mast cell tumors by electrochemotherapy combined with IL-12 gene electrotransfer: Comparison of intratumoral and peritumoral application of IL-12. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110274. [PMID: 37216797 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The combined treatment of electrochemotherapy (ECT) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) gene electrotransfer (GET) has already been used in clinical studies in dogs to treat various histological types of spontaneous tumors. The results of these studies show that the treatment is safe and effective. However, in these clinical studies, the routes of administration of IL-12 GET were either intratumoral (i.t.) or peritumoral (peri.t.). Therefore, the objective of this clinical trial was to compare the two IL-12 GET routes of administration in combination with ECT and their contribution to the enhanced ECT response. Seventy-seven dogs with spontaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs) were divided into three groups: one treated with a combination of ECT + GET peri. t. (29 dogs), the second with the combination of ECT + GET i.t. (30 dogs), and the third with ECT alone (18 dogs). In addition, immunohistochemical studies of tumor samples before treatment and flow cytometry of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) before and after treatment were performed to determine any immunological aspects of the treatment. The results showed that local tumor control was significantly better in the ECT + GET i.t. group (p < 0.050) than in the ECT + GET peri.t. or ECT groups. In addition, disease-free interval (DFI) and progression-free survival (PFS) were significantly longer in the ECT + GET i.t. group than in the other two groups (p < 0.050). The data on local tumor response, DFI, and PFS were consistent with immunological tests, as we detected an increased percentage of antitumor immune cells in the blood after treatment in the ECT + GET i.t. group, which also indicated the induction of a systemic immune response. In addition, we did not observe any unwanted severe or long-lasting side effects. Finally, due to the more pronounced local response after ECT + GET i.t., we suggest that treatment response assessment should be performed at least two months after treatment, which meets the iRECIST criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursa Lampreht Tratar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbiceva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Milevoj
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbiceva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia.
| | - Katarina Znidar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Ursic Valentinuzzi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andreja Brozic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katerina Tomsic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbiceva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Natasa Tozon
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbiceva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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16
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Kesar U, Markelc B, Jesenko T, Ursic Valentinuzzi K, Cemazar M, Strojan P, Sersa G. Effects of Electrochemotherapy on Immunologically Important Modifications in Tumor Cells. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11050925. [PMID: 37243029 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11050925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a clinically acknowledged method that combines the use of anticancer drugs and electrical pulses. Electrochemotherapy with bleomycin (BLM) can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) in certain settings. However, whether this is ubiquitous over different cancer types and for other clinically relevant chemotherapeutics used with electrochemotherapy is unknown. Here, we evaluated in vitro in the B16-F10, 4T1 and CT26 murine tumor cell lines, the electrochemotherapy triggered changes in the ICD-associated damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs): Calreticulin (CRT), ATP, High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1), and four immunologically important cellular markers: MHCI, MHC II, PD-L1 and CD40. The changes in these markers were investigated in time up to 48 h after ECT. We showed that electrochemotherapy with all three tested chemotherapeutics induced ICD-associated DAMPs, but the induced DAMP signature was cell line and chemotherapeutic concentration specific. Similarly, electrochemotherapy with CDDP, OXA or BLM modified the expression of MHC I, MHC II, PD-L1 and CD40. The potential of electrochemotherapy to change their expression was also cell line and chemotherapeutic concentration specific. Our results thus put the electrochemotherapy with clinically relevant chemotherapeutics CDDP, OXA and BLM on the map of ICD inducing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursa Kesar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bostjan Markelc
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Jesenko
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Ursic Valentinuzzi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Primoz Strojan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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17
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Ibrahimi N, Vallet L, Andre FM, Rivaletto M, Novac BM, Mir LM, Pécastaing L. An Overview of Subnanosecond Pulsed Electric Field Biological Effects: Toward Contactless Technologies for Cancer Treatment. Bioelectricity 2023. [DOI: 10.1089/bioe.2022.0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Njomza Ibrahimi
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Ingénieur Appliquées à la Mécanique et au Génie Électrique–Fédération IPRA, EA4581, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour/E2S UPPA, Pau, France
| | - Leslie Vallet
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Gustave Roussy, UMR 9018, Metabolic and Systemic Aspects of Oncogenesis (METSY), Villejuif, France
| | - Franck M. Andre
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Gustave Roussy, UMR 9018, Metabolic and Systemic Aspects of Oncogenesis (METSY), Villejuif, France
| | - Marc Rivaletto
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Ingénieur Appliquées à la Mécanique et au Génie Électrique–Fédération IPRA, EA4581, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour/E2S UPPA, Pau, France
| | - Bucur M. Novac
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Ingénieur Appliquées à la Mécanique et au Génie Électrique–Fédération IPRA, EA4581, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour/E2S UPPA, Pau, France
- Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Lluis M. Mir
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Gustave Roussy, UMR 9018, Metabolic and Systemic Aspects of Oncogenesis (METSY), Villejuif, France
| | - Laurent Pécastaing
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Ingénieur Appliquées à la Mécanique et au Génie Électrique–Fédération IPRA, EA4581, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour/E2S UPPA, Pau, France
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18
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Razakamanantsoa L, Rajagopalan NR, Kimura Y, Sabbah M, Thomassin-Naggara I, Cornelis FH, Srimathveeravalli G. Acute ATP loss during irreversible electroporation mediates caspase independent cell death. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 150:108355. [PMID: 36549173 PMCID: PMC9892257 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108355] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) has been reported to variably cause apoptosis, necrosis, oncosis or pyroptosis. Intracellular ATP is a key substrate for apoptosis which is rapidly depleted during IRE, we sought to understand whether intracellular ATP levels is a determinant of the mode of cell death following IRE. A mouse bladder cancer cell line (MB49) was treated with electric fields while increasing the number of pulses at a fixed electric field strength, and pulse width. Cell proliferation and viability and ATP levels were measured at different timepoints post-treatment. Cell death was quantified with Annexin-V/Propidium Iodide staining. Caspase activity was measure with a fluorometric kit and western blotting. A pan-caspase (Z-VAD-FMK) inhibitor was used to assess the impact of signal inhibition. We found cell death following IRE was insensitive to caspase inhibition and was correlated with ATP loss. These findings were confirmed by cell death assays and measurement of changes in caspase expression on immunoblotting. This effect could not be rescued by ATP supplementation. Rapid and acute ATP loss during IRE interferes with caspase signaling, promoting necrosis. Cell necrosis from IRE is expected to be immunostimulatory and may be effective in cancer cells that carry mutated or defective apoptosis genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Razakamanantsoa
- Sorbonne University, Department of Radiology, Tenon Hospital, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France; Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, United States.
| | - Neeraj R Rajagopalan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, United States.
| | - Yasushi Kimura
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Michele Sabbah
- Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France.
| | - Isabelle Thomassin-Naggara
- Sorbonne University, Department of Radiology, Tenon Hospital, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France; Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France.
| | - François H Cornelis
- Interventional Radiology Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, NY, USA.
| | - Govindarajan Srimathveeravalli
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, United States; Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
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19
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Spiliotis AE, Holländer S, Rudzitis-Auth J, Wagenpfeil G, Eisele R, Nika S, Mallis Kyriakides O, Laschke MW, Menger MD, Glanemann M, Gäbelein G. Evaluation of Electrochemotherapy with Bleomycin in the Treatment of Colorectal Hepatic Metastases in a Rat Model. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051598. [PMID: 36900388 PMCID: PMC10000671 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The available ablative procedures for the treatment of hepatic cancer have contraindications due to the heat-sink effect and the risk of thermal injuries. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) as a nonthermal approach may be utilized for the treatment of tumors adjacent to high-risk regions. We evaluated the effectiveness of ECT in a rat model. METHODS WAG/Rij rats were randomized to four groups and underwent ECT, reversible electroporation (rEP), or intravenous injection of bleomycin (BLM) eight days after subcapsular hepatic tumor implantation. The fourth group served as Sham. Tumor volume and oxygenation were measured before and five days after the treatment using ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging; thereafter, liver and tumor tissue were additionally analysed by histology and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The ECT group showed a stronger reduction in tumor oxygenation compared to the rEP and BLM groups; moreover, ECT-treated tumors exhibited the lowest levels of hemoglobin concentration compared to the other groups. Histological analyses further revealed a significantly increased tumor necrosis of >85% and a reduced tumor vascularization in the ECT group compared to the rEP, BLM, and Sham groups. CONCLUSION ECT is an effective approach for the treatment of hepatic tumors with necrosis rates >85% five days following treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios E. Spiliotis
- Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +49-0304-5065-2625
| | - Sebastian Holländer
- Department of General Surgery, Vascular-, Visceral- and Pediatric Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Jeannette Rudzitis-Auth
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Gudrun Wagenpfeil
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Epidemiology and Medical Informatics, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Robert Eisele
- Department of General Surgery, Vascular-, Visceral- and Pediatric Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Spyridon Nika
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Orestis Mallis Kyriakides
- Department of General Surgery, Vascular-, Visceral- and Pediatric Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Matthias W. Laschke
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Michael D. Menger
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Glanemann
- Department of General Surgery, Vascular-, Visceral- and Pediatric Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Gereon Gäbelein
- Department of General Surgery, Vascular-, Visceral- and Pediatric Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany
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Tong Z, Wang X, Shi S, Hou T, Gao G, Li D, Shan Y, Zhang C. Development of lactate-related gene signature and prediction of overall survival and chemosensitivity in patients with colorectal cancer. Cancer Med 2023; 12:10105-10122. [PMID: 36776001 PMCID: PMC10166923 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor of the digestive system that contains high levels of immune cells. Lactic acid, a major metabolite, plays a crucial role in tumor development, maintenance, and therapeutic response. However, the prognostic potential and therapeutic biomarker potential of lactate-related genes (LRGs) in CRC patients remain to be elucidated. METHODS We collected the mRNA expression profile and clinical data of CRC patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the GSE59382 cohort. Univariate Cox regression, Lasso regression and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to construct the prognosis model. Combined with the risk score and important clinicopathological features, the nomogram was established. In addition, the relationship between risk score and immune infiltration, immune checkpoint gene expression, and drug sensitivity was investigated. RESULTS We constructed lactate-related gene signatures (LRGS) based on four LRGs, which independently predicted the prognosis of CRC. Patients with different risk scores are found to have distinct immune status, tumor mutation load, immune response, and drug sensitivity. In addition, nomogram results determined by risk scores and clinical factors have higher predictive performance. CONCLUSION We found that LRGS is a reliable biomarker for predicting clinical outcomes, evaluating immune infiltration and efficacy, and predicting the sensitivity to drugs in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Tong
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command (Formerly Called General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area), Shenyang, China.,Postgraduate College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command (Formerly Called General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area), Shenyang, China
| | - Sanbao Shi
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command (Formerly Called General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area), Shenyang, China
| | - Tiewei Hou
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command (Formerly Called General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area), Shenyang, China
| | - Guangrong Gao
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command (Formerly Called General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area), Shenyang, China
| | - Da Li
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command (Formerly Called General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area), Shenyang, China
| | - Yongqi Shan
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command (Formerly Called General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area), Shenyang, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command (Formerly Called General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area), Shenyang, China
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Zhong S, Yao S, Zhao Q, Wang Z, Liu Z, Li L, Wang ZL. Electricity‐Assisted Cancer Therapy: From Traditional Clinic Applications to Emerging Methods Integrated with Nanotechnologies. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202200143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Songjing Zhong
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 101400 P.R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 101400 P.R. China
| | - Shuncheng Yao
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 101400 P.R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 101400 P.R. China
| | - Qinyu Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 101400 P.R. China
- Center on Nanoenergy Research Guangxi University Nanning 530004 P.R. China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 101400 P.R. China
| | - Zhirong Liu
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 101400 P.R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 101400 P.R. China
| | - Linlin Li
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 101400 P.R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 101400 P.R. China
- Center on Nanoenergy Research Guangxi University Nanning 530004 P.R. China
| | - Zhong Lin Wang
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 101400 P.R. China
- Center on Nanoenergy Research Guangxi University Nanning 530004 P.R. China
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22
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High-Frequency Nanosecond Bleomycin Electrochemotherapy and its Effects on Changes in the Immune System and Survival. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246254. [PMID: 36551739 PMCID: PMC9776811 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, a time-dependent and time-independent study on bleomycin-based high-frequency nsECT (3.5 kV/cm × 200 pulses) for the elimination of LLC1 tumours in C57BL/6J mice is performed. We show the efficiency of nsECT (200 ns and 700 ns delivered at 1 kHz and 1 MHz) for the elimination of tumours in mice and increase of their survival. The dynamics of the immunomodulatory effects were observed after electrochemotherapy by investigating immune cell populations and antitumour antibodies at different timepoints after the treatment. ECT treatment resulted in an increased percentage of CD4+ T, splenic memory B and tumour-associated dendritic cell subsets. Moreover, increased levels of antitumour IgG antibodies after ECT treatment were detected. Based on the time-dependent study results, nsECT treatment upregulated PD 1 expression on splenic CD4+ Tr1 cells, increased the expansion of splenic CD8+ T, CD4+CD8+ T, plasma cells and the proportion of tumour-associated pro inflammatory macrophages. The Lin- population of immune cells that was increased in the spleens and tumour after nsECT was identified. It was shown that nsECT prolonged survival of the treated mice and induced significant changes in the immune system, which shows a promising alliance of nanosecond electrochemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Bute B, Alkis ME. Anticancer activity of methotrexate in electrochemotherapy and electrochemotherapy plus ionizing radiation treatments in human breast cancer cells. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 40:28. [PMID: 36459220 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01891-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy have several limitations. Therefore, their performance must be enhanced with combined methods. The purpose of this study is to investigate both the efficacy of electroporation (EP) on the activity of methotrexate (MTX) and the combined treatment of electrochemotherapy (ECT) + ionizing radiation (IR) in MCF-7 cancer cells. Different treatment techniques, such as EP, MTX, MTX + EP (ECT), 140 kV X-ray alone (IR_140kV), 500 kV X-ray alone (IR_500kV), ECT + IR_140kV and ECT + IR_500kV, were applied to cancer cells. Eight electric pulse trains with square wave (800 V/cm, 100 µs and 1 Hz) were used in EP and ECT applications. The MTT assay was used to assess the efficacy of the therapies used. When the EP, MTX, ECT, IR_140kV, and IR_500kV treatment groups were compared to the control group, there was a significant reduction in MCF-7 cancer cells viability (p < 0.05). ECT was the most effective of these treatments, decreasing viability of cancer cells to 58.78%. The ECT + IR_140kV and ECT + IR_500kV groups were compared to the ECT group to examine the impact of X-ray radiation on ECT treatment. When compared to the ECT alone group, both groups that exposed to X-rays after ECT had a significant decrease in cell viability (p < 0.05). Furthermore, viability of MCF-7 cells reduced to 46.38% in the ECT + IR_140kV group and 35.89% in the ECT + IR_500kV group. In conclusion, the study shows that the cytotoxicity of MTX is significantly increased in ECT treatment compared to standard chemotherapy (p < 0.05). In addition, ECT + IR combined therapy application is much more effective than MTX or ECT treatments alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Bute
- Department of Nuclear Energy and Energy Systems, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Muş Alparslan University, Muş, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Esref Alkis
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Health Sciences, Muş Alparslan University, Guzeltepe, 49250, Muş, Turkey.
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Advances of Electroporation-Related Therapies and the Synergy with Immunotherapy in Cancer Treatment. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10111942. [PMID: 36423037 PMCID: PMC9692484 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroporation is the process of instantaneously increasing the permeability of a cell membrane under a pulsed electric field. Depending on the parameters of the electric pulses and the target cell electrophysiological characteristics, electroporation can be either reversible or irreversible. Reversible electroporation facilitates the delivery of functional genetic materials or drugs to target cells, inducing cell death by apoptosis, mitotic catastrophe, or pseudoapoptosis; irreversible electroporation is an ablative technology which directly ablates a large amount of tissue without causing harmful thermal effects; electrotherapy using an electric field can induce cell apoptosis without any aggressive invasion. Reversible and irreversible electroporation can also activate systemic antitumor immune response and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss recent progress related to electroporation, and summarize its latest applications. Further, we discuss the synergistic effects of electroporation-related therapies and immunotherapy. We also propose perspectives for further investigating electroporation and immunotherapy in cancer treatment.
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Bendix MB, Houston A, Forde PF, Brint E. Defining optimal parameters to maximize the effect of electrochemotherapy on lung cancer cells whilst preserving the integrity of immune cells. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 148:108257. [PMID: 36116295 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is becoming an established therapy for melanoma and is under investigation for application in additional cancer types. One potential cancer type that may benefit from ECT is lung cancer as lung cancer treatments remain unable to deliver long-lasting treatment responses. Given the importance of the immune system in lung cancer, here we have also examined the impact of ECT on immune populations. The impact of electroporation and ECT on three human lung cancer cell lines (A549, H460, SK-MES 1), one murine cell line (LLC) and murine T cells, dendritic cells and macrophages was examined. The viability, metabolic activity and recovery potential post-treatment of all cell types was determined to evaluate the potential utility of ECT as a lung cancer treatment. Our findings demonstrate that cisplatin at 11 µM would be the suggested drug of choice when using ECT for lung cancer treatment. Our study also shows that T cells are not impacted by any tested condition, whilst dendritic cells and macrophages are significantly negatively impacted by electric field strengths surpassing 800 V/cm in vitro. Therefore, current ECT protocols (using 1000 V/cm in vivo) might need to adapted to improve viability of the immune population, thus improving therapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura B Bendix
- Cancer Research @ UCC, University College Cork, Ireland; Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Ireland; Department of Pathology, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, Ireland
| | - Aileen Houston
- Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, Ireland
| | | | - Elizabeth Brint
- Department of Pathology, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, Ireland.
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Electrochemotherapy: An Alternative Strategy for Improving Therapy in Drug-Resistant SOLID Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174341. [PMID: 36077875 PMCID: PMC9454613 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174341] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chemotherapy is becoming an increasingly difficult antitumor therapy to practice due to the multiple mechanisms of drug resistance. To overcome the problem, it is possible to use alternative techniques, such as electrochemotherapy, which involves the simultaneous administration of the electrical pulse (electroporation) and the treatment with the drug in order to improve the effectiveness of the drug against the tumor. Electroporation has improved the efficacy of some chemotherapeutic agents, such bleomycin, cisplatin, mitomycin C, and 5-fluorouracil. The results of in vitro, veterinary, and clinical oncology studies are promising on various cancers, such as metastatic melanoma. The purpose of this review is to give an update on the state of the art of electrochemotherapy against the main solid tumors in the preclinical, clinical, and veterinary field. Abstract Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is one of the innovative strategies to overcome the multi drug resistance (MDR) that often occurs in cancer. Resistance to anticancer drugs results from a variety of factors, such as genetic or epigenetic changes, an up-regulated outflow of drugs, and various cellular and molecular mechanisms. This technology combines the administration of chemotherapy with the application of electrical pulses, with waveforms capable of increasing drug uptake in a non-toxic and well tolerated mechanical system. ECT is used as a first-line adjuvant therapy in veterinary oncology, where it improves the efficacy of many chemotherapeutic agents by increasing their uptake into cancer cells. The chemotherapeutic agents that have been enhanced by this technique are bleomycin, cisplatin, mitomycin C, and 5-fluorouracil. After their use, a better localized control of the neoplasm has been observed. In humans, the use of ECT was initially limited to local palliative therapy for cutaneous metastases of melanoma, but phase I/II studies are currently ongoing for several histotypes of cancer, with promising results. In this review, we described the preclinical and clinical use of ECT on drug-resistant solid tumors, such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, breast cancer, gynecological cancer and, finally, colorectal cancer.
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Vega Díez D, Rodríguez-Villa Lario A, Trasobares Marugán L. FR- Electroquimioterapia para el tratamiento de tumores cutáneos primarios y secundarios. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2022; 113:817-818. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2021.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Vega Díez D, Rodríguez-Villa Lario A, Trasobares Marugán L. [Translated article] RF—Electrochemotherapy in the Treatment of Primary and Secondary Skin Tumors. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2021.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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Induction of Bystander and Abscopal Effects after Electroporation-Based Treatments. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153770. [PMID: 35954434 PMCID: PMC9367330 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The delivery of electric field to tumor cells or nodules induces cell electroporation that allows intracellular delivery of cytotoxic agents and eventually inhibits tumor growth. In this study, we showed that intracellular delivery of calcium ions and anticancer drug bleomycin not only kills the cells but also has a negative bystander effect on indirectly treated cells. We also showed that, when directly applied to one tumor, these treatments can inhibit the growth of a second, non-electroporated tumor. Abstract Electroporation-based antitumor therapies, including bleomycin electrotransfer, calcium electroporation, and irreversible electroporation, are very effective on directly treated tumors, but have no or low effect on distal nodules. In this study, we aimed to investigate the abscopal effect following calcium electroporation and bleomycin electrotransfer and to find out the effect of the increase of IL-2 serum concentration by muscle transfection. The bystander effect was analyzed in in vitro studies on 4T1tumor cells, while abscopal effect was investigated in an in vivo setting using Balb/c mice bearing 4T1 tumors. ELISA was used to monitor IL-2 serum concentration. We showed that, similarly to cell treatment with bleomycin electrotransfer, the bystander effect occurs also following calcium electroporation and that these effects can be combined. Combination of these treatments also resulted in the enhancement of the abscopal effect in vivo. Since these treatments resulted in an increase of IL-2 serum concentration only in mice bearing one but not two tumors, we increased IL-2 serum concentration by muscle transfection. Although this did not enhance the abscopal effect of combined tumor treatment using calcium electroporation and bleomycin electrotransfer, boosting of IL-2 serum concentration had a significant inhibitory effect on directly treated tumors.
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Tellado M, Mir LM, Maglietti F. Veterinary Guidelines for Electrochemotherapy of Superficial Tumors. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:868989. [PMID: 35968026 PMCID: PMC9363792 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.868989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) consists in the application of electric pulses to increase chemotherapeutic drug intake (bleomycin, cisplatin, or calcium) into the tumor cells. It has become a very valuable treatment option in veterinary oncology. It is an effective and safe treatment modality, which is not only beneficial as a palliative treatment, but also for a curative approach. Performing the treatment adequately will ensure the best results possible, in the minimum number of sessions, and reduce complications. Usually, only one session is enough to achieve excellent results, but the treatment can be repeated. Several sessions can be necessary in the case of incompletely treated or very extended lesions, as well as in the occurrence of new lesions. ECT is effective for superficial or oral tumors of any histology that are accessible to the electrodes. Intravenous bleomycin is the preferred drug and route of administration, leaving other ways of administration and drugs for selected cases. The guidelines presented here are destined to veterinarians who want to develop their understanding of the basis of ECT and wish to perform it adequately and effectively. In this paper, we also discuss common problems and how to solve them, and we include practical tips to improve the treatment results based on common questions and mistakes of beginner users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lluis M. Mir
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Gustave Roussy, Metabolic and Systemic Aspects of Oncogenesis (METSY), Île-de-France, France
| | - Felipe Maglietti
- Instituto Universitario del Hospital Italiano-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Felipe Maglietti
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Rodrigues MC, Morais JAV, Ganassin R, Oliveira GRT, Costa FC, Morais AAC, Silveira AP, Silva VCM, Longo JPF, Muehlmann LA. An Overview on Immunogenic Cell Death in Cancer Biology and Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081564. [PMID: 36015189 PMCID: PMC9413301 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a modality of regulated cell death that is sufficient to promote an adaptive immune response against antigens of the dying cell in an immunocompetent host. An important characteristic of ICD is the release and exposure of damage-associated molecular patterns, which are potent endogenous immune adjuvants. As the induction of ICD can be achieved with conventional cytotoxic agents, it represents a potential approach for the immunotherapy of cancer. Here, different aspects of ICD in cancer biology and treatment are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mosar Corrêa Rodrigues
- Faculty of Ceilandia, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 72220-275, Brazil; (M.C.R.); (J.A.V.M.); (R.G.); (G.R.T.O.); (F.C.C.)
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (A.A.C.M.); (A.P.S.); (V.C.M.S.); (J.P.F.L.)
| | - José Athayde Vasconcelos Morais
- Faculty of Ceilandia, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 72220-275, Brazil; (M.C.R.); (J.A.V.M.); (R.G.); (G.R.T.O.); (F.C.C.)
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (A.A.C.M.); (A.P.S.); (V.C.M.S.); (J.P.F.L.)
| | - Rayane Ganassin
- Faculty of Ceilandia, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 72220-275, Brazil; (M.C.R.); (J.A.V.M.); (R.G.); (G.R.T.O.); (F.C.C.)
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (A.A.C.M.); (A.P.S.); (V.C.M.S.); (J.P.F.L.)
| | - Giulia Rosa Tavares Oliveira
- Faculty of Ceilandia, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 72220-275, Brazil; (M.C.R.); (J.A.V.M.); (R.G.); (G.R.T.O.); (F.C.C.)
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (A.A.C.M.); (A.P.S.); (V.C.M.S.); (J.P.F.L.)
| | - Fabiana Chagas Costa
- Faculty of Ceilandia, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 72220-275, Brazil; (M.C.R.); (J.A.V.M.); (R.G.); (G.R.T.O.); (F.C.C.)
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (A.A.C.M.); (A.P.S.); (V.C.M.S.); (J.P.F.L.)
| | - Amanda Alencar Cabral Morais
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (A.A.C.M.); (A.P.S.); (V.C.M.S.); (J.P.F.L.)
| | - Ariane Pandolfo Silveira
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (A.A.C.M.); (A.P.S.); (V.C.M.S.); (J.P.F.L.)
| | - Victor Carlos Mello Silva
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (A.A.C.M.); (A.P.S.); (V.C.M.S.); (J.P.F.L.)
| | - João Paulo Figueiró Longo
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (A.A.C.M.); (A.P.S.); (V.C.M.S.); (J.P.F.L.)
| | - Luis Alexandre Muehlmann
- Faculty of Ceilandia, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 72220-275, Brazil; (M.C.R.); (J.A.V.M.); (R.G.); (G.R.T.O.); (F.C.C.)
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (A.A.C.M.); (A.P.S.); (V.C.M.S.); (J.P.F.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Justesen TF, Orhan A, Raskov H, Nolsoe C, Gögenur I. Electroporation and Immunotherapy-Unleashing the Abscopal Effect. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122876. [PMID: 35740542 PMCID: PMC9221311 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Electrochemotherapy and irreversible electroporation are primarily used for treating patients with cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors and pancreatic cancer, respectively. Increasing numbers of studies have shown that the treatments may elicit an immune response in addition to eliminating the tumor cells. The purpose of this review is to give an in-depth introduction to the electroporation-induced immune response and the local and peripheral immune systems, and to describe the various studies investigating the combination of electroporation and immunotherapy. The review may help guide and inspire the design of future clinical trials investigating the potential synergy of electroporation and immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Abstract The discovery of electroporation in 1968 has led to the development of electrochemotherapy (ECT) and irreversible electroporation (IRE). ECT and IRE have been established as treatments of cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors and locally advanced pancreatic cancer, respectively. Interestingly, the treatment modalities have been shown to elicit immunogenic cell death, which in turn can induce an immune response towards the tumor cells. With the dawn of the immunotherapy era, the potential of combining ECT and IRE with immunotherapy has led to the launch of numerous studies. Data from the first clinical trials are promising, and new combination regimes might change the way we treat tumors characterized by low immunogenicity and high levels of immunosuppression, such as melanoma and pancreatic cancer. In this review we will give an introduction to ECT and IRE and discuss the impact on the immune system. Additionally, we will present the results of clinical and preclinical trials, investigating the combination of electroporation modalities and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Freyberg Justesen
- Center for Surgical Science, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600 Køge, Denmark; (A.O.); (H.R.); (I.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Adile Orhan
- Center for Surgical Science, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600 Køge, Denmark; (A.O.); (H.R.); (I.G.)
| | - Hans Raskov
- Center for Surgical Science, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600 Køge, Denmark; (A.O.); (H.R.); (I.G.)
| | - Christian Nolsoe
- Center for Surgical Ultrasound, Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600 Køge, Denmark;
- Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES), University of Copenhagen and the Capital Region of Denmark, Ryesgade 53B, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ismail Gögenur
- Center for Surgical Science, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600 Køge, Denmark; (A.O.); (H.R.); (I.G.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Electrochemotherapy and immune interactions; A boost to the system? EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2022; 48:1895-1900. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2022.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Petrelli F, Ghidini A, Simioni A, Campana LG. Impact of electrochemotherapy in metastatic cutaneous melanoma: a contemporary systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Oncol 2022; 61:533-544. [PMID: 34889156 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2021.2006776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrochemotherapy (ECT) harnesses electric pulses to enhance cytotoxic drug delivery into tumors and has entered the armamentarium to treat superficially metastatic melanoma. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess treatment patterns and patient outcomes. METHODS PubMed, Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases were queried for publication from inception to September 2020. Primary outcome measures were overall and complete response rate (ORR and CRR); secondary outcomes included local control rate (LCR) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Twenty-seven studies met the selection criteria for a total of 1161 individuals (mean age 71 years) and 5308 tumors (weighted mean size 14 mm). The majority of patients (n = 1124) underwent bleomycin-ECT. Aggregate ORR was 77.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 71.0 - 83.2%) and CRR 48% (95% CI 42 - 54%), with no significant difference between the route of bleomycin administration (ORR, 69.2 vs. 81.9% following intravenous or intratumoral bleomycin, p = .37) and tumor size (p = .69). When reported (n = 8 studies), 1- and 2-year LCR ranged from 54 to 89% and 72 to 74%, respectively, and 1-year OS (n = 3 studies) from 67 to 89%. CONCLUSIONS ECT with either intratumoral or intravenous bleomycin confers a high therapeutic response in cutaneous metastatic melanoma. Moderate evidence supports its low toxicity and durability of local control.HighlightsElectrochemotherapy (ECT) is associated with a 77% overall response rate (ORR).Intravenous and intratumoral bleomycin are equally effective.There are no relevant toxicity concerns.One-year local tumor control rate ranges from 54 to 89%.Current literature has significant variation in reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea Simioni
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Electroporation and Electrochemotherapy in Gynecological and Breast Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27082476. [PMID: 35458673 PMCID: PMC9026735 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082476] [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: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynecological carcinomas affect an increasing number of women and are associated with poor prognosis. The gold standard treatment plan is mainly based on surgical resection and subsequent chemotherapy with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, anthracyclines, or taxanes. Unfortunately, this treatment is becoming less effective and is associated with many side effects that negatively affect patients’ physical and mental well-being. Electroporation based on tumor exposure to electric pulses enables reduction in cytotoxic drugs dose while increasing their effectiveness. EP-based treatment methods have received more and more interest in recent years and are the subject of a large number of scientific studies. Some of them show promising therapeutic potential without using any cytotoxic drugs or molecules already present in the human body (e.g., calcium electroporation). This literature review aims to present the fundamental mechanisms responsible for the course of EP-based therapies and the current state of knowledge in the field of their application in the treatment of gynecological neoplasms.
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Imran KM, Nagai-Singer MA, Brock RM, Alinezhadbalalami N, Davalos RV, Allen IC. Exploration of Novel Pathways Underlying Irreversible Electroporation Induced Anti-Tumor Immunity in Pancreatic Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:853779. [PMID: 35372046 PMCID: PMC8972192 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.853779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancements in medical sciences and technologies have significantly improved the survival of many cancers; however, pancreatic cancer remains a deadly diagnosis. This malignancy is often diagnosed late in the disease when metastases have already occurred. Additionally, the location of the pancreas near vital organs limits surgical candidacy, the tumor's immunosuppressive environment limits immunotherapy success, and it is highly resistant to radiation and chemotherapy. Hence, clinicians and patients alike need a treatment paradigm that reduces primary tumor burden, activates systemic anti-tumor immunity, and reverses the local immunosuppressive microenvironment to eventually clear distant metastases. Irreversible electroporation (IRE), a novel non-thermal tumor ablation technique, applies high-voltage ultra-short pulses to permeabilize targeted cell membranes and induce cell death. Progression with IRE technology and an array of research studies have shown that beyond tumor debulking, IRE can induce anti-tumor immune responses possibly through tumor neo-antigen release. However, the success of IRE treatment (i.e. full ablation and tumor recurrence) is variable. We believe that IRE treatment induces IFNγ expression, which then modulates immune checkpoint molecules and thus leads to tumor recurrence. This indicates a co-therapeutic use of IRE and immune checkpoint inhibitors as a promising treatment for pancreatic cancer patients. Here, we review the well-defined and speculated pathways involved in the immunostimulatory effects of IRE treatment for pancreatic cancer, as well as the regulatory pathways that may negate these anti-tumor responses. By defining these underlying mechanisms, future studies may identify improvements to systemic immune system engagement following local tumor ablation with IRE and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khan Mohammad Imran
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Margaret A. Nagai-Singer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Rebecca M. Brock
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Nastaran Alinezhadbalalami
- Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Rafael V. Davalos
- Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Irving Coy Allen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment of Canine Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Mast Cell Tumors. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040618. [PMID: 35203268 PMCID: PMC8870669 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are hematopoietic neoplasms composed of mast cells. It is highly common in dogs and is extremely important in the veterinary oncology field. It represents the third most common tumor subtype, and is the most common malignant skin tumor in dogs, corresponding to 11% of skin cancer cases. The objective of this critical review was to present the report of the 2nd Consensus meeting on the Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment of Canine Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Mast Cell Tumors, which was organized by the Brazilian Association of Veterinary Oncology (ABROVET) in August 2021. The most recent information on cutaneous and subcutaneous mast cell tumors in dogs is presented and discussed.
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Trotovšek B, Djokić M, Čemažar M, Serša G. New era of electrochemotherapy in treatment of liver tumors in conjunction with immunotherapies. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:8216-8226. [PMID: 35068866 PMCID: PMC8717013 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i48.8216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy is a local ablative therapy that increases the cytotoxicity of either bleomycin or cisplatin by applying electric pulses (electroporation) to tumors. It has already been widely used throughout Europe for the treatment of various types of human and veterinary cutaneous tumors, with an objective response rate ranging from 70%-90%, depending on the tumor histotype. Recently, electrochemotherapy was introduced for the treatment of primary liver tumors, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The complete response rate was 85% per treated lesion, with a durable response. Therefore, electrochemotherapy could become a treatment of choice for HCC, especially after achieving a transition from an open surgery approach to a percutaneous approach that uses dedicated electrodes. Electrochemotherapy elicits a local immune response and can be considered an in situ vaccination. HCC, among others, is a potentially immunogenic tumor; thus, electrochemotherapy could boost adjuvant immunotherapy to achieve a better and longer-lasting antitumor response. Therefore, therapeutic strategies that combine electrochemotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors or adjuvant treatment with cytokines are indicated for HCC. Immunogene therapy using electroporation as a delivery system for plasmid DNA coding for interleukin-12 is a highly promising approach. This electroporation approach has shown efficacy in preclinical settings and veterinary oncology and is awaiting translation for the treatment of liver tumors, i.e., HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaž Trotovšek
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Medical Faculty Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Mihajlo Djokić
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Medical Faculty Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Maja Čemažar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola 6310, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Serša
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
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Russano F, Del Fiore P, Di Prata C, Pasqual A, Marconato R, Campana LG, Spina R, Gianesini CM, Collodetto A, Tropea S, Dall’Olmo L, Carraro S, Parisi A, Galuppo S, Scarzello G, De Terlizzi F, Rastrelli M, Mocellin S. The Role of Electrochemotherapy in the Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Metastases From Breast Cancer: Analysis of Predictive Factors to Treatment From an Italian Cohort of Patients. Front Oncol 2021; 11:772144. [PMID: 34993137 PMCID: PMC8724516 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.772144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous localizations from breast cancer (BC) is still a therapeutic challenge. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is one of the available options, and it is characterized by the association between the administration of a chemotherapic agent (Bleomycin) with the temporary raise of permeability of the cellular membrane induced by the local administration of electrical impulses (electroporation). ECT represents an effective therapy for loco-regional control of this disease. This study aimed to investigate the predictive factors of response in cutaneous and subcutaneous localizations from breast cancer treated with ECT. We decided to evaluate the response to this treatment in 55 patients who underwent ECT between January 2013 and March 2020 at our Institute. We performed a monocentric retrospective cohort study. ECT was administered following the ESOPE (European Standard Operative Procedure of Electrochemotherapy) guidelines, a set of criteria updated in 2018 by a panel of European experts on ECT who defined the indications for selecting the patients who can benefit from the ECT treatment and the ones for technically performing the procedure. The responses were evaluated with the RECIST criteria (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor). We found after 12 weeks of treatment a complete response (CR) in 64% of our patients. From the analysis divided for subgroups of covariates is emerged that lower BMI, reduced body surface, and absence of previous radiation treatment could be predictive for a better complete response. This study suggests that the efficacy of the ECT treatment is related to the concurrent systemic therapies while administering ECT. The association between ECT and immunotherapy has offered better results than the association between ECT and chemotherapy (p-value = 0.0463). So, ECT is a valuable tool in the treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous metastases from breast cancer and its efficacy in local control of these lesions improves when it is well planned in a therapeutic scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Russano
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Del Fiore
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paolo Del Fiore,
| | - Claudia Di Prata
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Pasqual
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Roberto Marconato
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Giovanni Campana
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Romina Spina
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Carlo Maria Gianesini
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandra Collodetto
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Saveria Tropea
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Luigi Dall’Olmo
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sabrina Carraro
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandro Parisi
- Radiotherapy Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Galuppo
- Radiotherapy Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scarzello
- Radiotherapy Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Marco Rastrelli
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Simone Mocellin
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Ruzgys P, Barauskaitė N, Novickij V, Novickij J, Šatkauskas S. The Evidence of the Bystander Effect after Bleomycin Electrotransfer and Irreversible Electroporation. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26196001. [PMID: 34641546 PMCID: PMC8512684 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26196001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
One of current applications of electroporation is electrochemotherapy and electroablation for local cancer treatment. Both of these electroporation modalities share some similarities with radiation therapy, one of which could be the bystander effect. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of the bystander effect following these electroporation-based treatments. During direct CHO-K1 cell treatment, cells were electroporated using one 100 µs duration square wave electric pulse at 1400 V/cm (for bleomycin electrotransfer) or 2800 V/cm (for irreversible electroporation). To evaluate the bystander effect, the medium was taken from directly treated cells after 24 h incubation and applied on unaffected cells. Six days after the treatment, cell viability and colony sizes were evaluated using the cell colony formation assay. The results showed that the bystander effect after bleomycin electrotransfer had a strong negative impact on cell viability and cell colony size, which decreased to 2.8% and 23.1%, respectively. On the contrary, irreversible electroporation induced a strong positive bystander effect on cell viability, which increased to 149.3%. In conclusion, the results presented may serve as a platform for further analysis of the bystander effect after electroporation-based therapies and may ultimately lead to refined application of these therapies in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulius Ruzgys
- Biophysical Research Group, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos st. 844404, LT-44001 Kaunas, Lithuania; (P.R.); (N.B.)
| | - Neringa Barauskaitė
- Biophysical Research Group, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos st. 844404, LT-44001 Kaunas, Lithuania; (P.R.); (N.B.)
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- Institute of High Magnetic Fields, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Naugarduko st. 4103227, LT-10224 Vilnius, Lithuania; (V.N.); (J.N.)
| | - Jurij Novickij
- Institute of High Magnetic Fields, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Naugarduko st. 4103227, LT-10224 Vilnius, Lithuania; (V.N.); (J.N.)
| | - Saulius Šatkauskas
- Biophysical Research Group, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos st. 844404, LT-44001 Kaunas, Lithuania; (P.R.); (N.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Electrochemotherapy of Deep-Seated Tumors: State of Art and Perspectives as Possible "EPR Effect Enhancer" to Improve Cancer Nanomedicine Efficacy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174437. [PMID: 34503247 PMCID: PMC8431574 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Electroporation-based therapies (reversible electroporation, irreversible electroporation, electrochemotherapy) are used for the selective treatment of deep-seated tumors. The combination of the structural modifications of the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, due to the application of electrical pulses in the targeted tissue, with the concomitant systemic (intravenous) administration of drugs can be considered as a sort of bridge between local-regional and systemic treatments. A possible further application of these techniques can be envisaged in their use as enhancers of the so-called “enhanced permeability and retention” effect. The intratumoral uptake of drug-loaded nanocarriers concomitant with the application of electric pulses in the target tumor is a new scenario worthy of attention and can represent a potential new frontier for drug delivery in oncology. Abstract Surgical resection is the gold standard for the treatment of many kinds of tumor, but its success depends on the early diagnosis and the absence of metastases. However, many deep-seated tumors (liver, pancreas, for example) are often unresectable at the time of diagnosis. Chemotherapies and radiotherapies are a second line for cancer treatment. The “enhanced permeability and retention” (EPR) effect is believed to play a fundamental role in the passive uptake of drug-loaded nanocarriers, for example polymeric nanoparticles, in deep-seated tumors. However, criticisms of the EPR effect were recently raised, particularly in advanced human cancers: obstructed blood vessels and suppressed blood flow determine a heterogeneity of the EPR effect, with negative consequences on nanocarrier accumulation, retention, and intratumoral distribution. Therefore, to improve the nanomedicine uptake, there is a strong need for “EPR enhancers”. Electrochemotherapy represents an important tool for the treatment of deep-seated tumors, usually combined with the systemic (intravenous) administration of anticancer drugs, such as bleomycin or cisplatin. A possible new strategy, worthy of investigation, could be the use of this technique as an “EPR enhancer” of a target tumor, combined with the intratumoral administration of drug-loaded nanoparticles. This is a general overview of the rational basis for which EP could be envisaged as an “EPR enhancer” in nanomedicine.
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Combination of Pembrolizumab with Electrochemotherapy in Cutaneous Metastases from Melanoma: A Comparative Retrospective Study from the InspECT and Slovenian Cancer Registry. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174289. [PMID: 34503099 PMCID: PMC8428335 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Electrochemotherapy (ECT) combines a cytotoxic agent with locally applied electric pulses to enhance its antitumor effect. Over the last 15 years, ECT has been safely applied to patients with skin metastases in combination with other oncologic treatments and, more recently, with systemic immunotherapy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of ECT in combination with pembrolizumab. We compared patient outcomes after the following treatments: (a) pembrolizumab, (b) pembrolizumab and ECT, and (c) ECT alone. The combined application of pembrolizumab and ECT was safe and more efficacious in preventing further growth of cutaneous metastases than pembrolizumab alone. The patients treated with pembrolizumab and ECT experienced lower disease progression rates and longer survival than those who received pembrolizumab. ECT may boost the effect of pembrolizumab by acting as an in situ vaccination against cancer cells. Further studies are required to confirm these findings. Abstract Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an effective locoregional therapy for cutaneous melanoma metastases and has been safely combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors in preliminary experiences. Since ECT is known to induce immunogenic cell death, its combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors might be beneficial. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of ECT on cutaneous melanoma metastases in combination with pembrolizumab. We undertook a retrospective matched cohort analysis of stage IIIC–IV melanoma patients, included in the International Network for sharing practices of ECT (InspECT) and the Slovenian Cancer Registry. We compared the outcome of patients who received the following treatments: (a) pembrolizumab alone, (b) pembrolizumab plus ECT, and (c) ECT. The groups were matched for age, sex, performance status, and size of skin metastases. The local objective response rate (ORR) was higher in the pembrolizumab-ECT group than in the pembrolizumab group (78% and 39%, p < 0.001). The 1 year local progression-free survival (LPFS) rates were 86% and 51% (p < 0.001), and the 1 year systemic PFS rates were 64% and 39%, respectively (p = 0.034). The 1 year overall survival (OS) rates were 88% and 64%, respectively (p = 0.006). Our results suggest that skin-directed therapy with ECT improves superficial tumor control in melanoma patients treated with pembrolizumab. Interestingly, we observed longer PFS and OS in the pembrolizumab-ECT group than in the pembrolizumab group. These findings warrant prospective confirmation.
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Lopez-Ichikawa M, Vu NK, Nijagal A, Rubinsky B, Chang TT. Neutrophils are important for the development of pro-reparative macrophages after irreversible electroporation of the liver in mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14986. [PMID: 34294763 PMCID: PMC8298444 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94016-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a non-thermal tissue ablative technology that has emerging applications in surgical oncology and regenerative surgery. To advance its therapeutic usefulness, it is important to understand the mechanisms through which IRE induces cell death and the role of the innate immune system in mediating subsequent regenerative repair. Through intravital imaging of the liver in mice, we show that IRE produces distinctive tissue injury features, including delayed yet robust recruitment of neutrophils, consistent with programmed necrosis. IRE treatment converts the monocyte/macrophage balance from pro-inflammatory to pro-reparative populations, and depletion of neutrophils inhibits this conversion. Reduced generation of pro-reparative Ly6CloF4/80hi macrophages correlates with lower numbers of SOX9+ hepatic progenitor cells in areas of macrophage clusters within the IRE injury zone. Our findings suggest that neutrophils play an important role in promoting the development of pro-reparative Ly6Clo monocytes/macrophages at the site of IRE injury, thus establishing conditions of regenerative repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Lopez-Ichikawa
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Ngan K Vu
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Amar Nijagal
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Boris Rubinsky
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 6124 Etcheverry Hall, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Tammy T Chang
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Rudno-Rudzińska J, Kielan W, Guziński M, Płochocki M, Antończyk A, Kulbacka J. New therapeutic strategy: Personalization of pancreatic cancer treatment-irreversible electroporation (IRE), electrochemotherapy (ECT) and calcium electroporation (CaEP) - A pilot preclinical study. Surg Oncol 2021; 38:101634. [PMID: 34303953 DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2021.101634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, irreversible electroporation (IRE), electrochemotherapy (ECT), and calcium electroporation (CaEP) techniques were investigated as new strategies for human pancreatic cancer. Qualification of the patients, best "therapeutic moment" for each patient, safety, and complications after procedures were examined. In this pilot study were included 13 patients in this study, which were operated on in different pancreatic cancer stages. Patients underwent IRE or ECT with intravenous admission of cisplatin or electroporation with calcium intratumoral administration. The IRE procedure was safe for the patients. Medium overall survival for IRE, IRE + CTH, and IRE + CaCl2 was respectively: 16, 29.5, and 19 months comparing to 10 months in control chemotherapy (CTH) group. Thus, IRE, ECT, and CaEP can be effective strategies for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Rudno-Rudzińska
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Medical University Hospital, Borowska 213, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Wojciech Kielan
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Medical University Hospital, Borowska 213, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Guziński
- Department of Radiology Medical University Hospital, Borowska213, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Płochocki
- Department of Oncology Medical University Hospital, Borowska 213, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Antończyk
- Department and Clinic of Surgery, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Pl. Grunwaldzki 51, 50-366, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland.
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da Luz JCDS, Antunes F, Clavijo-Salomon MA, Signori E, Tessarollo NG, Strauss BE. Clinical Applications and Immunological Aspects of Electroporation-Based Therapies. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:727. [PMID: 34358144 PMCID: PMC8310106 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Reversible electropermeabilization (RE) is an ultrastructural phenomenon that transiently increases the permeability of the cell membrane upon application of electrical pulses. The technique was described in 1972 by Neumann and Rosenheck and is currently used in a variety of applications, from medicine to food processing. In oncology, RE is applied for the intracellular transport of chemotherapeutic drugs as well as the delivery of genetic material in gene therapies and vaccinations. This review summarizes the physical changes of the membrane, the particularities of bleomycin, and the immunological aspects involved in electrochemotherapy and gene electrotransfer, two important EP-based cancer therapies in human and veterinary oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Carlos dos Santos da Luz
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Cancer Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (J.C.d.S.d.L.); (F.A.); (N.G.T.)
| | - Fernanda Antunes
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Cancer Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (J.C.d.S.d.L.); (F.A.); (N.G.T.)
| | | | - Emanuela Signori
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Nayara Gusmão Tessarollo
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Cancer Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (J.C.d.S.d.L.); (F.A.); (N.G.T.)
| | - Bryan E. Strauss
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Cancer Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (J.C.d.S.d.L.); (F.A.); (N.G.T.)
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Batista Napotnik T, Polajžer T, Miklavčič D. Cell death due to electroporation - A review. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 141:107871. [PMID: 34147013 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Exposure of cells to high voltage electric pulses increases transiently membrane permeability through membrane electroporation. Electroporation can be reversible and is used in gene transfer and enhanced drug delivery but can also lead to cell death. Electroporation resulting in cell death (termed as irreversible electroporation) has been successfully used as a new non-thermal ablation method of soft tissue such as tumours or arrhythmogenic heart tissue. Even though the mechanisms of cell death can influence the outcome of electroporation-based treatments due to use of different electric pulse parameters and conditions, these are not elucidated yet. We review the mechanisms of cell death after electroporation reported in literature, cell injuries that may lead to cell death after electroporation and membrane repair mechanisms involved. The knowledge of membrane repair and cell death mechanisms after cell exposure to electric pulses, targets of electric field in cells need to be identified to optimize existing and develop of new electroporation-based techniques used in medicine, biotechnology, and food technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Batista Napotnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tamara Polajžer
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Perrone AM, Ravegnini G, Miglietta S, Argnani L, Ferioli M, De Crescenzo E, Tesei M, Di Stanislao M, Girolimetti G, Gasparre G, Porcelli AM, De Terlizzi F, Zamagni C, Morganti AG, De Iaco P. Electrochemotherapy in Vulvar Cancer and Cisplatin Combined with Electroporation. Systematic Review and In Vitro Studies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13091993. [PMID: 33919139 PMCID: PMC8122585 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13091993] [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: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an emerging treatment for solid tumors and an attracting research field due to its clinical results. ECT in association with bleomycin is an effective and safe treatment option in the vulvar cancer palliative setting. With regard to cisplatin (CSP)-based ECT, considering the clear evidence on its efficacy in gynecological tumors, the possibility to improve local control with CSP-based ECT is intriguing and a well-designed randomized clinical trial should be addressed to this issue. Abstract Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an emerging treatment for solid tumors and an attractive research field due to its clinical results. This therapy represents an alternative local treatment to the standard ones and is based on the tumor-directed delivery of non-ablative electrical pulses to maximize the action of specific cytotoxic drugs such as cisplatin (CSP) and bleomycin (BLM) and to promote cancer cell death. Nowadays, ECT is mainly recommended as palliative treatment. However, it can be applied to a wide range of superficial cancers, having an impact in preventing or delaying tumor progression and therefore in improving quality of life. In addition, during the natural history of the tumor, early ECT may improve patient outcomes. Our group has extensive clinical and research experience on ECT in vulvar tumors in the palliative setting, with 70% overall response rate. So far, in most studies, ECT was based on BLM. However, the potential of CSP in this setting seems interesting due to some theoretical advantages. The purpose of this report is to: (i) compare the efficacy of CSP and BLM-based ECT through a systematic literature review; (ii) report the results of our studies on CSP-resistant squamous cell tumors cell lines and the possibility to overcome chemoresistance using ECT; (iii) discuss the future ECT role in gynecological tumors and in particular in vulvar carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Myriam Perrone
- Division of Oncologic Gynecology, IRCCS—Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (E.D.C.); (M.T.); (M.D.S.); (P.D.I.)
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gloria Ravegnini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefano Miglietta
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Lisa Argnani
- Institute of Hematology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Martina Ferioli
- Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Eugenia De Crescenzo
- Division of Oncologic Gynecology, IRCCS—Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (E.D.C.); (M.T.); (M.D.S.); (P.D.I.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Tesei
- Division of Oncologic Gynecology, IRCCS—Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (E.D.C.); (M.T.); (M.D.S.); (P.D.I.)
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Marco Di Stanislao
- Division of Oncologic Gynecology, IRCCS—Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (E.D.C.); (M.T.); (M.D.S.); (P.D.I.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Girolimetti
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gasparre
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Porcelli
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research Life Sciences and Technologies for Health, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Zamagni
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
- Oncologia Medica Addarii, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessio Giuseppe Morganti
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
- Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Pierandrea De Iaco
- Division of Oncologic Gynecology, IRCCS—Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (E.D.C.); (M.T.); (M.D.S.); (P.D.I.)
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Ursic K, Kos S, Kamensek U, Cemazar M, Miceska S, Markelc B, Bucek S, Staresinic B, Kloboves Prevodnik V, Heller R, Sersa G. Potentiation of electrochemotherapy effectiveness by immunostimulation with IL-12 gene electrotransfer in mice is dependent on tumor immune status. J Control Release 2021; 332:623-635. [PMID: 33705828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) exhibits high therapeutic effectiveness in the clinic, achieving up to 80% local tumor control but without a systemic (abscopal) effect. Therefore, we designed a combination therapy consisting of ECT via intratumoral application of bleomycin, oxaliplatin or cisplatin with peritumoral gene electrotransfer of a plasmid encoding interleukin-12 (p. t. IL-12 GET). Our hypothesis was that p. t. IL-12 GET potentiates the effect of ECT on local and systemic levels and that the potentiation varies depending on tumor immune status. Therefore, the combination therapy was tested in three immunologically different murine tumor models. In poorly immunogenic B16F10 melanoma, IL-12 potentiated the antitumor effect of ECT with biologically equivalent low doses of cisplatin, oxaliplatin or bleomycin. The most pronounced potentiation was observed after ECT using cisplatin, resulting in a complete response rate of 38% and an abscopal effect. Compared to B16F10 melanoma, better responsiveness to ECT was observed in more immunogenic 4 T1 mammary carcinoma and CT26 colorectal carcinoma. In both models, p. t. IL-12 GET did not significantly improve the therapeutic outcome of ECT using any of the chemotherapeutic drugs. Collectively, the effectiveness of the combination therapy depends on tumor immune status. ECT was more effective in more immunogenic tumors, but GET exhibited greater contribution in less immunogenic tumors. Thus, the selection of the therapy, namely, either ECT alone or combination therapy with p. t. IL-12, should be predominantly based on tumor immune status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Ursic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Spela Kos
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Urska Kamensek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia.
| | - Simona Miceska
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Bostjan Markelc
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Simon Bucek
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Barbara Staresinic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Veronika Kloboves Prevodnik
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Richard Heller
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, FL-33612 Tampa, USA.
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Abstract
Nonthermal atmospheric pressure biocompatible plasma (NBP), alternatively called bio-cold plasma, is a partially ionized gas that consists of charged particles, neutral atoms and molecules, photons, an electric field, and heat. Recently, nonthermal plasma-based technology has been applied to bioscience, medicine, agriculture, food processing, and safety. Various plasma device configurations and electrode layouts has fast-tracked plasma applications in the treatment of biological and material surfaces. The NBP action mechanism may be related to the synergy of plasma constituents, such as ultraviolet radiation or a reactive species. Recently, plasma has been used in the inactivation of viruses and resistant microbes, such as fungal cells, bacteria, spores, and biofilms made by microbes. It has also been used to heal wounds, coagulate blood, degrade pollutants, functionalize material surfaces, kill cancers, and for dental applications. This review provides an outline of NBP devices and their applications in bioscience and medicine. We also discuss the role of plasma-activated liquids in biological applications, such as cancer treatments and agriculture. The individual adaptation of plasma to meet specific medical requirements necessitates real-time monitoring of both the plasma performance and the target that is treated and will provide a new paradigm of plasma-based therapeutic clinical systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun H. Choi
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center/Applied Plasma Medicine Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, 01897 Republic of Korea
| | - Han S. Uhm
- Canode # 702, 136-11 Tojeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 04081 Republic of Korea
| | - Nagendra K. Kaushik
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center/Applied Plasma Medicine Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, 01897 Republic of Korea
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50
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Sersa G, Mascherini M, Di Prata C, Odili J, de Terlizzi F, McKenzie GA, Clover AJP, Bertino G, Spina R, Groselj A, Cappellesso R, Gehl J, Bisase B, Curatolo P, Kis E, Lico V, Muir T, Orlando A, Quaglino P, Matteucci P, Valpione S, Campana LG. Outcomes of older adults aged 90 and over with cutaneous malignancies after electrochemotherapy with bleomycin: A matched cohort analysis from the InspECT registry. Eur J Surg Oncol 2021; 47:902-912. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2020.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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