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Murine model of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on squamous cell carcinoma: potential implications for dysphagia
Gary Linkov1, Ryan C Branski, Milan Amin
1Head and Neck Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.
Background:
Dysphagia is a potential consequence of treatment for head and neck cancer. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has evolved as a treatment option, with the goal of improved swallow function in patients with chronic dysphagia. However, the effects of NMES on tumorigenicity are unknown and often confound the initiation of this therapy, potentially limiting its efficacy in treating patients with head and neck cancer.
Methods:
Squamous cell carcinoma was grown in the flank of athymic, nude mice. Mice were randomized into treatment and control groups; the experimental group received daily NMES directly to the flank for 8 days.
Results:
Tumor volumes, recorded on days 0, 3, 7, and 10, demonstrated no significant differences between groups on each day of measurement. Immunohistochemical analysis of apoptosis, proliferation, and vascularization also failed to demonstrate statistically significant differences between treated and untreated groups.
Conclusions:
NMES does not promote the growth of underlying tumor in our model. These data may provide preliminary evidence that applying electrical stimulation over the muscles of the anterior neck does not increase the risk of tumorigenicity. Early initiation of NMES in this challenging population may be feasible from an oncologic standpoint.
Insights
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) does not promote tumor growth in mice with head and neck cancer. This finding suggests NMES may be a safe option for treating dysphagia in cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Head and neck cancer treatments can cause dysphagia (swallowing difficulties).
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a potential treatment for chronic dysphagia.
- The impact of NMES on tumor growth is unknown, potentially limiting its use in cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of NMES on tumorigenicity in a preclinical model.
- To determine if NMES influences the growth of squamous cell carcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Squamous cell carcinoma was implanted in athymic nude mice.
- Mice received daily NMES applied to the tumor site for 8 days.
- Tumor volume and immunohistochemical markers of proliferation, apoptosis, and vascularization were analyzed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in tumor volume were observed between NMES-treated and control groups.
- Immunohistochemical analyses showed no significant differences in apoptosis, proliferation, or vascularization between groups.
- NMES did not promote the growth of underlying tumors in this model.
Conclusions:
- NMES does not appear to promote tumor growth in this preclinical model.
- Applying electrical stimulation to the neck muscles may not increase tumorigenicity risk.
- Early NMES initiation could be oncologically feasible for head and neck cancer patients with dysphagia.
