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Published on: December 15, 2010
Nanoelectroablation therapy for murine basal cell carcinoma
Richard Nuccitelli1, Saleh Sheikh, Kevin Tran
1BioElectroMed Corp., 849 Mitten Rd., Suite 104, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA. rich@bioelectromed.com
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|July 10, 2012
Summary
Nanoelectroablation using nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) effectively treats basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tumors in mice. This non-thermal therapy rapidly shrinks tumors and induces apoptosis, offering a promising new treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biophysics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) induce apoptosis in skin tumors.
- Nanoelectroablation therapy has shown efficacy in preclinical models.
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common skin cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of nsPEF nanoelectroablation in autochthonous BCC tumors.
- To assess the therapeutic potential of nsPEF for BCC treatment in a relevant mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of 27 BCCs in Ptch1(+/-)K14-Cre-ER p53 fl/fl mice using nsPEF.
- Application of 300 pulses (300 ns) or 2700 pulses (100 ns) at 30 kV/cm.
- Histological analysis and apoptosis marker assessment (TUNEL staining).
Main Results:
- All nsPEF-treated BCCs showed significant shrinkage within 24 hours.
- Tumor volume reduced by 76% over two weeks; 99.8% ablation achieved with matched electrode size.
- Apoptosis markers, including nuclear pyknosis and DNA fragmentation, were observed post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Nanoelectroablation with nsPEF is effective in triggering apoptosis and achieving remission of BCC tumors.
- A single, short treatment session (6 minutes) can lead to significant tumor ablation.
- This therapy shows promise for treating radiation-induced BCCs.
