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Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Evaluation of Caspase Activation to Assess Innate Immune Cell Death
Published on: January 20, 2023
Electrochemotherapy Causes Caspase-Independent Necrotic-Like Death in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Philana Fernandes1, Tracey R O'Donovan1, Sharon L McKenna1
1Cancer Research at UCC, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland.
Abstract:
Pancreatic cancer represents a major challenge in oncology. Poor permeability of the pancreas and resistance to currently available therapies are impediments to improved patient survival. By transiently increasing cell membrane porosity and increasing drug uptake, Electrochemotherapy (ECT) has the potential to overcome these issues. In this study, we have evaluated the response of human and murine pancreatic cancer cells, in vitro, to electroporation in combination with Bleomycin, Cisplatin, or Oxaliplatin (ECT). The cytotoxic actions of all three drugs are potentiated when combined with electroporation in these cells. The biochemical and morphological changes post ECT are associated with immunogenic cell death that occurs with necroptosis rather than apoptosis. Moreover, ECT-induced cell death is rescued by Nec-1 suggesting that necroptosis may play a role in cell death mediated by cancer therapies.
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