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Non-Thermal Biocompatible Plasma Jet Induction of Apoptosis in Brain Cancer Cells
Mahmuda Akter1,2, Jun Sup Lim2,3, Eun Ha Choi1,2,3
1Department of Plasma Bio-Display, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Korea.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant and rapidly advancing astrocytic brain tumor in adults. Current therapy possibilities are chemotherapy, surgical resection, and radiation. The complexity of drug release through the blood-brain barrier, tumor reaction to chemotherapy, and the inherent resistance of tumor cells present challenges. New therapies are needed for individual use or combination with conventional methods for more effective treatment and improved survival for patients. GBM is difficult to treat because it grows quickly, spreads finger-shaped tentacles, and creates an irregular margin of normal tissue surrounding the tumor. Non-thermal biocompatible plasma (NBP) has recently been shown to selectively target cancer cells with minimal effects on regular cells, acting by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). We applied a soft jet plasma device with a syringe shape to U87 MG cells and astrocytes. Our results show that NBP-J significantly inhibits cell proliferation and changes morphology, induces cell cycle arrest, inhibits the survival pathway, and induces apoptosis. Our results indicate that NBP-J may be an efficient and safe clinical device for brain cancer therapy.
Insights
Non-thermal biocompatible plasma (NBP) shows promise for treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This innovative therapy selectively targets brain cancer cells, inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis, offering a potential new avenue for patient treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biophysics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive adult brain tumor with limited treatment options.
- Conventional therapies face challenges due to the blood-brain barrier and inherent tumor resistance.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of non-thermal biocompatible plasma (NBP) as a potential treatment for glioblastoma.
- To evaluate the selective effects of NBP on glioblastoma cells versus normal astrocytes.
- To explore NBP's mechanism of action in inhibiting cancer cell growth and survival.
Main Methods:
- Application of a soft jet plasma device (NBP-J) to U87 MG glioblastoma cells and primary astrocytes.
- Assessment of cell proliferation, morphology, cell cycle, survival pathways, and apoptosis.
- Analysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) generation.
Main Results:
- NBP-J significantly inhibited glioblastoma cell proliferation and altered cell morphology.
- NBP-J induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells.
- The plasma treatment demonstrated selective effects, sparing astrocytes.
Conclusions:
- Non-thermal biocompatible plasma (NBP-J) is a potentially effective and safe therapeutic modality for glioblastoma.
- NBP-J offers a novel approach by targeting cancer cells via ROS and RNS generation.
- Further clinical investigation of NBP-J for brain cancer therapy is warranted.
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