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Published on: March 28, 2021
Combined Effect of Plasma-Activated Water and Topotecan in Glioblastoma Cells
Beatriz Pinheiro Lopes1,2, Liam O'Neill3, Paula Bourke2,4,5
1School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland.
Abstract:
The increase in cancer diagnoses and cancer deaths, severe side effects of existing treatments and resistance to traditional treatments have generated a need for new anticancer treatments. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common, malignant and aggressive brain cancer. Despite many innovations regarding GBM treatment, the final outcome is still very poor, making it necessary to develop new therapeutic approaches. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) as well as plasma-activated liquids (PAL) are being studied as new possible approaches against cancer. The anticancer activity of PAL such as "plasma-activated water" (PAW) is dependent on the reactive chemical compounds present in the solution. Possible combinatory effects with conventional therapies, such as chemotherapeutics, may expand the potential of PAL for cancer treatment. We aim to explore the therapeutic properties of a combination of PAW and topotecan (TPT), an antineoplastic agent with major cytotoxic effects during the S phase of the cell cycle, on a GBM cancer cell line (U-251mg). Combined treatments with PAW and TPT showed a reduction in the metabolic activity and cell mass, an increase in apoptotic cell death and a reduction in the long-term survival. Single applications of PAW+TPT treatments showed a cytotoxic effect in the short term and an antiproliferative effect in the long term, warranting future exploration of combining PAW with chemotherapeutic agents as new therapeutic approaches.
Insights
Plasma-activated water combined with topotecan shows promise for treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This novel approach reduced cancer cell activity and increased cell death, offering a potential new avenue for cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biophysics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Rising cancer incidence and mortality necessitate novel therapeutic strategies.
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains an aggressive brain cancer with poor treatment outcomes.
- Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) and plasma-activated liquids (PAL) are emerging as potential anticancer agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synergistic therapeutic effects of plasma-activated water (PAW) and topotecan (TPT) on a GBM cell line.
- To evaluate the impact of combined PAW and TPT treatment on GBM cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis.
- To explore the potential of PAW as an adjunct to conventional chemotherapy for GBM treatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the U-251mg human glioblastoma cell line for in vitro experiments.
- Administered combined treatments of PAW and topotecan (TPT).
- Assessed metabolic activity, cell mass, apoptotic cell death, and long-term survival rates.
Main Results:
- Combined PAW and TPT treatments significantly reduced GBM cell metabolic activity and cell mass.
- The combination therapy led to a notable increase in apoptotic cell death.
- A significant reduction in long-term GBM cell survival was observed with combined PAW+TPT treatment.
Conclusions:
- Combined PAW and TPT exhibit both short-term cytotoxic and long-term antiproliferative effects on GBM cells.
- This combination therapy presents a promising new approach for GBM treatment.
- Further research into combining PAL with chemotherapeutic agents is warranted for enhanced cancer therapy.
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