Synergistic effects of cold atmospheric plasma and doxorubicin on melanoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biophysics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Melanoma is a leading cause of skin cancer mortality.
• Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anti-neoplastic agent used for melanoma but faces challenges with toxicity and drug resistance.
• Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) is an emerging technology with potential for selective cancer cell treatment and overcoming drug resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of combining CAP and DOX on melanoma.
• To assess the impact on melanoma cell viability, cytotoxicity, and cell death.
• To conduct a meta-analysis of existing studies.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis was performed on 41 studies selected from 121 initial studies.
• Pooled analysis was used to determine the effect of CAP and DOX combination on melanoma cell viability and cytotoxicity.
• Statistical significance was assessed using effect sizes (ES) and confidence intervals (CI).

Main Results:

• The combination of CAP and DOX significantly reduced melanoma cell viability (ES = 6.75, 95% CI 1.65 to 11.85).
• The combination therapy also significantly increased melanoma cell cytotoxicity (ES = 11.71, 95% CI 3.69 to 19.73).
• No statistically significant association was found for cell death with the combined treatment.

Conclusions:

• The combined treatment of CAP and DOX demonstrates a synergistic effect in reducing melanoma cell viability and enhancing cytotoxicity.
• This combination therapy presents a promising strategy for addressing melanoma and potentially overcoming drug resistance.
• Findings can guide researchers in selecting effective melanoma treatment modalities.