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Dual-Plasma Discharge Tube for Synergistic Glioblastoma Treatment
William Murphy1, Alex Horkowitz1, Vikas Soni1
1Micropropulsion and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MPNL), School of Engineering and Applied Science, George Washington University, 800 22nd St. NW, Suite 3100, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
Cancers
|June 26, 2025
Summary
Two cold atmospheric plasma discharge tubes (DTs) synergistically killed glioblastoma (GBM) cells by intensifying overlapping electromagnetic fields, enhancing anti-tumor effects without heat. This modular approach offers a non-invasive therapy option.
Area of Science:
- Plasma physics and biophysics
- Cancer therapy research
- Electromagnetic field applications in medicine
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) is a challenging cancer due to rapid proliferation and invasion.
- Previous studies showed single cold atmospheric plasma discharge tubes (DTs) reduce GBM viability via electromagnetic (EM) emissions.
- This study investigates if dual DTs can amplify anti-tumor effects without thermal damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of a dual-DT configuration in enhancing anti-glioblastoma effects.
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms, including EM field interactions and cellular responses.
- To determine if dual DTs can achieve synergistic anti-tumor effects non-thermally.
Main Methods:
- Characterized physical outputs (EM fields, temperature) of single and dual DT setups.
- Exposed human U87-MG glioblastoma cells to single and dual DT configurations.
- Quantified cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), membrane integrity, apoptosis, and mitochondrial potential.
Main Results:
- Dual DTs created constructive EM interference, increasing field amplitudes over a wider area with temperatures below 39°C.
- Dual DT treatment reduced GBM cell viability by ~60%, significantly exceeding single DT effects (~40%) and additive predictions.
- Increased ROS and Annexin V positivity confirmed oxidative stress-driven cell death, localized to areas of EM field overlap.
Conclusions:
- Synchronous dual DT operation synergistically enhanced glioblastoma cell killing via non-thermal mechanisms.
- Intensified overlapping EM fields and elevated oxidative stress are key factors in the enhanced efficacy.
- Modular multi-DT arrays show promise as a non-invasive adjunct or alternative therapy for glioblastoma.
