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Updated: Jan 16, 2026
Basic Research in Plasma Medicine - A Throughput Approach from Liquids to Cells
Published on: November 17, 2017
Harnessing cold atmospheric plasma for skin cancer: a non-invasive breakthrough in plasma medicine
Vaibhavi Meghraj Desai1, Souradeep Dutta1, Kaustubh Saoji2
1Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India.
Abstract:
Skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma, is a major global health concern as a result of rapid metastasis and recurrence. Key causes include ultraviolet (UV) radiation, aging, and genetic predisposition. Current treatments face challenges such as drug resistance, side effects, and relapse, prompting interest in novel therapies. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a promising alternative, producing reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS) that trigger oxidative stress-induced cell death of cancer cells. CAP also regulates signaling pathways linked to proliferation, apoptosis, and immunity, induces immunogenic cell death, and modulates calcium signaling. Preclinical and clinical studies revealed enhanced efficacy for its application in combination with chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy. In this review, we examine the mechanisms of action, combination strategies, clinical applications of CAP, as well as its potential in skin cancer treatment.
Insights
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) offers a novel approach to skin cancer treatment by inducing cancer cell death via reactive species. Its combination with existing therapies shows enhanced efficacy, warranting further clinical investigation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Plasma Medicine
- Biophysics
Background:
- Skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma, presents significant global health challenges due to metastasis and recurrence.
- Current treatments for skin cancer are limited by drug resistance, side effects, and patient relapse.
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, aging, and genetic factors are primary contributors to skin cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of action of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) in treating skin cancer.
- To explore combination strategies involving CAP with conventional therapies.
- To examine the clinical applications and potential of CAP for skin cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical studies on cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) for skin cancer.
- Analysis of CAP's generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS).
- Investigation of CAP's effects on cancer cell signaling pathways and cell death mechanisms.
Main Results:
- CAP induces cancer cell death through oxidative stress via ROS and RNS.
- CAP modulates key signaling pathways involved in proliferation, apoptosis, and immunity.
- Combination therapies of CAP with chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy demonstrate enhanced efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) presents a promising therapeutic strategy for skin cancer.
- CAP's ability to induce immunogenic cell death and modulate signaling pathways is crucial.
- Further clinical studies are warranted to fully establish CAP's role in skin cancer treatment, particularly in combination regimens.
