Cold Atmospheric Plasma Selectively Targets Neuroblastoma: Mechanistic Insights and In Vivo Validation

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biophysics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Neuroblastoma (NB) is a challenging pediatric cancer with high recurrence rates.
• Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) offers selective cancer cell cytotoxicity, sparing normal cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of CAP as a treatment for neuroblastoma.
• To investigate CAP's mechanisms of action on NB cells both in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies used NB cell lines (SK-N-AS, LAN-5) exposed to CAP via helium jet.
• In vivo studies utilized murine xenograft models with CAP applied to tumors.
• Evaluated cellular responses including viability, ROS, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, cell cycle, and apoptosis.

Main Results:

• CAP reduced NB cell viability dose- and time-dependently via increased ROS and lipid peroxidation.
• Significant increases in oxidative DNA damage (50%) and apoptosis (two-fold) were observed in NB cells.
• In vivo xenografts showed a 60% reduction in tumor diameter with CAP treatment and increased apoptosis markers.

Conclusions:

• CAP demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for neuroblastoma treatment.
• Its non-invasive nature and targeted action make it suitable for residual tumors.
• Consistent exposure times (60-300s) are effective, especially near vascular structures.