Comparing effects of external radiation and cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on squamous carcinoma cells

Introduction:

Surgery or radiotherapy alone or as an adjuvant are therapeutic options for patients with SCC of the head and neck. However radiotherapy is eventually associated with severe early or late onset radiation toxicity. The aim of our study was to develop a targeted therapy evaluating the potential of cold atmospheric plasma as a possible complementary therapy for head and neck SCC reducing potential side effects of conventional protocols.

Methods:

Exposure of different squamous carcinoma cell lines with radiation and CAP, either solely or in different combinations. Subsequently the cell count, the number of colonies as well as viability using the BrdU-assay was evaluated. Furthermore we studied apoptosis using Caspase 3/7 assays.

Results:

Preliminary data show a reduction of the SCC cell count and viability using external radiation combined with CAP versus each modality alone. In contrast apoptosis doesn't seem to be effected. Further studies with different squamous carcinoma cell lines of the head and neck will follow.

Conclusion:

CAP might be a possible adjunct to the therapy of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)