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Tsimpaki T, Anastasova R, Liu H, Seitz B, Bechrakis NE, Berchner-Pfannschmidt U, Kraemer MM, Fiorentzis M. Calcium Electroporation versus Electrochemotherapy with Bleomycin in an In Vivo CAM-Based Uveal Melanoma Xenograft Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:938. [PMID: 38256012 PMCID: PMC10815639 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of uveal melanoma (UM), its metastatic rate remains high and is accompanied by a highly dismal prognosis, constituting an unmet need for the development of novel adjuvant therapeutic strategies. We established an in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM)-based UM xenograft model from UPMD2 and UPMM3 cell lines to examine its feasibility for the improvement of selection of drug candidates. The efficacy of calcium electroporation (CaEP) with 5 or 10 mM calcium chloride (Ca) and electrochemotherapy (ECT) with 1 or 2.5 µg/mL bleomycin in comparison to monotherapy with the tested drug or electroporation (EP) alone was investigated on the generated UM tumors. CaEP and ECT showed a similar reduction of proliferation and melanocytic expansion with a dose-dependent effect for bleomycin, whereas CaEP induced a significant increase of the apoptosis and a reduction of vascularization with varying sensitivity for the two xenograft types. Our in vivo results suggest that CaEP and ECT may facilitate the adequate local tumor control and contribute to the preservation of the bulbus, potentially opening new horizons in the adjuvant treatment of advanced UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Tsimpaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufeland Str. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany; (T.T.); (R.A.); (H.L.); (N.E.B.); (U.B.-P.); (M.M.K.)
| | - Ralitsa Anastasova
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufeland Str. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany; (T.T.); (R.A.); (H.L.); (N.E.B.); (U.B.-P.); (M.M.K.)
| | - Hongtao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufeland Str. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany; (T.T.); (R.A.); (H.L.); (N.E.B.); (U.B.-P.); (M.M.K.)
| | - Berthold Seitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrberger Str. 100, 66421 Homburg, Germany;
| | - Nikolaos E. Bechrakis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufeland Str. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany; (T.T.); (R.A.); (H.L.); (N.E.B.); (U.B.-P.); (M.M.K.)
| | - Utta Berchner-Pfannschmidt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufeland Str. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany; (T.T.); (R.A.); (H.L.); (N.E.B.); (U.B.-P.); (M.M.K.)
| | - Miriam M. Kraemer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufeland Str. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany; (T.T.); (R.A.); (H.L.); (N.E.B.); (U.B.-P.); (M.M.K.)
| | - Miltiadis Fiorentzis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufeland Str. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany; (T.T.); (R.A.); (H.L.); (N.E.B.); (U.B.-P.); (M.M.K.)
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Bertino G, Muir T, Odili J, Groselj A, Marconato R, Curatolo P, Kis E, Lonkvist CK, Clover J, Quaglino P, Kunte C, Spina R, Seccia V, de Terlizzi F, Campana LG. Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma with Electrochemotherapy: Insights from the InspECT Registry (2008–2019). Curr Oncol 2022; 29:5324-5337. [PMID: 36005161 PMCID: PMC9406883 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29080423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This prospective registry-based study aims to describe electrochemotherapy (ECT) modalities in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) patients and evaluate its efficacy, safety, and predictive factors. The International Network for Sharing Practices of Electrochemotherapy (InspECT) multicentre database was queried for BCC cases treated with bleomycin-ECT between 2008 and 2019 (n = 330 patients from seven countries, with 623 BCCs [median number: 1/patient; range: 1–7; size: 13 mm, range: 5–350; 85% were primary, and 80% located in the head and neck]). The procedure was carried out under local anaesthesia in 68% of cases, with the adjunct of mild sedation in the remaining 32%. Of 300 evaluable patients, 242 (81%) achieved a complete response (CR) after a single ECT course. Treatment naïvety (odds ratio [OR] 0.35, 95% confidence interval [C.I.] 0.19–0.67, p = 0.001) and coverage of deep tumour margin with electric pulses (O.R. 5.55, 95% C.I. 1.37–21.69, p = 0.016) predicted CR, whereas previous radiation was inversely correlated (O.R. 0.25, p = 0.0051). Toxicity included skin ulceration (overall, 16%; G3, 1%) and hyperpigmentation (overall, 8.1%; G3, 2.5%). At a 17-month follow-up, 28 (9.3%) patients experienced local recurrence/progression. Despite no convincing evidence that ECT confers improved outcomes compared with standard surgical excision, it can still be considered an opportunity to avoid major resection in patients unsuitable for more demanding treatment. Treatment naïvety and coverage of the deep margin predict tumour clearance and may inform current patient selection and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bertino
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Tobian Muir
- South Tees NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough TS4 3BW, UK;
| | - Joy Odili
- Department of Plastic Surgery, St. George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London SW17 0QT, UK;
| | - Ales Groselj
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | | | - Pietro Curatolo
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University “La Sapienza”, 00042 Rome, Italy;
| | - Erika Kis
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, 6700 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Camilla Kjaer Lonkvist
- Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730 Herlev, Denmark;
| | - James Clover
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland;
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Cork University Hospital, T12 DC4A Cork, Ireland
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, 10094 Turin, Italy;
| | - Christian Kunte
- Department of Dermatologic Surgery and Dermatology, Artemed Fachklinik München, 81379 Munich, Germany;
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Ludwig-Maximillian University, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Romina Spina
- Psychology Unit, University Hospital of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy;
| | - Veronica Seccia
- Otolaryngology, Audiology, and Phoniatric Operative Unit, Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology, and Critical Care Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Francesca de Terlizzi
- IGEA Clinical Biophysics Department, Via Parmenide 10/A, Carpi, 41012 Modena, Italy;
| | - Luca Giovanni Campana
- Department of Surgery, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
- Correspondence:
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Hendel K, Jemec GBE, Haedersdal M, Wiegell SR. Electrochemotherapy with bleomycin for basal cell carcinomas: a systematic review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2021; 35:2208-2215. [PMID: 34219303 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.17492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of cancer and an increasing incidence stimulates the interest in new treatments such as electrochemotherapy (ECT) with bleomycin. This systematic review focuses on literature from the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. Bleomycin-ECT studies (n = 32) were sorted by the level of evidence adjusted for their BCC data only. The studies included a single randomised controlled trial (RCT), 15 uncontrolled clinical trials, three registry studies, six prospective case series and seven retrospective case series. A Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment of the RCT identified some minor concerns but no predicted risk of bias. The studies were also grouped by bleomycin administration routes: intravenous (n = 14), intralesional (n = 9) and mixed reporting/usage (n = 9). A meta-analysis was not conducted due to the lack of RCTs and the heterogeneity of the included studies. The results of the RCT generally reflected the findings of the other included studies and showed a 92% complete response in 65 bleomycin-ECT-treated BCCs after 2 months, improving to 100% after re-treatment, with a low risk of recurrence. Based on the RCT results and overall data, future studies on BCC treatment with bleomycin-ECT should include large RCTs that compare bleomycin-ECT with standard of care, cost analyses, and clinical feasibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hendel
- Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G B E Jemec
- Department of Dermatology, Zealand University Hospital Roskilde, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - M Haedersdal
- Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S R Wiegell
- Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Lyons P, Kennedy A, Clover AJP. Electrochemotherapy and basal cell carcinomas: First-time appraisal of the efficacy of electrochemotherapy on survivorship using FACE-Q. JPRAS Open 2020; 27:119-128. [PMID: 33490356 PMCID: PMC7809247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpra.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The establishment and success of new treatments are significantly influenced by patient satisfaction. Post-operative scarring is an important outcome for patients, and subsequently influences overall satisfaction with treatment. The objective was to measure post-treatment scarring satisfaction using a novel scale, the FACE-Q Skin Cancer Module, to compare electrochemotherapy (ECT) to traditional surgical excision (SE) to demonstrate equivalence of ECT and SE regarding outcome and survivorship. Methods and materials This was a multicentre first-time appraisal study of the efficacy of ECT. All patients with facial BCCs treated with either ECT or SE were deemed eligible and subsequently recruited from either a previous clinical trial or outpatient clinics, respectively. Of the 40 participants invited, 25 responses were received. Patient information recorded included age, gender, location and size of BCCs, and time since treatment. Patient outcomes were measured using the FACE-Q Skin Cancer Module. Results The ECT and SE groups consisted of 14 and 11 patients, respectively. Mean age was 68 years (M:F = 16:9), while mean time since treatment was 4.98 years (range 0.3–9.58 years). Appraisal of scars was significantly higher in the ECT cohort versus SE (p = 0.034). Cancer worry was equivalent across both cohorts (p = 0.804). According to treatment type, no correlation was detected between time since treatment and both appraisal of scars (ECT p = 0.466 and SE p = 0.214) and adverse effects (ECT p = 0.924 and SE p = 0.139). Conclusion Based on this study, ECT has superior scar outcomes and overall equivalence to SE. This demonstrates high patient satisfaction for those treated with ECT without any additional cancer worry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Lyons
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Alison Kennedy
- Cancer Research @ UCC, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - A James P Clover
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland.,Cancer Research @ UCC, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Ireland
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Testori AAE, Kunte C, Clover JAP, Bechara FG, Bertino G. Letter to the European Dermatology Forum, the European Association of Dermato-Oncology and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer on guidelines on basal cell carcinoma. Eur J Cancer 2020; 140:151-153. [PMID: 32962895 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian Kunte
- Past-Chair of InspECT (International Network for Sharing Practices on Electrochemotherapy), Department of Dermatologic Surgery and Dermatology, Artemed Fachklinik München GmbH & Co. KG, München, Germany.
| | - James A P Clover
- Chair of InspECT (International Network for Sharing Practices on Electrochemotherapy) and Department of Plastic Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Cork and Cancer Research @UCC, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Falk G Bechara
- Department of Dermatologic Surgery, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany.
| | - Giulia Bertino
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
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Fabrizio T, Cagiano L, De Terlizzi F, Grieco MP. Neoadjuvant treatment by ECT in cutaneous malignant neoplastic lesions. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2020; 73:904-912. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2019.11.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Clover AJP, Salwa SP, Bourke MG, McKiernan J, Forde PF, O'Sullivan ST, Kelly EJ, Soden DM. Electrochemotherapy for the treatment of primary basal cell carcinoma; A randomised control trial comparing electrochemotherapy and surgery with five year follow up. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2019; 46:847-854. [PMID: 31862134 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2019.11.509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are the commonest cutaneous malignancy and incidence continues to increase. There is a need to expand the therapeutic toolbox to increase options for patients that are unsuitable for or unwilling to undergo the current therapies. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a technique where cells are temporarily permeabilized after exposure to a brief pulsed electrical field and combined with low dose chemotherapeutics to ablate malignancies. It is a simple technique causing minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue and has the potential to avoid the need for complex reconstruction. ECT is an established treatment for skin metastases but its role as a primary treatment modality is not demonstrated. A prospective randomised control trial evaluating ECT against the gold standard of treatment, Surgery, was performed for patients with primary BCC and patients followed for 5 years. All lesions treated with ECT (n = 69) responded although 8/69 (12%) needed a second treatment to ensure a complete response. All surgical lesions (n = 48) showed histological evidence of complete excision with 2/48 (4%) undergoing a second excision. At 5 years, in the surgical arm there was no evidence of recurrence in 39/40 (97.5%) lesions with 1/40 (2.5%) confirmed recurrence. In the ECT arm there was no evidence of recurrence in 42/48 lesions (87.5%). There was 5 confirmed recurrences. These groups show statistical equivalence in this non inferiority study design (p = 0.33). ECT is an effective and durable treatment option for primary BCC and should be considered as part of the armamentarium of options available.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J P Clover
- Cancer Research @ UCC, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Ireland; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
| | - S P Salwa
- Cancer Research @ UCC, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - M G Bourke
- Cancer Research @ UCC, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - J McKiernan
- Cancer Research @ UCC, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - P F Forde
- Cancer Research @ UCC, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - S T O'Sullivan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - E J Kelly
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - D M Soden
- Cancer Research @ UCC, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Ireland
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Campana LG, Kis E, Bottyán K, Orlando A, de Terlizzi F, Mitsala G, Careri R, Curatolo P, Snoj M, Sersa G, Valpione S, Quaglino P, Mowatt D, Brizio M, Schepler H. Electrochemotherapy for advanced cutaneous angiosarcoma: A European register-based cohort study from the International Network for Sharing Practices of electrochemotherapy (InspECT). Int J Surg 2019; 72:34-42. [PMID: 31618680 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2019.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous angiosarcoma (cAS) is a highly aggressive malignancy that challenges the radicality of surgical treatment. Electrochemotherapy (ECT), a skin-directed treatment based on cytotoxic chemotherapy combined with local electric pulses, may be an intraoperative adjunct and a new opportunity in the therapeutic strategy. This cohort study reports the experience with ECT as an option. METHODS Data on patients with locally-advanced/metastatic cAS who underwent ECT between October 2013 and October 2018 at eight European centres were prospectively submitted to the InspECT (International network for sharing practices of ECT) register. Patients received therapy according to the European Standard Operating Procedures of ECT (ESOPE). Treatment feasibility was assessed based on tumour coverage with electrodes and recorded tissue current; treatment toxicity and tumour response were graded according to CTCAE v5.0 and RECIST v1.1 criteria, respectively; patient-reported outcomes (PRO) were evaluated using a visual analogue score (VAS) for pain, acceptance of retreatment and the EQ-5D questionnaire. RESULTS We enrolled 20 patients with advanced cAS in the scalp/face (n = 7), breast/trunk (n = 10) or limbs (n = 3). Target tumours (n = 51) had a median size of 2.3 cm (range, 1-20). We administered 24 ECT courses using 1-4 cm treatment safety margin around tumours. In five patients, ECT was combined/sequenced with surgery. Median tissue current was 3 A (range, 1.5-10), tumour margins coverage rate was 75% (15/20 patients). The objective response rate (ORR) was 80% (complete, 40%). Grade-3 toxicity included skin ulceration (15%) and pain (10%), with no significant change of PRO scores. Bleeding control was achieved in 13/14 patients with ulcerated tumours. With a median overall survival of 12.5 months, the local progression-free survival (LPFS) was 10.9 months. CONCLUSION ECT produces sustained response rate with minimal side effects and should be considered an option for advanced cAS. Palliative benefits include patient tolerability, local haemostasis and durable local control. Definition of optimal timing, treatment safety margins and combination with surgery need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca G Campana
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences - DISCOG, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Erika Kis
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Bottyán
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Antonio Orlando
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Grammatiki Mitsala
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Rosanna Careri
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Dermatologic Clinic, University 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Curatolo
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Dermatologic Clinic, University 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy
| | - Marko Snoj
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sara Valpione
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, CRUK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - David Mowatt
- Plastic Surgery Unit, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Matteo Brizio
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Hadrian Schepler
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
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Campana LG, Miklavčič D, Bertino G, Marconato R, Valpione S, Imarisio I, Dieci MV, Granziera E, Cemazar M, Alaibac M, Sersa G. Electrochemotherapy of superficial tumors - Current status:: Basic principles, operating procedures, shared indications, and emerging applications. Semin Oncol 2019; 46:173-191. [PMID: 31122761 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of superficial tumors with electrochemotherapy (ECT) has shown a steep rise over the past decade and indications range from skin cancers to locally advanced or metastatic neoplasms. Based on reversible electroporation, which is a physical method to achieve transient tumor cell membrane permeabilization by means of short electric pulses, ECT increases cellular uptake of bleomycin and cisplatin and their cytotoxicity by 8,000- and 80-fold, respectively. Standard operating procedures were established in 2006 and updated in 2018. Ease of administration, patient tolerability, efficacy across histotypes, and repeatability are peculiar advantages, which make standard ECT (ie, ECT using fixed-geometry electrodes) a reliable option for controlling superficial tumor growth locally and preventing their morbidity. Consolidated indications include superficial metastatic melanoma, breast cancer, head and neck skin tumors, nonmelanoma skin cancers, and Kaposi sarcoma. In well-selected patients with oropharyngeal cancers, ECT ensures appreciable symptom control. Emerging applications include skin metastases from visceral or hematological malignancies, vulvar cancer, and some noncancerous skin lesions (keloids and capillary vascular malformations). Repeatability and integration with other oncologic therapies allow for consolidation of response and sustained tumor control. In this review, we present the basic principles of ECT, recently updated operating procedures, anesthesiological management, and provide a synthesis of the efficacy of standard ECT across histotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca G Campana
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padua, Italy; Surgical Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy.
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Giulia Bertino
- Department of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Ilaria Imarisio
- Medical Oncology Unit, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Dieci
- Surgical Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy; Medical Oncology-2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Elisa Granziera
- Anesthesiology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mauro Alaibac
- Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Electrochemotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced or recurrent eyelid-periocular basal cell carcinomas. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4285. [PMID: 30862897 PMCID: PMC6414678 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41026-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence about the effectiveness of electrochemotherapy (ECT) in the treatment of basal cell carcinomas in the head and neck region, although its role in the management of eyelid-periocular skin tumors has to be clarified. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the results of ECT in the treatment of locally advanced primary and recurrent eyelid-periocular skin basal cell carcinomas. Twelve patients with basal cell carcinoma involving the eyelid-periocular skin region were treated with ECT. Three patients had locally advanced primary tumors, while 9 patients had recurrent tumors. All treatments were performed according to the ESOPE guidelines, using Cliniporator TM device. All patients received bleomycin based ECT. The route of administration was intratumoral in 3 patients and intravenous in 9 patients. Tumor response was evaluated using the RECIST 1.1. criteria. ECT resulted in complete response of the periocular skin tumors in all patients. Lower eyelid ectropion was developed in 3 patients which had to be corrected surgically. ECT can be used effectively in the treatment of locally advanced or recurrent basal cell carcinomas in the eyelid-periocular skin region. Excellent tumor control can be achieved with good functional and cosmetic results without systemic adverse events with short interval follow-up.
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11
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Kristiansson S, Reizenstein J, von Beckerath M, Landström F. Long-term follow-up in patients treated with electrochemotherapy for non-melanoma skin cancer in the head and neck area. Acta Otolaryngol 2019; 139:195-200. [PMID: 30734631 DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2018.1543950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a cancer treatment modality where the intracellular accumulation of chemotherapeutic agents is enhanced by an applied electrical field. AIMS/OBJECTIVES To evaluate the long-term efficacy, safety and functional outcome after ECT treatment in high-risk non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) with curative intent. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seven patients with SCC or BCC in the head and neck area were treated with ECT with intratumoral bleomycin administration. RESULTS Five patients were cured by ECT as a mono-modality treatment after a median 10-year follow-up period. Two patients had recurrences and/or persisting tumors after treatment that required salvage surgery and radiotherapy. In two patients, the eye was spared with no visual impairment. In another patient, full facial nerve function was spared. CONCLUSIONS ECT can be a curative as well as an organ and function-sparing mono modality treatment in high-risk NMSC. SIGNIFICANCE Today ECT is mostly used as a palliative treatment. Its curative potential should be further investigated. Randomized studies comparing ECT with standard treatment is needed. Hopefully, this small study can encourage such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kristiansson
- Department of Otolaryngology, Orebro Universitet Institutionen for Medicinska Vetenskaper, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Johan Reizenstein
- Department of Otolaryngology, Orebro Universitet Institutionen for Medicinska Vetenskaper, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Mathias von Beckerath
- Department of Otolaryngology, Orebro Universitet Institutionen for Medicinska Vetenskaper, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Landström
- Department of Otolaryngology, Orebro Universitet Institutionen for Medicinska Vetenskaper, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
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12
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Campana LG, Marconato R, Valpione S, Galuppo S, Alaibac M, Rossi CR, Mocellin S. Basal cell carcinoma: 10-year experience with electrochemotherapy. J Transl Med 2017; 15:122. [PMID: 28569161 PMCID: PMC5452531 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-017-1225-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrochemotherapy (ECT), by combining manageable cytotoxic agents with short electric pulses, represents an effective palliative skin-directed therapy. The accumulated evidence indicates that ECT stands out as a safe and well-tolerated alternative treatment for patients with multiple or large basal cell carcinoma (BCC), who are not suitable for conventional treatments. However, long-term data and shared indications are lacking. METHODS In this observational study, we retrospectively analyzed 84 prospectively collected patients with multiple, recurrent or locally advanced BCC who were not candidate for standard therapies and received bleomycin-based ECT according to the European Standard Operative Procedures of ECT, from 2006 to 2016. RESULTS Disease extent was local, locally advanced and metastatic in 40 (48%), 41 (49%) and 3 (3%), respectively. Forty-four (52%) individuals had multiple BCCs. Grade 3 skin toxicity after ECT was observed in 6% of cases. Clearance rate was 50% (95% CI 39-61%). Primary presentation (p = 0.004), tumor size <3 cm (p < 0.001), well-defined borders (p = 0.021), absence of tumor ulceration (p = 0.001), non-aggressive BCC histology (p = 0.046) and age ≤69 years were associated with higher complete response rate. In patients with local BCC, the clearance rate was 72.5 and 85% after one or two ECT cycles, respectively. In the laBCC group, 32 patients (78%) achieved an objective response. Five-year recurrence rate for local and laBCC was 20 and 38%, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS One or two ECT cycles with bleomycin may be a valuable palliative treatment in well-selected patients with multiple BCCs and favorable tumor features. Validation of predictive factors will be imperative to match patients with optimal ECT treatment modalities. Management of laBCC with ECT warrants further investigation. Trial registration ISRCTN14633165 Registered 24 March 2017 (retrospectively registered).
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca G Campana
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padova, Padua, Italy. .,Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata, 64, 35128, Padua, Italy.
| | | | - Sara Valpione
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - Sara Galuppo
- Radiotherapy Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Mauro Alaibac
- Dermatology Unit, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Carlo R Rossi
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata, 64, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Simone Mocellin
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata, 64, 35128, Padua, Italy
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13
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Effective treatment of intractable cutaneous metastases of breast cancer with electrochemotherapy: a useful contributor to cutaneous disease control. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2017; 163:403-405. [DOI: 10.1007/s10549-017-4187-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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14
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Meyer D, Gooding C. Intralesional Bleomycin as an Adjunct Therapeutic Modality in Eyelid and Extraocular Malignancies and Tumors. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol 2016; 22:410-4. [PMID: 26692709 PMCID: PMC4660524 DOI: 10.4103/0974-9233.167822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To present our recent experience with intralesional bleomycin (IBI) in nonmelanoma extraocular tumors, and present previous experience on periocular capillary hemangiomas and orbital lymphangiomas in a tertiary referral hospital. This was a retrospective descriptive study of patients with eyelid and extraocular malignancies where conventional therapies failed, or surgery was contraindicated or refused and were offered IBI as an alternate therapy. All patients were recruited from the Oculoplastics Clinic at Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. A solution containing 1 international unit of bleomycin per milliliter saline was injected intralesionally together with 2% lignocaine in a ratio of 4:1. The injected volume was calculated to be equivalent to the estimated volume of the lesion. A multipuncture technique with a 29-gauge needle was used. Patients requiring retreatment were injected every 4–8 weeks until satisfactory clinical endpoints were achieved. Our previous experience with IBI in extensive capillary hemangiomas and orbital lymphangiomas is reviewed. Cases are presented to illustrate that IBI induced significant regression and reduction in tumor size and marked clinical improvement of the eyelid and orbital basal cell carcinomas, Kaposi sarcoma, and mycosis fungoides. The improvements obviated the need for further surgical intervention in most cases. Based on clinical experience we propose that IBI should be considered a treatment modality in select cases of the malignant eyelid and ophthalmic vascular tumors where the conventional standard of care is not possible. IBI is a reasonable alternative or adjunct to consider in such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Meyer
- Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Caroline Gooding
- Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
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15
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Campana LG, Clover AJP, Valpione S, Quaglino P, Gehl J, Kunte C, Snoj M, Cemazar M, Rossi CR, Miklavcic D, Sersa G. Recommendations for improving the quality of reporting clinical electrochemotherapy studies based on qualitative systematic review. Radiol Oncol 2016; 50:1-13. [PMID: 27069444 PMCID: PMC4825335 DOI: 10.1515/raon-2016-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrochemotherapy is becoming a well-established treatment for malignancies of skin and non-skin origin and its use is widening across Europe. The technique was developed and optimized from solid experimental and clinical evidence. A consensus document is now warranted to formalize reporting results, which should strengthen evidence-based practice recommendations. This consensus should be derived from high quality clinical data collection, clinical expertise and summarizing patient feedback. The first step, which is addressed in this paper, aims to critically analyze the quality of published studies and to provide the recommendations for reporting clinical trials on electrochemotherapy. METHODS The quality of reporting in published studies on electrochemotherapy was analyzed in order to produce procedure specific reporting recommendations. A comprehensive literature search of studies published from 2006 to 2015 was performed followed by qualitative analysis of manuscripts assessing for 47 quality criteria grouped into four major clusters: (1) trial design, (2) description of patient population, (3) description of treatment delivery and patient outcome, (4) analysis of results and their interpretation. The summary measure during literature assessment was the proportion of studies fulfilling each manuscript quality criteria. RESULTS A total of 56 studies were screened, from the period 2006 to 2015, of which 33 were included in the qualitative analysis, with a total of 1215 patients. Overall, the quality of reporting was highly variable. Twenty-four reports (73%) were single-center, non-comparative studies, and only 15 (45%) were prospective in nature (only 2 of them were entered into a clinical trials registry). Electrochemotherapy technique was consistently reported, with most studies (31/33) adhering closely to published standard operating procedures. The quality of reporting the patient population was variable among the analyzed studies, with only between 45% and 100% achieving dedicated quality criteria. Reporting of treatment delivery and patient outcome was also highly variable with studies only fulfilling between 3% and 100%. Finally, reporting study results critically varied, fulfilling from 27% to 100% of the quality criteria. Based on the critical issues emerging from this analysis, recommendations and minimal requirements for reporting clinical data on electrochemotherapy were prepared and summarized into a checklist. CONCLUSIONS There is an increasing body of published clinical data on electrochemotherapy, but more high quality clinical data are needed. Published papers often lack accurate description of study population, treatment delivery as well as patient outcome. Our recommendations, provided in the form of a summary checklist, are intended to ameliorate data reporting in future studies on electrochemotherapy and help researchers to provide a solid evidence basis for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A. James P. Clover
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Cork University Hospital and Cork Cancer Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Pietro Quaglino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Julie Gehl
- Center for Experimental Drug and Gene Electro transfer, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Christian Kunte
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Damijan Miklavcic
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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16
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Spugnini EP, Pizzuto M, Filipponi M, Romani L, Vincenzi B, Menicagli F, Lanza A, De Girolamo R, Lomonaco R, Fanciulli M, Spriano G, Baldi A. Electroporation Enhances Bleomycin Efficacy in Cats with Periocular Carcinoma and Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head. J Vet Intern Med 2015; 29:1368-75. [PMID: 26192904 PMCID: PMC4858043 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.13586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Advanced carcinoma of the head represents a substantial health problem in cats for local control and overall survival. Objectives Evaluate the capability of electrochemotherapy (ECT) to improve bleomycin efficacy in cats with periocular carcinoma and advanced carcinoma of the head. Animals Twenty‐one cats with periocular carcinoma (17 squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] and 4 anaplastic carcinoma) and 26 cats with advanced SCC of the head. Methods Nonrandomized prospective controlled study. Periocular carcinoma cohorts: 12 cats were treated with bleomycin (15 mg/m2IV) coupled with ECT under anesthesia; 9 cats were treated with bleomycin alone. Advanced head SCC cohorts: 14 cats were treated with bleomycin (15 mg/m2IV) coupled with ECT administered under sedation; 12 control cats were treated with bleomycin alone. ECT treatments (2–8) were performed every other week until complete remission (CR) or tumor progression occurred. Results Toxicities were minimal and mostly treated symptomatically. Overall response rate in the ECT treated animals was 89% (21 Complete Response [CR] and 2 Partial Response [PR]) whereas controls had response rate of 33% (4 CR and 3 PR). Median time to progression in ECT group was 30.5 months, whereas in controls it was 3.9 months (P < .0001). Median time to progression for ECT cohorts was 24.2 months for periocular cohort and 20.6 in advanced head SCC cohort, respectively. Conclusions Electrochemotherapy is well tolerated for advanced SCC of the head in cats; its use may be considered among loco‐regional strategies for cancer therapy in sensitive body regions such as periocular region.
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Affiliation(s)
- E P Spugnini
- SAFU, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - M Pizzuto
- Centro Veterinario Gianicolense, Rome, Italy
| | - M Filipponi
- Centro Veterinario Casal Monastero, Rome, Italy
| | - L Romani
- Centro Veterinario Casal Monastero, Rome, Italy
| | - B Vincenzi
- Medical Oncology, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - F Menicagli
- Centro Veterinario Gianicolense, Rome, Italy
| | - A Lanza
- Centro Veterinario Gianicolense, Rome, Italy
| | | | - R Lomonaco
- Ambulatorio Veterinario Dr. Lomonaco, Rome, Italy
| | - M Fanciulli
- SAFU, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - G Spriano
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - A Baldi
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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17
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Ruggeri R, Maurichi A, Tinti MC, Cadenelli P, Patuzzo R, Gallino G, Santinami M. Electrochemotherapy: a good idea in recurrent basal cell carcinoma treatment. Melanoma Manag 2015; 2:27-31. [PMID: 30190828 DOI: 10.2217/mmt.14.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in Caucasian population. Surgical excision is the gold standard treatment for BCC. Secondary surgical approach in patients presenting surgical scars after multiple surgical excisions or submitted to radiotherapy without obtaining a safe clearance margin, should be avoided. In recent years the use of electrochemotherapy (ECT) in head and neck cancers using intravenous bleomycin was specifically addressed and BCC resulted to be among tumors with the best response to ECT. We report a case of a recurrent nasal BCC treated with ECT with a complete regression of lesions after 8 weeks and a disease free period of 7 months. ECT is a good palliative treatment not affecting survival rate but improving quality of life in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ruggeri
- Division of Oncologic Surgery, Melanoma & Sarcoma Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.,Division of Oncologic Surgery, Melanoma & Sarcoma Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Maurichi
- Division of Oncologic Surgery, Melanoma & Sarcoma Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.,Division of Oncologic Surgery, Melanoma & Sarcoma Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Carla Tinti
- General Surgery, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,General Surgery, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Cadenelli
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Oncologic Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.,Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Oncologic Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Patuzzo
- Division of Oncologic Surgery, Melanoma & Sarcoma Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.,Division of Oncologic Surgery, Melanoma & Sarcoma Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianfrancesco Gallino
- Division of Oncologic Surgery, Melanoma & Sarcoma Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.,Division of Oncologic Surgery, Melanoma & Sarcoma Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Santinami
- Division of Oncologic Surgery, Melanoma & Sarcoma Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.,Division of Oncologic Surgery, Melanoma & Sarcoma Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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18
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Non-viral immune electrogene therapy induces potent antitumour responses and has a curative effect in murine colon adenocarcinoma and melanoma cancer models. Gene Ther 2014; 22:29-39. [PMID: 25373914 PMCID: PMC4289754 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2014.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Antitumour efficacy of electroporated pEEV, coding for granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor and the B7-1 costimulatory immune molecule (pEEVGmCSF-b7.1) in growing solid tumours, was investigated and compared with a standard plasmid. Application of pEEVGmCSF-b7.1 led to complete tumour regression in 66% of CT26-treated tumours and 100% in the B16F10-treated tumours at day 150 post-treatment. pEEVGmCSF-b7.1 treatment was found to significantly enhance levels of both innate and adaptive immune populations in tumour and systemic sites, which corresponded to significantly increased tissue levels of proinflammatory cytokines including interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-12 (IL-12). In contrast, pEEVGmCSF-b7.1 treatment significantly reduced the T-regulatory populations and also the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Upon further characterisation of functional immune responses, we observed a significant increase in cytotoxic (CD107a+) and IFN-γ-producing natural killer cells and also significantly more in IL-12-producing B cells. Importantly, splenocytes isolated from pEEVGmCSF-b7.1-treated ‘cured' mice were tumour-specific and afforded significant protection in a tumour rechallenge model (Winn assay). Our data indicate that electroimmunogene therapy with the non-viral pEEVGmCSF-b7.1 is able to induce potent and durable antitumour immune responses that significantly reduce primary and also secondary tumour growth, and thus represents a solid therapeutic platform for pursuing future clinical trials.
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19
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Forde PF, Hall LJ, Sadadcharam M, de Kruijf M, O' Sullivan GC, Soden DM. Development and characterization of an enhanced nonviral expression vector for electroporation cancer treatment. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2014; 1:14012. [PMID: 26015957 PMCID: PMC4362347 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2014.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nonviral plasmid DNA gene therapy represents a promising approach for the treatment of many diseases including cancer. Intracellular delivery of DNA can be achieved with the application of electroporation, which facilitates the initial transport of exogenous DNA across the cell membrane into the cytoplasm. However, it does not guarantee further transport of the DNA from the cytoplasm to the nucleus for subsequent mRNA expression, resulting in varying degrees of exogenous gene translation and a major limitation in comparison to viral approaches. To overcome these expression difficulties, we developed a proof-of-concept vector enhanced expression vector (EEV), which incorporates elements from viral systems including nuclear localization sequences and a viral replicase from the Semliki Forest virus. The replicase allows for cytoplasmic mRNA expression and bypasses the need for nuclear localization to generate high levels of gene expression. We have demonstrated that our EEV is capable of achieving high levels of expression in a variety of tissue types. Antitumor effects of pEEV were demonstrated by the delayed growth and increased survival of the nontherapeutic pEEV-treated CT26 tumor model. Using a novel endoscopic electroporation system, EndoVe, we demonstrate and compare, for the first time, both standard cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter-driven plasmid and EEV gene expression in intraluminal porcine tissues. Our EEV plasmid displays reliable and superior expression capability, and due to its inherent induced oncolytic activity in transfected cells, it may enhance the efficacy and safety of several cancer immunogene therapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick F Forde
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Leslie C Quick Laboratory, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork , Cork, Ireland
| | - Lindsay J Hall
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia , Norwich, UK
| | - Mira Sadadcharam
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Leslie C Quick Laboratory, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork , Cork, Ireland
| | - Marcle de Kruijf
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Leslie C Quick Laboratory, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork , Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerald C O' Sullivan
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Leslie C Quick Laboratory, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork , Cork, Ireland
| | - Declan M Soden
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Leslie C Quick Laboratory, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork , Cork, Ireland
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20
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Miklavčič D, Mali B, Kos B, Heller R, Serša G. Electrochemotherapy: from the drawing board into medical practice. Biomed Eng Online 2014; 13:29. [PMID: 24621079 PMCID: PMC3995705 DOI: 10.1186/1475-925x-13-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy is a local treatment of cancer employing electric pulses to improve transmembrane transfer of cytotoxic drugs. In this paper we discuss electrochemotherapy from the perspective of biomedical engineering and review the steps needed to move such a treatment from initial prototypes into clinical practice. In the paper also basic theory of electrochemotherapy and preclinical studies in vitro and in vivo are briefly reviewed. Following this we present a short review of recent clinical publications and discuss implementation of electrochemotherapy into standard of care for treatment of skin tumors, and use of electrochemotherapy for other targets such as head and neck cancer, deep-seated tumors in the liver and intestinal tract, and brain metastases. Electrodes used in these specific cases are presented with their typical voltage amplitudes used in electrochemotherapy. Finally, key points on what should be investigated in the future are presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of electrical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Trzaska 25, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia.
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