Microwave ablation combined with doxorubicin enhances cell death via promoting reactive oxygen species generation in breast cancer cells

Advancements in microwave ablation for tumor treatment and future directions

Microwave ablation (MWA) is a minimally invasive treatment that uses thermal energy to target and destroy tumors. Compared to other ablation methods, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), MWA operates at higher frequencies, allowing for faster ablation and larger treatment areas. In addition to its direct tumor-destroying effects, MWA has been shown to activate immune responses, contributing to long-term antitumor effects. MWA can also be combined with surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy to enhance treatment outcomes. This review examines the current research on MWA's technical innovations, clinical applications, and its potential in improving cancer treatment efficacy.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Microwave Coagulation Studies on VX2 Rabbit Models for Breast Cancer Treatment and Ultrasound Imaging Assessment

Background

The study aimed to explore the tissue morphology and hemodynamics of rabbit VX2 breast carcinoma by high-frequency ultrasound (US) and the effectiveness and safety of US-guided percutaneous microwave coagulation (PMC) therapy on rabbit VX2 breast tumors.

Methods

Twenty VX2 tumor-bearing rabbits were assessed using color Doppler ultrasound for tumor growth characteristics including echo, size, blood supply and hemodynamic parameters once a week for six weeks. Subsequently, US-guided PMC was performed in randomly assigned ten VX2 tumor-bearing rabbits (the other ten as controls). US images after ablation were obtained and analyzed. Three rabbits with double VX2 tumors were used as pathological observation at weeks 0, 1, and 4 of ablation. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by tumor growth, physical examinations, survival time, survival rate and metastasis of tumors and histopathology.

Results

Ultrasound monitoring indicated that the tumor growth rate was 463.09% at the 2nd to 3rd weeks, and PMC was performed during this period under real-time US guidance. After microwave ablation, some tumors were greatly reduced or undetectable at week 8. Moreover, no flow signals were detected by US. The survival rates at 2 and 3 months in the treatment group and control group were 100%, 70% and 10%, 0%, respectively, while the metastatic rates were 10%, 30% and 90%, 100%, respectively (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The proliferation and metastasis of rabbit VX2 breast carcinoma were monitored by US imaging, and US-guided percutaneous microwave ablation was proven to be a safe, effective and minimally invasive therapeutic option for treating breast cancer in rabbits, showing potential clinical applicability.

Crosstalk between microwave ablation and ferroptosis: The next hot topic?

Microwave ablation has been one form of thermal ablation in treatments for many tumors, which can locally control unresectable tumors. Ferroptosis is iron-dependent cell death caused by the cumulative reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation products. Recently, increasing evidence has shown that ferroptosis might play a vital role in MWA-induced tumor suppression. In this article, we briefly illustrate the concept of ferroptosis, the related signal pathways and inducers, the basic principle of microwave ablation in killing tumors, and the key molecules released after microwave ablation. Then, we describe the cross-talking molecules between microwave ablation and ferroptosis, and discussed the potential mechanism of microwave ablation-induced ferroptosis. This review explores the therapeutic target of ferroptosis in enhancing the systemic antitumor effect after microwave ablation, providing theoretical support in combinational microwave ablation with pro-ferroptosis therapy.

Single-session transarterial chemoembolization combined with percutaneous thermal ablation in liver metastases 3 cm or larger

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with percutaneous thermal ablation in patients with liver metastases 3 cm in diameter or larger.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 39 patients with a total of 46 liver metastases treated. There were 14 men and 25 women, with a mean age of 55 ± 13.3 (SD) (age range: 28-77 years). All patients were treated with a combination of TACE and thermal ablation in a single session. Primary outcome was local tumor progression. Secondary outcomes were procedure related complications and systemic disease progression.

RESULTS

Mean tumor size was 3.6 ± 0.6 (SD) cm (range: 3-5 cm). Conventional TACE was performed in 32 liver metastases (32/46; 70%) and drug-eluting beads-TACE in 14 liver metastases (14/46; 30%) followed by radiofrequency ablation in 34 (34/46; 74%), microwave ablation in 11 (11/46; 24%) and cryoablation in one (1/46; 2%) metastasis. Four grade 2 (4/39; 10%) complications were observed. After a mean follow up of 31.9 ± 26.1 (SD) months (range: 2-113 months) overall local tumor progression rate was 15% (7/46). Local tumor progression rate at 12 months was 13% (6/46). Overall systemic disease progression was seen in 29 patients (29/39; 74%) with a systemic disease progression rate at 12 months of 59% (23/39).

CONCLUSION

Treatment of large liver metastases with TACE and thermal ablation in a single session is safe and achieves high local control rate.

Palliative effect of curcumin on doxorubicin-induced testicular damage in male rats

This study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin (CUR) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced testicular damage in male rats. Thirty-five adult male Wistar rats were used. Control group was received saline for 7 days. CUR group received CUR for 7 days. DOX group received single dose DOX on the 5th day. DOX+ CUR-100 group received 100 mg/kg/day CUR for 7 days and DOX injection on the 5th day. DOX + CUR-200 group received 200 mg/kg/day CUR for 7 days and DOX injection on the 5th day. DOX treatment decreased in sperm motility rate, live sperm percentages, cellular antioxidants, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, necrosis, degenerations, and slimming in seminiferous tubules, and DNA damages in testes by inducing oxidative stress. CUR treatment mitigated significantly these side effects when compared with DOX group in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, CUR treatment can be used in the mitigation of DOX-induced testicular toxicity.