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Wiegell SR, Hendel K, Fuchs CSK, Gehl J, Vissing M, Bro SW, Troelsen JT, Jemec GBE, Haedersdal M. An Explorative Study on Calcium Electroporation for Low-risk Basal Cell Carcinoma. Acta Derm Venereol 2024; 104:adv19678. [PMID: 38712969 DOI: 10.2340/actadv.v104.19678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
In electrochemotherapy, permeabilization of the cell membrane by electric pulses increases the anti-tumour effect of chemotherapeutics. In calcium electroporation, chemotherapy is replaced by calcium chloride with obvious benefits. This study explores the effect and underlying mechanisms of calcium electroporation on basal cell carcinomas using either high- or low-frequency electroporation. Low-risk primary basal cell carcinomas were treated in local anaesthesia with intratumoral calcium chloride followed by electroporation with high (167 kHz) or low (5 kHz) frequencies. Non-complete responders were retreated after 3 months. The primary endpoint was tumour response 3 months after last calcium electroporation. Plasma membrane calcium ATPase was examined in various cell lines as plasma membrane calcium ATPase levels have been associated with calcium electroporation efficacy. Twenty-two out of 25 included patients complete the study and 7 of these (32%) achieved complete response at 3 months with no difference in efficacy between high- and low-frequency pulses. High-frequency calcium electroporation was significantly less painful (p=0.03). Plasma membrane calcium ATPase was increased 16-32-fold in basal cell carcinoma cell lines compared with 4 other cancer cell lines. Calcium electroporation for low-risk basal cell carcinomas does not fulfil the requirements of a new dermatological basal cell carcinoma treatment but may be useful as adjuvant treatment to surgery in more advanced basal cell carcinomas. The elevated PMCA levels in basal cell carcinomas may contribute to low efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine R Wiegell
- Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Kristoffer Hendel
- Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Denmark
| | - Christine S K Fuchs
- Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Denmark
| | - Julie Gehl
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde and Naestved, Denmark
| | - Mille Vissing
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde and Naestved, Denmark
| | - Sara W Bro
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jesper T Troelsen
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Gregor B E Jemec
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Merete Haedersdal
- Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Egeland C, Balsevicius L, Gögenur I, Gehl J, Baeksgaard L, Garbyal RS, Achiam MP. Calcium electroporation of esophageal cancer induces gene expression changes: a sub-study of a phase I clinical trial. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:16031-16042. [PMID: 37688629 PMCID: PMC10620256 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05357-y] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, we aim to investigate gene expression changes in tumor samples obtained from patients with esophageal cancer treated with calcium electroporation. Previously, local treatment with calcium electroporation has been shown to induce gene expression alterations, potentially contributing to a more tumor-hostile microenvironment. METHODS In this sub-study of a phase I clinical trial, we included five patients with esophageal cancer treated with calcium electroporation. We compared cancer-associated gene expression patterns in tumor samples before and after treatment. Furthermore, we used linear support vector regression to predict the cellular composition of tumor samples. RESULTS Using differential expression analysis, we identified the downregulation of CXCL14 and upregulation of CCL21, ANGPTL4, and CRABP2 genes. We also found a decreased predicted proportion of dendritic cells while the proportion of neutrophils was increased. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence that calcium electroporation for esophageal cancer induces local transcriptional changes and possibly alters the cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment. The results are explorative, larger studies are needed to confirm and further correlate our findings with clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Egeland
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Lukas Balsevicius
- Center for Surgical Science, Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Koege, Denmark
- Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ismail Gögenur
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Surgical Science, Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Koege, Denmark
| | - Julie Gehl
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Center for Experimental Drug and Gene Electrotransfer (C*EDGE), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Lene Baeksgaard
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rajendra Singh Garbyal
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Patrick Achiam
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Vissing M, Pervan M, Pløen J, Schnefeldt M, Rafaelsen SR, Jensen LH, Rody A, Gehl J. Calcium electroporation in cutaneous metastases - A non-randomised phase II multicentre clinical trial. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2023; 49:106925. [PMID: 37268521 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2023.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous metastases can cause distressing symptoms and be challenging to treat. Local therapies are essential in management. Calcium electroporation uses calcium and electrical pulses to selectively kill cancer cells. This multicentre study aimed to define response in cutaneous metastases across different cancer types. METHODS Patients with tumours ≤3 cm of any histology were included (stable or progressing on current therapy ≥2 months), at three centres. Tumours were treated with 220 mM calcium chloride injection and manual application of eight 0.1 ms pulses with 1 kV/cm and 1Hz with a handheld electrode, in local or general anaesthesia. Clinical response was evaluated after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 12 months. Primary endpoint was response at two months. The overall response rate (ORR) was partial- and complete responses of treated tumours. MR-imaging and qualitative interviews were performed in respective subsets. RESULTS Nineteen patients with disseminated cancer (breast n = 4, lung n = 5, pancreatic n = 1, colorectal n = 2, gastric n = 1, and endometrial cancer n = 1) were enrolled, and 58 metastases were treated (50 once, 8 retreated). The ORR was 36% (95% CI 22-53) after two months. Best ORR was 51% (CR 42%; PR 9%). Previous irradiation improved outcomes (p = 0.0004). Adverse events were minimal. Median pain score was reduced after two months (p = 0.017). Treatment may relieve symptoms according to qualitative interviews. MRI showed restriction in treated tissue. CONCLUSION The majority of tumours were treated only once with calcium electroporation, achieving an ORR of 36% after two months and best ORR of 51%. Efficacy, symptom-relief and safety support calcium electroporation as a palliative treatment option for cutaneous metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mille Vissing
- Center for Experimental Drug and Gene Electrotransfer (C∗EDGE), Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde and Næstved, Ringstedgade 61, 4700, Næstved, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mascha Pervan
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Germany Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - John Pløen
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, 7100, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Mazen Schnefeldt
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, 7100, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Søren Rafael Rafaelsen
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, 7100, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Lars Henrik Jensen
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, 7100, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Achim Rody
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Germany Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Julie Gehl
- Center for Experimental Drug and Gene Electrotransfer (C∗EDGE), Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde and Næstved, Ringstedgade 61, 4700, Næstved, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Campana LG, Daud A, Lancellotti F, Arroyo JP, Davalos RV, Di Prata C, Gehl J. Pulsed Electric Fields in Oncology: A Snapshot of Current Clinical Practices and Research Directions from the 4th World Congress of Electroporation. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3340. [PMID: 37444450 PMCID: PMC10340685 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The 4th World Congress of Electroporation (Copenhagen, 9-13 October 2022) provided a unique opportunity to convene leading experts in pulsed electric fields (PEF). PEF-based therapies harness electric fields to produce therapeutically useful effects on cancers and represent a valuable option for a variety of patients. As such, irreversible electroporation (IRE), gene electrotransfer (GET), electrochemotherapy (ECT), calcium electroporation (Ca-EP), and tumour-treating fields (TTF) are on the rise. Still, their full therapeutic potential remains underappreciated, and the field faces fragmentation, as shown by parallel maturation and differences in the stages of development and regulatory approval worldwide. This narrative review provides a glimpse of PEF-based techniques, including key mechanisms, clinical indications, and advances in therapy; finally, it offers insights into current research directions. By highlighting a common ground, the authors aim to break silos, strengthen cross-functional collaboration, and pave the way to novel possibilities for intervention. Intriguingly, beyond their peculiar mechanism of action, PEF-based therapies share technical interconnections and multifaceted biological effects (e.g., vascular, immunological) worth exploiting in combinatorial strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca G. Campana
- Department of Surgery, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Rd., Manchester M13 9WL, UK;
| | - Adil Daud
- Department of Medicine, University of California, 550 16 Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA;
| | - Francesco Lancellotti
- Department of Surgery, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Rd., Manchester M13 9WL, UK;
| | - Julio P. Arroyo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (J.P.A.); (R.V.D.)
| | - Rafael V. Davalos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (J.P.A.); (R.V.D.)
- Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Claudia Di Prata
- Department of Surgery, San Martino Hospital, 32100 Belluno, Italy;
| | - Julie Gehl
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Egeland C, Baeksgaard L, Gehl J, Gögenur I, Achiam MP. Palliative Treatment of Esophageal Cancer Using Calcium Electroporation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215283. [PMID: 36358702 PMCID: PMC9655404 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Calcium electroporation is a new cancer therapy wherein a high, rapid influx of calcium, facilitated by electrical pulses, is used to kill cancer cells. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of this new treatment for patients with non-curable esophageal cancer. The treatment was administrated during an endoscopic examination, under general anesthesia, and in an outpatient setting. Eight patients were treated. One severe adverse event occurred (requiring a single blood transfusion) and another three mild side effects were seen. Two patients reported dysphagia relief after treatment and one patient had a partial response evaluated by CT. Six months after treatment, the same patient was still in good condition, without the need for further treatment. Calcium electroporation was conducted in eight patients with only a few side effects. More studies are warranted to evaluate clinical efficacy. Abstract Calcium electroporation (CaEP) is a novel cancer therapy wherein high intracellular calcium levels, facilitated by reversible electroporation, trigger tumor necrosis. This study aimed to establish safety with CaEP within esophageal cancer. Patients with non-curable esophageal cancer were included at Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet in 2021 and 2022. In an outpatient setting, calcium gluconate was injected intratumorally followed by reversible electroporation applied with an endoscopic electrode. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of adverse events, followed by palliation of dysphagia. All patients were evaluated with CT and upper endoscopies up to two months after treatment. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04958044). Eight patients were treated. One serious adverse event (anemia, requiring a single blood transfusion) and three adverse events (mild retrosternal pain (two) and oral thrush (one)) were registered. Initially, six patients suffered from dysphagia: two reported dysphagia relief and four reported no change. From the imaging evaluation, one patient had a partial response, three patients had no response, and four patients had progression. Six months after treatment, the patient who responded well was still in good condition and without the need for further oncological treatment. CaEP was conducted in eight patients with only a few side effects. This study opens the way for larger studies evaluating tumor regression and symptom palliation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Egeland
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence:
| | - Lene Baeksgaard
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julie Gehl
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Center for Experimental Drug and Gene Electrotransfer (C*EDGE), Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ismail Gögenur
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Surgery, Center for Surgical Science, Zealand University Hospital, 4600 Køge, Denmark
| | - Michael Patrick Achiam
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Electroporation and Electrochemotherapy in Gynecological and Breast Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27082476. [PMID: 35458673 PMCID: PMC9026735 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynecological carcinomas affect an increasing number of women and are associated with poor prognosis. The gold standard treatment plan is mainly based on surgical resection and subsequent chemotherapy with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, anthracyclines, or taxanes. Unfortunately, this treatment is becoming less effective and is associated with many side effects that negatively affect patients’ physical and mental well-being. Electroporation based on tumor exposure to electric pulses enables reduction in cytotoxic drugs dose while increasing their effectiveness. EP-based treatment methods have received more and more interest in recent years and are the subject of a large number of scientific studies. Some of them show promising therapeutic potential without using any cytotoxic drugs or molecules already present in the human body (e.g., calcium electroporation). This literature review aims to present the fundamental mechanisms responsible for the course of EP-based therapies and the current state of knowledge in the field of their application in the treatment of gynecological neoplasms.
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