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Lee SY, Lorant G, Grand L, Szasz AM. The Clinical Validation of Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia (mEHT). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4569. [PMID: 37760538 PMCID: PMC10526385 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The mEHT method uses tissues' thermal and bioelectromagnetic heterogeneity for the selective mechanisms. The success of the therapy for advanced, relapsed, and metastatic aggressive tumors can only be demonstrated by measuring survival time and quality of life (QoL). The complication is that mEHT-treated patients cannot be curatively treated any longer with "gold standards", where the permanent progression of the disease, the refractory, relapsing situation, the organ failure, the worsening of blood counts, etc., block them. Collecting a cohort of these patients is frequently impossible. Only an intent-to-treat (ITT) patient group was available. Due to the above limitations, many studies have single-arm data collection. The Phase III trial of advanced cervix tumors subgrouping of HIV-negative and -positive patients showed the stable efficacy of mEHT in all patients' subgroups. The single-arm represents lower-level evidence, which can be improved by comparing the survival data of various studies from different institutes. The Kaplan-Meier probability comparison had no significant differences, so pooled data were compared to other methods. Following this approach, we demonstrate the feasibility and superiority of mEHT in the cases of glioblastoma multiform, pancreas carcinomas, lung tumors, and colorectal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Young Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Republic of Korea;
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Republic of Korea
| | - Gergo Lorant
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Laszlo Grand
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Attila Marcell Szasz
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary;
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Liu JL, Yang M, Bai JG, Liu Z, Wang XS. “Cold” colorectal cancer faces a bottleneck in immunotherapy. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:240-250. [PMID: 36908324 PMCID: PMC9994051 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i2.240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of immunotherapy and the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are changing the way we think about cancer treatment. ICIs have shown clinical benefits in a variety of tumor types, and ICI-based immunotherapy has shown effective clinical outcomes in immunologically “hot” tumors. However, for immunologically “cold” tumors such as colorectal cancer (CRC), only a limited number of patients are currently benefiting from ICIs due to limitations such as individual differences and low response rates. In this review, we discuss the classification and differences between hot and cold CRC and the current status of research on cold CRC, and summarize the treatment strategies and challenges of immunotherapy for cold CRC. We also explain the mechanism, biology, and role of immunotherapy for cold CRC, which will help clarify the future development of immunotherapy for cold CRC and discovery of more emerging strategies for the treatment of cold CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Liang Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jun-Ge Bai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Xi-Shan Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
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Arrojo E, Fiorentini G, Ghadjar P, Minnaar C, Szasz AM, Szasz A. Commentary on "Systematic review about complementary medical hyperthermia in oncology" by Liebl et al. Clin Exp Med 2022; 22:667-672. [PMID: 36239869 PMCID: PMC9588469 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00902-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Arrojo
- University Hospital Marques de Valdecilla, Santender, Cantabria, Spain
- Medical Institute of Advanced Oncology (INMOA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Giammaria Fiorentini
- Former Director Medical Oncology Unit and Hyperthermia Service, Onco-Hematology Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Marche Nord, Pesaro, Italy
| | - Pirus Ghadjar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carrie Minnaar
- Department of Radiation Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Wits Donald Gordon Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - A Marcell Szasz
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andras Szasz
- Biotechnics Department, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Godollo, Hungary
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Hübner J, Dörfler J, Liebl C, Käsmann L. Answer to Commentary on "Systematic review about complementary medical hyperthermia in oncology" by Liebl et al. Clin Exp Med 2022; 22:673-678. [PMID: 36239870 PMCID: PMC9588464 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00901-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Hübner
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II; Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany.
| | - J Dörfler
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II; Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - C Liebl
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II; Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - L Käsmann
- LMU Klinikum Munich, Munich, Germany
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Long-Term Feasibility of 13.56 MHz Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia-Based Preoperative Thermoradiochemotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051271. [PMID: 35267579 PMCID: PMC8909844 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We demonstrated that a 13.56 MHz modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) boost is feasible in neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer. Herein, we attempted to present the long-term results for this phase 2 trial. Although there are many reports on the usefulness of thermoradiochemotherapy for loco-regional control, so far, only a few cases of survival benefit exist. Thus, this study assessed whether this limitation of hyperthermia could be overcome through the mEHT method featuring an applied energy variable. Following a median follow-up of 58 months for 60 patients, mEHT boost showed comparable results with conventional hyperthermia; potential therapeutic effects were also observed. Moreover, mEHT could be considered a useful tool in combination treatment with radiotherapy owing to its low thermotoxicity and improved treatment compliance. Abstract We evaluated the effect of 13.56 MHz modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) boost in neoadjuvant treatment for cT3-4- or cN-positive rectal cancer. Sixty patients who completed the mEHT feasibility trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02546596) were analyzed. Whole pelvis radiotherapy of 40 Gy, mEHT boost twice a week during radiotherapy, and surgical resection 6–8 weeks following radiotherapy were performed. The median age was 59. The median follow-up period was 58 (6–85) months. Total/near total tumor regression was observed in 20 patients (33.3%), including nine cases of complete response. T- and N-downstaging was identified in 40 (66.6%) and 53 (88.3%) patients, respectively. The 5-year overall and disease-free survival were 94.0% and 77.1%, respectively. mEHT energy of ≥3800 kJ potentially increased the overall survival (p = 0.039). The ypN-stage and perineural invasion were possible significant factors in disease-free (p = 0.003 and p = 0.005, respectively) and distant metastasis-free (p = 0.011 and p = 0.034, respectively) survival. Tumor regression, resection margin status, and other molecular genetic factors showed no correlation with survival. Although a limited analysis of a small number of patients, mEHT was feasible considering long-term survival. A relatively low dose irradiation (40 Gy) plus mEHT setting could ensure comparable clinical outcomes with possible mEHT-related prognostic features.
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Heterogeneous Heat Absorption Is Complementary to Radiotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040901. [PMID: 35205649 PMCID: PMC8870118 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040901] [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: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review shows the advantages of heterogeneous heating of selected malignant cells in harmonic synergy with radiotherapy. The main clinical achievement of this complementary therapy is its extreme safety and minimal adverse effects. Combining the two methods opens a bright perspective, transforming the local radiotherapy to the antitumoral impact on the whole body, destroying the distant metastases by “teaching” the immune system about the overall danger of malignancy. Abstract (1) Background: Hyperthermia in oncology conventionally seeks the homogeneous heating of the tumor mass. The expected isothermal condition is the basis of the dose calculation in clinical practice. My objective is to study and apply a heterogenic temperature pattern during the heating process and show how it supports radiotherapy. (2) Methods: The targeted tissue’s natural electric and thermal heterogeneity is used for the selective heating of the cancer cells. The amplitude-modulated radiofrequency current focuses the energy absorption on the membrane rafts of the malignant cells. The energy partly “nonthermally” excites and partly heats the absorbing protein complexes. (3) Results: The excitation of the transmembrane proteins induces an extrinsic caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway, while the heat stress promotes the intrinsic caspase-dependent and independent apoptotic signals generated by mitochondria. The molecular changes synergize the method with radiotherapy and promote the abscopal effect. The mild average temperature (39–41 °C) intensifies the blood flow for promoting oxygenation in combination with radiotherapy. The preclinical experiences verify, and the clinical studies validate the method. (4) Conclusions: The heterogenic, molecular targeting has similarities with DNA strand-breaking in radiotherapy. The controlled energy absorption allows using a similar energy dose to radiotherapy (J/kg). The two therapies are synergistically combined.
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Forika G, Kiss E, Petovari G, Danko T, Gellert AB, Krenacs T. Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia Supports the Effect of Gemcitabine Both in Sensitive and Resistant Pancreas Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines. Pathol Oncol Res 2021; 27:1610048. [PMID: 34955688 PMCID: PMC8702438 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.1610048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is frequently associated to high treatment resistance. Gemcitabine (GEM) alone or in combination is the most used chemotherapy for unresecable PDACs. Here we studied whether modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT), a non-invasive complementary treatment, can support the effect of GEM on PDAC cells in vitro. The LD20 for the GEM-resistant Panc1 cells proved to be 200× higher than for the drug-sensitive Capan1. The mEHT alone caused significant apoptosis in Capan1 cultures as confirmed by the elevated SubG1 phase cell fraction and increased number of cleaved Caspase-3 positive cells 48 h after treatment, with an additive effect when GEM was used after hyperthermia. These were accompanied by reduced number of G1, S, and G2/M phase cells and elevated expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21waf1 protein. In GEM-resistant Panc1 cells, an initial apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry 24 h after mEHT ± GEM treatment, which however diminished by 48 h at persistent number of cleaved Caspase-3 positive tumor cells. Though GEM monotherapy reduced the number of tumor progenitor colonies in Capan1 cell line, an additive colony inhibitory effect of mEHT was observed after mEHT + GEM treatment. The heat shock induced Hsp27 and Hsp70 proteins, which are known to sensitize PDAC cells to GEM were upregulated in both Capan1 and Panc1 cells 24 h after mEHT treatment. The level of E-Cadherin, a cell adhesion molecule, increased in Capan1 cells after mEHT + GEM treatment. In conclusion, in GEM-sensitive PDAC cells mEHT treatment alone induced cell death and cell cycle inhibition and improved GEM efficiency in combination, which effects were milder and short-term up to 24 h in the GEM-resistant Panc1 cells. Our data further support the inclusion of hyperthermia, in particular of mEHT, into the traditional oncotherapy regimens of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gertrud Forika
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eva Kiss
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Oncology Profile, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabor Petovari
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Titanilla Danko
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Aron Bertram Gellert
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tibor Krenacs
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Tibor Krenacs,
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Kim S, Lee JH, Cha J, You SH. Beneficial effects of modulated electro-hyperthermia during neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. Int J Hyperthermia 2021; 38:144-151. [PMID: 33557636 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2021.1877837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) may enhance the tumor response, although the effectiveness of combined neoadjuvant therapy remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the role of mEHT with neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Clinical data were analyzed for 120 patients who received neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (T3/4 or N+, M0) from May 2012 to December 2017. Capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil was administered along with radiotherapy. Patients were categorized into mEHT group (62 patients) and non-mEHT group (58 patients) depending on whether mEHT was added. Surgery was performed 6-8 weeks after the end of radiotherapy. RESULTS The median age was 59 years (range, 33-83). The median radiation dose was significantly less for mEHT group (40 Gy) than for non-mEHT group (50.4 Gy). In mEHT group, 80.7% showed down-staging compared with 67.2% in non-mEHT group. For large tumors of more than 65 cm³ (mean), improved tumor regression was observed in 31.6% of mEHT group compared with 0% of non-mEHT group (p = .024). The gastrointestinal toxicity rate of mEHT group was 64.5%, which was found to be statistically significantly less than 87.9% of non-mEHT group (p = .010). The 2-year disease-free survival was 96% for mEHT group and 79% for non-mEHT group (p = .054). CONCLUSION The overall mEHT group had a comparable response and survival using less radiation dosing compared with standard care; the subgroup with large tumors showed improved efficacy for tumor regression after mEHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunghyun Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Jun Hyeok Lee
- Department of Biostatistics, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Jihye Cha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Sei Hwan You
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
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Nagata T, Kanamori M, Sekine S, Arai M, Moriyama M, Fujii T. Clinical study of modulated electro-hyperthermia for advanced metastatic breast cancer. Mol Clin Oncol 2021; 14:103. [PMID: 33796292 PMCID: PMC8010507 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2021.2265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) is a new treatment modality developed to overcome the problems associated with traditional hyperthermia; mEHT uses a precise impedance-matched system and modulated radiofrequency current flow to malignant tumors. It selects the malignant cells based on their biophysical differences, due to their high metabolic rate, individual (autonomic) behavior and membrane status. The aim of the present study was to report the outcomes of mEHT in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. mEHT was examined in 10 patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer and recurrent disease, who were considered incurable by standard therapy protocols. Of the 10 patients, partial response was achieved in 3, disease stability in 3, and progressive disease in 4; however, their quality of life was improved based on their subjective reports. No adverse effects were observed in any of the 10 patients. The present study demonstrated the feasibility of mEHT as a possible therapy for advanced breast cancer cases when standard therapies fail. Moreover, mEHT had no side effects and may be combined with various treatments for long-term therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Nagata
- Department of Surgery, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center, Tokyo 153-8515, Japan
| | - Masahiko Kanamori
- Department of Human Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sekine
- Department of Surgery, Kamiichi General Hospital, Toyama 930-0391, Japan
| | - Mie Arai
- Department of Surgery, Toyama Nishi General Hospital, Toyama 939-2716, Japan
| | - Makoto Moriyama
- Department of Surgery, Tomei Atsugi Hospital, Kanagawa 243-8571, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Fujii
- Department of Science and Surgery, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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Alshaibi HF, Al-shehri B, Hassan B, Al-zahrani R, Assiss T. Modulated Electrohyperthermia: A New Hope for Cancer Patients. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:8814878. [PMID: 33274226 PMCID: PMC7683119 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8814878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of cancer has increased worldwide. Oncological hyperthermia is a group of methods that overheat the malignant tissues locally or systematically. Nevertheless, hyperthermia is not widely accepted, primarily because of the lack of selectivity for cancer cells and because the temperature-triggered higher blood flow increases the nutrient supply to the tumor, raising the risk of metastases. These problems with classical hyperthermia led to the development of modulated electrohyperthermia (mEHT). The biophysical differences of the cancer cells and their healthy hosts allow for selective energy absorption on the membrane rafts of the plasma membrane of the tumor cells, triggering immunogenic cell death. Currently, this method is used in only 34 countries. The effectiveness of conventional oncotherapies increases when it is applied in combination with mEHT. In silico, in vitro, and in vivo preclinical research studies have all shown the extraordinary ability of mEHT to kill malignant cells. Clinical applications have improved the quality of life and the survival of patients. For these reasons, many other research studies are presently in progress worldwide. Thus, the objective of this review is to highlight the capabilities and advantages of mEHT and provide new hopes for cancer patients worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huda F. Alshaibi
- Faculty of Science Biochemistry Department, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia P.O. Box 52502, Jeddah 21573
| | - Bashayr Al-shehri
- Faculty of Science Biochemistry Department, Undergraduate Students at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basmah Hassan
- Faculty of Science Biochemistry Department, Undergraduate Students at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raghad Al-zahrani
- Faculty of Science Biochemistry Department, Undergraduate Students at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taghreed Assiss
- Faculty of Science Biochemistry Department, Undergraduate Students at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
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