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Scuderi M, Dermol-Cerne J, Scancar J, Markovic S, Rems L, Miklavcic D. The equivalence of different types of electric pulses for electrochemotherapy with cisplatin - an in vitro study. Radiol Oncol 2024; 58:51-66. [PMID: 38378034 PMCID: PMC10878774 DOI: 10.2478/raon-2024-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a treatment involving the administration of chemotherapeutics drugs followed by the application of 8 square monopolar pulses of 100 μs duration at a repetition frequency of 1 Hz or 5000 Hz. However, there is increasing interest in using alternative types of pulses for ECT. The use of high-frequency short bipolar pulses has been shown to mitigate pain and muscle contractions. Conversely, the use of millisecond pulses is interesting when combining ECT with gene electrotransfer for the uptake of DNA-encoding proteins that stimulate the immune response with the aim of converting ECT from a local to systemic treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate how alternative types of pulses affect the efficiency of the ECT. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed in vitro experiments, exposing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to conventional ECT pulses, high-frequency bipolar pulses, and millisecond pulses in the presence of different concentrations of cisplatin. We determined cisplatin uptake by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and cisplatin cytotoxicity by the clonogenic assay. RESULTS We observed that the three tested types of pulses potentiate the uptake and cytotoxicity of cisplatin in an equivalent manner, provided that the electric field is properly adjusted for each pulse type. Furthermore, we quantified that the number of cisplatin molecules, resulting in the eradication of most cells, was 2-7 × 107 per cell. CONCLUSIONS High-frequency bipolar pulses and millisecond pulses can potentially be used in ECT to reduce pain and muscle contraction and increase the effect of the immune response in combination with gene electrotransfer, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Scuderi
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Dermol-Cerne
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Scancar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stefan Markovic
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lea Rems
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavcic
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Morozas A, Malyško-Ptašinskė V, Kulbacka J, Ivaška J, Ivaškienė T, Novickij V. Electrochemotherapy for head and neck cancers: possibilities and limitations. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1353800. [PMID: 38434679 PMCID: PMC10905418 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1353800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer continues to be among the most prevalent types of cancer globally, yet it can be managed with appropriate treatment approaches. Presently, chemotherapy and radiotherapy stand as the primary treatment modalities for various groups and regions affected by head and neck cancer. Nonetheless, these treatments are linked to adverse side effects in patients. Moreover, due to tumor resistance to multiple drugs (both intrinsic and extrinsic) and radiotherapy, along with numerous other factors, recurrences or metastases often occur. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) emerges as a clinically proven alternative that offers high efficacy, localized effect, and diminished negative factors. Electrochemotherapy involves the treatment of solid tumors by combining a non-permeable cytotoxic drug, such as bleomycin, with a locally administered pulsed electric field (PEF). It is crucial to employ this method effectively by utilizing optimal PEF protocols and drugs at concentrations that do not possess inherent cytotoxic properties. This review emphasizes an examination of diverse clinical practices of ECT concerning head and neck cancer. It specifically delves into the treatment procedure, the choice of anti-cancer drugs, pre-treatment planning, PEF protocols, and electroporation electrodes as well as the efficacy of tumor response to the treatment and encountered obstacles. We have also highlighted the significance of assessing the spatial electric field distribution in both tumor and adjacent tissues prior to treatment as it plays a pivotal role in determining treatment success. Finally, we compare the ECT methodology to conventional treatments to highlight the potential for improvement and to facilitate popularization of the technique in the area of head and neck cancers where it is not widespread yet while it is not the case with other cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnoldas Morozas
- Department of Immunology and Bioelectrochemistry, State Research Institute Centre of Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Immunology and Bioelectrochemistry, State Research Institute Centre of Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Justinas Ivaška
- Department of Immunology and Bioelectrochemistry, State Research Institute Centre of Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Tatjana Ivaškienė
- Department of Immunology and Bioelectrochemistry, State Research Institute Centre of Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- Department of Immunology and Bioelectrochemistry, State Research Institute Centre of Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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3
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Fesmire CC, Peal B, Ruff J, Moyer E, McParland TJ, Derks K, O’Neil E, Emke C, Johnson B, Ghosh S, Petrella RA, DeWitt MR, Prange T, Fogle C, Sano MB. Investigation of integrated time nanosecond pulse irreversible electroporation against spontaneous equine melanoma. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1232650. [PMID: 38352036 PMCID: PMC10861690 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1232650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Integrated time nanosecond pulse irreversible electroporation (INSPIRE) is a novel tumor ablation modality that employs high voltage, alternating polarity waveforms to induce cell death in a well-defined volume while sparing the underlying tissue. This study aimed to demonstrate the in vivo efficacy of INSPIRE against spontaneous melanoma in standing, awake horses. Methods A custom applicator and a pulse generation system were utilized in a pilot study to treat horses presenting with spontaneous melanoma. INSPIRE treatments were administered to 32 tumors across 6 horses and an additional 13 tumors were followed to act as untreated controls. Tumors were tracked over a 43-85 day period following a single INSPIRE treatment. Pulse widths of 500ns and 2000ns with voltages between 1000 V and 2000 V were investigated to determine the effect of these variables on treatment outcomes. Results Treatments administered at the lowest voltage (1000 V) reduced tumor volumes by 11 to 15%. Higher voltage (2000 V) treatments reduced tumor volumes by 84 to 88% and eliminated 33% and 80% of tumors when 500 ns and 2000 ns pulses were administered, respectively. Discussion Promising results were achieved without the use of chemotherapeutics, the use of general anesthesia, or the need for surgical resection in regions which are challenging to keep sterile. This novel therapeutic approach has the potential to expand the role of pulsed electric fields in veterinary patients, especially when general anesthesia is contraindicated, and warrants future studies to demonstrate the efficacy of INSPIRE as a solid tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris C. Fesmire
- Bioelectricity Lab, UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Bridgette Peal
- Department of Clinical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Jennifer Ruff
- Department of Clinical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Elizabeth Moyer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Thomas J. McParland
- Department of Clinical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Kobi Derks
- Department of Clinical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Erin O’Neil
- Department of Clinical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Carrie Emke
- Clinical Studies Core, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Brianna Johnson
- Clinical Studies Core, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Shatorupa Ghosh
- Bioelectricity Lab, UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Ross A. Petrella
- Bioelectricity Lab, UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Matthew R. DeWitt
- Bioelectricity Lab, UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Timo Prange
- Department of Clinical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Callie Fogle
- Department of Clinical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Michael B. Sano
- Bioelectricity Lab, UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States
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4
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Chittams-Miles AE, Malik A, Purcell EB, Muratori C. Nanosecond pulsed electric fields increase antibiotic susceptibility in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0299223. [PMID: 38092563 PMCID: PMC10783032 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02992-23] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE We have found that treatment with short electric pulses potentiates the effects of multiple antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. By reducing the dose of antibiotic necessary to be effective, co-treatment with electric pulses could amplify the effects of standard antibiotic dosing to treat S. aureus infections such as skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs). SSTIs are accessible to physical intervention and are good candidates for electric pulse co-treatment, which could be adopted as a step-in wound and abscess debridement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E. Chittams-Miles
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Areej Malik
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Erin B. Purcell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Claudia Muratori
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
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5
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Batista Napotnik T, Kos B, Jarm T, Miklavčič D, O'Connor RP, Rems L. Genetically engineered HEK cells as a valuable tool for studying electroporation in excitable cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:720. [PMID: 38184741 PMCID: PMC10771480 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-51073-5] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Electric pulses used in electroporation-based treatments have been shown to affect the excitability of muscle and neuronal cells. However, understanding the interplay between electroporation and electrophysiological response of excitable cells is complex, since both ion channel gating and electroporation depend on dynamic changes in the transmembrane voltage (TMV). In this study, a genetically engineered human embryonic kidney cells expressing NaV1.5 and Kir2.1, a minimal complementary channels required for excitability (named S-HEK), was characterized as a simple cell model used for studying the effects of electroporation in excitable cells. S-HEK cells and their non-excitable counterparts (NS-HEK) were exposed to 100 µs pulses of increasing electric field strength. Changes in TMV, plasma membrane permeability, and intracellular Ca2+ were monitored with fluorescence microscopy. We found that a very mild electroporation, undetectable with the classical propidium assay but associated with a transient increase in intracellular Ca2+, can already have a profound effect on excitability close to the electrostimulation threshold, as corroborated by multiscale computational modelling. These results are of great relevance for understanding the effects of pulse delivery on cell excitability observed in context of the rapidly developing cardiac pulsed field ablation as well as other electroporation-based treatments in excitable tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Batista Napotnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška Cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bor Kos
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška Cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Jarm
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška Cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška Cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rodney P O'Connor
- École des Mines de Saint-Étienne, Department of Bioelectronics, Georges Charpak Campus, Centre Microélectronique de Provence, 880 Route de Mimet, 13120, Gardanne, France
| | - Lea Rems
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška Cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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6
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Kisakov DN, Belyakov IM, Kisakova LA, Yakovlev VA, Tigeeva EV, Karpenko LI. The use of electroporation to deliver DNA-based vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2024; 23:102-123. [PMID: 38063059 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2292772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nucleic acids represent a promising platform for creating vaccines. One disadvantage of this approach is its relatively low immunogenicity. Electroporation (EP) is an effective way to increase the DNA vaccines immunogenicity. However, due to the different configurations of devices used for EP, EP protocols optimization is required not only to enhance immunogenicity, but also to ensure greater safety and tolerability of the EP procedure. AREA COVERED An data analysis for recent years on the DNA vaccines delivery against viral and parasitic infections using EP was carried out. The study of various EP physical characteristics, such as frequency, pulse duration, pulse interval, should be considered along with the immunogenic construct design and the site of delivery of the vaccine, through the study of the immunogenic and protective characteristics of the latter. EXPERT OPINION Future research should focus on regulating the humoral and cellular response required for protection against infectious agents by modifying the EP protocol. Significant efforts will be directed to establishing the possibility of redirecting the immune response toward the Th1 or Th2 response by changing the EP physical parameters. It will allow for an individual selective approach during EP, depending on the pathogen type of an infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis N Kisakov
- Department of bioengineering, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR, Rospotrebnadzor, Novosibirsk region, Russia
| | - Igor M Belyakov
- Department of medico-biological disciplines, Moscow University for Industry and Finance "Synergy", Moscow, Russia
| | - Lubov A Kisakova
- Department of bioengineering, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR, Rospotrebnadzor, Novosibirsk region, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Yakovlev
- Department of bioengineering, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR, Rospotrebnadzor, Novosibirsk region, Russia
| | - Elena V Tigeeva
- Department of bioengineering, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR, Rospotrebnadzor, Novosibirsk region, Russia
| | - Larisa I Karpenko
- Department of bioengineering, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR, Rospotrebnadzor, Novosibirsk region, Russia
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7
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Rembiałkowska N, Novickij V, Radzevičiūtė-Valčiukė E, Mickevičiūtė E, Gajewska-Naryniecka A, Kulbacka J. Susceptibility of various human cancer cell lines to nanosecond and microsecond range electrochemotherapy: Feasibility of multi-drug cocktails. Int J Pharm 2023; 646:123485. [PMID: 37802257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) involves combining anticancer drugs with electroporation, which is induced by pulsed electric fields (PEFs), while the effects vary in effectiveness based on the specific parameters of the electrical pulses and susceptibility of the cells to a specific drug. In this work, we utilized conventional microsecond electroporation protocols (0.8 - 1.5 kV/cm × 100 μs × 8, 1 Hz) and the new modality of nanosecond pulses (4 and 8 kV/cm × 500 ns × 100, 1 kHz and 1 MHz), which are compressed into a high frequency burst. Sensitive and resistant lung, breast and ovarian human cancer cell lines were used in the study. In order to overcome drug-resistance, we have investigated the feasibility to use anticancer drug cocktails i.e., bleomycin and cisplatin combinations with metformin, vinorelbine and Dp44mT. The different susceptibility of various human cancer cells lines to electric pulses was determined, the efficacy of ECT was characterized and the type of cell death depending on the combinations of drugs was investigated. The results indicate that synergistic effects of PEFs with drug cocktails may be used to overcome drug-resistance in cancer, while the application of nsPEF provides more flexibility in parametric protocols and modulation of cancer cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Rembiałkowska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical University, Borowska 211 A, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 10105 Vilnius, Lithuania; State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Department of Immunology, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Eivina Radzevičiūtė-Valčiukė
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 10105 Vilnius, Lithuania; State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Department of Immunology, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Eglė Mickevičiūtė
- State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Department of Immunology, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | | | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical University, Borowska 211 A, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland; State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Department of Immunology, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania.
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8
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Radzevičiūtė-Valčiukė E, Želvys A, Mickevičiūtė E, Gečaitė J, Zinkevičienė A, Malyško-Ptašinskė V, Kašėta V, Novickij J, Ivaškienė T, Novickij V. Calcium Electrochemotherapy for Tumor Eradication and the Potential of High-Frequency Nanosecond Protocols. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1083. [PMID: 37630998 PMCID: PMC10460074 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium electroporation (CaEP) is an innovative approach to treating cancer, involving the internalization of supraphysiological amounts of calcium through electroporation, which leads to cell death. CaEP enables the replacement of chemotherapeutics (e.g., bleomycin). Here, we present a standard microsecond (μsCaEP) and novel high-frequency nanosecond protocols for calcium electroporation (nsCaEP) for the elimination of carcinoma tumors in C57BL/6J mice. We show the efficacy of CaEP in eliminating tumors and increasing their survival rates in vivo. The antitumor immune response after the treatment was observed by investigating immune cell populations in tumors, spleens, lymph nodes, and blood, as well as assessing antitumor antibodies. CaEP treatment resulted in an increased percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ central memory T cells and decreased splenic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). Moreover, increased levels of antitumor IgG antibodies after CaEP treatment were detected. The experimental results demonstrated that the administration of CaEP led to tumor growth delay, increased survival rates, and stimulated immune response, indicating a potential synergistic relationship between CaEP and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eivina Radzevičiūtė-Valčiukė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.Ž.); (J.G.); (A.Z.); (T.I.)
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (V.M.-P.); (J.N.)
| | - Augustinas Želvys
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.Ž.); (J.G.); (A.Z.); (T.I.)
| | - Eglė Mickevičiūtė
- Department of Biomodels, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 11342 Vilnius, Lithuania; (E.M.); (V.K.)
| | - Jovita Gečaitė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.Ž.); (J.G.); (A.Z.); (T.I.)
| | - Auksė Zinkevičienė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.Ž.); (J.G.); (A.Z.); (T.I.)
| | - Veronika Malyško-Ptašinskė
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (V.M.-P.); (J.N.)
| | - Vytautas Kašėta
- Department of Biomodels, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 11342 Vilnius, Lithuania; (E.M.); (V.K.)
| | - Jurij Novickij
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (V.M.-P.); (J.N.)
| | - Tatjana Ivaškienė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.Ž.); (J.G.); (A.Z.); (T.I.)
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.Ž.); (J.G.); (A.Z.); (T.I.)
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (V.M.-P.); (J.N.)
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9
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Lyons P, Polini D, Russell-Ryan K, Clover AJP. High-Frequency Electroporation and Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Cutaneous Malignancies: Evaluation of Early Clinical Response. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3212. [PMID: 37370822 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
High-frequency electroporation (HF-EP) with chemotherapy is a novel therapy proposed for both curative and palliative treatment of cutaneous malignancies. The use of high-frequency biphasic pulses is thought to reduce the painful muscle contractions associated with traditional electrochemotherapy (ECT), allowing treatment administration under local anaesthesia. This proof-of-concept study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of HF-EP protocols on a variety of cutaneous malignancies. A total of 97 lesions of five different histological subtypes were treated across 25 patients. At 12 weeks post-treatment, a 91.3% overall lesion response rate was observed (complete response: 79%; partial response: 12.3%), with excellent intraprocedural patient tolerability under local anaesthetic. HF-EP with chemotherapy shows promising results regarding tumour response rates for cutaneous malignancies of varying histological subtypes when compared to traditional ECT protocols. Improved patient tolerability is important, increasing the possibility of treatment delivery under local anaesthesia and potentially broadening the treatment envelope for patients with cutaneous malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Lyons
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Cork University Hospital, T12 DC4A Cork, Ireland
| | - Dana Polini
- School of Medicine, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland
| | | | - A James P Clover
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Cork University Hospital, T12 DC4A Cork, Ireland
- Cancer Research@UCC, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland
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10
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Radzevičiūtė-Valčiukė E, Gečaitė J, Želvys A, Zinkevičienė A, Žalnėravičius R, Malyško-Ptašinskė V, Nemeikaitė-Čenienė A, Kašėta V, German N, Novickij J, Ramanavičienė A, Kulbacka J, Novickij V. Improving NonViral Gene Delivery Using MHz Bursts of Nanosecond Pulses and Gold Nanoparticles for Electric Field Amplification. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041178. [PMID: 37111663 PMCID: PMC10146442 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene delivery by the pulsed electric field is a promising alternative technology for nonviral transfection; however, the application of short pulses (i.e., nanosecond) is extremely limited. In this work, we aimed to show the capability to improve gene delivery using MHz frequency bursts of nanosecond pulses and characterize the potential use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs: 9, 13, 14, and 22 nm) in this context. We have used bursts of MHz pulses 3/5/7 kV/cm × 300 ns × 100 and compared the efficacy of the parametric protocols to conventional microsecond protocols (100 µs × 8, 1 Hz) separately and in combination with nanoparticles. Furthermore, the effects of pulses and AuNPs on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed. It was shown that gene delivery using microsecond protocols could be significantly improved with AuNPs; however, the efficacy is strongly dependent on the surface charge of AuNPs and their size. The capability of local field amplification using AuNPs was also confirmed by finite element method simulation. Finally, it was shown that AuNPs are not effective with nanosecond protocols. However, MHz protocols are still competitive in the context of gene delivery, resulting in low ROS generation, preserved viability, and easier procedure to trigger comparable efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eivina Radzevičiūtė-Valčiukė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 10223 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jovita Gečaitė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Augustinas Želvys
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Auksė Zinkevičienė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Rokas Žalnėravičius
- State Research Institute Center for Physical Science and Technology, 02300 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Aušra Nemeikaitė-Čenienė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vytautas Kašėta
- Department of Biomodels, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Natalija German
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jurij Novickij
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 10223 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Almira Ramanavičienė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 10223 Vilnius, Lithuania
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11
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Gudvangen E, Mangalanathan U, Semenov I, Kiester AS, Keppler MA, Ibey BL, Bixler JN, Pakhomov AG. Pulsed Electric Field Ablation of Esophageal Malignancies and Mitigating Damage to Smooth Muscle: An In Vitro Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032854. [PMID: 36769172 PMCID: PMC9917603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer ablation therapies aim to be efficient while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) is a promising ablation modality because of its selectivity against certain cell types and reduced neuromuscular effects. We compared cell killing efficiency by PEF (100 pulses, 200 ns-10 µs duration, 10 Hz) in a panel of human esophageal cells (normal and pre-malignant epithelial and smooth muscle). Normal epithelial cells were less sensitive than the pre-malignant ones to unipolar PEF (15-20% higher LD50, p < 0.05). Smooth muscle cells (SMC) oriented randomly in the electric field were more sensitive, with 30-40% lower LD50 (p < 0.01). Trains of ten, 300-ns pulses at 10 kV/cm caused twofold weaker electroporative uptake of YO-PRO-1 dye in normal epithelial cells than in either pre-malignant cells or in SMC oriented perpendicularly to the field. Aligning SMC with the field reduced the dye uptake fourfold, along with a twofold reduction in Ca2+ transients. A 300-ns pulse induced a twofold smaller transmembrane potential in cells aligned with the field, making them less vulnerable to electroporation. We infer that damage to SMC from nsPEF ablation of esophageal malignancies can be minimized by applying the electric field parallel to the predominant SMC orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Gudvangen
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Uma Mangalanathan
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Iurii Semenov
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Allen S. Kiester
- Bioeffects Division, Airman System Directorate, 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
| | | | - Bennett L. Ibey
- Bioeffects Division, Airman System Directorate, 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
| | - Joel N. Bixler
- Bioeffects Division, Airman System Directorate, 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
| | - Andrei G. Pakhomov
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
- Correspondence:
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Casciola M, Feaster TK, Caiola MJ, Keck D, Blinova K. Human in vitro assay for irreversible electroporation cardiac ablation. Front Physiol 2023; 13:1064168. [PMID: 36699682 PMCID: PMC9869257 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1064168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pulsed electric field (PEF) cardiac ablation has been recently proposed as a technique to treat drug resistant atrial fibrillation by inducing cell death through irreversible electroporation (IRE). Improper PEF dosing can result in thermal damage or reversible electroporation. The lack of comprehensive and systematic studies to select PEF parameters for safe and effective IRE cardiac treatments hinders device development and regulatory decision-making. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) have been proposed as an alternative to animal models in the evaluation of cardiac electrophysiology safety. Methods: We developed a novel high-throughput in vitro assay to quantify the electric field threshold (EFT) for electroporation (acute effect) and cell death (long-term effect) in hiPSC-CMs. Monolayers of hiPSC-CMs were cultured in high-throughput format and exposed to clinically relevant biphasic PEF treatments. Electroporation and cell death areas were identified using fluorescent probes and confocal microscopy; electroporation and cell death EFTs were quantified by comparison of fluorescent images with electric field numerical simulations. Results: Study results confirmed that PEF induces electroporation and cell death in hiPSC-CMs, dependent on the number of pulses and the amplitude, duration, and repetition frequency. In addition, PEF-induced temperature increase, absorbed dose, and total treatment time for each PEF parameter combination are reported. Discussion: Upon verification of the translatability of the in vitro results presented here to in vivo models, this novel hiPSC-CM-based assay could be used as an alternative to animal or human studies and can assist in early nonclinical device development, as well as inform regulatory decision-making for cardiac ablation medical devices.
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A computational comparison of radiofrequency and pulsed field ablation in terms of lesion morphology in the cardiac chamber. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16144. [PMID: 36167959 PMCID: PMC9515184 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20212-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) has been developed over the last years as a novel electrical ablation technique for treating cardiac arrhythmias. It is based on irreversible electroporation which is a non-thermal phenomenon innocuous to the extracellular matrix and, because of that, PFA is considered to be safer than the reference technique, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). However, possible differences in lesion morphology between both techniques have been poorly studied. Simulations including electric, thermal and fluid physics were performed in a simplified model of the cardiac chamber which, in essence, consisted of a slab of myocardium with blood in motion on the top. Monopolar and bipolar catheter configurations were studied. Different blood velocities and catheter orientations were assayed. RFA was simulated assuming a conventional temperature-controlled approach. The PFA treatment was assumed to consist in a sequence of 20 biphasic bursts (100 µs duration). Simulations indicate that, for equivalent lesion depths, PFA lesions are wider, larger and more symmetrical than RFA lesions for both catheter configurations. RFA lesions display a great dependence on blood velocity while PFA lesions dependence is negligible on it. For the monopolar configuration, catheter angle with respect to the cardiac surface impacted both ablation techniques but in opposite sense. The orientation of the catheter with respect to blood flow direction only affected RFA lesions. In this study, substantial morphological differences between RFA and PFA lesions were predicted numerically. Negligible dependence of PFA on blood flow velocity and direction is a potential important advantage of this technique over RFA.
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Novickij V, Rembiałkowska N, Szlasa W, Kulbacka J. Does the shape of the electric pulse matter in electroporation? Front Oncol 2022; 12:958128. [PMID: 36185267 PMCID: PMC9518825 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.958128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Electric pulses are widely used in biology, medicine, industry, and food processing. Numerous studies indicate that electroporation (EP) is a pulse-dependent process, and the electric pulse shape and duration strongly determine permeabilization efficacy. EP protocols are precisely planned in terms of the size and charge of the molecules, which will be delivered to the cell. In reversible and irreversible EP applications, rectangular or sine, polar or bipolar pulses are commonly used. The usage of pulses of the asymmetric shape is still limited to high voltage and low voltage (HV/LV) sequences in the context of gene delivery, while EP-based applications of ultra-short asymmetric pulses are just starting to emerge. This review emphasizes the importance and role of the pulse shape for membrane permeabilization by EP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitalij Novickij
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Vilnius TECH), Vilnius, Lithuania
- *Correspondence: Vitalij Novickij, ; Julita Kulbacka,
| | - Nina Rembiałkowska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Szlasa
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- *Correspondence: Vitalij Novickij, ; Julita Kulbacka,
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15
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Sachdev S, Potočnik T, Rems L, Miklavčič D. Revisiting the role of pulsed electric fields in overcoming the barriers to in vivo gene electrotransfer. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 144:107994. [PMID: 34930678 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapies are revolutionizing medicine by providing a way to cure hitherto incurable diseases. The scientific and technological advances have enabled the first gene therapies to become clinically approved. In addition, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are witnessing record speeds in the development and distribution of gene-based vaccines. For gene therapy to take effect, the therapeutic nucleic acids (RNA or DNA) need to overcome several barriers before they can execute their function of producing a protein or silencing a defective or overexpressing gene. This includes the barriers of the interstitium, the cell membrane, the cytoplasmic barriers and (in case of DNA) the nuclear envelope. Gene electrotransfer (GET), i.e., transfection by means of pulsed electric fields, is a non-viral technique that can overcome these barriers in a safe and effective manner. GET has reached the clinical stage of investigations where it is currently being evaluated for its therapeutic benefits across a wide variety of indications. In this review, we formalize our current understanding of GET from a biophysical perspective and critically discuss the mechanisms by which electric field can aid in overcoming the barriers. We also identify the gaps in knowledge that are hindering optimization of GET in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaurya Sachdev
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tjaša Potočnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lea Rems
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Aycock KN, Vadlamani RA, Jacobs EJ, Imran KM, Verbridge S, Allen IC, Manuchehrabadi N, Davalos RV. Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Parameters Affecting High-frequency Irreversible Electroporation for Prostate Cancer Ablation. J Biomech Eng 2022; 144:1131491. [PMID: 35044426 DOI: 10.1115/1.4053595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
While the primary goal of focal therapy for prostate cancer (PCa) is conserving patient quality of life by reducing oncological burden, available modalities use thermal energy or whole-gland radiation which can damage critical neurovascular structures within the prostate and increase risk of genitourinary dysfunction. High-frequency irreversible electroporation (H-FIRE) is a promising alternative ablation modality that utilizes bursts of pulsed electric fields (PEFs) to destroy aberrant cells via targeted membrane damage. Due to its non-thermal mechanism, H-FIRE offers several advantages over state-of-the-art treatments, but waveforms have not been optimized for treatment of PCa. In this study, we characterize lethal electric field thresholds (EFTs) for H-FIRE waveforms with three different pulse widths as well as three interpulse delays in vitro and compare them to conventional IRE. Experiments were performed in non-neoplastic and malignant prostate cells to determine the effect of waveforms on both targeted (malignant) and adjacent (non-neoplastic) tissue. A numerical modeling approach was developed to estimate the clinical effects of each waveform including extent of non-thermal ablation, undesired thermal damage, and nerve excitation. Our findings indicate that H-FIRE waveforms with pulse durations of 5 and 10 µs provide large ablations comparable to IRE with tolerable levels of thermal damage and minimized muscle contractions. Lower duration (2 µs) H-FIRE waveforms exhibit the least amount of muscle contractions but require increased voltages which may be accompanied by unwanted thermal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth N Aycock
- Virginia Tech, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, 325 Stanger St, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Ram Anand Vadlamani
- Virginia Tech, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, 325 Stanger St, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Edward J Jacobs
- Virginia Tech, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, 325 Stanger St, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Khan Mohammad Imran
- Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, 205 Duck Pond Dr, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Scott Verbridge
- Virginia Tech, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, 325 Stanger St, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Irving C Allen
- Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, 205 Duck Pond Dr, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | | | - Rafael V Davalos
- Virginia Tech, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, 325 Stanger St, Blacksburg, VA 24061
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Transdermal Drug Delivery in the Pig Skin. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13122016. [PMID: 34959299 PMCID: PMC8707795 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Transdermal delivery can be accomplished through various mechanisms including formulation optimization, epidermal stratum corneum barrier disruption, or directly by removing the stratum corneum layer. Microneedling, electroporation, a combination of both and also the intradermal injection known as mesotherapy have proved efficacy in epidermal-barrier disruption. Here we analyzed the effects of these methods of epidermal-barrier disruption in the structure of the skin and the absorption of four compounds with different characteristics and properties (ketoprofen, biotin, caffein, and procaine). Swine skin (Pietrain x Durox) was used as a human analogue, both having similar structure and pharmacological release. They were biopsied at different intervals, up to 2 weeks after application. High-pressure liquid chromatography and brightfield microscopy were performed, conducting a biometric analysis and measuring histological structure and vascular status. The performed experiments led to different results in the function of the studied molecules: ketoprofen and biotin had the best concentrations with intradermal injections, while delivery methods for obtaining procaine and caffein maximum concentrations changed on the basis of the lapsed time. The studied techniques did not produce significant histological alterations after their application, except for an observed increase in Langerhans cells and melanocytes after applying electroporation, and an epidermal thinning after using microneedles, with variable results regarding dermal thickness. Although all the studied barrier disruptors can accomplish transdermal delivery, the best disruptor is dependent on the particular molecule.
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