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Ferioli M, Perrone AM, Buwenge M, Arcelli A, Vadala’ M, Fionda B, Malato MC, De Iaco P, Zamagni C, Cammelli S, Tagliaferri L, Morganti AG. Combination of Electrochemotherapy with Radiotherapy: A Comprehensive, Systematic, PRISMA-Compliant Review of Efficacy and Potential Radiosensitizing Effects in Tumor Control. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:9895-9905. [PMID: 37999139 PMCID: PMC10670517 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30110719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) and electrochemotherapy (ECT) are established local treatments for cancer. While effective, both therapies have limitations, especially in treating bulky and poorly oxygenated tumors. ECT has emerged as a promising palliative treatment, raising interest in exploring its combination with RT to enhance tumor response. However, the potential benefits and challenges of combining these treatments remain unclear. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane libraries were searched. Studies were screened and selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ten studies were included, comprising in vitro and in vivo experiments. Different tumor types were treated with ECT alone or in combination with RT. ECT plus RT demonstrated superior tumor response compared to that under single therapies or other combinations, regardless of the cytotoxic agent and RT dose. However, no study demonstrated a clear superadditive effect in cell survival curves, suggesting inconclusive evidence of specific ECT-induced radiosensitization. Toxicity data were limited. In conclusion, the combination of ECT and RT consistently improved tumor response compared to that with individual therapies, supporting the potential benefit of their combination. However, evidence for a specific ECT-induced radiosensitization effect is currently lacking. Additional investigations are necessary to elucidate the potential benefits of this combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ferioli
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.A.); (M.C.M.); (P.D.I.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Anna M. Perrone
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.A.); (M.C.M.); (P.D.I.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.)
- Division of Oncologic Gynaecology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Milly Buwenge
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.A.); (M.C.M.); (P.D.I.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Alessandra Arcelli
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.A.); (M.C.M.); (P.D.I.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.)
- Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Vadala’
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Bruno Fionda
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, 00168 Roma, Italy; (B.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Maria C. Malato
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.A.); (M.C.M.); (P.D.I.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.)
- Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Pierandrea De Iaco
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.A.); (M.C.M.); (P.D.I.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.)
- Division of Oncologic Gynaecology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Zamagni
- Oncologia Medica Addarii, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Silvia Cammelli
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.A.); (M.C.M.); (P.D.I.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.)
- Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Tagliaferri
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, 00168 Roma, Italy; (B.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Alessio G. Morganti
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.A.); (M.C.M.); (P.D.I.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.)
- Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Rembiałkowska N, Dubińska-magiera M, Sikora A, Szlasa W, Szewczyk A, Czapor-irzabek H, Daczewska M, Saczko J, Kulbacka J. Doxorubicin Assisted by Microsecond Electroporation Promotes Irreparable Morphological Alternations in Sensitive and Resistant Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells. Applied Sciences 2020; 10:2765. [DOI: 10.3390/app10082765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Electroporation increases the transmembrane transport of molecules. The combination of electric pulses with cytostatic compounds is beneficial for cancer treatment. Doxorubicin (DOX) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic anticancer drug. Its fluorescence properties enable the investigation of drug distribution and metabolism. In this study, doxorubicin was enhanced by electroporation to eliminate cancer cells more effectively. The influence of electroporation on the drug uptake was evaluated in two cell lines: MCF-7/WT and MCF-7/DOX. The intracellular localization of doxorubicin and its impact on the intracellular structure organization were examined under a confocal microscope. Cellular effects were examined with the 3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test that estimates the rate of metabolism in viable cells. The ultrastructure (TEM) of tumor cells subjected to the electric field was analyzed. An enhanced doxorubicin efficacy was observed in MCF-7/DOX cells after combination with electroporation. The response of the resistant cell line was revealed to be more sensitive to electric pulses. Electroporation-based methods may be attractive for cancer treatment in human breast adenocarcinoma, especially with acquired resistance. Electroporation enables a reduction of the effective dose of the drugs and the exposure time in this type of cancer, diminishing side effects of the systemic therapy.
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Dos Anjos DS, Bueno C, Magalhães LF, Magalhães GM, Mattos-Junior E, Pinto MMR, De Nardi AB, Brunner CHM, Leis-Filho AF, Calazans SG, Fonseca-Alves CE. Electrochemotherapy induces tumor regression and decreases the proliferative index in canine cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15819. [PMID: 31676831 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52461-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common skin cancer in dogs, and, due to its low metastatic rate, local treatments, such as electrochemotherapy (ECT), promote disease control or even complete remission (CR). This study aimed to evaluate the gene and protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-2 associated X protein (BAX), the proliferative index and clinical parameters in dogs with cSCC subjected to ECT. A prospective nonrandomized clinical study was performed using dogs with naturally occurring cSCC that was treated with ECT. Eighteen lesions from 11 dogs were selected. The tumor size at day 0 (D0) had no impact on survival or prognosis (P > 0.05). Tumor samples had a lower proliferative index after ECT (D21) than before ECT (P = 0.031). The survival of subjects with Ki67 values lower and higher than the Ki67 median value were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Regarding apoptotic markers, there were no significant differences in the gene and protein expression levels of BAX or Bcl-2 at D0 and D21 (P > 0.05) or in the overall survival of subjects with different levels of apoptotic markers. In conclusion, there was no change in BAX or Bcl-2 gene and protein expression in response to ECT at the time points evaluated, but ECT was able to reduce tumor volume and cellular proliferation in cSCC.
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Venslauskas MS, Šatkauskas S. Mechanisms of transfer of bioactive molecules through the cell membrane by electroporation. Eur Biophys J 2015; 44:277-89. [PMID: 25939984 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-015-1025-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
A short review of biophysical mechanisms for electrotransfer of bioactive molecules through the cell membrane by using electroporation is presented. The concept of transient hydrophilic aqueous pores and membrane electroporation mechanisms of single cells and cells in suspension models are analyzed. Alongside the theoretical approach, some peculiarities of drug and gene electrotransfer into cells and applications in clinical trials are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mindaugas S Venslauskas
- Biophysical Research Group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos 8, 44404, Kaunas, Lithuania,
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Kulbacka J, Daczewska M, Dubińska-Magiera M, Choromańska A, Rembiałkowska N, Surowiak P, Kulbacki M, Kotulska M, Saczko J. Doxorubicin delivery enhanced by electroporation to gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma cells with P-gp overexpression. Bioelectrochemistry 2014; 100:96-104. [PMID: 24767854 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2014.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Electroporation (EP) can effectively support the penetration of macromolecules from the extracellular space into cells. Electropores induced by the influence of electromagnetic field generate additional paths of transport for macromolecules. The aim of this study was evaluation of the electroporation effect on doxorubicin transport efficiency to human colon (LoVo and LoVo/DX) and gastric (EPG85-257/P and EPG85-257/RDB) adenocarcinoma cells with overexpression of P-glycoprotein and murine macrophage cell line (P388/D1). In our EP experiments cells were placed into a cuvette with aluminum electrodes and pulsed with five square electric pulses of 1300 V/cm and duration of 50 μs each. Cells were also treated with low doxorubicin concentration ([DOX]=1.7 μM). The ultrastructure (TEM) and changes of P-glycoprotein expression of tumor cells subjected to electric field were monitored. The mitochondrial cell function and trypan blue staining were evaluated after 24h. Our results indicate the most pronounced effect of EP with DOX and disturbed ultrastructure in resistant gastric and colon cells with decrease of P-gp expression. Electroporation may be an attractive delivery method of cytostatic drugs in chemotherapy, enabling reduction of drug dose, exposure time and side effects.
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Meschini S, Condello M, Lista P, Vincenzi B, Baldi A, Citro G, Arancia G, Spugnini EP. Electroporation adopting trains of biphasic pulses enhances in vitro and in vivo the cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin on multidrug resistant colon adenocarcinoma cells (LoVo). Eur J Cancer 2012; 48:2236-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2011.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2011] [Revised: 11/14/2011] [Accepted: 11/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Kranjc S, Tevz G, Kamensek U, Vidic S, Cemazar M, Sersa G. Radiosensitizing Effect of Electrochemotherapy in a Fractionated Radiation Regimen in Radiosensitive Murine Sarcoma and Radioresistant Adenocarcinoma Tumor Model. Radiat Res 2009; 172:677-85. [DOI: 10.1667/rr1873.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Taveira SF, Nomizo A, Lopez RFV. Effect of the iontophoresis of a chitosan gel on doxorubicin skin penetration and cytotoxicity. J Control Release 2008; 134:35-40. [PMID: 19047006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2008.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2008] [Revised: 10/06/2008] [Accepted: 11/05/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to investigate doxorubicin (DOX) percutaneous absorption and retention in the skin following iontophoresis. The convective flow contribution to the overall electrotransport of DOX was also elucidated for a non-ionic hydroxyethylcellulose gel and a cationic chitosan gel. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of DOX and its formulations, with and without low electrical current, was verified. It was observed that iontophoresis of DOX significantly increased the skin permeation and retention of the drug. In addition, the electroosmotic flow was dramatically reduced when DOX was added to the non-ionic gel, thereby indicating that the drug interacted with negative charges in the skin. Interestingly, electroosmosis was also significantly reduced when the iontophoresis was performed in the presence of the chitosan gel, but in the absence of DOX. Consequently, the transport of an electroosmotic marker from this gel almost disappeared when the positively charged drug was added to the cationic gel. These results indicated that chitosan appeared to interact with negative charges in the skin. Hence, this carrier not only reduced electroosmotic flow, but also released DOX from ionic interactions with these sites and improved its diffusion to deeper skin layers. The application of the low electrical current directly to melanoma cells increased DOX cytotoxicity by nearly three-fold, which was probably due to membrane permeation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephânia F Taveira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café s/no., 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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