German scientists are revealing that “cold plasma” can penetrate deep into the tissues, accurately attack and destroy hidden cancer cells, and provide potential possibilities for future therapies such as postoperative recurrence of cancer. (Photo: Leibniz Institute of Plasma Science and Technology)
Ji Lijun/Reviewed Manuscript Edit
[Compiled by Chen Chengliang/Comprehensive Report]According to the website of SciTechDaily, scientists from the Leibniz Institute of Plasma Science and Technology (INP) in Germany confirmed in a collaborative study that the “cold plasma” technology can successfully destroy tumor cells hidden several millimeters deep inside tissue. More importantly, they revealed for the first time the key molecular mechanisms of their role lay the foundation for the application of this futuristic therapy in cancer surgery.
“Cold plasma” is an ionized gas that can produce a large number of highly chemically active molecules that can strongly influence the biological processes that determine the survival or death of tumor cells. “The effects of plasma in tissues are very complex and little-known,” explained Lea Miebach, the first author of the study.
To this end, the team developed a 3D hydrogel model that can mimic real tumor tissue. Surprisingly, research found that the “hydrogen peroxide” that was considered the main contributor in the past, even if it was removed, the cancer-killing effect of plasma is still strong. What can truly penetrate deep into the organization and play the key killer role are molecules with extremely short lifespans such as “peroxynitrite”.
The most promising application of this study is in the follow-up treatment of cancer surgery. In another model, the research team simulated the wound edge after surgical removal of the tumor and used plasma to accurately treat the remaining tumor cells. The results show that in this situation, the plasma also exhibits a powerful killing effect, especially for cancer cells that have spread to surrounding tissues. This discovery provides an important scientific basis for future use of plasma technology to “clean” the battlefield during surgery to prevent postoperative recurrence.
Going towards milder precision treatment
“The more we understand which molecules play a role in tissues, the more we can use plasma devices for specific types of cancer treatments,” concluded Prof. Dr. Sander Bekeschus, presenter of the INP Plasma Medicine Research Program.
The study was conducted using a medically licensed “kINPen plasma injector”. In the long run, this approach is expected to make cancer treatment more effective and gentle. This breakthrough has been published in the journal Trends in Biotechnology.
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