Effectiveness and tolerance of electrochemotherapy as palliative therapy for patients with head and neck cancer and malignant melanoma and its relation to early skin reaction

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance after the electrochemotherapy treatment for local therapy of cutaneous and subcutaneous metastases of head-and-neck tumors and malignant melanoma refractory to standard therapies, mainly in neck metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma. And, to evaluate the relation of this response according to the skin reaction (healing with ulcer or dry crust). Methods prospective pase II, observational clinical study of 56 patients with metastases of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (n = 13), papillary thyroid carcinoma (n = 4), adenoid cystic carcinoma of parotid gland (n = 1) or malignant melanoma (n = 37, 5 in head). Patients were treated by electrochemotherapy (application of electrical pulses into the tumor) after the administration of a single intravenous dose of bleomycin. Kaplan-Meier curves were performed. The statistical significance was evaluated using log-rank test; p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results Overall clinical response was observed in 47 patients (84%). Local side effects were mild in all the patients. Ten patients (76.9%) with neck metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma had some degree of response, but only in one was complete. Patients even with only partial response had a higher overall survival than patients without response (p = 0.02). Most of the patients with squamous cell carcinoma had diminution of pain and anxiety. Response rate and overall survival was higher in MM patients (86.5%) than in squamous cell cancer patients (76.9%) (p = 0.043). The healing process (dry crust/ulcer) was not associated with the overall survival (p = 0.86). Conclusions Electrochemotherapy is associated a higher overall survival and diminution of pain and anxiety. Therefore, it is an option as palliative treatment for patients with neck metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma refractory to other therapies or even as a concomitant treatment with newer immunotherapies. The type of healing of the surgical wound could not be associated with a higher rate of response or survival. Level of evidence III.

Eletroquimioterapia como tratamento de carcinoma espinocelular em felino: relato de caso / Electrochemotherapy as treatment of squamous cell carcinoma in feline: case report / Electroquimioterapia como tratamiento del carcinoma de células escamosas en felino: relato de caso

O carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) é uma neoplasia maligna resultante da diferenciação de ceratinócitos, que acomete principalmente animais de pelagem clara e pouco pigmentados, decorrente da exposição à radiação ultravioleta. Apresentam evolução lenta e baixo caráter metastático, porém, em alguns mais avançados pode ocorrer acometimento metastático de órgãos adjacentes. Os tratamentos utilizados no CCE incluem cirurgia, radioterapia, quimioterapia, crioterapia e eletroquimioterapia (EQT). A eletroquimioterapia se mostra bastante eficaz no tratamento desse tumor, dentre outros e comumente não apresenta efeito colateral. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar o caso de um felino atendido na Clínica Veterinária Bichos S.A. no município de Foz do Iguaçu, diagnosticado com Carcinoma de Células Escamosas e portador do vírus da imunodefiência felina. O tratamento adotado para a neoplasia foi a eletroquimioterapia, resultando em remissão parcial das lesões, após vinte dias da EQT. Com objetivo de investigar possível acometimento ósseo, foi realizada radiografia de face, onde a mesma apresentou área de lise óssea em arco zigomático e maxila esquerda, indicativo de infiltração neoplásica. A radiografia torácica apontou presença de área nodular sobrepondo lobo pulmonar caudal direito, indicativo de processo metastático. Em virtude do prognóstico reservado, os tutores optaram pela eutanásia do mesmo.(AU)

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant neoplasm resulting from the differentiation of keratinocytes, which mainly affects light-colored and non-pigmented animals due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Although they present slow evolution and low metastatic character, in some more advanced cases, metastatic involvement of adjacent organs may occur. The treatments used in SCC include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, cryotherapy and electrochemotherapy (ECT). Electrochemotherapy is quite effective in the treatment of this type of tumor, among others, and it usually has no side effect. This work aims at reporting the case of a feline treated at the Veterinary Clinic Bichos S.A. in the city of Foz do Iguaçu diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma and carrying the feline immunodefense virus (FIV). Electrochemotherapy was the treatment of choice for the neoplasia, resulting in partial remission of the lesions after twenty days of treatment. In order to investigate possible bone involvement, an X-ray of the face was performed, where it presented area of bone lysis in the zygomatic arch and left maxilla, signs of neoplastic infiltration. The chest X-ray showed a nodular area overlapping the right caudal pulmonary lobe, an indication of metastatic process. Due to the reserved prognosis, the tutors chose euthanasia of the subject.(AU)

El carcinoma de células escamosas (CEC) es una neoplasia maligna resultante de la diferenciación de queratinocitos, que afecta principalmente a animales de pelaje claro y de poca pigmentación, resultado de la exposición a la radiación ultravioleta. Tienen una evolución lenta y un carácter metastásico bajo, sin embargo, en algunos más avanzados puede producirse afectación metastásica de órganos adyacentes. Los tratamientos utilizados en el CEC incluyen cirugía, radioterapia, quimioterapia, crioterapia y electroquimioterapia (EQT). La electroquimioterapia es muy eficaz en el tratamiento de ese tumor, entre otros y no suele tener efectos secundarios. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo reportar el caso de un felino atendido en la Clínica Veterinária Bichos S.A. de la ciudad de Foz do Iguaçu, diagnosticado con Carcinoma de Células Escamosas y con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia felina. El tratamiento adoptado para la neoplasia fue la electroquimioterapia, resultando en remisión parcial de las lesiones luego de veinte días de EQT. Con el fin de investigar la posible afectación ósea se realizó una radiografía de rostro, donde se presentó un área de lisis ósea en arco cigomático y maxilar izquierdo, indicativo de infiltración neoplásica. La radiografía de tórax mostró la presencia de un área nodular superpuesta al lóbulo pulmonar caudal derecho, lo que indicaba un proceso metastásico. Debido al pronóstico reservado, los tutores optaron por la eutanasia.(AU)

Efectos de la corriente eléctrica de baja intensidad en ratones sanos / Effects of low-intensity electric current on healthy mice

Introducción: El conocimiento de los efectos de la terapia electroquímica, en los organismos puede ser importante para el tratamiento de diferentes enfermedades. Objetiv:o Evaluar los efectos de la corriente eléctrica directa de baja intensidad en ratones sanos. Métodos: 80 ratones C57BL/6/Cenp sanos (40 machos y 40 hembras) fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente en ocho grupos experimentales (cuatro grupos controles y cuatro grupos tratados). La corriente eléctrica directa (10 mA durante 5 min) o tensión constante (10 V durante 5 min) fue aplicada a los ratones. Fueron realizadas observaciones clínicas, macroscópicas, microscópicas y mediciones de los parámetros hematológicos y bioquímicos de la sangre. Resultados: Se indujeron cambios reversibles en los parámetros hematológicos, bioquímicos de la sangre e histológicos estudiados en ratones C57BL/6/Cenp machos y hembras cuando se usó 10 mA o 10 V y diferentes arreglos de electrodos, siendo menos notable para el modo de tensión constante. Conclusiones: Las alteraciones inducidas en los ratones C57BL/6/Cenp sanos por la corriente eléctrica directa de baja intensidad son reversibles y el proceso inflamatorio sistémico es dominado por los linfocitos(AU)

Introduction: Knowledge about the effects of electrochemotherapy on organisms may be important for the treatment of various diseases. Objective: Evaluate the effects of low-intensity direct electric current on healthy mice. Methods: Eighty healthy C57BL/6/Cenp mice (40 male and 40 female) were randomly distributed in eight experimental groups (four control and four treated). Direct electric current (10 mA during 5 min) or constant voltage (10 V during 5 min) was applied to the mice. Clinical, macroscopic and microscopic observation was performed, and measurements were taken of hematological and biochemical parameters of the blood. Results: Reversible changes were induced in hematological, biochemical and histological parameters of the blood of male and female C57BL/6/Cenp mice when 10 mA or 10 V and various electrode arrays were used. These changes were less noticeable in the constant voltage mode. Conclusions: The alterations induced by low-intensity direct electric current in healthy C57BL/6/Cenp mice are reversible. The systemic inflammatory process is dominated by the lymphocytes(AU)

Assessment of electrochemotherapy effects on the development of Ehrlich solid tumor in swiss mice using a novel electroporator device / Avaliação dos efeitos da eletroquimioterapia sobre o desenvolvimento do tumor sólido de Ehrlich em camundongos Swiss utilizando um novo eletroporador

Electrochemotherapy is a local anticancer treatment in which non-permeant chemotherapeutic drugs are associated with electric pulses of well-established parameters. The electric pulses cause pores to open on the plasma membrane and facilitate drug transport, enhancing cytotoxicity and reducing side effects. Assessment of electrochemotherapy effects on Ehrlich solid tumor development in this work aims to evaluate in vivo usage of the electroporator device developed by the Department of Electrical Engineering of Engineering School of UFMG. Therefore, 40 Swiss mice were inoculated with Ehrlich tumor cells, and developed the tumor in solid form. After 21 days, mice were subjected to specific treatment protocols (control, bleomycin, electric pulses and electrochemotherapy); 17 days later they were euthanized and the tumors collected for histopathology analysis. Electrochemotherapy induced discrete weight loss and an inflammatory response in the tumor, which was not seen on the other treatment groups. Bleomycin alone induced necrosis. Both groups showed lower cellular proliferation rates. From this study, it was concluded that the animals tolerated electrochemotherapy treatment under anesthesia and the electroporator device developed by the Engineering School of UFMG was adequate when used in an electrochemotherapy protocol.(AU)

Eletroquimioterapia é uma modalidade de tratamento local contra o câncer em que a administração de quimioterápicos não penetrantes à membrana plasmática é associada à aplicação de pulsos elétricos com parâmetros bem estabelecidos, que abrem poros na membrana plasmática e facilitam a entrada desses fármacos nas células, aumentando sua citotoxicidade e reduzindo efeitos colaterais. A avaliação dos efeitos da eletroquimioterapia sobre o desenvolvimento do tumor sólido de Ehrlich em camundongos Swiss neste trabalho teve como objetivo testar o uso in vivo do aparelho eletroporador desenvolvido pelo Departamento de Engenharia Elétrica da Escola de Engenharia da UFMG. Para tanto, foram utilizados 40 camundongos fêmeas da linhagem Swiss, nos quais foram inoculadas células de tumor de Ehrlich, para o desenvolvimento do tumor na forma sólida. Após 21 dias, os camundongos foram submetidos ao protocolo de tratamento específico (controle, bleomicina, pulsos elétricos e eletroquimioterapia); 17 dias depois foram eutanasiados e seus tumores coletados para análise histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica. A eletroquimioterapia induziu perda de peso discreta e uma resposta inflamatória no tumor que não foi observada nos outros grupos. O grupo bleomicina apresentou maior porcentagem de necrose. Ambos os grupos apresentaram menor índice de proliferação celular. Com este estudo, pode-se concluir que o tratamento sob anestesia foi bem tolerado pelos animais e que o aparelho eletroporador desenvolvido pela Escola de Engenharia da UFMG é adequado para utilização em um protocolo de eletroquimioterapia.(AU)

Electrochemotherapy treatment of oral extramedullary plasmacytoma of the tongue: a retrospective study of three dogs / Eletroquimioterapia no tratamento de plasmocitoma extramedular oral na língua: estudo retrospectivo de três cães

ABSTRACT: Extramedullary plasmacytomas (EPs) are responsible for 2.5% of neoplasms in dogs. They are solitary, smooth, elevated, pink or red nodules, of 1 to 2cm in diameter. Cutaneous and oral extramedullary plasmacytomas in dogs are usually benign tumors, treated with local therapies. Prognosis is generally good. Recurrence and metastatic rates are low. Electrochemotherapy is a local treatment that combines chemotherapy and electroporation and shows objective responses of 70% to 94% with few local and systemic side effects. This scientific communication has the objective to report treatment of three canine patients with oral extramedullary plasmacytoma. Nodules were located on the tongue and patients were submitted to one or two electrochemotherapy sessions, which preserved the tongue without mutilation and cured the patients.

RESUMO: Plasmocitomas extramedulares (PE) são responsáveis por 2,5% das neoplasias em cães. São nódulos solitários, lisos, elevados, rosados ou avermelhados, de 1 a 2cm de diâmetro. O plasmocitoma extramedular cutâneo e oral em cães é um tumor tipicamente benigno tratado com terapias locais. O prognóstico geralmente é bom. As taxas de recorrência e metástase são baixas. A eletroquimioterapia é um tratamento local que combina quimioterapia e eletroporação e mostra respostas objetivas entre 70 a 94% com poucos efeitos colaterais locais e sistêmicos. Esta comunicação científica teve como objetivo relatar o tratamento de três pacientes caninos com plasmocitoma extramedular oral com lesões localizadas na língua submetidos a uma ou duas sessões de eletroquimioterapia, o que permitiu a manutenção da língua sem mutilação e proporcionou a cura dos pacientes.

Electrochemotherapy as palliative treatment in patients with thyroid papillary carcinoma / Eletroquimioterapia como tratamento paliativo em pacientes com carcinoma papilar da tireoide

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Local progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) after failure of standard therapies may cause pain, ulceration, and bleeding. As patients are fully aware of the tumor growth, they might suffer high grade anxiety. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a new local palliative treatment for skin metastases of malignant melanoma or other tumors, including squamous head e neck cancer patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of ECT in patients with local progression of PTC. METHODS: Four patients with local progression of PTC were treated with ECT based on Bleomycin, and evaluated according to tumor response, local pain and side effects. RESULTS: In all cases, some grade of tumor response was observed, lasting 6, 7, 12 and 8 months, respectively. Also, reduction of local pain and anxiety was registered in all patients. Tumor infiltrated skin necrosis was the only collateral effect of the treatment. ECT induced a tumor response in all PTC patients with improvement of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: ECT may be an option for local palliative treatment in PTC patients with local tumor progression.

Resumo Introdução: A progressão local do carcinoma papilífero de tireoide (CPT) após a falha da terapia de rotina pode causar dor, ulceração e sangramento. Considerando que os pacientes estão perfeitamente cientes do crescimento tumoral, podem apresentar um alto grau de ansiedade. A eletroquimioterapia (EQT) é um novo tratamento paliativo para metástases de pele de melanoma maligno ou de outros tumores, inclusive em pacientes com carcinoma escamoso de cabeça e pescoço. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da EQT em pacientes com progressão local de CPT. Método: Quatro pacientes com progressão local de CPT foram tratados com EQT com base em bleomicina, e avaliados em relação ao grau de resposta tumoral, dor local, efeitos colaterais. Resultados: Em todos os casos, foi observado algum grau de resposta tumoral, que perdurou por 6, 7, 12 e 8 meses, respectivamente. Da mesma forma, foi registrada diminuição da dor local e da ansiedade em todos os pacientes. Necrose cutânea na infiltração tumoral foi o único efeito colateral do tratamento. EQT induziu resposta tumoral em todos os pacientes com CPT, com melhora dos sintomas. Conclusões: EQT pode ser uma opção para o tratamento paliativo tópico em pacientes com CPT com progressão tumoral local.

Utilização de eletroquimioterapia para carcinoma de células escamosas tegumentar em felino / Employment of electrochemotherapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in cats

A eletroquimioterapia compreende a utilização conjunta de fármacos antineoplásicos e aplicação regional de pulsos elétricos (eletroporação), maximizando a concentração intracelular destes fármacos, assim propiciando maior ação citotóxica. A bleomicina, fármaco antimicrobiano dotado de propriedade antineoplásica, apresenta restrita penetrabilidade na membrana celular, dada a sua hidrossolubilidade. Todavia, uma vez administrada via intralesional ou intravenosa associada à eletroporação, demonstra citotoxicidade potencializada. Foram utilizados 21 felinos acometidos por carcinoma de células escamosas tegumentar. Padronizou-se o protocolo eletroquimioterápico empregando-se sulfato de bleomicina, pela via intravenosa, na dose de 15U/m2 de superfície corpórea. A eletroporação foi perfilada com eletrodo composto por agulhas, pulsos elétricos com tensão de 1000 V, em onda quadrada unipolar, com duração de 100 microsegundos, totalizando oito ciclos. Verificou-se remissão neoplásica integral em 21 felinos inclusos no estudo (100%). Inexistiram complicações e/ou efeitos adversos decorrentes do procedimento. O protocolo avaliado neste trabalho revelou-se exequível, eficaz e seguro na terapêutica antineoplásica de carcinoma de células escamosas tegumentar felino.

Electrochemotherapy is characterized as a protocol which combines the use of antineoplastic agents and localized application of electric pulses (electroporation) to improve the intracellular concentration of these agents, increasing its cytotoxic action. Bleomycin, an antibiotic agent with antineoplastic properties, is a hydrophilic molecule, having a restricted transport through the cellular membrane. However, when it is administered intralesionally or intravenously and associated to electroporation, its cytotoxicity is maximized. There were utilized 21 cats affected by cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The electrochemotherapy protocol was standardized using intravenous bleomycin sulfate at a dose of 15U/m2 body surface area. Electroporation was performed using an electrode composed of needles and electric pulses with 1000 V voltage, in unipolar square wave and 100 microseconds duration, totalizing eight cycles. There was complete neoplastic remission in 21 cats (100%). There were no complications or side effects associated with the procedure. The protocol studied in this work showed to be feasible, effective and safe for antineoplastic therapy in feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Cutaneous metastasis of unknown primary presenting as massive and invasive abdominal lesion: an elective approach

Abstract: We describe herein what is to our knowledge the first reported case of an invasive cutaneous metastasis with unknown primary, electively treated solely with electrochemotherapy. We describe a female patient with a large, invasive and painful lesion in her hypogastric region, extending up to the pubic area. The cutaneous biopsy and instrumental and laboratory analyses, all failed to reveal the primary site. A final diagnosis of cutaneous metastasis with unknown primary was made and treatment was performed with electrochemotherapy. Our case highlights the importance of interdisciplinary choices in clinical practice to cope with the lack of a primary site and to improve quality of life, since no standardized therapy exists for these classes of patients.

Eletroquimioterapia em adenocarcinoma perianal canino / Electrochemotherapy in canine perianal adenocarcinoma

Objetivo - Este estudo objetivou avaliar a aplicabilidade, eficácia e segurança da eletroquimioterapia em neoplasias perianais caninas, no intuito da caracterização das vantagens intrínsecas ao protocolo. Métodos - Foram utilizados dez cães acometidos por neoformações perianais, admitidos junto ao Serviço de Cirurgia do Hospital Veterinário do Curso de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Paulista, São Paulo-SP, no período compreendido entre janeiro de 2009 a fevereiro de 2010. Todas estas lesões foram submetidas a exame histopatológico, através do qual se estabeleceu o diagnóstico definitivo de adenocarcinoma perianal. Padronizou-se o protocolo eletroquimioterápico utilizando-se sulfato de bleomicina, via intralesional, na dose de 1U/cm3 de tumor. Três minutos após a aplicação do fármaco pela mencionada via, administraram-se pulsos elétricos sobre toda extensão das neoformações. Os cães foram reavaliados sete, 14, 21 e 30 dias após a realização do protocolo. Constatada a remissão tumoral total, os pacientes foram monitorados através de retornos bimestralmente aprazados, por período de 12 meses. Resultados - Todos os cães (n = 10) (100%) exibiram regressão neoplásica completa. Todos os pacientes foram reavaliados a cada 60 dias através da execução de minucioso exame físico e subsidiários pertinentes por período de 12 meses, não exibindo sintomas, achados laboratoriais, radiográficos e/ou sonográficos de recidiva neoplásica e/ou metástases adjacentes ou distantes neste intervalo de tempo. Conclusão - O protocolo demonstrou-se aplicável, eficaz e seguro na terapêutica antineoplásica para adenocarcinoma perianal canino. Não houve toxicidade relacionável ao fármaco utilizado, observando-se ainda, manutenção da integridade anátomo-fisiológica do tecido acometido pela afecção.

Objective - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability, effectiveness and safety of electrochemotherapy in canine perianal adenocarcinoma, aiming the characterization of benefits intrinsic the protocol. Methods - Ten dogs presenting perianal adenocarcinoma were admitted at the Surgery Service of the Veterinary Hospital from University Paulista, São Paulo, during the period from January 2009 to February 2010. All injuries were subjected to histopathological examination, through which established the definitive diagnosis of perianal adenocarcinoma. The electrochemotherapy protocol was standardized using intralesional bleomycin sulfate at a dose of 1U/cm3 of tumoral area. Three minutes after intralesional administration of the antineoplastic agent, electric pulses were applied all over the neoplastic extension. Dogs were reevaluated seven, 14, 21 and 30 days after the protocol performance. Once observed the complete tumoral remission, patients were monitored every two months for a 12-month-period. Results - All dogs (n = 10) (100%) presented complete neoplastic remission. All patients were reevaluated every two months through a detailed physical examination and pertinent complementary exams for a 12-month period, showing no clinical, laboratorial, radiological and/or sonographic manifestations of neoplastic recidivating, adjacent and/or distant metastasis within this period. Conclusion - The studied protocol revealed to be applicable, effective and safe for antineoplastic therapy in canine perianal adenocarcinoma. There was no toxicity related to the employed agent. Nevertheless, anatomophysiological integrity of the involved tissue was preserved.

Studies on inhibitive effect of low-voltage electrochemotherapy on head and neck cancer-bearing nude mice / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To analyse the therapic effect of low-voltage electrochemotherapy (EP) on the head and neck cancer.Method:YCU-N861 human head and neck cancer cells were subcutaneously inoculated in the neck of nude mice to establish tumor-bearing models. Then the mice were treated with bleomycin(BLM, 20 μg per mouse), accompanied with electric stimulation(50 V or 100 V).Result:BLM treatment applied with EP can significantly inhibite the proliferation of tumor cells than BLM or EP treatment seperately(P<0.01) . The tumor volume, the mitotic index (MI) and the labeling index (LI) of Ki67 in BLM+EP group were all obviously decreased than BLM group, EP group and control group (P<0.01).Conclusion:Low-voltage electrochemotherapy can offer promising mothod in the local treatment of head and neck cancer.

Efeito anti-tumoral do campo elétrico potencializando quimioterápicos: estudos no modelo animal / Antitumoral effect of the electrochemical therapy: Study in animal model

Introdução: Com dois experimentos consecutivos, avaliaram-se: (1) o impacto de um campo elétrico na eficiência de quimioterápicos e na resposta proliferativa de linfócitos contra o tumor (ensaio MTT) no modelo murino; e (2) o efeito da eletricidade isolada ou associada à quimioterapia no tratamento de tumores de cabeça e pescoço espontâneos de cães e gatos. Métodos: (1) Cinco milhões de células do tumor ascítico de Ehrlich foram injetadas no dorso de 35 camundongos machos Balb/c. Após sete dias, os camundongos foram divididos em sete grupos, recebendo diferentes combinações de cisplatina ou bleomicina associada ou não a eletricidade. A progressão do tumor foi medida diariamente em cada camundongo e as diferenças entre os grupos foi avaliada por ANOVA. O impacto imunológico do tratamento foi avaliado pela co-cultura de células do tumor de Ehrlich com linfócitos provenientes de camundongos tratados e não tratados, sendo a co-cultura com células alogênicas utilizada como controle. A seguir, foi realizado um estudo seqüencial e não-comparativo (2) onde cães e gatos que apresentavam tumores espontâneos de cabeça e pescoço foram biopsiados, estadiados e tratados com eletricidade isolada ou associada à quimioterapia em um hospital veterinário. Resultados: (1) A área média do tumor (+/- desvio-padrão) dos camundongos que receberam cisplatina ou bleomicina associada à eletricidade foi significativamente menor se comparada aos controles (p<0.05). O ensaio MTT demonstrou que os linfócitos de camundongos tratados com eletricidade promovem a eliminação das células do tumor de Ehrlich na co-cultura. No estudo (2), 28 animais (14 cães e 14 gatos) foram tratados com eletricidade isolada (15 casos) ou combinada à quimioterapia. A carga elétrica média/volume do tumor foi 38,50 C/cm3. Por análise univariada, fatores que influenciaram na sobrevida foram o estádio T (p=0.04) e a carga/volume do tumor (p<0.01). Conclusões: (1) Eletricidade potencializa tanto o efeito de cisplati....

Introduction: With two consecutive experiments, we evaluated (1) the impact of electricity on chemotherapy response and on the lymphocyte proliferative response against the tumor (MTT assay) in a murine tumor model and (2) the effect of electricity alone and combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of spontaneous head and neck tumors of cats and dogs. Methods: (1) Five million cells of Ehrlich Ascitic Tumor were injected into the dorsal region of 35 male Balb/c mice. Seven days later, mice were divided into 7 groups, receiving different treatments combining Cisplatin or Bleomycin with electricity. Tumor progression in each mouse was measured daily and differences among the groups were assessed by ANOVA test. The immune impact of treatment was evaluated by the co-culture of lymphoid cells of treated and untreated mice with Ehrlich Tumor cells using co-culture with allogenic cells was used as a control. Following these results, we done a (2) sequential and non comparative study, in which dogs and cats presenting with a malignant neoplasm were clinically evaluated, staged and treated by electrolysis or electrochemotherapy in a veterinary hospital. Results: (1) The mean tumor area (+/- standard deviation) of mice receiving Cisplatin or Bleomycin with electricity were found significantly smaller if compared to that of controls (p<0.05). The co-culture results suggest that lymphocytes from mice treated by electricity promote elimination of Ehrlich Tumor cells in culture. In the study (2) 28 animals (14 dogs and 14 cats) were treated by electricity alone (15 cases) or combined to chemotherapy. The mean electrical charge/tumor volume was 38,50 C/cm3. By univariated analysis, factors impacting on survival were T stage (p=0.04) and charge/tumor volume (p<0.01). Conclusions: (1) Electricity enhanced the effect of both Cisplatin and Bleomycin and probably also stimulated an immune response against the tumor...

Comparison of therapeutic effects of electrochemotherapy and radiofrequency ablation on rats with implanted liver cancer / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To compare the therapeutic effects of electrochemotherapy (EChT) and radiofrequence ablation (RFA) on rats with implanted liver cancer.Methods Immediate cancerous ascites injection method was utilized for creation of rats liver cancer model and followed by treatment with EchT and RFA respectively. Tumor size, necrosis and apoptosis were observed one week later by imaging and pathology. The results were compared with those of control group. The survival times were observed also. Results Before treatment, all rats average liver tumor volume was (100?6)mm 3. One week after treatment, average tumor volumes in EChT group [(125?10)mm 3] and RFA group [(143?12)mm 3] were significantly smaller than those of control group [(190?11)mm 3], but tumor volume showed significant statistical difference between EChT group and RFA group. Necrosis, apoptosis and survival times in EChT group and RFA group were significantly higher than those of control group.Conclusions EChT or RFA could promote tumor necrosis, induce apoptosis, inhibit tumor growth and prolong the survival time of rats with implanted liver cancer.

Experimental study of electrochemotherapy on implanted liver tumor cells apoptosis of rats / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To compare the effects of electrochemotherapy (EChT) on implanted liver tumor cells apoptosis of rats.Methods Immediate cancerous ascitis injection method was used for the formation of rats liver tumor model and then followed by rats liver tumor treatment with EChT. Tumor size, necrosis and apoptosis indexes were observed after one week by imaging or pathologic method. The results were compared with those of control group. Results Before EChT, rats liver tumor volume appeared as (100?6)mm 3 and turned to be (125?10)mm 3 one week after EChT, which were significantly smaller than those of the control group [(190?11)mm 3], P

Imaging feature changes of rats with implanted liver cancer after electrochemotherapy / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To study the changes of imaging features of rats with implanted liver cancer before and after electrochemotherapy (EChT).Methods Immediate cancerous ascites injection method was used to form rats liver cancer model. The imaging features of rats with implanted liver cancer, including tumor size, density, border, enhancement and singal were observed with CT and MRI respectively. Results The characteristic magings showed all these rats bearing single, round tumor in liver seven days later. Low density lesions were seen in pre contrast scans and tumor border intensification were seen on contrast scans. Low signal lesions were found in MRI T 1WI and high signal lesions were revealed on MRI T 2WI. Seven days after EchT, low density lesions were seen in pre contrast scan and non enhanced appearences were seen in contrast scan by CT. High signal and mixed signal lesion were seen in MRI T 1WI and relative low signal lesion were seen in MRI T 2WI.Conclusions Imaging features analysis is useful to assess the therapeutic effect on rats with implanted liver cancer before and after EChT.