Electroporation therapy of human larynx tumors HEp-2 implanted in nude mice.
BACKGROUND
Electroporation therapy (EPT) uses reversible membrane permeabilization of cells by electrical pulses for intracellular delivery of poorly permeating drugs like bleomycin. This treatment modality has been found to significantly increase the cytotoxic effect of the drug to tumor cells.


METHODS
Tumors of human epidermoid carcinoma of larynx (HEp-2) were xenografted subcutaneously in nude mice. EPT consisted of intratumoral injection of belomycin followed by 6 x 100 microseconds square wave electrical pulses of 1130 Volts. The effect of treatment on tumor growth was monitored over a period of 67 days.


RESULTS
Complete regression of the tumors was observed in 83% of the treated mice 67 days after treatment. These findings were confirmed by histopathological analysis of tumor samples from the treated sites, which showed complete absence of tumor cells.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that electroporation therapy is very effective and has potential for treating laryngeal tumors clinically.
Nanda
G S
GS
Genetronics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
Sun
F X
FX
Hofmann
G A
GA
Hoffman
R M
RM
Dev
S B
SB
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018274:Electroporation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008819:Mice, Nude; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents