Synergistic cytotoxicity from cold atmospheric plasma and ultrasound in glioma cells

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate whether sonoporation of cancer cells using ultrasound (US) technology could enhance the anticancer effects of cold atmospheric plasma. US-induced transient sonoporation of cancer cells with little to no cytotoxicity observed on the cell lines tested. Synergistic effects of US were observed when combined with both direct and indirect cold atmospheric plasma. These cytotoxic effects were dependent on reactive species production. To the best of our knowledge that is the first time that the effects of those two nonthermal technologies were evaluated in cancer cells, demonstrating a promising combined strategy for cancer therapies, particularly for those with penetration limitations, such as glioblastoma.