Non-Invasive Physical Plasma as an Oncological Therapy Option: Modulation of Cancer Cell Growth, Motility, and Metabolism Without Induction of Cancer Resistance Factors

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Yanqing Wang - , University of Bonn (Author)
  • Benedikt Eggers - , University of Bonn (Author)
  • Alexander Abazid - , German Federal Armed Forces Hospital Berlin (Author)
  • Holger H.H. Erb - , Department of Urology (Author)
  • Matthias B. Stope - , University of Bonn (Author)

Abstract

Background: Physical plasma, the fourth state of matter formed through gas ionization, has shown promise in various clinical applications, including wound healing and antimicrobial therapy. Recently, Non-invasive physical plasma (NIPP) selectively disrupts tumor cell proliferation and metabolism without inducing cytoprotective stress responses, positioning it as a promising adjunct in oncological therapies, though its underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of NIPP (Plasma Care device) on six tumor cell lines, ovarian (SKOV-3, OVCAR-3), prostate (LNCaP, PC-3), and breast (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231). Cell proliferation and migration were assessed using CASY analysis and scratch assays, while cytoskeletal integrity, heat shock protein (HSP) expression, and key metabolic indicators were evaluated through immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and biochemical assays. Results: NIPP treatment significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation and migration, disrupted cytoskeletal organization, and altered metabolic activity in a time-dependent manner. These effects were associated with increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), enhanced glycolysis, and elevated lactate production. Notably, despite cellular stress, neither HSP expression nor superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity showed significant changes, suggesting a lack of classical stress-response activation. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that NIPP selectively impairs tumor cell function by inducing oxidative stress and metabolic disruption, without triggering protective HSP-mediated resistance pathways commonly seen in radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of NIPP, particularly via the Plasma Care device, as a novel anticancer strategy.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number3517
Number of pages24
JournalCancers
Volume17
Issue number21
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • cold atmospheric plasma, cytoskeleton, heat shock protein, lactate dehydrogenase, mitochondria membrane potential, non-invasive physical plasma, physical plasma medicine, plasma oncology, reactive oxygen species