High Energy Shock Waves (HESW) Enhance Paclitaxel Cytotoxicity in MCF-7 Cells

Authors: Frairia R.¹; Catalano M.G.²; Fortunati N.²; Fazzari A.¹; Raineri M.¹; Berta L.¹

Source: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, Volume 81, Number 1, September 2003 , pp. 11-19(9)

Publisher: Springer

Abstract:

High energy shock waves (HESW) produced by a piezoelectric generator were studied for their effect on human breast cancer cell (MCF-7) viability and sensitivity to paclitaxel. A dose-dependent impairment of cell viability was observed after HESW treatment (250–2000 shock waves, rate = 4/s, energy flux density = 0.25 mJ/mm²). Single treatment with shock waves produced no significant growth inhibition. Combined exposure to paclitaxel (ranging 0.1 nM to 20µM) and shock waves (100, 500 and 1000 shots, respectively) resulted in a significant reduction of MCF-7 cell proliferation at day 3 after treatment in respect with cells treated with paclitaxel alone. Notably, a cell viability reduction of about 50% was obtained after combined treatment with HESW and 10 nM paclitaxel, in front of a reduction of only 40% using 10 µM paclitaxel alone. Moreover, an earlier induction as well as an enhancement of apoptotis was observed in cells subjected to combined treatment with shock waves and paclitaxel (200 nM; 20 µM). In conclusion, HESW can enhance paclitaxel cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells, thus allowing the treatment with lower doses of drug.

Keywords: apoptosis; breast cancer; high energy shock waves (HESW); MCF-7 cells; paclitaxel; shock wave treatment

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Clinica, Torino University Medical School, A.S.O. San Giovanni Battista, Torino, Italy 2: Lab. Endocrinologia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Oncologia, A.S.O. San Giovanni Battista, Torino, Italy

Publication date: 2003-09-01

• In this: publication
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• In this Subject: Obstetrics & Gynecology ,  Oncology
• By this author: Frairia R. ;  Catalano M.G. ;  Fortunati N. ;  Fazzari A. ;  Raineri M. ;  Berta L.

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