Cold Atmospheric Plasma Reduces Vessel Density and Increases Vascular Permeability and Apoptotic Cell Death in Solid Tumors

Abstract

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has demonstrated promising anti-cancer effects in numerous in vitro and in vivo studies. Despite their relevance for the treatment of solid tumors, effects of CAP on tumor vasculature and microcirculation have only rarely been investigated. Here, we report the reduction of vessel density and an increase in vascular permeability and tumor cell apoptosis after CAP application. Solid tumors in the chorioallantoic membrane of chicken embryos were treated with CAP and evaluated with respect to effects of CAP on embryo survival, tumor size, and tumor morphology. Furthermore, intratumoral blood vessel density, apoptotic cell death and the tumor-associated microcirculation were investigated and compared to sham treatment. Treatment with CAP significantly reduced intratumoral vessel density while increasing the rate of intratumoral apoptosis in solid tumors. Furthermore, CAP treatment increased vascular permeability and attenuated the microcirculation by causing vessel occlusions in the tumor-associated vasculature. These effects point out the potential of CAP as a promising and yet underrated therapeutic modality for addressing the tumor vasculature in the treatment of solid tumors.