Effective electro-chemo-therapy for proliferation control of adult human mesenchymal stem cells

Clinically chemo-resistant types of cancers do not respond well to conventional therapies. To treat and enhance the efficacy of drug delivery for these cancers, we have developed an in vitro model of a combination therapy using adult human mesenchymal stem cells, electrical pulses and chemo drug. Adult Mesenchymal stem cells were used because they are similar to cancer stem cells which cause the tumor to be chemo- and radiation resistant. These cells, derived from human adult bone marrow were subjected to low voltage, long duration (200 V/cm, 40 ms and 450 V/cm, 25 ms) and high voltage, short duration (1200 V/cm, 100 μs) pulses. The effect of these voltages on the viability and proliferation ability of these cells in the presence and absence of Bleomycin (chemodrug used for treating various cancers, FDA approved in US and other respective medical agencies in other countries,) indicate the potential of transfer of this technique to clinical practice for effective electro-targeted stem cell therapy.

► The first electroporation study of adult human mesenchymal stem cells for proliferation control using chemo drug bleomycin.
► Both low voltage, long duration (200 V/cm, 40 ms and 450 V/cm, 25 ms) and high voltage, short duration (1200 V/cm, 100 ms) pulses were effective.
► The promising results indicate that electrical pulses could be effectively used to treat chemo-resistant cancers.