Effect of shock waves combined with cytostatics on the growths of tumors in vivo

Abstract

Based on their field of application, the physical parameters of shock waves differ. Experiments referred to in this article used tandem shock waves generated on the surface of a composite anode. There, individual pores of the anode produce multichannel discharges. The composite anode may have a variety of shapes, which, consequently, influence the arrangement of the entire apparatus and the area of their application. Experiments referred to in this article utilise an anode divided into two parts that generated tandem shock waves. The previously conducted experiments have clearly shown that the effect of a tandem shock wave can be very well localized in the focal area, causing necrosis and apoptosis of the tumor cells, and enhancing the effect of cytostatics. This study investigated the effect of tandem shock waves with concomitantly administered cytostatics. We conducted our experiments on Lewis rats. The rats were injected with syngeneic sarcoma tumor cells intradermally and caudally on both the right and left sides. The highest rate of tumor growth inhibition was observed in the cisplatin-treated group that was subsequently treated with shock waves. The effect of shock waves on cell membranes is well described as they increase their permeability due to sonodynamic effect induced by cavitation. The results of experiments referred to in this article conducted in vivo in experimental animals enable us to note that the shock wave increases the effect of chemotherapy administered.