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Abstract: We have recently shown that in the classical electrochemical treatment (EChT) of tumors, i.e., the passage of a direct electric current through two electrodes inserted locally in the tumor tissue, from an initial uniform condition two pH fronts evolve, expanding towards each other, inducing extreme pH changes and tumor destruction, mainly by necrosis. Here we extend these results introducing a one-probe two-electrode device (OPTED) containing the cathode and the anode very close to each other (1mm). Experiments show that upon application of the OPTED-EChT, two half-spherical pH fronts, one basic and the other acid (from cathode and anode, respectively), expand towards the periphery configuring a distorted full sphere. Tracking of the pH front advance reveals a time scaling close to t 1/2, signature of a diffusion-controlled process. An analytic model presented allows the estimation of the time needed for total tumor destruction with a minimum compromise of healthy tissue. Main advantages of the OPTED are the insertion of one applicator rather than two or more (thus minimizing tissue intrusion, for instance, in the nervous system), the ability to reach tumors beyond capabilities of conventional surgery and the minimization of electric current circulation through the treated organ. We propose here this new design which could have significant implications in EChT optimal operative conditions, in particular, in the way in which the evolving pH spherical fronts can cover and destroy a cancer cell spherical casket. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Electrochemical reactions in the electrochemical treatment of tumors (EChT) induce extreme pH changes and, consequently, protein electrodenaturation fronts intimately related to tumor destruction. Here we introduce a new in vitro EChT collagen–macronutrient gel (CMG) model to study protein electrodenaturation fronts as a mean of assessing EChT effectiveness. Our CMG model shows that from an initial uniform condition two electrodenaturation fronts evolve expanding towards each other until collision. Moreover, electrodenaturation front tracking reveals that the front grows under a diffusion-controlled regime. Based on this evidence it is possible, in principle, to predict the time needed for tumor destruction without compromising healthy tissue. These results are consistent with those previously obtained with in vivo and in vitro EChT modeling. In contrast to previous simpler in vitro models, our CMG model represents a better structural and chemical approximation to a real tissue thus providing a better tool for validation of new in silico EChT models aimed at a more accurate prediction of tissue destruction level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Electrolytic ablation (EA), a medical treatment used in solid tumor ablation due to its minimum side effects and low cost, consists in the passage of a low constant electric current through two or more electrodes inserted in the tissue thus inducing pH fronts that produce tumor necrosis. Combined with a recently introduced one-probe two electrode device (OPTED) this procedure results in a minimally invasive treatment. Despite its success, EA has drawbacks such as the difficulties in determining the optimum dose-response relationship between the applied current, treatment time and necrotized tumor volume (NTV) and choosing a reliable dose parameter. In this work, a theoretical model is introduced describing the EA/OPTED as an electrolytic process and the underlying electrochemical reactions through the Nernst-Planck equations for ion transport. Model results show that the coulomb dosage is a reliable dose parameter and predicts an optimal dose-response relationship for a given tumor size subjected to an EA/OPTED, considering the optimum as the minimum coulomb dosage necessary to achieve total tumor destruction while minimizing healthy tissue damage. Moreover, it predicts a nonlinear relationship between coulomb dosage and NTV, dosage and NTV scaling as Q 1.4 . Consequently, these results could have a significant impact on dose planning methodology aimed at improving the effectiveness of the electrolytic ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]