Molecular effects of cold atmospheric plasma on tumor cells

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Over the past few years, the application of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) in medicine has developed into an innovative field of research of rapidly growing importance. One promising new medical application of CAP is cancer treatment. Different studies revealed that CAP may potentially affect the cell cycle and cause cell apoptosis or necrosis in tumor cells dependent on the CAP device and doses. Data of the group revealed strong effects of a newly developed plasma device utilizing the Surface Micro Discharge (SMD) technology for plasma production in air on melanoma and other tumor types. In this study we will used the novel CAP device and consequently analyzed doses-dependent CAP treatment effects on cancer cells, mainly melanoma. We aim to understand the molecular basis of CAP effects on tumor cells by analyzing signaling pathways, transcriptional regulation and respective target genes. In addition, normal cells and the putative action of plasma will be determined by similar means. Using this knowledge a basic understanding is created which can be applied in tumor therapy and further be used to support the design of tumor-specific plasma.