Cold Physical Plasma Selectively Elicits Apoptosis in Murine Pancreatic Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Ovo

Background/Aim: Poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer has remained almost unchanged in recent years. Cold physical plasma was suggested as an innovative anticancer strategy, but its selective killing activity of malignant over nonmalignant cells has only partially been explored. The present study aimed at exploring the effect of cold physical plasma on cellular viability. Materials and Methods: Induction of cell death and apoptosis by cold physical plasma was investigated in murine PDA6606 pancreatic cancer cells and primary murine fibroblasts in vitro (2D and 3D cultures) and in ovo. Results: Plasma increased apoptosis in PDA6606 to a significantly higher extent compared to fibroblasts. Antioxidants abrogated these effects, suggesting a prime role of reactive oxygen species in plasma-induced apoptosis. Plasma increased apoptosis of 3D PDA6606 multicellular spheres grown in vitro and in ovo, to significantly higher rates compared to that of fibroblasts, with minimum in ovo inflammation or necrosis observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E). Conclusion: These data support the future intra-operative application of cold physical plasma for the treatment of microscopic residual tumor tissue after surgical resection.