U.S. patent application number 16/502255 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-09 for using alternating electric fields to increase cell membrane permeability.
The applicant listed for this patent is Edwin CHANG, Sanjiv S. GAMBHIR, Moshe GILADI, Chirag B. PATEL, Yaara PORAT, Tali VOLOSHIN-SELA. Invention is credited to Edwin CHANG, Sanjiv S. GAMBHIR, Moshe GILADI, Chirag B. PATEL, Yaara PORAT, Tali VOLOSHIN-SELA.
Application Number | 20200009376 16/502255 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67441670 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200009376 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHANG; Edwin ; et
al. |
January 9, 2020 |
Using Alternating Electric Fields to Increase Cell Membrane
Permeability
Abstract
Certain substances (e.g., large molecules) that ordinarily
cannot traverse the cell membrane of cells can be introduced into
cells by applying an alternating electric field to the cell for a
period of time, wherein the frequency of the alternating electric
field is selected so that application of the alternating electric
field increases permeability of the cell membrane. Once the
permeability of the cell membrane has been increased, the substance
is able to cross the cell membrane. This approach is particularly
useful in the context of cancer cells (e.g., glioblastoma).
Inventors: |
CHANG; Edwin; (Menlo Park,
CA) ; PATEL; Chirag B.; (Palo Alto, CA) ;
GAMBHIR; Sanjiv S.; (Portola Valley, CA) ;
VOLOSHIN-SELA; Tali; (Kibbutz Gvat, IL) ; PORAT;
Yaara; (Kibbutz Galed, IL) ; GILADI; Moshe;
(Moshav Herut, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CHANG; Edwin
PATEL; Chirag B.
GAMBHIR; Sanjiv S.
VOLOSHIN-SELA; Tali
PORAT; Yaara
GILADI; Moshe |
Menlo Park
Palo Alto
Portola Valley
Kibbutz Gvat
Kibbutz Galed
Moshav Herut |
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US
IL
IL
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
67441670 |
Appl. No.: |
16/502255 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62728255 |
Sep 7, 2018 |
|
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|
62693811 |
Jul 3, 2018 |
|
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62795136 |
Jan 22, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/327 20130101;
A61N 1/025 20130101; A61K 41/0061 20130101; A61P 35/00
20180101 |
International
Class: |
A61N 1/32 20060101
A61N001/32 |
Claims
1. A method for delivering a substance across a cell membrane of a
cell, the method comprising: applying an alternating electric field
to the cell for a period of time, wherein application of the
alternating electric field increases permeability of the cell
membrane; and introducing the substance to a vicinity of the cell,
wherein the increased permeability of the cell membrane enables the
substance to cross the cell membrane.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the cell is a cancer cell.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the cell is a glioblastoma
cell.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the alternating electric field is
applied at a frequency of about 200 kHz.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the alternating electric field is
applied at a frequency between 50 and 190 kHz.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the alternating electric field is
applied at a frequency between 210 and 400 kHz.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the alternating electric field
has a field strength of at least 1 V/cm.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the cell is disposed in a body of
a living subject, wherein the alternating electric field is applied
to the cell by applying an electric field to the subject's body,
and wherein the introducing comprises administering the substance
to the subject.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the cell is a cancer cell.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the cell is a glioblastoma
cell.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the alternating electric field
has a frequency between 50 and 190 kHz.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the alternating electric field
has a frequency between 210 and 400 kHz.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the alternating electric field
has a field strength of at least 1 V/cm RMS.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein the alternating electric field
has a field strength between 1 and 4 V/cm RMS.
15. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of introducing the
substance begins at a given time, and wherein the step of applying
the alternating electric field ends at least 12 hours after the
given time.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of applying the
alternating electric field begins at least one hour before the
given time.
17. The method of claim 8, wherein the substance has a molecular
weight of at least 1.2 kDa.
18. The method of claim 8, wherein the substance has a molecular
weight of at least 4 kDa.
19. The method of claim 8, wherein the substance has a molecular
weight of at least 20 kDa.
20. The method of claim 8, wherein the substance has at least one
characteristic that ordinarily impedes the substance from crossing
the cell membrane.
21. The method of claim 8, wherein the cell is a cancer cell that
is innately resistant to treatment using the substance.
22. The method of claim 8, wherein the cell comprises a bacterium,
and the substance comprises an antibiotic.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Applications 62/693,811 (filed Jul. 3, 2018), 62/728,255 (filed
Sep. 7, 2018), and 62/795,136 (filed Jan. 22, 2019), each of which
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) using alternating
electric fields is a novel, validated therapy that has become an
additional modality (after surgery chemoradiation and chemotherapy)
for anti-cancer treatments. Intermediate frequency alternating
electric fields (100-500 kHz) have been studied in detail. Most
recently, TTFields has been shown to prolong median survival (by 5
months) of glioblastoma patients on maintenance temozolomide
chemotherapy. In the context of treating tumors, alternating
electric fields at these frequencies are often referred to as
"tumor treating fields" or "TTFields."
[0003] Many hypotheses on TTFields' mechanism exist, but the most
widely proposed ("standard") mechanism of anti-cancer action by
TTFields centers upon the property that tubulin subunits have
intrinsic dipole moments. By forcing microtubule structures to
align along alternating electric field lines through exogenous
imposition of 200 kHz TTFields, the functionality of actively
dividing cells is disrupted through interference with the
cytoskeleton supporting mitotic spindles. Such stress ultimately
promotes impaired cellular proliferation. Proof of concept
experiments and relevant technological developments have occurred
over the past ten years, culminating in the approval by the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) of a commercial, clinical TTFields
device (Optune.RTM., Novocure Ltd.,) for the treatment of recurrent
and newly-diagnosed glioblastoma.
[0004] Over the last few years, additional details about the
mechanisms of action have been reported. For instance, TTFields has
been shown to disrupt the localization of septins (intracellular
proteins responsible for anchoring mitotic spindles during cellular
division) and thereby perturb mitosis. Some teams have reported
prolongation of DNA damage by chemotherapy or radiotherapy in
conjunction with TTFields while others have shown effects on
mitochondrial function through the swelling of mitochondrial
matrices. Other teams explored combination of chemotherapies (e.g.,
temozolomide) with TTFields in GBM patients. Such research into
combination interventions has uncovered other promising effects
against glioblastoma.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One aspect of the invention is directed to a first method
for delivering a substance across a cell membrane of a cell. The
first method comprises applying an alternating electric field to
the cell for a period of time, wherein application of the
alternating electric field increases permeability of the cell
membrane; and introducing the substance to a vicinity of the cell,
wherein the increased permeability of the cell membrane enables the
substance to cross the cell membrane.
[0006] In some instances of the first method, the cell is a cancer
cell. In some instances of the first method, the cell is a
glioblastoma cell. In some instances of the first method, the
alternating electric is applied at a frequency of about 200 kHz. In
some instances of the first method, the alternating electric field
is applied at a frequency between 50 and 190 kHz. In some instances
of the first method, the alternating electric field is applied at a
frequency between 210 and 400 kHz. In some instances of the first
method, the alternating electric field has a field strength of at
least 1 V/cm.
[0007] In some instances of the first method, the cell is disposed
in a body of a living subject, the alternating electric field is
applied to the cell by applying an electric field to the subject's
body, and the introducing comprises administering the substance to
the subject. In these instances, the cell may be a cancer cell. In
these instances, the cell may be a glioblastoma cell. In these
instances, the alternating electric field may have a frequency
between 50 and 190 kHz. In these instances, the alternating
electric field may have a frequency between 210 and 400 kHz. In
these instances, the alternating electric field may have a field
strength of at least 1 V/cm RMS. In these instances, the
alternating electric field may have a field strength between 1 and
4 V/cm RMS. In these instances, the step of introducing the
substance may begin at a given time, and the step of applying the
alternating electric field ends at least 12 hours after the given
time. In these instances, the step of applying the alternating
electric field may begin at least one hour before the given time.
In these instances, the substance may have a molecular weight of at
least 1.2 kDa. In these instances, the substance may have a
molecular weight of at least 4 kDa. In these instances, the
substance may have a molecular weight of at least 20 kDa. In these
instances, the substance may have at least one characteristic that
ordinarily impedes the substance from crossing the cell membrane.
In these instances, the cell may be a cancer cell that is innately
resistant to treatment using the substance. In these instances, the
cell may comprise a bacterium, and the substance comprises an
antibiotic.
[0008] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a second
method for attacking cancer cells. The second method comprises
applying a first alternating electric field at a first frequency to
the cancer cells for a first period of time, wherein application of
the first alternating electric field at the first frequency to the
cancer cells for the first period of time increases permeability of
cell membranes of the cancer cells; introducing a substance to the
cancer cells, wherein the increased permeability of the cell
membranes enables the substance to cross the cell membranes; and
applying a second alternating electric field at a second frequency
to the cancer cells for a second period of time, wherein the second
frequency is different from the first frequency, and wherein the
second alternating electric field at the second frequency reduces
viability of the cancer cells.
[0009] In some instances of the second method, the cancer cells
comprise glioblastoma cells, the first frequency is between 250 kHz
and 350 kHz, and the second frequency is between 150 kHz and 250
kHz. In some instances of the second method, the cancer cells
comprise uterine sarcoma cells, the first frequency is between 125
kHz and 175 kHz, and the second frequency is between 75 kHz and 125
kHz. In some instances of the second method, the cancer cells
comprise breast adenocarcinoma cells, the first frequency is
between 75 kHz and 175 kHz, and the second frequency is between 100
kHz and 300 kHz. In some instances of the second method, the step
of introducing the substance begins at a given time, and the step
of applying the first alternating electric field ends at least 12
hours after the given time. In some instances of the second method,
the step of applying the first alternating electric field begins at
least one hour before the given time. In some instances of the
second method, the second period of time comprises a plurality of
non-contiguous intervals of time during which the second
alternating electric field at the second frequency is applied to
the cancer cells, wherein the plurality of non-contiguous intervals
of time collectively add up to at least one week.
[0010] In some instances of the second method, the cancer cells are
disposed in a body of a living subject, the first alternating
electric field is applied to the cancer cells by applying a first
alternating electric field to the subject's body, the second
alternating electric field is applied to the cancer cells by
applying a second alternating electric field to the subject's body,
and the introducing comprises administering the substance to the
subject. In some instances of the second method, the first
alternating electric field has a field strength of at least 1 V/cm
RMS. In some instances of the second method, the substance has a
molecular weight of at least 1.2 kDa. In some instances of the
second method, the substance has a molecular weight of at least 4
kDa. In some instances of the second method, the substance has a
molecular weight of at least 20 kDa.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a third
method for treating a tumor in a subject's body and delivering a
substance across cell membranes in the subject's body. The third
method comprises applying a first alternating electric field at a
first frequency to the subject's body for a first period of time,
wherein application of the first alternating electric field at the
first frequency to the subject's body for the first period of time
increases permeability of the cell membranes in the subject's body;
administering the substance to the subject, wherein the increased
permeability of the cell membranes enables the substance to cross
the cell membranes; and applying a second alternating electric
field at a second frequency to the subject's body for a second
period of time that is at least one week long, wherein the second
frequency is different from the first frequency, and wherein the
second alternating electric field at the second frequency inhibits
growth of the tumor.
[0012] In some instances of the third method, the tumor comprises a
glioblastoma in the subject's brain, the first frequency is between
250 kHz and 350 kHz, and the second frequency is between 150 kHz
and 250 kHz. In some instances of the third method, the second
period of time comprises a plurality of non-contiguous intervals of
time during which the second alternating electric field at the
second frequency is applied to the subject's body, wherein the
plurality of non-contiguous intervals of time collectively add up
to at least one week. In some instances of the third method, the
step of administering the substance begins at a given time, and the
step of applying the first alternating electric field ends at least
12 hours after the given time. In some instances of the third
method, the step of applying the first alternating electric field
begins at least one hour before the given time.
[0013] In some instances of the third method, the substance has a
molecular weight of at least 1.2 kDa. In some instances of the
third method, the substance has a molecular weight of at least 4
kDa. In some instances of the third method, the substance has a
molecular weight of at least 20 kDa.
[0014] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a first
apparatus for treating a tumor in a subject's body and facilitating
delivery of a substance across cell membranes in the subject's
body. The first apparatus comprises an AC voltage generator capable
of operating at a first frequency between 50 and 500 kHz and a
second frequency between 50 and 500 kHz. Wherein the second
frequency is different from the first frequency. The AC voltage
generator has a control input, and the AC voltage generator is
configured to output the first frequency when the control input is
in a first state and to output the second frequency when the
control input is in a second state. The first apparatus also
comprises a controller programmed to (a) place the control input in
the second state so that the AC voltage generator outputs the
second frequency, (b) accept a request to switch to the first
frequency, (c) upon receipt of the request, place the control input
in the first state so that the AC voltage generator outputs the
first frequency for an interval of time, and (d) after the interval
of time has elapsed, place the control input in the second state so
that the AC voltage generator outputs the second frequency.
[0015] Some embodiments of the first apparatus further comprise a
set of electrodes configured for affixation to the subject's body;
and wiring that connects an output of the AC voltage generator to
the set of electrodes.
[0016] In some embodiments of the first apparatus, the first
frequency is between 250 kHz and 350 kHz, and the second frequency
is between 150 kHz and 250 kHz. In some embodiments of the first
apparatus, the first frequency is between 125 kHz and 175 kHz, and
the second frequency is between 75 kHz and 125 kHz. In some
embodiments of the first apparatus, the first frequency is between
75 kHz and 175 kHz, and the second frequency is between 100 kHz and
300 kHz. In some embodiments of the first apparatus, the interval
of time is at least 12 hours. In some embodiments of the first
apparatus, the interval of time is between 12 and 72 hours. In some
embodiments of the first apparatus, the controller is further
programmed to, subsequent to the receipt of the request, switch the
control input back and forth between the first state and the second
state.
[0017] In some embodiments of the first apparatus, the AC voltage
generator is capable of operating at at least one additional
frequency between 50 and 500 kHz, and the AC voltage generator is
configured to output the least one additional frequency when the
control input is in at least one additional state, and the
controller is programmed to cycle the control input through the
second state and the at least one additional state prior to receipt
of the request, and to cycle the control input through the second
state and the at least one additional state after the interval of
time has elapsed.
[0018] Some embodiments of the first apparatus further comprise a
user interface, and the request is accepted via the user interface.
In some embodiments of the first apparatus, the request is accepted
via RF.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration showing an alternative
effect of TTFields on modulating the integrity and thus the
permeability of cellular membranes.
[0020] FIG. 2A depicts exemplary effects of TTFields on
bioluminescence of U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc cells from bioluminescent
imaging scans as a function of time in TTFields vs. no TTFields
conditions.
[0021] FIG. 2B depicts the exemplary effects of TTFields on eGFP
fluorescence for U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc cells as a function of time in
TTFields vs. no TTFields conditions.
[0022] FIG. 2C depicts the effect of TTFields on the fLuc
bioluminescence (fLuc-BLI) over eGFP fluorescence (eGFP-FL) ratio
for U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc cells as a function of length of TTFields
exposure.
[0023] FIG. 2D depicts the effect of TTFields exposure vs.
non-exposure on the fLuc-BLI/eGFP-FL ratio as a function of
TTFields exposure time.
[0024] FIG. 3A depicts the exemplary effects of TTFields on
time-dependent uptake of Ethidium D in U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc cells
between no TTFields and TTFields (200 kHz).
[0025] FIGS. 3B-3D depict the exemplary impact of TTFields vs. no
TTFields conditions on the time course of Dextran-FITC uptake for 4
kDa Dextran-FITC, 20 kDa Dextran-FITC, and 50 kDa Dextran-FITC,
respectively.
[0026] FIG. 4A depicts the exemplary effect of TTFields (200 kHz)
on 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) uptake as shown by representative
protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence for TTFields vs. no
TTFields-exposed U87-MG cells at 6 and 24 hours.
[0027] FIG. 4B depicts how PpIX fluorescence changed over time in
glioblastoma vs. fibroblast cells in the co-culture platforms that
were subjected to TTFields.
[0028] FIG. 5 provides quantification of the number and size of
holes from a SEM comparison of plasma membrane holes in
U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc cells exposed and unexposed to TTFields for 3
days.
[0029] FIG. 6 provides quantification of the number and size of
holes from a SEM comparison of plasma membrane holes in normal
human PCS-201 cells exposed and unexposed to TTFields for 3
days.
[0030] FIG. 7A-7C depict the results of experiments showing how
alternating electric fields reversibly increase uptake in U87-MG
cells of D-Luciferin, 5-ALA, and Dextran-FITC (4 kDa),
respectively.
[0031] FIG. 7D depicts the results of an experiment that shows
timing characteristics of the permeability that is induced by the
application of TTFields to U87-MG cells.
[0032] FIG. 8A depicts the results of an experiment showing how
alternating electric fields affect the permeability of MDA-MB-435
cell membranes to 7-AAD.
[0033] FIG. 8B depicts the results of an experiment showing how
alternating electric fields affect the permeability of MDA-MB-435
and MDA-MB-435 Doxycycline resistant cell membranes to
doxorubicin.
[0034] FIG. 8C depicts the results of an experiment showing how
alternating electric fields affect the permeability of MCF-7 and
MCF-7 Mitoxantrone resistant cell membranes to mitoxantrone.
[0035] FIGS. 9A-9G depict the effect of TTFields on sensitivity to
seven different combinations of substances and corresponding cell
types.
[0036] FIGS. 10A and 10B each depict a suitable timing relationship
between the application of the alternating electric field and the
introduction of the substance to the vicinity of the cancer
cell.
[0037] FIG. 11A depicts the results of an experiment to determine
the frequency that provides the highest level of cytotoxicity to
U-87 MG cells.
[0038] FIG. 11B depicts the results of an experiment to determine
the frequency that provides the largest increase in permeability of
the cell membranes of U-87 MG cells.
[0039] FIG. 12A depicts the results of an experiment to determine
the frequency that provides the highest level of cytotoxicity to
MES-SA cells.
[0040] FIG. 12B depicts the results of an experiment to determine
the frequency that provides the largest increase in permeability of
the cell membranes of MES-SA cells.
[0041] FIG. 12C depicts the results of an experiment to determine
how 150 kHz alternating electric fields affect the permeability of
the cell membranes of MES-SA cells to doxorubicin.
[0042] FIG. 13A depicts the results of an experiment to determine
the frequency that provides the highest level of cytotoxicity to
MCF-7 cells.
[0043] FIG. 13B depicts the results of an experiment to determine
the frequency that provides the largest increase in permeability of
the cell membranes of MCF-7 cells.
[0044] FIG. 14 depicts the results of an experiment to determine
the frequency that provides the largest increase in permeability of
the cell membranes of GBM39/Luc cells.
[0045] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a dual-frequency apparatus
that generates a first frequency for inducing cellular permeability
and a second frequency for inducing cytotoxicity.
[0046] Various embodiments are described in detail below with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference
numerals represent like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0047] As used herein, the term "reducing viability" of a cell
refers to reducing the growth, proliferation, or survival of the
cell, or increasing cytotoxicity of the cell.
[0048] This application describes a novel approach for temporarily
increasing the permeability of the plasma cell membranes of cancer
cells using alternating electric fields so that substances that are
ordinarily blocked by the cell membrane will be able to cross the
cell membrane, or so that substances that are ordinarily impeded by
the cell membrane will be able to cross the cell membrane more
easily. In some of the examples described herein, this approach is
used for temporarily increasing the permeability of glioblastoma
plasma cell membranes using alternating electric fields so that
substances that are ordinarily impeded by the glioblastoma cell
membrane will be able to cross the glioblastoma cell membrane more
easily.
[0049] The inventors have demonstrated that TTFields treatment, in
conjunction with a novel anticancer compound Withaferin A,
synergistically inhibited the growth of human glioblastoma cells.
The inventors hypothesized that such a synergistic effect is due to
increased accessibility of Withaferin A to glioblastoma cells
through TTFields' capability to increase transiently, tumor cell
membrane permeability, as depicted schematically in FIG. 1. In this
figure, 5-ALA=5-aminolevulinic acid; Ethidium D=ethidium bromide;
and FITC=fluorescein isothiocyanate.
[0050] Studies were then performed that validate the hypothesis. In
particular, evidence was found to show that TTFields exposure
induced greater bioluminescence in human glioblastoma cells that
have been modified to express luciferase (renilla and firefly), and
that this induction is due to increased permeation of the
substrates (D-luciferin and coelenterazine, respectively), through
the plasma membrane. Increased membrane permeability caused by
TTFields exposure was also demonstrated with other
membrane-penetrating reagents such as Dextran-FITC and Ethidium
D.
[0051] Using TTFields to increase membrane permeability in
glioblastoma cells was also shown using 5-aminolevulinic acid
(5-ALA). 5-ALA is a hemoglobin precursor that is converted into
fluorescent protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in all mammalian cells.
However, many malignant cells, including high-grade gliomas, have
elevated hemoglobin biosynthesis, which is reflected in enhanced
accumulation of PpIX within transformed cells and tissues (compared
to non-cancerous cells). This property has prompted many medical
investigations to use 5-ALA uptake (and, by consequence, its
enzymatic conversion to PpIX) as a fluorescent biomarker for tumor
cells. However, at the current level of technology, it can be
difficult to distinguish the precise cellular margin between tumor
and non-tumor tissue intraoperatively. Experiments described herein
show that TTFields significantly enhances the tumor to normal cell
ratio for PpIX fluorescence (brought on by 5-ALA exposure and
uptake), and in this manner, may be used to better delineate tumor
margins in intraoperative settings.
[0052] Further experiments using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
data demonstrate an increase in the number and size of holes in
glioblastoma cell membranes caused by TTFields exposure, and that
the morphology of the glioblastoma cell membrane is perturbed when
TTFields are applied. Through all modalities studied
(bioluminescence, fluorescence, and SEM), the effects of TTFields
on the GBM cell membrane permeability were found to be reversible
after cessation of TTFields exposure.
[0053] Results
[0054] Induction of TTFields Increases Bioluminescence (BLI) in
Luciferase-Expressing Glioblastomas.
[0055] U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc cells were seeded on Thermanox glass
coverslips, allowed to settle and grow, and then subjected to
either TTFields or no TTFields. In this experiment, the use of
TTFields (4 V/cm, 200 kHz, 0.5-24 h duration) significantly
increased bioluminescence intensity (BLI) of U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc cells
compared to unexposed conditions. This increase in BLI occurred as
early as 30 minutes after commencement of TTFields and continued to
24 h of TTFields exposure. When ROI quantification was performed,
the time course of BLI intensity for the TTFields-exposed samples
was significantly elevated compared to TTFields-unexposed samples
(p<0.0001, two-way ANOVA, TTFields vs. no TTFields). Data
depicting the Temporal quantification of BLI results of these
experiments is summarized in FIG. 2A. Without being bound by this
theory, it is believed that the elevation in bioluminescence was
not due to a direct effect of TTFields on firefly luciferase
activity because exposure of purified firefly luciferase to 200 kHz
TTFields led to over a 1000-fold loss in enzymatic activity 60
minutes after initiation of TTFields.
[0056] FIG. 2B depicts the effect of TTFields on eGFP fluorescence
in U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc cells observed from time course of
representative images (not shown) for TTFields-exposed vs.
TTFields-unexposed U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc. The presence of TTFields did
not significantly increase eGFP fluorescence (eGFP-FL) over the
course of the experiments. When ratios of BLI over eGFP-FL was
compared between TTFields vs. no TTFields samples, there was a
significantly augmented ratio with respect to time of TTFields
incubation for the TTFields samples, as depicted in FIGS. 2C, 2D
(p<0.0001, two-way ANOVA, TTFields vs. no TTFields). More
specifically, FIG. 2C depicts the effect of TTFields on the fLuc
bioluminescence (fLuc-BLI) over eGFP fluorescence (eGFP-FL) ratio
for U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc cells as a function of length of TTFields
exposure; and FIG. 2D depicts the effect of TTFields exposure vs.
non-exposure on the fLuc-BLI/eGFP-FL ratio as a function of
TTFields exposure time (hours). TTFields significantly decreased
activity of purified firefly luciferase compared to no TTFields
(p<0.01, two-way ANOVA, TTFields vs. no TTFields).
[0057] The application of TTFields over time on another patient
derived glioblastoma cell line, GBM2/GFP-fLuc also induced a
time-dependent increase in bioluminescence in TTFields-exposed
GBM2/GFP-fLuc cells when compared to no-TTFields controls
(p<0.0001, two-way ANOVA, TTFields vs. no TTFields). This same
effect was observed in a murine astrocytoma cell line (KR158B) that
was genetically modified to express Renilla luciferase-red
fluorescent protein fusion protein (p<0.0001, two-way ANOVA,
TTFields vs. no TTFields). Renilla luciferase activity is not
dependent upon ATP and magnesium (as opposed to firefly
luciferase). Thus, it is believed that the induction of
bioluminescence by TTFields was not due to alterations in
endogenous pools of ATP.
[0058] Effect of TTFields on Uptake of Membrane-Associating
Reagents.
[0059] To test if the imposition of TTFields affects cell membrane
properties, and thus membrane permeability, the effect of TTFields
on the behavior of fluorescently tagged reagents that bind to the
cellular membrane was determined. Initially, the impact of TTFields
on the binding of Annexin-V-APC to the membrane of U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc
cells was measured. Annexin-V-APC binding is a signature of early
apoptosis which is characterized by ruffling of the membrane. A
positive control for apoptosis (addition of 21 .mu.M Withaferin A
to U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc cells) was used to assess the visibility of
Annexin-V-APC binding to U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc cells, and showed that
such binding could be visualized via fluorescence microscopy over
TTFields-unexposed samples. However, when TTFields were applied to
U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc cells, Annexin-V-APC binding was not observed at
any time point of exposure to TTFields. It therefore appears
that-TTFields did not induce any significant degree of apoptosis in
the U87-MG cells.
[0060] Notably, ethidium D uptake was significantly increased when
the U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc cells were subjected to 200 kHz TTFields, as
depicted in FIG. 3A (p<0.0001, two-way ANOVA, TTFields vs. no
TTFields). Ethidium D permeates through both the plasma membrane
and the nuclear membrane and intercalates into genomic DNA. Thus,
these findings suggest that TTFields can have an effect on the
permeability of plasma membranes in U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc cells.
[0061] Another consequence of enhanced membrane permeability by
TTFields is alterations in Dextran-FITC binding on the cell
membrane. Dextran-FITC is known to bind and intercalate into the
plasma membrane. When U87-MG cells were subjected to 1 h of 200 kHz
TTFields, there was a significant uptake of Dextran-FITC of
molecular weights 4 kDa and 20 kDa, compared to no TTFields
exposure, as depicted in FIGS. 3B and 3C. But there was no
significant difference in uptake for 50 kDa Dextran-FITC, as
depicted in FIG. 3D. More specifically, Dextran-FITC binding was
examined in the presence of TTFields over a timeframe of 0.5-24 h
exposure, a significant increase in the uptake of 4 kDa
Dextran-FITC was found compared to TTFields-unexposed samples
(p<0.0001, two-way ANOVA, TTFields vs. no TTFields), a
significant increase in uptake of 20 kDa Dextran-FITC under
TTFields exposure (p<0.01, TTFields vs. no TTFields) and no
significant difference in uptake of 50 kDa Dextran-FITC under
TTFields exposure (p=0.26, not significant, TTFields vs. no
TTFields). These data suggest that the maximum size of Dextran-FITC
that bound to and entered the plasma membrane under TTFields
exposure in this experiment was between about 20 and 50 kDa. In all
statistical comparisons described in this paragraph, each data
point represents n=3 experiments. In FIGS. 3A-3D,
APC=allophycocyanin; Ethidium D=ethidium bromide; and
FITC=fluorescein isothiocyanate.
[0062] Effect of TTFields on 5-aminolevulinic (5-ALA) Acid Uptake:
Single U87-MG Culture.
[0063] Experiments were performed to determine the effects of
TTFields on uptake of 5-ALA (as measured by PpIX accumulation and
its resultant fluorescence) in glioblastoma cells. Because it is
difficult to distinguish the margin between tumor and normal cells
using the present 5-ALA bioassay, the measurement of PpIX
fluorescence was used to address this issue. Investigations were
run to determine whether permeation of 5-ALA through the cellular
membrane and into the glioblastoma cells could be increased with
TTFields exposure. U87-MG cells were exposed or unexposed to
TTFields, each for durations of 6-24 h. The results, which are
summarized in FIG. 4A, were as follows: TTFields exposure resulted
in significantly increased uptake of 5-ALA into U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc
cells as early as 6 h of TTFields exposure (p=0.047, Student's
t-test, TTFields vs. no TTFields) and this increase was maintained
with prolonged TTFields exposure of 24 h (p=0.011).
[0064] To generate the data depicted in FIG. 4A, protoporphyrin IX
(PpIX) fluorescence panels were obtained for TTFields-unexposed vs.
TTFields-exposed U87-MG cells after 6 and 24 h of exposure.
Quantitation of those images in a showed significant increase in
PpIX signals in TTFields exposed cells compared to no TTFields, at
both 6 h (p=0.047) and 24 h (p=0.01) time points. All monovariant
statistical comparisons between no TTFields vs. TTFields samples
done by Student's t-test for n=3 experiments per time point.
[0065] Effect of TTFields on 5-aminolevulinic Acid Uptake: U87-MG
GBM on PCS-201 Fibroblast Co-Cultures.
[0066] During glioblastoma resection in patients, 5-ALA is used to
aid neurosurgeons in delineating between the tumors and surrounding
normal brain tissue. Likewise, to distinguish differences in 5-ALA
uptake between glioblastoma and normal cells, a co-culture was
developed where U87-MG cells were seeded in the center of a bed of
PCS-201 fibroblasts and were subjected to TTFields or to no
TTFields. Fluorescent and brightfield photomicrographs confirmed
the presence of discrete glioblastoma vs. fibroblast cell regions
in the co-culture set-up. When co-cultures were stained with
hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), photomicrographs revealed reduced
numbers of GBM cells infiltrating into the fibroblast periphery for
TTFields-exposed samples.
[0067] In particular, without TTFields exposure, the GBM cells
formed many pockets of adherent neurospheres as was previously
reported. Fluorescence images showed increased PpIX fluorescence in
glioblastoma vs. fibroblast cells in the co-culture platforms that
were subjected to TTFields for 6 h. The results, which are
summarized in FIG. 4B, were as follows: PpIX fluorescence
accumulated over time but the rate of fluorescence intensity
increase was significantly augmented (p<0.001, two-way ANOVA,
TTFields vs. no TTFields) for TTFields-exposed co-cultures compared
to TTFields unexposed co-cultures. To generate the data depicted in
FIG. 4B, fluorescent panels of 5-ALA uptake (and subsequent PpIX
fluorescence, Ex=558 nm, Em=583 nm) for no TTFields and TTFields
were obtained. Duration of exposures are 2, 6, and 24 h.
Quantification of time course of PpIX accumulation (and thus
accumulation of fluorescent flux as expressed as photons/s) in the
glioblastoma-fibroblast co-culture platform under TTFields exposed
vs. unexposed conditions (p<0.001). Statistical analyses
consisted of two-way ANOVA for no TTFields vs. TTFields conditions,
and n=3 experiments per time point.
[0068] In a separate set of experiments, by 24 h of TTFields
application, the ratio of PpIX fluorescence intensity in the U87-MG
glioblastoma cells over the surrounding PCS-201 fibroblast cells
was significantly increased compared to the fluorescence intensity
ratio for co-cultured cells under no TTFields conditions (p=0.043,
two-way ANOVA, TTFields vs. no TTFields).
[0069] Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) Shows that TTFields
Alters Membrane Morphology of U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc Cells.
[0070] SEM images of low density (5,000 cells/coverslip)
U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc cells that were either not exposed to TTFields or
exposed to TTFields for 3 days were obtained at 2000.times.,
20,000.times., and 60,000.times. magnifications. Data obtained by
reviewing these SEM images is summarized in FIG. 5. There was a
significantly increased number of holes greater than 51.8 nm.sup.2
in size (equivalent to 9 pixels.sup.2 on 60,000.times.
magnification) within the ROI of TTFields-exposed cells
(53.5.+-.19.1) compared to the TTFields-unexposed cells
(23.9.+-.11.0), (p=0.0002, univariate Mann-Whitney test). Average
size of the holes within the ROI was also significantly greater in
TTFields-exposed cells (240.6.+-.91.7 nm.sup.2) compared to
TTFields-unexposed cells (129.8.+-.31.9 nm.sup.2), (p=0.0005
(univariate Mann-Whitney test)). To obtain the data depicted in
FIG. 5, Quantification and comparison between TTFields unexposed
and exposed cells of the number and size of holes was done within a
500 nm-radius circular region of interest. The minimum hole size
cut-off was based on the 3.3 and 5.0 nm Stokes radii of 20 kDa and
50 kDa Dextran-FITCs, respectively. Coverslips from three
experiments per condition were used, and at least 5 cells per
coverslip were analyzed for hole count and size, in a double-blind
manner
[0071] The effects of a 24-h exposure to TTFields on the plasma
membranes of U87-MG cells seeded at high density were also visually
observed. For the no TTFields samples, the cell surface appeared to
be covered in densely matted, elongated and flattened membrane
extensions, similar to membrane ruffles and contiguous with the
cellular membrane. In contrast, after 24 h of exposure to TTFields,
the densely matted and elongated structures were replaced by short,
bulbous and bleb-like structures.
[0072] For comparison, SEM images of normal human PCS-201 cells
were also obtained and analyzed. PCS-201 cells were seeded at low
density (5,000 cells per 13 mm glass coverslip). The cells were
grown under standard tissue culture conditions (37.degree. C., 95%
O.sub.2, 5% CO.sub.2). Non-TTFields-exposed cells were left under
those conditions for the duration of the study. Other cells were
exposed to TTFields for 72 h. After 72 hours, the SEM images were
obtained at 2000.times., 20,000.times., and 60,000.times.
magnifications. Quantification and comparison between TTFields
unexposed and exposed cells of the number and size of holes with
area .gtoreq.51.8 nm.sup.2 (equivalent to a 4-nm radius circle, or
9 pixels.sup.2 on the 60,000.times. magnification images) within a
500 nm-radius circular region of interest. The minimum hole size
cut-off was based on the 3.3 nm and 5.0 nm Stokes radii of 20 kDa
and 50 kDa Dextran-FITCs, respectively. The results, which are
depicted in FIG. 6, were as follows: There was no significant
difference in the number or size of holes between the TTFields
unexposed and exposed normal human PCS-201 cells (Wilcoxon rank-sum
analysis). Coverslips from three experiments per condition were
used, and at least 5 cells per coverslip were analyzed for hole
count and size, in a double-blind manner
[0073] The effects of a 24-h exposure to TTFields on the plasma
membranes of PCS-201 cells were also visually observed. Unlike the
situation described above for the U87-MG cells, TTFields did not
appear to alter the membrane morphology of the PCS-201 cells.
[0074] The Effect of TTFields on Membrane Permeability is
Reversible.
[0075] To assess the reversibility of the effect of TTFields on
cancer cells, U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc cells were subjected to three
conditions: (1) No TTFields exposure, standard cell culture
conditions (37.degree. C., 95% O.sub.2, 5% CO.sub.2), (2) TTFields
exposure for 24 h and (3) TTFields exposure for 24 h followed by no
TTFields exposure for 24 h. The readouts of BLI, PpIX fluorescence
(5-ALA product) and Dextran-FITC (4 kDa) fluorescence were
acquired. All experimental conditions were done in triplicate. FIG.
7A summarizes the data for BLI: The presence of TTFields for 24 h
(middle bar) significantly increased BLI flux compared to no
TTFields exposure (left bar) (p<0.0005, two-way ANOVA, TTFields
vs. no TTFields) but this increase was significantly attenuated
when the cells were re-introduced to the no TTFields condition for
24 h (right bar) (two-way ANOVA, p<0.005, TTFields for 24 h vs.
TTFields for 24 h followed by no TTFields for 24 h). FIG. 7B shows
that a similar pattern of reversible readouts occurred with PpIX
fluorescence (p<0.0005, two-way ANOVA, TTFields (middle bar) vs.
no TTFields (left bar) and p<0.0004, TTFields vs. TTFields
followed by no TTFields (right bar)). And FIG. 7C shows that a
similar pattern of reversible readouts occurred for 4 kDa
Dextran-FITC fluorescence (p<0.05, two-way ANOVA, TTFields
(middle bar) vs. no TTFields (left bar); and p<0.05, TTFields
vs. TTFields followed by no TTFields (right bar)). For each
experimental set, eGFP fluorescence did not significantly change.
SEM investigations also revealed that the significant augmentation
in both the number of holes (p=0.007, two-way ANOVA, TTFields vs.
No TTFields) and the size of holes (p=0.0007, two-way ANOVA,
TTFields vs. No TTFields) by TTFields were reversible as well,
after 24 h of no exposure. Here, NS=not significant;
BLI=bioluminescent imaging; eGFP=enhanced green fluorescence
protein; fLuc=firefly luciferase; 5-ALA=5 aminolevulinic acid;
FITC=fluorescein isothiocyanate; PpIX=protoporphyrin IX; and
FL=fluorescence.
[0076] To summarize, the uptake of the relevant compounds increased
when alternating electric fields were applied (as compared to when
alternating electric fields were not applied). Each of these
figures also shows that the uptake decreased substantially after
cessation of the alternating electric fields for 24 hours. From
this, we can infer that the increase in permeability of the cell
membranes that was induced by the alternating electric fields is
not a permanent effect, and that the permeability drops back down
after cessation of the alternating electric fields.
[0077] FIG. 7D depicts the results of an experiment to test how
quickly the permeability drops back down after cessation of the
alternating electric fields. More specifically, 7-Aminoactinomycin
D (7-AAD) is a fluorescent chemical compound with a strong affinity
for DNA. 7-AAD is a relatively large molecule (1270.43 g/mol, i.e.,
1.27 kDa) that ordinarily does not readily pass through intact cell
membranes. FIG. 7D shows timing characteristics of the permeability
to 7-AAD that is induced by the application of TTFields for U87-MG
cells. In this experiment, the cells were treated with an
alternating electric field at 300 kHz with a field strength of 1.62
V/cm RMS for 24 hours, at an ambient temperature of 18.degree. C.
7-AAD was introduced into samples at five different times: 15
minutes prior to the cessation of the alternating electric field;
immediately after cessation of the alternating electric field; and
15, 30, and 60 minutes after cessation of the alternating electric
field. In each case, the cells were incubated with 7-AAD for 30
minutes after introduction of the 7-AAD, followed by flow cytometry
analysis of the percentage of cells with increased accumulation of
the fluorescent 7-AAD for each of the different timings. As seen in
FIG. 7D, a significant increase in accumulation of 7-AAD was
observed only in the sample that was incubated with 7-AAD while
subjected to an alternating electric field.
[0078] Additional Results for Different Drugs and Different Types
of Cancer Cells.
[0079] The methods described herein are not limited to the context
of glioblastoma. To the contrary--they are applicable to other
types of cancer cells. More specifically, a substance can be
delivered across a cell membrane of a cell by (a) applying an
alternating electric field to the cell for a period of time,
wherein application of the alternating electric field increases
permeability of the cell membrane; and (b) introducing the
substance to a vicinity of the cell. The increased permeability of
the cell membrane enables the substance to cross the cell membrane.
Notably, the methods described herein may be used to deliver large
molecules (which ordinarily would not pass through the relevant
cell membrane) through a cell membrane of different types of cells
(i.e., cells other than glioblastoma), including but not limited to
other types of cancer cells (e.g., MDA-MB-435 and MCF-7 cells).
[0080] FIG. 8A depicts the results of an experiment performed to
determine how alternating electric fields affect the permeability
of the cell membranes of MDA-MB-435 human melanoma cell line cells.
In this experiment, MDA-MB-435 cells were treated with an
alternating electric field at 150 kHz with a field strength of 1.62
V/cm for 24 hours, at an ambient temperature of 18.degree. C. and a
dish temperature of 37.degree. C. (The dish temperature in this and
other examples is higher than the ambient temperature due to
heating caused by the alternating electric fields.) After the first
23.75 hours, 7-AAD was added to the culture and incubated for 15
minutes during which time the alternating electric fields was
continued (to complete the 24 hour period). After this 15 minute
period, alternating electric field application was terminated and
the cells were incubated at room temperature for an additional 15
minutes. The percentage of cells with increased accumulation of the
fluorescent 7-AAD was determined using flow cytometry analysis.
.about.66% of the cells exhibited an increased accumulation of
7-AAD (bar 2 in FIG. 8A), as compared to less than 5% of the cells
in the control (bar 1), which was subjected to the same conditions,
except that the alternating electric fields were not applied. These
results indicate that alternating electric fields cause a very
significant increase in the permeability of cell membranes.
[0081] In a variation of this experiment, MDA-MB-435 human melanoma
cell line cells were treated with an alternating electric field at
150 kHz with a field strength of 1.62 V/cm for 24 hours, at an
ambient temperature of 18.degree. C. and a dish temperature of
37.degree. C. After this 24 hour period, the alternating electric
fields were turned off for 15 minutes, after which the 7-AAD was
added. After waiting an additional 15 minutes, the percentage of
cells with increased accumulation of the fluorescent 7-AAD was
determined using flow cytometry. This time, only .about.20% of the
cells exhibited an increased accumulation of 7-AAD (bar 3 in FIG.
8A). These results indicate that the increase in permeability of
cell membranes that is induced by alternating electric fields is
relatively short-lived, and that the permeability declines rapidly
and dramatically after cessation of the alternating electric
fields.
[0082] FIG. 8B depicts the results of another experiment performed
to determine how alternating electric fields affect the
permeability of the cell membranes of MDA-MB-435 human melanoma
cell line cells to doxorubicin (543.52 g/mol). In this experiment,
both wild type and doxorubicin resistant variants of MDA-MB-435
cells were treated with an alternating electric field at 150 kHz
with a field strength of 1.62 V/cm for 23 hours. After this 23 hour
period, doxorubicin at a concentration of 10 .mu.M was added and
incubated for one hour, during which time the alternating electric
fields was continued. The intracellular accumulation of doxorubicin
was then measured. The intracellular accumulation of doxorubicin
increased for both the wild type cells (compare bar 1 to bar 3) and
the doxorubicin resistant cells (compare bar 2 to bar 4).
[0083] FIG. 8C depicts the results of a similar experiment using
MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cell line cells and mitoxantrone
(444.481 g/mol). In this experiment, both wild type and
mitoxantrone resistant variants of MCF-7 cells were treated with an
alternating electric field at 150 kHz with a field strength of 1.62
V/cm for 23 hours. After this 23 hour period, mitoxantrone at a
concentration of 2 .mu.M was added and incubated for one hour,
during which time the alternating electric fields was continued.
The intracellular accumulation of mitoxantrone was then measured.
The intracellular accumulation of mitoxantrone increased for both
the wild type cells (compare bar 1 to bar 3) and the mitoxantrone
resistant cells (compare bar 2 to bar 4).
[0084] The results described above in connection with FIGS. 8B and
8C indicate that the alternating electric fields improve
intracellular accumulation of chemotherapy molecules in both wild
type and drug-resistant cells, and that alternating electric fields
can advantageously restore intra-cellular accumulation of
chemotherapeutic chemicals in cancer cells after those cells have
developed multi drug resistance to those chemicals.
[0085] Additional experiments were performed to determine whether
synergy exists between TTFields and various drugs for various
cancer cell lines, and FIGS. 9A-9G depict the result of some of
these experiments. More specifically, FIG. 9A shows how applying
TTFields for 3 days improves the sensitivity of U87-MG/GFP-Luc
cells to various concentrations of Lomustine (as compared to a
control in which TTFields were not applied). FIG. 9B shows how
applying TTFields for 3 days improves the sensitivity of
pcGBM2/GFP-Luc cells to various concentrations of Lomustine (as
compared to a control in which TTFields were not applied). FIG. 9C
shows how applying TTFields for 3 days improves the sensitivity of
GBM39 cells to various concentrations of Lomustine (as compared to
a control in which TTFields were not applied). FIG. 9D shows how
applying TTFields for 3 days improves the sensitivity of GBM39
cells to various concentrations of Temozolomide (as compared to a
control in which TTFields were not applied). FIG. 9E shows how
applying TTFields for 3 days improves the sensitivity of GBM39/Luc
cells to various concentrations of Irinotecan (as compared to a
control in which TTFields were not applied). FIG. 9F shows how
applying TTFields for 3 days improves the sensitivity of MDA-MB-235
cells to various concentrations of Doxorubicin (as compared to a
control in which TTFields were not applied). And FIG. 9G shows how
applying TTFields for 4 days improves the sensitivity of
U87-MG/eGFP-Luc cells to various concentrations of Mannose (as
compared to a control in which TTFields were not applied).
[0086] To date, synergy was found for the combination of TTFields
plus Withaferin A for GBM39/Luc, U87-MG/GFP-Luc, and
pcGBM2/GFP-Luc; synergy was found for the combination of TTFields
plus Lomustine for GBM39/Luc, U87-MG/GFP-Luc, and pcGBM2/GFP-Luc;
synergy was found for the combination of TTFields plus Irinotecan
for GBM39/Luc; and synergy was found for the combination of
TTFields plus Mannose for U87-MG/GFP-Luc. Evidence of synergy was
also found for the combination of TTFields plus Doxorubicin for
MDA-MB-235.
[0087] Discussion
[0088] Previous studies have focused on the effects of TTFields on
the nucleus (e.g., microtubules), septin, mitochondria, and
autophagy. But the experiments described herein are believed to be
the first to report the effects of TTFields on cancer cellular
membrane integrity, and demonstrate increased cellular membrane
permeability for cancer cells (e.g., multiple human GBM cell lines)
in the presence of TTFields using various evaluation techniques
(e.g., bioluminescence imaging, fluorescence imaging, and scanning
electron microscopy).
[0089] Observations revealed increased cellular membrane
permeability for glioblastomas in the presence of TTFields across
multiple human GBM cell lines. The approaches employed to validate
the hypothesis included bioluminescence imaging, fluorescence
imaging, and scanning electron microscopy. Observations also
revealed increased cellular membrane permeability for other types
of cancer cells in the presence of TTFields. Studies of TTFields in
combination with chemotherapies have shown both therapeutic
additivity and synergy. For this study, we posited that TTFields
mediates improved accessibility to cancer cells. Several
experiments showed the reversibility of the TTFields effect on
membranes thus demonstrating a causal relationship between TTFields
and the increase in membrane permeability. Such observations also
suggest that TTFields could be used to tune drug accessibility to
cancer cells.
[0090] The investigation into the cell permeability hypothesis of
TTFields action was initiated partly because of observations of
increased bioluminescence in luciferase-expressing GBM cells by
TTFields. While not being bound by this theory, it is believed that
TTFields induced increased permeability in the cellular membranes
of GBM cells. It is believed that increased GBM cell permeability
to D-luciferin as measured by BLI was not due to the effects of
TTFields on luciferase itself, but rather due to an increased
influx of its substrate D-luciferin into the cells engineered to
express the firefly luciferase. Furthermore, this finding held true
for both ATP-dependent (FLuc) and ATP-independent luciferase
(RLuc). Therefore, despite a preliminary report suggesting that
intracellular ATP was increased in CT26 colorectal carcinoma cells
exposed to TTFields, the observation of increased glioblastoma cell
membrane permeability in the setting of TTFields exposure suggests
an independent phenomenon. An increased expression or activation of
luciferase due to TTFields exposure could not have explained the
increased BLI signal because in these cells the luciferase enzyme
was controlled by the same promoter as was eGFP, and an increase in
fluorescence signal was not observed in the same cells. However,
exposure to TTFields may affect cellular metabolism that would be
manifested by changes in ATP levels, alterations in membrane
morphology and shifts in oxygen consumption.
[0091] Some key findings supporting the permeability hypothesis
came from the Dextran-FITC validation experiments described above
in connection with FIGS. 3B-D. The accessibility of the cell
membrane to small probes in the setting of TTFields was tested with
FITC-labeled dextrans, which resulted in an increase in influx of 4
kDa (Stokes' radius .about.1.4 nm) and 20 kDa (Stokes' radius
.about.3.3 nm) but not 50 kDa dextrans (Stokes' radius .about.5
nm). This suggests that TTFields cause GBM cells to become more
permeant to substances as large as 20 kDa, but no greater than 50
kDa. For reference, the luciferin and coelenterazine substrates are
of small enough molecular weight to be accessible through the
membrane with TTFields exposure. D-luciferin (substrate for Firefly
luciferase) has a molecular weight of 280.3 g/mol (.about.280 Da),
coelenterazine H (substrate for Renilla luciferase) has a molecular
weight of 407.5 g/mol (.about.408 Da), and 5-ALA has a molecular
weight of 167.6 g/mol (169 Da), consistent with the Dextran-FITC
findings.
[0092] The SEM findings described herein reveal that at low seeding
density, 3 days of TTFields exposure caused a significant increase
in the number and size of holes greater than 51.8 nm.sup.2 in area,
compared to the no TTFields condition, as described above in
connection with FIG. 5. This hole size cut-off represents a circle
of radius 4.1 nm, which is the Stokes' radius of a FITC-dextran
molecule with a size of 20-40 kDa. Thus, the difference in cell
membrane disruption visualized by SEM confirms the indirect
observations from the FITC-dextran studies described herein.
[0093] Interestingly, exposure of normal human fibroblasts
(PCS-201) to TTFields caused no significant increase in the number
or size of cellular membrane holes, thus suggesting that the
permeability effect may have some specificity to cancer cells.
Qualitatively, for U87-MG cells, there was a clear onset of
bulbous, bleb-like structures due to a 24-h exposure to TTFields
under high seeding density. The appearance of these structures is
consistent with increased permeability in the outer membrane and
the induction of apoptosis and there appears to be little evidence
of an apoptotic phenotype with a 24-h TTFields exposure.
Furthermore, high-density PCS-201 cells displayed no such changes
with TTFields exposure (data not shown) thus suggesting again, the
specificity of the TTFields effect for cancer cells.
[0094] Although the cell cycle was not synchronized for the
experiments, the doubling time of the U87-MG cells is .about.48 h
and given that TTFields exert their maximal antiproliferative
effect on dividing cells, this could explain the lack of observed
abundant apoptosis after a 24-h TTFields exposure. An alternative
interpretation may lie in reports that cellular blebbing may confer
resistance to cellular lysis. A previous report in unsynchronized
glioblastoma cells demonstrated that 72 h of TTFields exposure
induced cell death with a marked proportion of Annexin V-positive
cells. Using transmission electron microscopy, these reports
described signs of autophagy including autophagosomes, swollen
mitochondria, and a dilated endoplasmatic reticulum. In contrast,
the results herein use SEM to better visualize the effects of
TTFields specifically on the plasma cell membrane.
[0095] The increase in membrane permeability by TTFields has
significant clinical implications. Using the co-culture platform of
human GBM cells layered on top of normal human fibroblast cells,
the impact of TTFields on the uptake of 5-aminolevulinic acid
(5-ALA) into GBM cells was studied. TTFields exposure resulted in
significantly increased 5-ALA uptake in the GBM cells compared to
the fibroblast cells. In June 2017, 5-ALA was approved by the Food
and Drug Administration for clinical use in the United States to
assist neurosurgeons in delineating the tumor-normal brain border
during glioma resection. Pretreating glioma patients with TTFields
prior to 5-ALA administration will therefore be useful to enhance
the delineation of the infiltrative tumor margin during tumor
resection.
[0096] With regard to detecting and measuring the effects of
TTFields on cancer cells, the majority of cell culture-based
studies to date have focused on cell count/viability as the primary
readout. This is based on the prevailing understanding that
TTFields interferes with mitosis of rapidly dividing tumor cells,
which results in cancer cell death. In addition, computational
modeling studies of TTFields in cell culture are currently driven
by cell count as the primary outcome of the model.
[0097] Recurrence of GBM is inevitable and the median time to first
recurrence despite standard therapy is approximately 7 months. In
clinical applications of TTFields to patients with GBM, the data
suggest that increased compliance and duration of TTFields use
correlates with improved survival. TTFields compliance (.gtoreq.75%
vs. <75%) was an independent predictor of overall survival in
the retrospective analysis of the full EF-14 trial dataset and the
duration of use of TTFields was also found to affect overall
survival. Taken together, these data may serve as clinical
correlates of the observed effects in the cell cultured-based
TTFields experimental setting. Namely, a correlation between the
length of TTFields exposure and the duration of its effect on cell
membrane permeability after cessation of TTFields was observed. At
lengths of TTFields exposure of 0.5-3 h, the duration in BLI
augmentation (compared to no TTFields conditions) lasted about 5
min. However, at TTFields exposures of 12-25 h, this difference in
BLI between TTFields and no TTFields conditions lasted for more
than 20 min. Likewise, a re-analysis of the data reported by Ram et
al. shows that the percent increase in overall survival (in
patients treated with TTFields plus temozolomide vs. temozolomide
alone) jumped from 32% after 1 year of TTFields exposure to 551%
after 5 years of TTFields exposure, respectively.
[0098] The results described herein i.e., that alternating electric
fields increase cellular membrane permeability, are distinct from
the previously reported effects of TTFields. This should have a
significant impact on current surgical and clinical practices in
the treatment of glioblastomas as well as other types of
cancer.
[0099] In the in vitro experiments described above, the frequency
of the alternating electric fields was 200 kHz. But in alternative
embodiments, the frequency of the alternating electric fields could
be another frequency, e.g., about 200 kHz, between 50 and 500 kHz,
between 25 kHz and 1 MHz, between 50 and 190 kHz, between 25 and
190 kHz, or between 210 and 400 kHz.
[0100] In the in vitro experiments described above, the field
strength of the alternating electric fields was between 1 and 4
V/cm RMS. But in alternative embodiments, different field strengths
may be used (e.g., between 0.1 and 10 V/cm).
[0101] In the in vitro experiments described above, the alternating
electric fields were applied for a variety of different intervals
ranging from 0.5 hours to 72 hours. But in alternative embodiments,
a different duration may be used (e.g., between 0.5 hours and 14
days). In some embodiments, application of the alternating electric
fields may be repeated periodically. For example, the alternating
electric fields may be applied every day for a two hour
duration.
[0102] In the in vitro experiments using the Inovitro.TM. system
described herein, the direction of the alternating electric fields
was switched at one second intervals between two perpendicular
directions. But in alternative embodiments, the direction of the
alternating electric fields can be switched at a faster rate (e.g.,
at intervals between 1 and 1000 ms) or at a slower rate (e.g., at
intervals between 1 and 100 seconds).
[0103] In the in vitro experiments using the Inovitro.TM. system
described herein, the direction of the alternating electric fields
was switched between two perpendicular directions by applying an AC
voltage to two pairs of electrodes that are disposed 90.degree.
apart from each other in 2D space in an alternating sequence. But
in alternative embodiments the direction of the alternating
electric fields may be switched between two directions that are not
perpendicular by repositioning the pairs of electrodes, or between
three or more directions (assuming that additional pairs of
electrodes are provided). For example, the direction of the
alternating electric fields may be switched between three
directions, each of which is determined by the placement of its own
pair of electrodes. Optionally, these three pairs of electrodes may
be positioned so that the resulting fields are disposed 90.degree.
apart from each other in 3D space. In other alternative
embodiments, the electrodes need not be arranged in pairs. See, for
example, the electrode positioning described in U.S. Pat. No.
7,565,205, which is incorporated herein by reference. In other
alternative embodiments, the direction of the field remains
constant.
[0104] In the in vitro experiments using the Inovitro.TM. system
described herein, the electrical field was capacitively coupled
into the culture because the Inovitro.TM. system uses conductive
electrodes disposed on the outer surface of the dish sidewalls, and
the ceramic material of the sidewalls acts as a dielectric. But in
alternative embodiments, the electric field could be applied
directly to the cells without capacitive coupling (e.g., by
modifying the Inovitro.TM. system configuration so that the
conductive electrodes are disposed on the sidewall's inner surface
instead of on the sidewall's outer surface).
[0105] The methods described herein can also be applied in the in
vivo context by applying the alternating electric fields to a
target region of a live subject's body, for both glioblastoma cells
and other types of cancer cells. Imposing the electric field in the
target region will increase the permeability of the cell membranes
in the target region, which will enable molecules that are
ordinarily blocked or impeded by the cell membrane to pass through
the cell membrane. This may be accomplished, for example, by
positioning electrodes on or below the subject's skin so that
application of an AC voltage between selected subsets of those
electrodes will impose the alternating electric fields in the
target region of the subject's body.
[0106] For example, in situations where the relevant cells are
located in the subject's lungs, one pair of electrodes could be
positioned on the front and back of the subject's thorax, and a
second pair of electrodes could be positioned on the right and left
sides of the subject's thorax. In some embodiments, the electrodes
are capacitively coupled to the subject's body (e.g., by using
electrodes that include a conductive plate and also have a
dielectric layer disposed between the conductive plate and the
subject's body). But in alternative embodiments, the dielectric
layer may be omitted, in which case the conductive plates would
make direct contact with the subject's body. In another embodiment,
electrodes could be inserted subcutaneously below a patent's skin.
An AC voltage generator applies an AC voltage at a selected
frequency (e.g., between 100 and 200 kHz) between the right and
left electrodes for a first period of time (e.g. 1 second), which
induces alternating electric fields where the most significant
components of the field lines are parallel to the transverse axis
of the subject's body. Then, the AC voltage generator applies an AC
voltage at the same frequency (or a different frequency) between
the front and back electrodes for a second period of time (e.g. 1
second), which induces alternating electric fields where the most
significant components of the field lines are parallel to the
sagittal axis of the subject's body. This two step sequence is then
repeated for the duration of the treatment. Optionally, thermal
sensors may be included at the electrodes, and the AC voltage
generator can be configured to decrease the amplitude of the AC
voltages that are applied to the electrodes if the sensed
temperature at the electrodes gets too high. In some embodiments,
one or more additional pairs of electrodes may be added and
included in the sequence. In alternative embodiments, only a single
pair of electrodes is used, in which case the direction of the
field lines is not switched. Note that any of the parameters for
this in vivo embodiment (e.g., frequency, field strength, duration,
direction-switching rate, and the placement of the electrodes) may
be varied as described above in connection with the in the vitro
embodiments. But care must be taken in the in vivo context to
ensure that the electric field remains safe for the subject at all
times.
[0107] A wide variety of applications for increasing the
permeability of cell membranes can be readily envisioned in the in
vivo context. In one example, localized enhancement of drug uptake
by tumor cells can be induced by applying alternating electric
fields to the relevant body part for a period of time (e.g., 12 or
24 hours) prior to and during administration of chemotherapies or
other antineoplastic agents. In another example, drug uptake by
multi drug resistant tumor cells can be restored by applying
alternating electric fields to the relevant body part for a period
of time (e.g., 12 or 24 hours) prior to and during administration
of chemotherapies or other antineoplastic agents. In another
example, development of multi drug resistant metastases can be
prevented by applying alternating electric fields to regions that
are prone to metastases for a period of time (e.g., 12 or 24 hours)
prior to and during administration of an appropriate drug
(regardless to whether the subject has a primary tumor that is
being treated with alternating electric fields).
[0108] FIG. 10A depicts a first suitable relationship in timing
between the application of the alternating electric field and the
introduction of the substance to the vicinity of the cancer cell in
the in vitro context; or between the application of the alternating
electric field and the administration of the substance to a live
patient. Based on the data described above in connection with FIGS.
7A-7D and 8A, and assuming that the substance is introduced or
administered at a given time t=0, the alternating electric field
can begin after the given time and continue for an interval of time
(e.g., 12 hours) while the substance is still available in the
vicinity of the cell. In this situation, permeability will begin to
increase after the alternating electric field begins, and this
increase in permeability will enable the substance to enter the
relevant cells. In the context of chemotherapy, this would
correspond to administering a chemotherapeutic agent to a patient,
followed by application of the alternating electric fields for an
interval of time (e.g., for 12 hours).
[0109] Alternatively, as depicted in FIG. 10B, the alternating
electric field can begin before the given time (e.g., 1 hour before
t=0), and continue for an interval of time (e.g., until 12 hours
following t=0) while the substance is still available in the
vicinity of the cell. In this situation, the permeability of the
relevant cells will begin to increase before the substance arrives
in the vicinity of the cell (or before the substance is
administered to a live patient). This will enable the substance to
cross the cell membrane immediately upon its arrival in the
vicinity of the cell. In the context of chemotherapy, this would
correspond to starting application of the alternating electric
fields, followed by the administration of the chemotherapeutic
agent while the alternating electric fields are still being
applied, followed by continued application of the alternating
electric fields for an additional interval of time (e.g., until 12
hours following the time at which the chemotherapeutic agent was
administered).
[0110] Note that the intervals of time discussed above in
connection with FIGS. 10A and 10B can either be uninterrupted or
can include breaks that are preferably short. For example, assuming
that the interval of time is 12 hours, it could be satisfied by a
single uninterrupted block of 12 hours. Alternatively, the 12 hour
interval could be satisfied by applying the alternating electric
fields for 6 hours, followed by a 1 hour break, followed by
applying the alternating electric fields for an additional 6 hours
(while the substance is still available in the vicinity of the
cell). Note also that in the context of FIGS. 10A and 10B, when the
substance is administered to a live patient, the administration of
the substance may be performed using any of a variety of approaches
including but not limited to intravenously, orally, subcutaneously,
intrathecal, intraventricularly, and intraperitonealy.
[0111] The optimal frequency, field strength, and switching
characteristics may be determined experimentally for each
combination of a given type of host cell and a given type of
substance that is to be delivered through the cell membrane. In
some preferred embodiments, the frequency is less than 190 kHz
(e.g., between 50 and 190 kHz or between 25 and 190 kHz. In other
preferred embodiments, the frequency is between 210 and 400
kHz.
[0112] One existing approach to treating tumors (e.g.,
glioblastoma) is by applying alternating electric fields at
frequencies between 50 and 500 kHz, preferably between 100 and 300
kHz to the tumor. For glioblastoma, 200 kHz is the most preferred
frequency. Alternating electric fields at these frequencies are
referred to as TTFields, and are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,868,289 and 7,565,205, each of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. Briefly, those two applications describe
disrupting dividing cells during mitosis. The effectiveness of
TTFields is improved when the direction of the electric field is
periodically switched, when the strength of the field in at least a
portion of the tumor is at least 1 V/cm, and when the fields are
applied for long periods of time (e.g., weeks or months) with as
few breaks as possible.
[0113] Situations may arise where it will be desirable to treat the
tumor with TTFields and also deliver a substance across the cell
membranes of the tumor cells (e.g., to help get a therapeutically
effective amount of a chemotherapy drug past the cell membranes to
provide an additional line of attack against the tumor). In some
situations, it may be possible to use a single frequency of an
alternating electric field to both treat the tumor and increase the
permeability of the cell membranes. In other situations, it may be
desirable to use alternating electric fields with different
frequencies: a first frequency that is selected to provide improved
results for increasing the permeability of the cell membranes, and
a second frequency that is selected to provide improved results for
the anti-tumor action of the TTFields.
[0114] FIGS. 11A and 11B depict the results of two in vitro
experiments on U-87 MG glioblastoma cells. More specifically, FIG.
11A depicts the results of a first experiment to determine the
frequency that provides the highest level of cytotoxicity to U-87
MG cells; and FIG. 11B depicts the results of a second experiment
to determine the frequency that provides the largest increase in
permeability of the cell membranes of U-87 MG cells.
[0115] In the first experiment, the U-87 MG cells were subjected to
alternating electric fields with a field strength of 1.62 V/cm RMS
at different frequencies for a period of 72 hours at an ambient
temperature of 18.degree. C. After this 72 hour period, the number
of cells that were present in the sample for each of the different
frequencies was measured using flow cytometry. As seen in FIG. 11A,
the lowest number of cells (which indicates the highest level of
cytotoxicity) was observed for the sample that was subjected to
alternating electric fields at 200 kHz.
[0116] In the second experiment, permeability to 7-AAD (a
fluorescent chemical with a molecular weight of 1270.43 g/mol that
ordinarily does not readily pass through intact cell membranes) was
measured. In this experiment, the cells were treated with an
alternating electric field at different frequencies with a field
strength of 1.62 V/cm RMS for a total of 24 hours, at an ambient
temperature of 18.degree. C. and a dish temperature of 37.degree.
C. After the first 23.75 hours, 7-AAD was added to the culture and
incubated for 15 minutes during which time the alternating electric
fields was continued (to complete the 24 hour period). After this
15 minute period, alternating electric field application was
terminated and the cells were incubated at room temperature for an
additional 15 minutes, followed by flow cytometry analysis of the
percentage of cells with increased accumulation of the fluorescent
7-AAD for each of the different frequencies. As seen in FIG. 11B,
the highest percentage of cells with increased accumulation of
7-AAD (which indicates the highest level of permeability) was
observed for the sample that was subjected to an alternating
electric field at 300 kHz.
[0117] FIGS. 12A and 12B depict the results of two in vitro
experiments similar to those described above in connection with
FIGS. 11A/B, except that MES-SA uterine sarcoma cells were used.
More specifically, FIG. 12A depicts the results of an experiment to
determine the frequency that provides the highest level of
cytotoxicity to MES-SA cells. The lowest number of MES-SA cells
(which indicates the highest level of cytotoxicity) was observed
for the sample that was subjected to alternating electric fields at
100 kHz. FIG. 12B depicts the results of an experiment to determine
the frequency that provides the largest increase in permeability of
the cell membranes of MES-SA cells. The highest percentage of
MES-SA cells with increased accumulation of 7-AAD (which indicates
the highest level of permeability) was observed for the sample that
was subjected to an alternating electric field at 150 kHz.
[0118] FIG. 12C depicts the results of another experiment performed
to determine how 150 kHz alternating electric fields affect the
permeability of the cell membranes of MES-SA cells to doxorubicin
(543.52 g/mol). In this experiment, MES-SA cells were treated with
an alternating electric field at 150 kHz with a field strength of
1.62 V/cm RMS for 24 hours. After the first 23 hours, doxorubicin
at a concentration of 10 .mu.M was added and incubated for one hour
during which time the alternating electric fields was continued (to
complete the 24 hour period). The intracellular accumulation of
doxorubicin was then measured. The intracellular accumulation of
doxorubicin increased by more than 2.times. for the sample that was
treated with the 150 kHz alternating electric field.
[0119] FIGS. 13A and 13B depict the results of two in vitro
experiments similar to those described above in connection with
FIGS. 11A/B, except that MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells were
used. More specifically, FIG. 13A depicts the results of an
experiment to determine the frequency that provides the highest
level of cytotoxicity to MCF-7 cells. The lowest number of MCF-7
cells (which indicates the highest level of cytotoxicity) was
observed for the sample that was subjected to alternating electric
fields at 200 kHz. FIG. 13B depicts the results of an experiment to
determine the frequency that provides the largest increase in
permeability of the cell membranes of MCF-7 cells. The highest
percentage of MCF-7 cells with increased accumulation of 7-AAD
(which indicates the highest level of permeability) was observed
for the sample that was subjected to an alternating electric field
at 150 kHz.
[0120] The experiments described above in connection with FIGS.
11-13 reveal that the optimal frequency for inducing cellular
permeability is different from the optimal frequency for inducing
cytotoxicity. More specifically, for glioblastoma, the optimal
first frequency (for inducing cellular permeability) is between 250
kHz and 350 kHz; and the optimal second frequency (for inducing
cytotoxicity) is between 150 kHz and 250 kHz. For uterine sarcoma,
the optimal first frequency (for inducing cellular permeability) is
between 125 kHz and 175 kHz; and the optimal second frequency (for
inducing cytotoxicity) is between 75 kHz and 125 kHz. And for
breast adenocarcinoma, the optimal first frequency (for inducing
cellular permeability) is between 75 kHz and 175 kHz; and the
optimal second frequency (for inducing cytotoxicity) is between 100
kHz and 300 kHz. Pairs of frequency ranges for other types of
cancer can be determined experimentally.
[0121] When different frequencies are used for inducing cellular
permeability and inducing cytotoxicity, the cytotoxicity frequency
is preferably applied for the maximum amount of time that can be
comfortably tolerated by the patient. Preferably, the cytotoxicity
frequency is applied for at least one week. More preferably, the
cytotoxicity frequency is applied for many months. Optionally, the
interval of time during which the cytotoxicity frequency is applied
may be split up into a plurality of non-contiguous intervals of
time that are separated by breaks, where the plurality of
non-contiguous intervals of time collectively add up to at least
one week. In contrast, the frequency for inducing permeability is
preferably applied so that the permeability is high when the
relevant substance is located in the vicinity of the target cells
(e.g., as described above in connection with FIGS. 10A-10B). The
application of these two different frequencies may be accomplished
using a single AC voltage generator that is controllable to output
a first frequency to induce cellular permeability at certain times
and a second frequency to induce cytotoxicity at other times. The
same set of transducer arrays (i.e., electrodes) may be used to
apply the alternating electric fields at these two frequencies
(depending on which frequency is applied by the AC voltage
generator).
[0122] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an apparatus that generates a
first frequency for inducing cellular permeability and a second
frequency for inducing cytotoxicity. The apparatus includes an AC
voltage generator 44 that is similar to the conventional
Optune.RTM. field generator unit, but has the ability to operate at
two different frequencies. Each of those frequencies is between 50
and 500 kHz. This ability may be implemented, for example, using
relays to switch either a first set of components or a second set
of components into the conventional circuit that generates the AC
voltage, and adjusting the operating frequency of an oscillator.
The AC voltage generator 44 is configured to output either the
first frequency or the second frequency depending on the state of a
control input. When the control input is in a first state the AC
voltage generator 44 outputs the first frequency, and when the
control input is in a second state the AC voltage generator 44
outputs the second frequency. A controller 42 is programmed to
place the control input in the second state so that the AC voltage
generator 44 outputs the second frequency. The controller 42 is
also programmed to accept a request to switch to the first
frequency. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 15, the request
arrives via a user interface 40 that may be implemented using any
of a variety of conventional approaches including but not limited
to a pushbutton, a touch screen, etc. In alternative embodiments,
the request may arrive via RF (e.g. Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.) from a
tablet, smartphone, etc.
[0123] Upon receipt of the request, the controller 42 will place
the control input in the first state so that the AC voltage
generator 44 will output the first frequency for an interval of
time (e.g., at least 1 hour, at least 12 hours, or at least 24
hours). After the interval of time has elapsed, the controller 42
will place the control input in the second state so that the AC
voltage generator 44 reverts to outputting the second
frequency.
[0124] Optionally, the AC voltage generator 44 may be configured to
output one or more additional frequencies (e.g., a third frequency,
a fourth frequency, etc.), depending on the state of the control
input. Preferably each of these additional frequencies is selected
to induce cytotoxicity. In these embodiments, the controller 42 is
programmed to cycle the control input through the states that cause
the AC voltage generator 44 to output the second frequency and the
one or more additional frequencies before the request arrives. The
controller 42 is also programmed to accept a request to switch to
the first frequency. Upon receipt of the request, the controller 42
will place the control input in the first state so that the AC
voltage generator 44 will output the first frequency for an
interval of time (e.g., at least 1 hour, at least 12 hours, or at
least 24 hours). After the interval of time has elapsed, the
controller 42 will revert to cycling the control input through the
states that cause the AC voltage generator 44 to output the second
frequency and the one or more additional frequencies.
[0125] The system depicted in FIG. 15 is particularly useful when a
person has a tumor that is being treated by combination therapy
that includes TTFields and chemotherapy. In this situation, the
system operates most of the time at the second frequency to provide
the maximum cytotoxicity effect. But when a person visits a
chemotherapy clinic for a dose of chemotherapy, healthcare
personnel (or the user) actuates the user interface 40 to switch
the system to the first frequency that promotes permeability. In
this situation, the actuation of the user interface could be done
e.g., one hour before the expected start of the chemotherapy, or a
short time after the actual start of the chemotherapy.
[0126] Alternatively, upon receipt of the request (e.g., from the
user interface 40), the controller 42 can control the control input
so that the AC voltage generator 44 will output the first frequency
for an interval of time (e.g., 1 hour), then switch back and forth
between the second frequency and the first frequency (e.g.,
switching every hour). Eventually (e.g., when the relevant
substance has been exhausted from the patient's bloodstream), the
controller 42 controls the control input so that the AC voltage
generator 44 reverts to outputting the second frequency.
[0127] A set of electrodes (not shown) that are similar to the
conventional electrodes used with Optune.RTM. are connected to the
output of the AC voltage generator 44.
[0128] FIG. 14 depicts the results of a yet another experiment to
determine the frequency that provides the largest increase in
permeability of the cell membranes of GBM39/Luc cells. In this
experiment, the cells were treated with an alternating electric
field at different frequencies in the presence of 4 kDa Dextran
FITC (which ordinarily does not readily pass through intact cell
membranes) for 2 days. As seen in FIG. 14, the highest level of
Dextran-FITC fluorescence (which indicates the highest level of
permeability) was observed for the sample that was subjected to an
alternating electric field at 100 kHz.
[0129] The experimental data discussed in connection with FIGS.
11-14 contain information that is useful for inducing cellular
permeability to the maximum extent possible (to enable more of the
relevant substance to cross the cell membrane) without regard to
any cytotoxicity that may be occurring as a secondary effect. In
these situations, the alternating electric field is preferably
applied at a single frequency only, selected to induce the highest
level of cellular permeability. In some situations (e.g.,
GBM39/Luc, uterine sarcoma, and breast adenocarcinoma), this
frequency will be between 50 and 190 kHz; and in other situations
(e.g., U-87 MG glioblastoma), this frequency will be between 210
and 400 kHz.
[0130] For those substances that ordinarily can traverse the cell
membrane to a significant extent, the techniques described herein
for increasing cell membrane permeability can be used to increase
the quantity of the substance that will enter the cell. This can
improve the therapeutic result provided by those substances.
Examples of this class of substances discussed above include
ethidium bromide (size=394 Da), doxorubicin (size=544 Da),
Mitoxantrone (size=445 Da), etc.
[0131] And notably, the techniques described herein can also be
used to enable substances that ordinarily could not traverse the
cell membrane to a significant extent to enter the cell. Examples
of this class of substances discussed above include (a) compounds
that are at least 1.2 kDa (e.g., 7-AAD, whose size is 1.27 kDa),
(b) compounds that are at least 4 kDa (e.g., 4 kDa Dextran-FITC,
and (c) compounds that are at least 20 kDa (e.g., 20 kDa
Dextran-FITC), (d) genetic material including but not restricted to
supercoiled plasmid DNA, siRNA, and shRNA constructs, (e) genome
editing system including but not restricted to meganucleases, zinc
finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like
effector-based nucleases (TALEN) and clustered regularly
interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/Cas9), (f) any form
of an antibody including but not limited to IgG, Fab, Fab',
F(ab')2, scFv, di-scFv, sdAb. Such antibody can be either
unconjugated or conjugated to cytotoxic agent, toxin, fluorophore,
quantum dots, and enzymes, (g) charged molecules, and (h) small
molecules, therapeutic entities, peptides, and proteins that
typically do not permeate the cell membrane or are being destroyed
during endocytosis. Providing the ability to get these substances
through the cell membrane means that compounds that may previously
have been rejected as ineffective in a compound-screening process
(due to their inability to traverse the cell membrane) may suddenly
become usable for therapeutic purposes when used in combination
with an alternating electric field that enhances cellular
permeability.
[0132] The methods described herein may also be useful beyond the
context of cancer cells. More specifically, the methods described
herein may be useful to deliver large molecules (which ordinarily
would not pass through the relevant cell membrane) through a cell
membrane of certain other non-cancerous cells (e.g., kidney cells,
lung cells, liver cells, heart cells, brain cells, muscle cells,
bone marrow cells, etc.). Delivery of such drugs can be enhanced by
applying alternating electric fields to the relevant body part for
a period of time (e.g., 24 hours) prior to and during
administration those drugs. Candidates for such drugs include but
are not limited to antiepileptic drugs and psychotropic drugs
(e.g., olanzapine, 9-OH risperidone and other varieties of
risperidone, etc.).
[0133] In yet another example, it may be possible to achieve
localized enhancement of drug uptake in bacteria by applying
alternating electric fields to the relevant body part for a period
of time (e.g., 24 hours) prior to and during administration of a
suitable antibiotic. In situations where a particular bacteria has
evolved to be drug resistant or multidrug-resistant (e.g., based on
a mechanism of action that involves the cell membrane), the
application of alternating electric fields may increase the
permeability of the bacteria's cell membrane to the point where the
resistance can be overcome. Similar approaches may be used to
enhance drug uptake to combat meningitis, pneumonia, infective
endocarditis, etc. Note that in the in vivo context, the
alternating electric fields may be applied to a target region
(e.g., the lungs) that is tumor free. Alternatively, the
alternating electric fields may be applied it to a target region
that contains a tumor (e.g., a brain that includes a
glioblastoma).
[0134] While the present invention has been disclosed with
reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications,
alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible
without departing from the sphere and scope of the present
invention, as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it is
intended that the present invention not be limited to the described
embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language
of the claims listed below, and equivalents thereof.
[0135] Material and Methods
[0136] Cell culture studies: Two patient-derived GBM lines (GBM2,
GBM39), a commercially available human GBM cell line (U87-MG from
ATCC, Manassas, Va., USA) as well as a murine astrocytoma cell
line, (KR158B; a gift from Dr. Duane Mitchell of the Department of
Neurosurgery at the University of Florida School of Medicine) were
used. Human U87-MG, human PCS-201 and murine KR158B glioblastoma
cell lines were grown in DMEM (Invitrogen/Life Technologies,
Carlsbad, Calif., USA)/10% FBS/and 1.times. antibiotic-antimycotic
(Invitrogen/Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.). GBM2 and GBM39
were grown in a defined, serum-free media whose composition has
been described previously.
[0137] Seeding of cells onto glass coverslips for TTFields
experiments: Briefly, cells in culture were trypsinized via
standard protocols and 10,000-50,000 single cells were suspended in
200 or 75 .mu.L of DMEM/10% FBS/1.times. antibiotic-antimycotic and
then were seeded onto the center of a 22 mm or 12 mm diameter glass
Thermanox.TM. coverslips respectively (ThermoFisher Scientific,
Waltham, Mass., USA). The cells were incubated overnight in a
humidified 95% air/5% CO.sub.2incubator set at 37.degree. C. Once
the cells became attached to the coverslip, 2 mL or 1 mL of
DMEM/10% FBS/1.times. antibiotic-antimycotic was added per well of
6-well or 12-well plates, respectively. Unless otherwise stated in
the Results section, the cells were left to grow on the coverslip
for two to three days (in order to ensure cells were in the growth
phase) before being transferred to ceramic dishes of an
inovitro.TM. in vitro TTFields apparatus (Novocure Inc., Haifa,
Israel). Growth conditions (i.e., time cells allowed to grow under
TTFields-exposed vs. unexposed conditions) are specified either in
the Results section or in the corresponding figure legends.
[0138] In vitro tumor treating field apparatus: The coverslips were
transferred to a ceramic dish of the inovitro.TM. system, which in
turn was mounted onto inovitro.TM. base plates (Novocure Ltd.,
Haifa, Israel). Tumor treating fields at 200 kHz (1-4 V/cm) were
applied through an inovitro.TM. power generator. Incubator ambient
temperatures spanned 20-27.degree. C. with a target temperature of
37.degree. C. in the ceramic dishes upon application of the
TTFields. Duration of TTFields exposure lasted anywhere from 0.5 to
72 h, after which coverslips were removed and processed for the
appropriate bioassays (see below). For reversibility experiments,
the TTFields-exposed coverslips were transferred to a regular
incubator without TTFields exposure for 24 h (off TTFields period
to assess for reversibility of the TTFields effect on cell membrane
permeability) prior to processing for the appropriate bioassays.
Culture media were exchanged manually every 24 h throughout the
experiments to account for evaporation. Corresponding control
experiments (no TTFields) were done by placing equivalent
coverslips within 6-well or 12-well plates into a conventional
humidified tissue culture incubator (37.degree. C., 95% air/5%
CO.sub.2) and cells grown in parallel with the TTFields-exposed
coverslips. Unless otherwise mentioned, all experiments were done
in at least triplicate samples per condition and per time
point.
[0139] Cell counting assay via hemocytometer: Preparation of cells
for counting was achieved via established protocols and visualized
on a Zeiss PrimoVert benchtop microscope (Dublin, Calif., USA).
Unless otherwise stated, cell counts were done on trypsinized,
single-cell suspensions with a hemocytometer and the mean of the
four cell-count measurements was calculated and rounded to the
nearest integer.
[0140] Bioluminescence imaging: For all bioluminescence work, we
used genetically-modified GBM2, GBM39 and U87-MG whereby the
glioblastoma cells were transfected with lentiviral vectors that
expressed either firefly luciferase (fLuc for GBM39) or a fusion
protein of GFP and firefly luciferase (GFP/fLuc for GBM2 and
eGFP-fLuc for U87-MG) or a Renilla luciferase--Red Fluorescence
protein fusion (RLuc-RL8 for KR158B). Cells were transduced using
viral supernatants, and expression of luciferases was confirmed by
measuring cellular luciferase activity (IVIS Spectrum; Perkin
Elmer, Waltman, Mass.) in the presence of D-Luciferin (0.3 mg/mL
final concentration) for fLuc and coelenterazine (1 .mu.g/mL) for
rLuc.
[0141] Scanning electron microscopy (SEM): 5,000 (low seeding
condition) to 50,000 (high seeding condition) U87-MG/eGFP-fLuc
cells or PCS-201 fibroblast cells were deposited onto 13 mm glass
coverslips and then prepared for TTFields experiments. Cells were
grown under standard tissue culture incubator conditions
(37.degree. C., 95% O.sub.2, 5% CO.sub.2). At the end of the
TTFields-exposed and TTFields-unexposed experiments (1 day for
high-seeding conditions and 3 days for low-seeding conditions), the
coverslips were processed for SEM. All ROI analyses were performed
in a blinded manner in which neither the individual responsible for
SEM image acquisition nor the one performing data analyses knew of
the experimental conditions for the samples. A third individual had
possession of the sample identities.
[0142] Chemical reagents: Unless otherwise stated, all chemicals
were purchased from Selleckchem Inc. (Houston, Tex., USA),
Thermo-Fisher Scientific (Waltham, Mass., USA), or Sigma-Aldrich
(St. Louis, Mo., USA). Purified firefly luciferin or firefly
luciferase (SRE0045-2MG) as well as the Ethidium D apoptosis kit
(11835246001) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich Inc (St. Louis,
Mo.). Dextran-FITC of molecular weights 4, 20, and 50 kDa (FD4,
FD20 and FD50), were purchased from Sigma Aldrich Inc. as well.
5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA, AAA16942ME) and the AnnexinV-APC kit
(50712549) were purchased from Thermo-Fisher Scientific Inc
(Waltham, Mass.).
[0143] Statistical analysis: The PRISM 7.0 software (GraphPad
Software Inc., La Jolla, Calif., USA) was used to determine whether
the data were normally distributed. Normally distributed data were
analyzed with two-way Student's t-test or analysis of variance
(ANOVA) comparisons of means, while nonnormally-distributed data
were analyzed with nonparametric analyses (e.g., Mann-Whitney U
test comparison of medians). The level of statistical significance
was set at alpha=0.05. Bonferroni or Dunnet post-hoc corrections
were employed to adjust alpha for multiple comparisons. All data
are presented as range, mean.+-.standard deviation, median
(interquartile range), or percent. In all figures, the levels of
statistically significant differences are represented by:
*p<0.05, **p<0.01, and ***p<0.001.
* * * * *