TITLE:
Preclinical Verification of Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia—Part III. Immunogenic Effects
AUTHORS:
Andras Szasz
KEYWORDS:
mEHT, Cancer, Thermal, Nonthermal, Immunogenic, ICD, DAMP, Tumor-Specific Immune
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Clinical Medicine,
Vol.15 No.7,
July
31,
2024
ABSTRACT: The modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) method is a unique approach that utilizes all the essential apoptotic pathways through an external radiofrequency (RF) signal. The high-frequency RF is amplitude-modulated and coupled capacitively to the target. The provided energy triggers the death receptors and FAS-FADD complexes in the malignant cells. Multi-pathway apoptosis produces immunogenic cell death (ICD). This ICD provides intracellular information about cancer cells by releasing damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMP), including membrane expression of calreticulin (CRT) and extracellular ATP, HMGB1, and HSP70, executing tumor-specific antigen presentation. The antigen-presenting cells (APCs) play a crucial role in reestablishing immune surveillance and hampering the tumor cells’ ability to hide, thereby evading immune attacks. The matured DCs (generally APCs) produce tumor-specific killer and helper T-cells, which have the potential to be active in distant metastases from the treated location. This unique mechanism of action underscores its potential in cancer treatment and extends the local mEHT treatment to the whole body anticancer therapy with an abscopal effect.