"Possibility of Treating Cervical Cancer Without Surgery Opens Up"
Research results suggesting the possibility of treating cervical cancer without surgery using bioplasma technology were published in the June issue of the internationally renowned academic journal Journal of Controlled Release (IF 11.5).
Professor Byungsu Kwon, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyung Hee University Hospital. Kyung Hee University Hospital
Kyung Hee University Hospital announced on the 23rd that a research team led by Professor Byungsu Kwon of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in collaboration with Professor Jongmin Kim of the Department of Biological Systems at Sookmyung Women's University and Professor Kayong Shim of the Department of Biomedical Systems at Soongsil University, has identified, for the first time in the world, a biomarker capable of predicting bioplasma treatment response. The team also confirmed that applying this to cervical cancer treatment induces cancer cell death and activates immune responses.
Bioplasma is an emerging next-generation treatment technology in the medical field. It is characterized by its ability to selectively induce cell death in cancer cells without damaging human tissue, due to its high sensitivity to cancer cells.
Cervical cancer can be treated through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy when detected early. However, invasive methods such as hysterectomy or treatments that may affect reproductive function pose a significant burden for women of childbearing age.
In response, the research team applied non-thermal plasma (NTP) energy to cervical cancer cells and animal (rat) models to analyze the effects on cancer cell death, NTP sensitivity, and the relationship between specific proteins.
The study found that bioplasma penetrated up to 5mm deep into patient-derived cervical tissue, directly inducing the death of cancer cells. Notably, it was also found to induce immunogenic cell death, which activates immune responses. This suggests a positive impact on preventing recurrence after treatment.
Additionally, the research team confirmed that the lower the expression level of the antioxidant enzyme SOD1, which removes reactive oxygen species within cells, the higher the responsiveness of cancer cells to bioplasma treatment. This is the first time in the world that a biomarker capable of predicting bioplasma treatment response has been identified.
Professor Byungsu Kwon, corresponding author of the study, stated, "This research not only suggests the possibility of eliminating cancer cells without surgery, but also opens the door to precision medicine in the bioplasma field by identifying a biomarker for personalized treatment. As more than 35% of cervical cancer patients are women of childbearing age between their 20s and 40s, we expect that such precision medical technology will become a treatment alternative that preserves fertility."
Meanwhile, Professor Byungsu Kwon founded the bioplasma-specialized medical device company 'IBMSol' and is accelerating research on innovative medical technologies. Recently, he developed 'CureGynPlas', a non-surgical treatment device for patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and early-stage cervical cancer, and is preparing for clinical trials.
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