Abstract
Objective:
To assess the response of cultured human tumor cells to infrasound in combination with conventional anticancer agents using an infrasound-emitting apparatus marketed as a therapeutic device.
Design:
Two pilot experiments measured proliferation of cultured brain tumor cells exposed to three treatment conditions: infrasound emission alone, infrasound in combination with the chemotherapy 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and infrasound in combination with ionizing radiation. Results from each experimental condition were compared to those from appropriate control conditions.
Outcome measure:
A standard colony-forming efficiency assay was used to assess tumor cell proliferation.
Results:
Tumor cell proliferation was not significantly altered by treatment with infrasound alone, nor did infrasound appear to influence cellular response to x-rays. There was a significant interaction between 5-FU and infrasound (P < 0.0001), however, evident in decreased colony formation.
Conclusion:
Further research is warranted to assess potential synergism between infrasound and 5-FU against tumor cell proliferation, and to investigate the possible therapeutic use of infrasound.
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