Non invasive cell therapy
Electroporation is a method used to introduce polar molecules, such as DNA or chemotherapeutic drugs, into the interior of a host cell through small pathways (pores) in the cell membrane. In this procedure, electric pulses temporarily disrupt the cell membrane, allowing polar molecules to pass through. The membrane then reseals quickly to its previous condition. The recently developed Endovac device, suitable for electroporation of intraluminal tissue, provides the opportunity for site-specific delivery of therapeutic genes and drugs. Endovac has been designed for simple integration onto an endoscope or laparoscope head. It consists of a hollow chamber, which contains a pair of parallel planar macroelectrodes capable of electroporating several cubic centimetres of tissue with one pulse. The device can also be used for transdermal delivery of drugs or genes, given the necessary silicon needle electrodes. Extensive research and tests have been carried out in order to examine the electroporation parameters such as the entry of the molecule into the cell and the optimum pulse types, in order to ensure effective electroporation. Current cancer treatment uses three main modalities, alone or in combination, which are chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. The Endovac device allows for gene therapy via endoscopic access, directly to the site of the tumour. In this way, it provides a means towards minimally invasive techniques for cancer treatment. Furthermore, it allows targeted electroporation at the site of required absorption, assisting effective gene therapy. The device is still in the prototype phase and has to be tested on humans. However it has the potential for a reliable option not only for cancer treatment but also for diseased organs, which are accessible endoscopically.
