Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Waldherr, L.
Iontronic chemotherapy: a new treatment method for glioblastoma multiforme.
PhD-Studium (Doctor of Philosophy); Humanmedizin; [ Dissertation ] Graz Medical University; 2020. pp.
- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Waldherr Linda
- Advisor:
- Groschner Klaus
- Malli Roland
- Schindl Rainer
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- The therapy of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and very aggressive form of brain tumors, is facing many challenges. The consequence of these challenges is that therapy approaches have not been improved for decades, and patients can expect a survival time of 15 months, despite therapeutic measures. To overcome these problems, we utilize the novel technology of organic electronic ionic pumps (OEIPs) to transport chemotherapeutic drugs in a precisely controllable manner for the first time. As first proof of principle, we successfully established the OEIP mediated delivery of the chemotherapeutic drug Gemcitabine (Gem). Subsequently, we determined delivery rates at different operation modes and showed that Gem is a very potent drug to kill GBM cells, while leaving neurons and astrocytes untainted. Next, Gemcitabine Ionic Pumps (GemIPs) were mounted on GBM cells grown in monolayers and we showed that the extent of the cell killing rate due to GemIP treatment is indeed tightly controllable. Lastly, we showed by FACS analysis that GemIP treatment effectively induces apoptosis in GBM spheroids and interferes with spheroid cohesion. These experiments are the first important steps in the development of a novel therapeutic implant based on OEIP technology for treatment of GBM.