Antitumor Immune Response in Mice Induced by Low-Temperature Plasma Irradiation

An increase in the temperature of a material changes its state from solid to liquid and then to gas. A further increase in temperature ionizes the gaseous molecules, producing electrons and ions. This ionized gas is called plasma. Over the past 20 years, plasma has been studied for potential applications in cancer therapy. Since plasma is generated using a high-voltage discharge, it contains an electric field and electric current. Additionally, a variety of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are produced due to molecular collisions with electrons accelerated by the electric field. These factors influence cancer cells. Some in vitro and in vivo experiments have also demonstrated the possibility that plasma can induce antitumor immunity.