Exposure to carbon dioxide and helium reduces in vitro proliferation of pediatric tumor cells.

Background: Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly applied to children with malignant tumors. We showed previously that CO(2) used for pneumoperitoneum modulates the function of macrophages and polymorphonuclear cells via direct effects and via acidification. Numerous in vitro and small animal model studies also confirmed an alteration of the behavior of several types of adult tumor cells by CO(2).