Alteration of Drug Sensitivity in Human Colon Cancer Cells after Exposure to Heat: Implications for Liver Metastasis Therapy using RFA and Chemotherapy.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is gaining popularity for treating colorectal liver metastases by inducing image guided tumor hyperthermia. In order to reduce tumor recurrence, adjuvant therapies have been administered post-RFA. We hypothesized that tumor cells escaping RFA cytotoxicity by being in the sublethal zones of tumor might develop differential behavior toward cytotoxic drugs.

Bone morphogenetic protein-4 is overexpressed in colonic adenocarcinomas and promotes migration and invasion of HCT116 cells.

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), a member of the TGF-beta superfamily, is involved in development, morphogenesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Dysregulation of BMP signaling has been suggested in tumorigenesis. In an analysis of human colon normal mucosa and tumors at different stages by immunohistochemistry, we observed that the intensity of BMP-4 staining in late-adenocarcinomas was stronger than that in normal mucosa and adenomas, while there was no difference in the staining of its receptors (BMPR-IA and BMPR-II) at all stages.

Heat shock protein 70 is induced in mouse human colon tumor xenografts after sublethal radiofrequency ablation.

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) destroys tumor cells by generating high temperatures through ionic vibration. Tumor recurrence may be a direct function of sublethal temperature. Further, a set of proteins called heat shock proteins (HSPs) can be synthesized under heat stress to facilitate recovery of tumor cells from heat damage.