Effects of hyperthermia in human neuroblastoma cells

Ital J Anat Embryol. 2005;110(2 Suppl 1):49-53.

Abstract

Neuroblastoma is a childhood malignancy derived from the developing sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and often diagnosed during early infancy. To investigate its metastatic properties, also in response to anti-cancer treatment, we have studied hyperthermia (HT) effects on the ultrastructure of SK-N-MC human neuroblastoma tumor cells. Cells undergoing HT showed a significant increase in apoptotic and necrotic events, but also a rearrangement of the cellular shape, appearing as cell detachment and rounding. The most striking effects of HT can be so correlated to primary tumor mass decrease and to a certain impairment of cell adhesion properties and consequently metastatic diffusion potential.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Cell Adhesion / physiology
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Shape / physiology
  • Hot Temperature / adverse effects
  • Hot Temperature / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hyperthermia, Induced*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Necrosis / physiopathology
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / physiopathology*
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / prevention & control
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / ultrastructure
  • Neuroblastoma / physiopathology*
  • Neuroblastoma / therapy
  • Neuroblastoma / ultrastructure
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured