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Tuning melanoma growth using mechanical therapy: an in vivo study using a wearable device
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Resumo(s)
Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, with melanoma being its most
aggressive form. Melanoma incidence has increased significantly in recent decades, primarily due to
increased ultraviolet radiation exposure, with projections indicating an over 80% increase by 2050. In
Portugal, dermatology consultation waiting times can reach three years, delaying early diagnosis and
treatment of melanoma, making novel therapeutic approaches critically important.
Previous research showed that mechanical stimulation hinders cell development. However,
while this effect has been studied in melanoma, it has not been fully explored in vivo. This study used
RobHeart, a wearable device under development, to explore the effects of mechanical stimulation on
melanoma progression. Specifically, this dissertation aimed to determine if the mechanical stimulation
reduces tumour growth and proliferation while not inducing the spread of cancer cells to other regions
of the body. Controlled mechanical stimulation was applied to B16-F10 subcutaneous melanoma in
C57BL/6 mice and two stimulation conditions were tested: a) lower frequency (0.15 Hz) with higher
pressure (20 kPa) and b) higher frequency (0.5 Hz) with lower pressure (12,5 kPa). Cell proliferation
and apoptosis were assessed via EdU (5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine) incorporation and TUNEL assay
(terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling), respectively. The metastatic spread
was evaluated by detecting tGFP (transgenic Green Fluorescent Protein) expressing melanoma cells in
distant organs using qPCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction). Results showed that mechanical
stimulation significantly reduced tumour growth at the lower frequency tested while the reduction of
the proliferation was significant under both lower and higher frequencies. It was observed an increasing
tendency in apoptosis in the lower frequency condition, when compared to the control condition. qPCR
analysis did not indicate metastatic spread due to mechanical stimulation. Preliminary findings suggest
that mechanical stimulation has potential as a therapeutic tool for cancer.
Descrição
Tese de mestrado, Engenharia Biomédica e Biofísica , 2025, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências
Palavras-chave
Robótica Estimulação Mecânica Cancro Melanoma Proliferação Celular Teses de mestrado - 2025