METHODS AND DEVICES FOR STIMULATING AN IMMUNE RESPONSE USING NANOSECOND PULSED ELECTRIC FIELDS

摘要

Nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) treatments of a tumor are used to cause the tumor to express calreticulin and stimulate an immune response against the tumor and other tumors in a subject. An immune response biomarker can be measured, and further nsPEF treatments can be performed if needed to stimulate or further stimulate the immune response. Cancers that have metastasized may be treated. The treatment can be combined with CD47-blocking antibodies, doxorubicin, CTLA-4-blocking antibodies, and/or PD-1-blocking antibodies. Electrical characteristics of nsPEF treatments can be based on the size, type, and/or strength of tumors and/or a quantity of tumors in the subject.

主权项

1. A method for stimulating an immune response to a disease in a subject, the method comprising:
positioning a set of electrodes in proximity to a tumor of a disease of a subject; applying, using the electrodes, sub-microsecond pulsed electric fields to the tumor sufficient to cause the tumor to express calreticulin on surface membranes of tumor cells of the tumor; and then measuring an immune response biomarker in a sample of the subject in order to confirm a stimulation of an immune response of the subject against the disease.