A recent study highlights the powerful role of electroporation in advancing cancer immunotherapy. Researchers combined two innovative approaches: intratumoral injection of cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV), a plant virus that safely stimulates the immune system, and delivery of an interleukin-12 (IL-12) plasmid directly into tumors using in vivo electroporation. Electroporation was conducted using a BTX Gemini X2 Electroporation System whereby mice were electroporated with IL-12 plasmid using a two-prong needle attachment. The sequence of treatment was key — when electroporation of IL-12 was performed before CPMV injection, all treated tumors were cleared, and even distant untreated tumors showed strong suppression through a systemic immune response (the “abscopal effect”). This strategy significantly improved survival compared to either treatment alone. The findings demonstrate how electroporation can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies, offering a promising path for more potent and durable cancer treatments.

A link to the article can be found here.

Learn more about the BTX Gemini X2 Electroporator here.