The combined method of cryoablation and magnetic hyperthermia for tumor treatment based on a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) model

BACKGROUND: Cryoablation and magnetic hyperthermia are frequently utilized therapies for tumor treatment. OBJECTIVE: To explore a new treatment strategy with both cryoablation and magnetic hyperthermia. METHODS: The study used Hep G2 liver cancer cells to construct a gelatin methacryloyl GelMA tumor model. Viscoelastic property of the tumor model was tested, and assessments were performed on cytotoxicity, proliferation, cell survival rates post treatment, as well as fluorescence imaging. Four therapeutic modalities were applied, including cryoablation, magnetic hyperthermia, cryoablation with nanoparticles, and cryoablation combined with magnetic hyperthermia. RESULT: GelMA gel undergoes no phase transition below 50°C and exhibits good biocompatibility, making it suitable for model construction. Among four therapeutic modalities, the cryoablation with magnetic hyperthermia demonstrated the highest efficacy, with the least cell survival. CONCLUSION: The incorporation of nanoparticles enhances heat transfer and improves the ablation efficacy of cryoablation.