Effect of electrohydraulic and extracorporeal shock waves on gastrointestinal cancer cells and their response to cytotoxic agents.

Electrohydraulic and extracorporeal shock waves were used to treat the colorectal and gastric cancer cell lines LIM 2412 and MKN45. The effect on viability, cell proliferation, and the action of antitumour drugs was studied. Results showed that electrohydraulic and extracorporeal shock waves were cytotoxic to all cell lines and also caused considerable inhibition of cell proliferation. A significant additional reduction in cell viability was achieved by shock waves in cancer cells treated with methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, and vincristine. These data indicate that shock waves may be worthy of further evaluation in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.