Aged Tyrosine Enriched Plasma-Treated Water Solutions Retain Anticancer Activity Against Head and Neck Cancer Cells

Abstract

Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) is a challenging malignancy with high recurrence and limited therapeutic options. Plasma-treated water solutions (PTWS) have shown promise as novel anticancer modalities; however, data on their selectivity and clinical potential after storage are limited. PTWS formulations were developed by treating a clinically approved infusion solution supplemented with tyrosine using a dielectric barrier discharge. The solutions were used after 2 weeks of room temperature (RT) storage. Aged PTWS maintained selective cytotoxicity against HNC cells, inducing apoptosis, oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest, and reduced migration, while sparing normal keratinocytes. Overall, these findings support the clinical translation of PTWS for the treatment of HNC, offering stable and customizable solutions.