Cloud-Based Clonogenics and Cell Migration Guide Nanoparticle Mediated Chemo-Radiotherapy Against Glioblastomas

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and lethal primary brain tumor. The prognosis for patients diagnosed with GBM remains very poor with the median survival time of only 8 months if nothing is done, and 12 - 15 months if surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are carried out. This therapeutic outcome is abysmal; hence, many new therapeutic modalities are being investigated especially in combination with the standard of care. Nanoparticle-mediated chemo- and radiotherapy are among such new combination modalities. Here, we use a cloud-based, real time live cell imager and an electric cell impedance device to measure cell proliferation/migration in addition to clonogenic assays, following chemotherapy with Temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy, combined with nanoparticles, precisely graphene quantum dots (GQD). Clonogenic assays show statistically significant (p < 0.0001) increase in cell death with radiation, but no statistically significant changes in survival fraction when either GQD, TMZ, or both are added. Surprisingly, we found significant reduction (p < 0.0001) in proliferation/migration, with GQD and TMZ, suggesting new therapeutic targets that may reduce local invasion and reoccurrence. These results provide impetus for cloud-based assays using patient samples, to determine the best course of treatment for GBM, following surgical resection.