Optimizing femtosecond laser parameters to enhance cisplatin efficacy in triple-negative breast cancer cells

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis due to the absence of target receptors, which limits treatment options to cytotoxic chemotherapy, particularly cisplatin. Severe adverse effects and cellular resistance limit cisplatin therapy. Laser-based therapies hold promise as adjunctive approaches with potent anti-tumor properties. This study evaluates the effects of femtosecond laser (FSL) on the MDA-MB-231 cell line alone and in combination with cisplatin. Cells were exposed to varying parameters, including wavelength (690, 750, 830, 888, and 920 nm), exposure time (10, 15, 20, and 30 min), and power settings (150, 200, 250, and 300 mW). Results revealed that 920 nm significantly reduced cell viability relative to the control. Adding cisplatin after FSL (920 nm) significantly reduced cell viability relative to cisplatin. By varying exposure time and power, 30 min of exposure significantly reduced viability relative to 15 and 20 min, and 200 mW was the most effective power compared to 250 mW and 300 mW. Trypan blue and Rhodamine 6G staining revealed that FSL + cisplatin showed a marked reduction in cell number and vesicle-like structures with condensed or absent nuclei. UV–Vis spectrophotometry showed a peak at 230 nm of intracellular cisplatin with absorbance lower in the FSL + cisplatin compared to cisplatin. These findings highlight the potential of FSL as a novel adjunctive therapy with cisplatin in TNBC treatment. By enhancing cisplatin efficacy, FSL irradiation offers a promising strategy, allowing the use of reduced doses with few adverse effects. Further studies are warranted to explore the clinical applicability of this approach.