Bio-effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields in context of cancer therapy

Abstract

Bio-effects mediated by non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) have become a hot topic of research in the last decades. This interest has been triggered by a growing public concern about the rapid expansion of telecommunication devices and possible consequences of their use on human health. Despite a feasibility study of potential negative impacts, the therapeutic advantages of EMF could be effectively harnessed for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. This review aims to examine recent findings relating to the mechanisms of action underlying the bio-effects induced by non-ionizing EMF. The potential of non-thermal and thermal effects is discussed in the context of possible applications for the induction of apoptosis, formation of reactive oxygen species, and increase of membrane permeability in malignant cells. A special emphasis has been put on the combination of EMF with magnetic nano-particles and ultrasound for cancer treatment. The review encompasses both human and animal studies.

Inhibition of Cancer Cell Growth by Exposure to a Specific Time-Varying Electromagnetic Field Involves T-Type Calcium Channels

“…Some studies have shown increased expression of HSP70, a marker of cellular stress responses, in response to EMF exposures [ 12 , 41 ]. Exposure to EMF (or electrical fields) has been shown to compromise plasma membrane integrity to allow influx of Ca 2+ or chemotherapeutics to enhance cell death [ 42 , 43 ]. The Thomas-EMF pattern is quite different from a symmetrical EMF and the mechanism by which it affects cell proliferation also appears to be quite different from some of those proposed.…”

Therapeutic potential of electromagnetic fields for tissue engineering and wound healing

“…Recent findings indicate the capability of electric fields to trigger differentiation of stem cells, including neural stem cells . Magnetic fields, a further component of EMF, has been also the subject of possible therapeutic applications . A significant body of research conducted has been devoted to studies of bio‐effects induced by extremely low‐frequency EMFs (ELF EMF) , which has demonstrated promise in becoming a novel bio‐physical tool for stem cell therapy, particularly for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.…”

Electromagnetic field investigation on different cancer cell lines

“…EMF in combination with various chemotherapeutic and targeted agents demonstrated no increase in side effects clinically, while similar findings were reported in vitro [12,36]. Other treatment modalities such as magnetic nano-particles, ultrasound, and/or radiotherapy [37,38]. Of particular importance is the finding of the recent phase III study [39] in recurrent glioblastoma multiforme which showed efficacy similar to the standard chemotherapy regimen but with fewer adverse effects [39].…”