Magnetic fields alone completely eliminate breast cancer tumors in 75% of cases, raising potential for drug-free treatment

A study has found that magnetic fields alone can completely eliminate breast cancer tumors. Tumors disappeared in three of four experimental models, even without chemotherapy.

According to Aju Life Science on the 15th local time, researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) used pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) to turn immune cells that had been helping tumors grow into cells that attack cancer cells.

The study was led by Associate Professor Alfredo Franco-Obregón, who is affiliated with the Department of Surgery at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the Institute for Health Innovation and Technology. The study was published June 4 in the journal Smart Medicine.

The researchers focused on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). TAMs are immune cells whose function has been altered to help cancer grow, and they are abundant in nearly all solid tumors.

Macrophages are broadly divided into M1 and M2 types. M1 macrophages act as “soldiers” that eliminate bacteria and other threats, while M2 macrophages act as “medics” that help wounds heal. Cancer cells alter most TAMs into the M2 state, suppressing immune attacks.

The researchers found that brief, 10-minute exposure to PEMF activates the TRPC1 protein channel in M2-type TAMs, switching them to the M1 state. The converted TAMs selectively attacked cancer cells while leaving healthy tissue intact.

“The reprogrammed immune cells actively hunt down and engulf cancer cells, eliminating the tumor,” Associate Professor Franco-Obregón said.

The researchers said that tumors completely disappeared in 75% of the experimental models after just four 30-minute PEMF treatments, without chemotherapy.

The PEMF device used in the study has already completed a phase 1 clinical trial, confirming its safety in humans. The researchers are seeking partners for a phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate its efficacy.

“Because reprogrammed immune cells are commonly found in most solid tumors, this could also be a complementary treatment for cancers other than breast cancer,” Associate Professor Franco-Obregón added.