Extremely low frequency-modulated static magnetic fields to treat cancer: A pilot study on patients with advanced neoplasm to assess safety and acute toxicity.
Results of a toxicity pilot human study approved by the competent ethical Committee are reported. Eleven patients with heavily pre-treated advanced cancer were enrolled in a pilot study with different schedules of time exposure to static magnetic fields (MF), amplitude modulated by ELF. An area including the neck, thoracic and abdomen was MF exposed daily, 5 days/week for 4 weeks according to two different schedules: 20 min daily (4 patients) and 70 min daily (7 patients). ECOG performance status was 1 (2 patients), 2 (8 patients), 3 (1 patient). Toxicity was assessed according to WHO criteria. ECG, Chest X-ray, physical examination, blood cell count and complete blood chemistry were performed before and at the end of the treatment. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation (grade 2 toxicity) in 1 patient and microscopic urinary abnormalities in 5 patients were the only negative effects observed. We conclude that MF can be safely administrated according to the MF exposure schedules.
Ronchetto
Flavio
F
Division of Medicine and Geriatric Oncology, Ivrea-Cuorgnè Hospital ASL 9, Cuorgnè, Italy. resp.med.cas@asl.ivrea.to.it
Barone
Domenico
D
Cintorino
Marcella
M
Berardelli
Michele
M
Lissolo
Silvana
S
Orlassino
Renzo
R
Ossola
Piero
P
Tofani
Santi
S
D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome