I. The little explored efficacy of magnetic fields in cancer treatment and postulation of the mechanism of action.
There are many reports of enhanced transcription and replication in different cell culture systems exposed to electromagnetic fields, and reports of cytoreduction (necrosis and apoptosis) in tumors transplanted into animals exposed to similar, often much stronger electromagnetic fields, but where heating is negligible. Although the mechanism of apoptosis has not been characterized, one major candidate for the initiation of such a process is the production of numerous breaks in DNA, and the overwhelming of DNA repair processes, leading to the initiation of the apoptotic process. In this article, we concentrate on the potential of strong magnetic fields to play a role in cancer treatment.
Elson
Edward
E
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA. hfelson1@msn.com
D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D055909:Magnetic Field Therapy; D008280:Magnetics; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
D004247:DNA