title: Could radiotherapy effectiveness be enhanced by electromagnetic field treatment?
abstract: One of the main goals in radiobiology research is to enhance radiotherapy effectiveness without provoking any increase in toxicity. In this context, it has been proposed that electromagnetic fields (EMFs), known to be modulators of proliferation rate, enhancers of apoptosis and inductors of genotoxicity, might control tumor recruitment and, thus, provide therapeutic benefits. Scientific evidence shows that the effects of ionizing radiation on cellular compartments and functions are strengthened by EMF. Although little is known about the potential role of EMFs in radiotherapy (RT), the radiosensitizing effect of EMFs described in the literature could support their use to improve radiation effectiveness. Thus, we hypothesized that EMF exposure might enhance the ionizing radiation effect on tumor cells, improving the effects of RT. The aim of this paper is to review reports of the effects of EMFs in biological systems and their potential therapeutic benefits in radiotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine Av. Madrid s/n, Granada 18012, Spain. fartacho@live.com
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Artacho-Cordón
authors.forename: María del Mar
authors.initials: Mdel M
authors.lastname: Salinas-Asensio
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Calvente
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ríos-Arrabal
authors.forename: Josefa
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: León
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Román-Marinetto
authors.forename: Nicolás
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Olea
authors.forename: María Isabel
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Núñez
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D006801:Humans; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity
chemical_list: D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents