Optimization of a therapeutic electromagnetic field (EMF) to retard breast cancer tumor growth and vascularity.

PAPER pubmed Cancer cell international 2014 Animal study Effect: benefit Evidence: Low

Read original paper → DOI: 10.1186/s12935-014-0125-5 PMID: 25530714 Evidence Lab

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study provided additional data on the effects of a therapeutic electromagnetic field (EMF) device on growth and vascularization of murine 16/C mammary adenocarcinoma cells implanted in C3H/HeJ mice. METHODS: The therapeutic EMF device generated a defined 120 Hz semi sine wave pulse signal of variable intensity. Murine 16/C mammary adenocarcinoma tumor fragments were implanted subcutaneously between the scapulae of syngeneic C3H mice. Once the tumor grew to 100 mm(3), daily EMF treatments were started by placing the cage of mice within the EMF field. Treatment ranged from 10 to 20 milli-Tesla (mT) and was given for 3 to 80 minutes either once or twice a day for 12 days. Tumors were measured and volumes calculated each 3-4 days. RESULTS: Therapeutic EMF treatment significantly suppressed tumor growth in all 7 EMF treated groups. Exposure to 20mT for 10 minutes twice a day was the most effective tumor growth suppressor. The effect of EMF treatment on extent of tumor vascularization, necrosis and viable area was determined after euthanasia. The EMF reduced the vascular (CD31 immunohistochemically positive) volume fraction and increased the necrotic volume of the tumor. Treatment with 15 mT for 10 min/d gave the maximum anti-angiogenic effect. Lack of a significant correlation between tumor CD 31 positive area and tumor growth rate indicates a mechanism for suppression of tumor growth in addition to suppression of tumor vascularization. CONCLUSION: It is proposed that EMF therapy aimed at suppression of tumor growth and vascularization may prove a safe alternative for patients whether they are or are not candidates for conventional cancer therapy.

AI evidence extraction

At a glance

Study type

Animal study

Effect direction

benefit

Population

C3H/HeJ mice with subcutaneous murine 16/C mammary adenocarcinoma tumor implants

Sample size

—

Exposure

ELF therapeutic EMF device · 3–80 minutes per session, once or twice daily for 12 days

Evidence strength

Low

Confidence: 78% · Peer-reviewed: yes

Main findings

Daily exposure to a 120 Hz semi sine wave pulsed EMF (10–20 mT; 3–80 min; once or twice daily for 12 days) significantly suppressed tumor growth across seven treated groups. EMF exposure reduced tumor vascular (CD31-positive) volume fraction and increased tumor necrotic volume; 20 mT for 10 min twice daily was most effective for growth suppression, while 15 mT for 10 min/day produced the maximum anti-angiogenic effect.

Outcomes measured

Tumor growth/volume
Tumor vascularization (CD31-positive volume fraction/area)
Tumor necrosis volume
Tumor viable area

Limitations

Sample size not reported in abstract
Details of control/sham conditions not described in abstract
Randomization/blinding not described in abstract
Mechanistic conclusions are proposed but not established in abstract

View raw extracted JSON

{
    "study_type": "animal",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF",
        "source": "therapeutic EMF device",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "3–80 minutes per session, once or twice daily for 12 days"
    },
    "population": "C3H/HeJ mice with subcutaneous murine 16/C mammary adenocarcinoma tumor implants",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Tumor growth/volume",
        "Tumor vascularization (CD31-positive volume fraction/area)",
        "Tumor necrosis volume",
        "Tumor viable area"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Daily exposure to a 120 Hz semi sine wave pulsed EMF (10–20 mT; 3–80 min; once or twice daily for 12 days) significantly suppressed tumor growth across seven treated groups. EMF exposure reduced tumor vascular (CD31-positive) volume fraction and increased tumor necrotic volume; 20 mT for 10 min twice daily was most effective for growth suppression, while 15 mT for 10 min/day produced the maximum anti-angiogenic effect.",
    "effect_direction": "benefit",
    "limitations": [
        "Sample size not reported in abstract",
        "Details of control/sham conditions not described in abstract",
        "Randomization/blinding not described in abstract",
        "Mechanistic conclusions are proposed but not established in abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "therapeutic EMF",
        "120 Hz",
        "pulsed electromagnetic field",
        "milli-Tesla",
        "breast cancer",
        "mammary adenocarcinoma",
        "mouse model",
        "tumor growth",
        "angiogenesis",
        "CD31",
        "necrosis"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract/metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.

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