Magnetic Fields and Cancer: Epidemiology, Cellular Biology, and Theranostics

Abstract

Magnetic Fields and Cancer: Epidemiology, Cellular Biology, and Theranostics Massimo E Maffei. Magnetic Fields and Cancer: Epidemiology, Cellular Biology, and Theranostics. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2022; 23(3):1339. doi: 10.3390/ijms23031339. (This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of Magnetic Fields on Living Organisms: Biomolecular and Cellular Mechanisms) Abstract Humans are exposed to a complex mix of man-made electric and magnetic fields (MFs) at many different frequencies, at home and at work. Epidemiological studies indicate that there is a positive relationship between residential/domestic and occupational exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and some types of cancer, although some other studies indicate no relationship. In this review, after an introduction on the MF definition and a description of natural/anthropogenic sources, the epidemiology of residential/domestic and occupational exposure to MFs and cancer is reviewed, with reference to leukemia, brain, and breast cancer. The in vivo and in vitro effects of MFs on cancer are reviewed considering both human and animal cells, with particular reference to the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS). MF application on cancer diagnostic and therapy (theranostic) are also reviewed by describing the use of different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications for the detection of several cancers. Finally, the use of magnetic nanoparticles is described in terms of treatment of cancer by nanomedical applications for the precise delivery of anticancer drugs, nanosurgery by magnetomechanic methods, and selective killing of cancer cells by magnetic hyperthermia. The supplementary tables provide quantitative data and methodologies in epidemiological and cell biology studies. Although scientists do not generally agree that there is a cause-effect relationship between exposure to MF and cancer, MFs might not be the direct cause of cancer but may contribute to produce ROS and generate oxidative stress, which could trigger or enhance the expression of oncogenes. Open access paper: mdpi.com

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

The review summarizes epidemiological evidence suggesting a positive relationship between residential/domestic and occupational exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and some cancers, while noting that other studies report no relationship. It also reviews in vivo and in vitro findings (human and animal cells), with emphasis on potential involvement of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, and discusses diagnostic/therapeutic uses of magnetic fields (e.g., MRI and magnetic nanoparticle-based approaches).

Outcomes measured

• Cancer (leukemia, brain cancer, breast cancer)
• Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
• Oxidative stress
• Oncogene expression
• Cancer diagnosis/therapy applications (MRI, magnetic nanoparticles, magnetic hyperthermia)

Limitations

• Review article; no single study design or pooled estimate reported in the abstract
• Abstract notes lack of general scientific agreement on a cause-effect relationship between magnetic field exposure and cancer
• Quantitative exposure metrics (frequency, intensity) and study sample sizes are not provided in the abstract

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.78)
  Reviews occupational exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and cancer.

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        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Humans (epidemiological studies); human and animal cells (in vivo/in vitro studies)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Cancer (leukemia, brain cancer, breast cancer)",
        "Reactive oxygen species (ROS)",
        "Oxidative stress",
        "Oncogene expression",
        "Cancer diagnosis/therapy applications (MRI, magnetic nanoparticles, magnetic hyperthermia)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "The review summarizes epidemiological evidence suggesting a positive relationship between residential/domestic and occupational exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and some cancers, while noting that other studies report no relationship. It also reviews in vivo and in vitro findings (human and animal cells), with emphasis on potential involvement of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, and discusses diagnostic/therapeutic uses of magnetic fields (e.g., MRI and magnetic nanoparticle-based approaches).",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Review article; no single study design or pooled estimate reported in the abstract",
        "Abstract notes lack of general scientific agreement on a cause-effect relationship between magnetic field exposure and cancer",
        "Quantitative exposure metrics (frequency, intensity) and study sample sizes are not provided in the abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "magnetic fields",
        "extremely low frequency",
        "ELF-EMF",
        "cancer",
        "epidemiology",
        "occupational exposure",
        "residential exposure",
        "leukemia",
        "brain cancer",
        "breast cancer",
        "reactive oxygen species",
        "oxidative stress",
        "MRI",
        "magnetic nanoparticles",
        "magnetic hyperthermia",
        "theranostics"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
            "reason": "Reviews occupational exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and cancer."
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}

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