Study type: Therapeutical study (experimental study, observational study)

Extremely low frequency-modulated static magnetic fields to treat cancer: A pilot study on patients with advanced neoplasm to assess safety and acute toxicity med. app.

By: Ronchetto F, Barone D, Cintorino M, Berardelli M, Lissolo S, Orlassino R, Ossola P, Tofani S
Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2004; 25 (8): 563-571
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

Results of a human toxicity pilot study are reported. Eleven patients with heavily pre-treated advanced cancer were enrolled in the study with different schedules of time exposure to static magnetic fields, amplitude modulated by extremely low frequency. The aim was to assess the safety of a magnetic field treatment for patients with cancer.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1:
Exposure duration: repeated daily exposure, 20 min/day, 5 days a week over 4 weeks
Exposure 2:
Exposure duration: repeated daily exposure, 70 min/day, 5 days a week over 4 weeks

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency
Type
Exposure duration repeated daily exposure, 20 min/day, 5 days a week over 4 weeks
Additional info Static magnetic field, amplitude modulated with superimposed extra low frequency magnetic field was applied
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup The patient laid during the entire exposure period on a wooden bed located between the coils
Additional info The treatment included neck, thoracic and abdomen area.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 5.5 mT mean unspecified - -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency
Type
Exposure duration repeated daily exposure, 70 min/day, 5 days a week over 4 weeks
Additional info Static magnetic field, amplitude modulated with superimposed extra low frequency magnetic field was applied
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 5.5 mT mean unspecified - -

Reference articles

  • Tofani S et al. (2002): Increased mouse survival, tumor growth inhibition and decreased immunoreactive p53 after exposure to magnetic fields

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Time of investigation:
  • before exposure
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase elevation (grade 2 toxicity) in one patient and microscopic urinary abnormalities in five patients were the only negative effects revealed. The data support the possibility that the human exposure to magnetic field with specific physical characteristics is associated with a favorable safety profile and good tolerability. Further investigations need to confirm the observations.

Study character:

Study funded by