Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

Malignant tumor treatment continues to be a critical challenge. Although research has suggested pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) as a promising and economical approach, there is ongoing debate about its effectiveness in affecting tumor cell viability.

Methodology

The meta-analysis reviewed literature from key databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, considering studies up until February 2021. The studies were focused on the direct effects of PEMF on tumor cell viability measured by colorimetric analysis.

Findings

• Analysis included 32 randomized controlled experiments from seven distinct studies.
• Results showed a significant reduction of tumor cell viability in the PEMF exposure group compared to controls (SMD, -0.67; 95% CI: -1.12 to -0.22).
• Further subgroup analysis indicated significant results in epithelial cancer cells but not in stromal tumor cells.

Conclusion

The study highlights PEMF's potential in reducing tumor cell viability, though the researchers note the presence of bias and high heterogeneity in the analyzed experiments, which could weaken the conclusiveness of the results and potentially imply health risks associated with PEMF exposure.