Cytotoxicity of carboplatin on human glioblastoma cells is reduced by exposure to ELF EMF (50 Hz, 70 G)

Authors: Amiri M, Basiri M, Eskandary H, Akbarnejad Z, Esmaeeli M, Masoumi-Ardakani Y, Ahmadi-Zeidabadi M

Year: 2018 May 30

Category: Oncology, Electrophysiology

Journal: Electromagn Biol Med

Institution: Electromagn Biol Med

DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2018.1477052

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29846098

Abstract

Overview

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is recognized as a highly lethal brain cancer with poor responses to conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Carboplatin, a widely utilized alkylating agent for cancer treatment, often encounters challenges due to drug resistance.

Findings

This study investigates the effects of concomitant exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) at 50 Hz, 70 G, alongside carboplatin in the human glioma cell line (U-87).
Findings indicate that cotreatment with ELF EMF and carboplatin significantly reduces the efficacy of carboplatin. This reduction is evident through decreased caspase-3 levels compared to groups treated with the drug alone.
It is suggested that EMFs could interfere with the apoptotic effects of carboplatin potentially through a redox regulation mechanism.

Conclusion

The study advises against the coadministration of magnetic fields and carboplatin in the area of tumors as the EMF was found to decrease the drug’s toxicity, possibly diminishing treatment effectiveness. Additional research is required to fully understand the mechanisms behind this interaction.

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