Literature review: potential non-thermal molecular effects of external radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on cancer

Authors: Dieper A, Scheidegger S, Fä chslin RM, Veltsista PD, Stein U, Weyland M, Gerster D, Beck M, Bengtsson O, Zips D, Ghadjar P

Year: 2024

Category: Oncology, Electromagnetic Field Research

Journal: International Journal of Hyperthermia

DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2024.2379992

URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02656736.2024.2379992

Abstract

Overview

This literature review investigates the current scientific understanding regarding anti-cancer effects triggered by radiofrequency (RF) hyperthermia. It specifically considers whether these effects result only from temperature increases or also involve non-thermal molecular mechanisms within cancer cells. The precise molecular pathways underlying these potential non-thermal RF effects remain largely unexplained, making targeted cancer therapies challenging.

Objective

The study aims to summarize existing research about non-temperature-induced molecular effects of RF-electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on cancer cells.

Material and Methods

  • The review followed PRISMA guidelines.
  • MeSH-term-based searches were conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed) and Scopus (Elsevier) on March 23, 2024.
  • Key inclusion criteria: continuous wave RF-EMF (3 kHz – 300 GHz), controlled temperature conditions, and preclinical studies.

Findings

  • RF-EMF radiation appears capable of causing significant anti-cancer effects that are independent of temperature increases.
  • Observed outcomes include:
    • Mitotic arrest
    • Growth inhibition
    • Cancer cell death via autophagy and apoptosis – notably, these outcomes are mostly specific to cancer cells.
  • Several non-thermal cellular mechanisms identified:
    • RF-EMF-induced ion channel activation
    • Altered gene expression
    • Changes in membrane potentials and oscillations
    • Blebbing
    • Adjustments in cytoskeletal structure and cell shape

Conclusion

There is compelling evidence for a therapeutic potential of RF-EMF treatment in damaging cancer cells through unique bio-electrical and electro-mechanical molecular pathways. Importantly, these effects seem to spare healthy tissue to a large extent. Further, targeted research is crucial to validate these non-thermal EMF effects and to optimize cancer-specific RF-EMF treatment parameters (frequency, intensity, exposure duration).

⚠️ This review underscores a clear connection between exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and molecular effects in cancer cells, some of which may lead to cell death. The links between EMF exposure and health risks are not to be minimized.

radiofrequency electromagnetic fields cancer non-thermal effects cell death anti-cancer apoptosis molecular mechanisms
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