Can low frequency, low intensity magnetic fields be used in cancer treatment?

Abstract

In order to develop new therapeutic treatments for progressive malignant diseases, a clinical study was started in 1988 to determine whether the application of magnetic fields is able to cure cancer or to ameliorate the clinical situation of tumor patients. In parallel with this study, concomitant biological investigations have been carried out. Seventy-five patients were treated with a low intensity (4–6 mT), low frequency (8 Hz, 20 Hz) magnetic field (MF). Additional in-vivo and in-vitro experiments were carried out under similar conditions. No effects on tumor growth, proliferation or metabolism could be shown. However, impressive pain relief, which may have been caused by MF, was observed in some patients. This observation needs further investigation. Nevertheless, low frequency, low intensity magnetic fields as used in our study are not likely to be an appropriate modality for treating tumors.