Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Field Alters Cytotoxicity of Irinotecan in Glioblastoma: A Preliminary Observation

Abstract

Objective: Exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) emitted from electric appliances used in daily life may cause various changes at the cellular level. Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer resulting in high mortality. Despite advances in treatment methods, GBM has remained an incurable disease. It has become important that necessary precautions are taken to overcome factors that may reduce the efficiency of antineoplastic agents used for GBM patients. Irinotecan, an antineoplastic agent, is one of the second line drugs for GBM patients. The aim of this preliminary research was to examine the impact of ELF-EMF on irinotecan cytotoxicity in GBM cells. Method: GBM cells (U87) in the control group were only treated with irinotecan (0, 1, 2, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 150 µM). ELFEMF (50 Hz, 1 mT) and irinotecan were applied simultaneously for 1 h to similar cells in the study group. Cytotoxicity was determined via XTT assay. Results: While the IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) value was 14.31 µM in the control group, and 20.51 µM in the study group. Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that ELF-EMF reduced the efficiency of irinotecan in the U87 cells. Therefore, patients undergoing chemotherapy with irinotecan should be given more attention so as to avoid ELF-EMFs. The effects of ELF-EMF on irinotecan cytotoxicity in U87 cells were determined through an exactly unknown mechanism. Further studies on ELF-EMFs and irinotecan cytotoxicity are required to illuminate the topic.