Tumour-specific amplitude-modulated radiofrequency electromagnetic fields induce differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting Cav3.2 T-type voltage-gated calcium channels and Ca2+ influx.

Barry R. Deyoung ,Hui-Wen Lo,Jacquelyn W. Zimmerman,Liang Liu,Carl F. Blackman,Myles Capstick,Lance D. Miller,Reginald F. Munden ,Minghui Wang,Kounosuke Watabe,Dwayne W. Godwin,Alexandre Barbault,A. William Blackstock ,Philippe Merle,Trevor Surratt,Guangxu Jin,Boris Pasche ,I Brezovich ,Dongquan Chen,Anand Ghanekar,Sambad Sharma,Yuanhao Gong ,David L. Caudell,Zhi Xu ,Hugo Jimenez,Guang Yang ,Devin Absher,Ralph B. D’agostino ,R Myers ,Michael J. Pennison,Kui Chen,Michael Olivier,Herbert L. Bonkovsky,Hui Kuan Lin ,Wei Zhang

doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.05.034

Abstract

BackgroundAdministration of amplitude modulated 27·12 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (AM RF EMF) by means of a spoon-shaped applicator placed on the patient's tongue is a newly approved treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mechanism of action of tumour-specific AM RF EMF is largely unknown.MethodsWhole body and organ-specific human dosimetry analyses were performed. Mice carrying human HCC xenografts were exposed to AM RF EMF using a small animal AM RF EMF exposure system replicating human dosimetry and exposure time. We performed histological analysis of tumours following exposure to AM RF EMF. Using an agnostic genomic approach, we characterized the mechanism of action of AM RF EMF.FindingsIntrabuccal administration results in systemic delivery of athermal AM RF EMF from head to toe at levels lower than those generated by cell phones held close to the body. Tumour shrinkage results from differentiation of HCC cells into quiescent cells with spindle morphology. AM RF EMF targeted antiproliferative effects and cancer stem cell inhibiting effects are mediated by Ca2+ influx through Cav3·2 T-type voltage-gated calcium channels (CACNA1H) resulting in increased intracellular calcium concentration within HCC cells only.InterpretationIntrabuccally-administered AM RF EMF is a systemic therapy that selectively block the growth of HCC cells. AM RF EMF pronounced inhibitory effects on cancer stem cells may explain the exceptionally long responses observed in several patients with advanced HCC.FundResearch reported in this publication was supported by the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Centre Support Grant award number P30CA012197 issued to the Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Centre (BP) and by funds from the Charles L. Spurr Professorship Fund (BP). DWG is supported by R01 AA016852 and P50 AA026117.

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