Oscillating Magnetic Field Research Articles

Effect of Oscillating Magnetic Fields (OMFs) and Pulsed Electric Fields (PEFs) on Supercooling Preservation of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) Fillets.

Salmon, rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, has a short shelf life of 1 to 3 days when stored at 2 to 8 °C. Freezing, used for long-term preservation, often results in ice crystal formation. Ice crystals can cause structural damage, leading to cell wall rupture, which can affect the texture and cause nutrient loss. Ultimately, this process reduces the overall quality of the salmon. Supercooling, which cools food below its freezing temperature without forming ice crystals, offers an alternative. This study investigated the effects of oscillating magnetic fields (OMFs) and pulsed electric fields (PEFs) on ice crystal formation during salmon supercooling. The results showed that using OMFs and PEFs in supercooling reduced the storage temperature of salmon, maintaining a similar thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value to that of frozen and refrigerated samples. There was no significant difference in meat color between the fresh and frozen samples, and drip loss weight was comparable between the fresh and supercooled samples. The microbiological counts were the lowest in the supercooled samples compared to the frozen and refrigerated ones. These findings suggest that supercooling storage with OMFs and PEFs can mitigate quality degradation in salmon typically associated with freezing.

Non-thermal techniques for microbiological safety, nutritional preservation, and enhanced efficiency in dairy processing

The ongoing era of adopted lifestyle among humans involves shortcuts in every aspect, and a similar trend can be observed in food processing and preservation, especially in dairy preparation. Thus, lots of non-thermal processes including high-pressure processing (HPP), ultrasound (US) treatment, pulsed electric fields (PEF), ultraviolet (UV) light and oscillating magnetic fields (OMF), etc. have been invented. By inactivating bacteria, these non-thermal processes keep food's sensory and nutritional quality while also preventing thermal degradation of food components near ambient temperatures. Non-thermal techniques can effectively preserve a food's nutraceuticals and functional potential, while simultaneously ensuring microbiological safety and maintaining the integrity of its bioactive components. During the thermal processing, several heat-labile components of milk and milk products may be lost In contrast, non-thermal processes are gentler compared to thermal treatments, making them preferred choices that avoid compromising nutritional value. It has been observed that non-thermal technology can increase processing efficiency and microstructure through constituent interactions, alteration of enzyme activity, and development of hypoallergenic products. However, in order to use thermal technologies profitably, the risk of operation, equipment cost, technological compatibility, and goal of processing the product must be thoroughly assessed prior to using these processes. Non-thermal processes can also be combined with other strategies like the addition of bio-preservatives or modified atmospheric packaging etc., to enhance the antimicrobial effects. Keywords: Non-thermal processes; Microbiological safety; Dairy processing; Bioactive components; Bioactive compounds; Enzyme activity; Nutritional quality; Bio-preservatives.

Electromagnetic fields effects on microbial growth in cocoa fermentation: A controlled experimental approach using established growth models

Understanding the effects of electromagnetic fields is crucial in the fermentation of cocoa beans, since through precise control of fermentation conditions the sensory and nutritional properties of cocoa beans could be improved. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oscillating magnetic fields (OMF) on the kinetic growth of the core microbial communities of the Collections Castro Naranjal (CCN 51) cocoa bean. The data was obtained by three different models: Gompertz, Baranyi, and Logistic. The cocoa beans were subjected to different OMF strengths ranging from 0 mT to 80 mT for 1 h using the Helmholtz coil electromagnetic device. The viable microbial populations of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), acetic acid bacteria (AAB), and yeast (Y) were quantified using the colony-forming unit (CFU) counting method. The logistic model appropriately described the growth of LAB and Y under magnetic field exposure. Whereas the Baranyi model was suitable for describing AAB growth. The microbial populations in cocoa beans exposed to magnetic fields showed lower (maximum specific growth rate (μmax), values than untreated controls, with AAB exhibiting the highest average growth rate value at 5 mT and Y having the lowest average maximum growth rate value at 80 mT. The lower maximum specific growth rates and longer lag phases when exposed to magnetic fields compared to controls demonstrate the influence of magnetic fields on microbial growth kinetics.

An oscillating magnetic field suppresses ice-crystal growth during rapid freezing of muscle tissue of mice.

Regenerative medicine would benefit from a safe and efficient cryopreservation method to prevent the structural disruption caused by ice-crystal formation in cells and tissue. Various attempts have been made to overcome this problem, one of which is the use of an oscillating magnetic field (OMF). However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, to evaluate the effect of an OMF on ice-crystal formation in the leg muscles of mice, we used to use the frozen-section method with a slower freezing rate than is, usual which resulted in ice crystals forming in the tissue. We assessed the mean size and number per unit area of intracellular ice holes in sections of muscle tissue, with and without OMF. Ice-crystal growth was reduced in frozen tissue subjected to OMF. Furthermore, we evaluated the structure and function of proteins in frozen tissue subjected to OMF by immunostaining using an anti-dystrophin antibody and by enzymatic histochemistry for NADH-TR and myosin ATPase. The results imply that the ability of OMF to suppress ice-crystal growth might be related to their stabilization of bound water in biomolecules during freezing.

Impact of supercooling storage on physical and chemical properties of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares)

Seafood is highly perishable, and its spoilage begins immediately after harvesting due to the production of various metabolites. However, freezing, a conventional long-term preservation technology, causes quality degradation due to ice crystallization. Supercooling has emerged as a promising technique to prevent ice formation and quality degradation. In this study, tuna fillets were supercooled at −3.5 °C with an external pulsed electric field (PEF) and oscillating magnetic field (OMF) strengths for optimization. Quality factors such as drip loss, color, microbial analysis, texture, and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) were evaluated in comparison with refrigerated, frozen-thawed, and supercooled samples stored for 1, 4, 7, and 10 days. The results showed that supercooled samples had lower TVB-N values than refrigerated samples. The aerobic plate counts of supercooled tuna samples did not significantly vary from 1 to 7 days of storage. Moreover, supercooling preserved the textural integrity of the product and reduced drip loss compared to frozen-thawed samples. Therefore, supercooling preservation can extend the shelf-life of tuna fillets while minimizing quality degradation, indicating its potential compared to conventional refrigeration and freezing methods.

Experimental Prototype of Electromagnetic Emissions for Biotechnological Research: Monitoring Cocoa Bean Fermentation Parameters.

A Helmholtz-type electromagnetic emission device, which uses an oscillating magnetic field (OMF), with potential applications in biotechnological research, was built and validated. The coils were connected to an alternating current (AC) generator to generate a 0.5 to 110 mT field at their center. OMF measurements were performed with a Hall effect sensor with a digital signal connection (Arduino nano) and data output to a PC using LabVIEW v2017SP1 software. The fermentation process of the cocoa bean variety CCN 51, exposed to four levels of OMF density for 60 min (0, 5, 40, and 80 mT/60 min), was analyzed. Different variables of the grain fermentation process were evaluated over six days. The ANOVA test probed the device's linearity, accuracy, precision, repeatability, reliability, and robustness. Moreover, CCN 51 cocoa beans' EMF-exposure effect was evaluated under different OMF densities for 60 min. The results show the validity of the equipment under working conditions and the impact of EMF (electromagnetic fields) on the yield, deformation, and pH of cocoa beans. Thus, we concluded that the operation of the prototype is valid for use in biotechnological studies.

Effect of oscillating magnetic fields on freezing of a colloidal dispersion of superparamagnetic nanoparticles

Several studies suggest that single-domain biogenic magnetic nanoparticles could play a major role on the effectiveness of oscillating magnetic fields (OMFs) in improving food freezing. To evaluate the potential role of superparamagnetic biogenic particles, we performed freezing experiments in a colloidal dispersion of <10-nm maghemite nanoparticles (MNPs) subjected or not to a 31.3-mT OMF at 50 Hz. Our results show that, at our experimental conditions, Néel mechanism governs the alignment of magnetic dipole moments and, therefore, no significant MNPs rotation, able to disturb the ordering of water molecules, should be expected during OMF experiments. Accordingly, no effects of the applied OMF were observed either on supercooling, ice nucleation, or on freezing kinetics even though heat removal was slightly increased during the precooling step. These results suggest that weak OMFs usually applied in commercial freezers should not produce any significant effect on superparamagnetic nanoparticles present in food that could improve the freezing process.

Effect of an oscillating magnetic field in polymeric columns with magnetic nanoparticles

Magnetite magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) exhibit superparamagnetic behavior, which gives them important properties such as low coercive field, easy superficial modification and acceptable magnetization levels. This makes them useful in separation techniques. However, few studies have experimented with the interactions of MNP with magnetic fields. Therefore, the aim of this research was to study the influence of an oscillating magnetic field (OMF) on polymeric monolithic columns with vinylated magnetic nanoparticles (VMNP) for capillary liquid chromatography (cLC). For this purpose, MNP were synthesized by coprecipitation of iron salts. The preparation of polymeric monolithic columns was performed by copolymerization and aggregation of VMNP. Taking advantage of the magnetic properties of MNP, the influence of parameters such as resonance frequency, intensity and exposure time of a OMF applied to the synthesized columns was studied. As a result, a better separation of a sample according to the measured parameters was obtained, so that a column resolution (Rs) of 1.35 was achieved. The morphological properties of the columns were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of the chromatographic properties revealed that the best separation of the alkylbenzenes sample occurs under conditions of 5.5 kHz and 10 min of exposure in the OMF. This study constitutes a first application in chromatographic separation techniques for future research in nanotechnology.

Explorative Supercooling Technology for Prevention of Freeze Damages in Vaccines

Most freeze-sensitive vaccines are stored between 2 °C and 8 °C upon manufacturing and until they are eventually administered in intermediate vaccine stores and health facilities. This so-called “cold chain” of vaccine distribution is strictly regulated at these specific temperatures to avoid freeze damage. Liquid formulations of particular vaccines (e.g., aluminum-adsorbed tetanus toxoid (TT)) will irreversibly lose their immunogenicity once frozen. Using an oscillating magnetic field (OMF), supercooling can inhibit ice crystal nucleation effectively; water is susceptible to influence by a strong magnetic field, allowing normal water dynamics even in subzero freezing conditions. This recently developed technology—composed of a custom-designed electromagnet unit producing an optimal field strength (50 mT) at a specific frequency (1 Hz)—was successfully used to inhibit the formation of ice crystals in aluminum adjuvant TT vaccines, therefore preventing any visible damage in the vaccines’ microscopic structure. Despite being subject to temperatures far below their freezing point (up to −14 °C) for up to seven days, the TT vaccines showed no freeze damage on physical appearances. Results were further validated using shake tests and light microscopy. As storage and freeze-protection become more critical during times of increased vaccination efforts—particularly against COVID-19—this supercooling technology can be a promising solution to distribution problems by removing concern for temperature abuse or shock-induced freezing.

341 SOncomagnetics: A Potential New Noninvasive Magnetic Stimulation Technology to Treat Glioblastoma

INTRODUCTION: A new noninvasive oscillating magnetic field (OMF)-generating device called Oncomagnetic (OM) device, developed in our laboratory, disrupts mitochondrial electron transport to elevate intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in patient derived glioblastoma (GBM) cells. METHODS: GBM cell death, ROS elevation and caspase 3 activation were studied by bright-field and fluorescence microscopy involving specific fluorescent probes. Device treatment of FOXN1-Nude mice with GBM xenografts was for 4 hours twice a day. Treatment of a 53-year-old male patient with recurrent GBM was done under a compassionate use protocol for 2–6 hours each weekday. Contrast-enhanced MRI scans assessed tumor size. RESULTS: OMF caused selective death of GBM cells, but not normal human cortical neurons and astrocytes. It altered mitochondrial oxygen consumption, increased mitochondrial and cellular ROS, and activated caspase 3. The overall survival of xenografted mice was prolonged by 6 days with treatment. A 26-day device treatment was well tolerated by the patient and decreased contrast-enhanced tumor volume by &gt;30%. Patient’s autopsy after his death from closed head injury showed treatment effect, no tumor mass, and some evidence of active tumor. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive stimulation with the OM device is a potential powerful new treatment for GBM involving a novel mechanism of action.

Effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) and oscillating magnetic field (OMF) on supercooling preservation of beef at different fat levels

Supercooling is of particular interest in the food industry since it has a great potential to improve shelf-life without freezing damage during storage. Food is a complex matrix of multi-components and its supercooling behavior may depend upon the physical properties of each component. In this study, the effect of a pulsed electric field (PEF) and an oscillating magnetic field (OMF) on supercooling of beef at different fat levels were explored. Lean-rich beef was supercooled with PEF only, while the simultaneous application of PEF and OMF was required for fat-rich beef. The finite element method (FEM) simulation demonstrated that fat caused the non-uniform current flow and temperature gradient due to the low electrical conductivity, and subsequently negative impacts on the supercooling extension of fat-rich beef meat. The OMF combined with PEF ensured maintaining a supercooled state of fat-rich beef at −4 °C by synergistically inhibiting ice nucleation. The beef steaks preserved in the supercooled state showed significantly lower drip loss, compared to the conventionally stored controls, and there were no significant differences in color between supercooled and fresh steaks during the 7 day-preservation.

TAMI-13. MODULATION OF REDUCTIVE CARBOXYLATION FLUX OF GLUTAMINE IN GLIOBLASTOMA CELLS BY USING OSCILLATING MAGNETIC FIELD

Abstract Increased cell proliferation in glioblastoma (GBM) leads to hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment. This is a major concern in GBM patients as it promotes tumor invasion. Glutaminolysis is a hallmark of cancer cells and under hypoxic conditions glutamine metabolism proceeds through reductive carboxylation pathway. Recently, we have shown that oscillating magnetic field (OMF) produces oncolytic effects which can influence cellular metabolism. Here, we have explored the effect of OMF on glutamine metabolism in GBM cells. Patient-derived GBM cells were grown in high glucose (25 mM) DMEM supplemented with 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 2.0 mM glutamine and 1.0 mM pyruvate at 37 °C under humidified air and 5% CO2. Cells were divided into 2 groups (Test and Sham; n = 4 each group). When reached confluency (~2.0×106 cells/mL), cells in both groups were treated with 4.0 mM of [U-13C]glutamine in DMEM (supplemented with 20% FBS, and 1.0 mM pyruvate). The “Test” group was subjected to OMF for 3 hours, and the “Sham” group was treated similar to the “Test” group but with non-magnetic rods of the same dimensions as the magnets in the Test group. After 3 h, cells were harvested in 50% methanol analyzed by GC-MS. The 13C-isotopomer analysis showed that glutamine metabolism in GBM cells proceeds through reduction carboxylation, confirmed by the higher levels of M+5 citrate (15.42 ± 1.28 % ) than M+4 citrate (2.05 ± 0.28 %). When GBM cells were treated with OMF, a statistically significant decrease in the citrate M+5 was observed, compared to the “Sham” treated group (15.42 ± 1.28 % vs. 8.89 ± 1.30 %; p = 0.0003). This decrease in M+5 citrate upon OMF treatment clearly indicates that the OMF decreases the reductive carboxylation flux of glutamine in GBM cells which would have therapeutic value in treating GBM patients.

Application of Supercooling for the Enhanced Shelf Life of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.).

Freezing extends the shelf-life of food by slowing down the physical and biochemical reactions; however, ice crystal formation can result in irreversible damage to the cell’s structure and texture. Supercooling technology has the potential to preserve the original freshness of food without freezing damage. In this study, fresh asparagus was preserved in a supercooled state and its quality changes such as color, weight loss, texture, chlorophyll and anthocyanin content, and enzymatic activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase) were evaluated. The asparagus samples were successfully supercooled at −3 °C with the combination treatment of pulsed electric field (PEF) and oscillating magnetic field (OMF), and the supercooled state was maintained for up to 14 days. Asparagus spears preserved in the supercooled state exhibited lower weight loss and higher levels of quality factors in comparison to the frozen and refrigerated control samples.

Selective induction of rapid cytotoxic effect in glioblastoma cells by oscillating magnetic fields.

The mechanisms underlying anticancer effects of electromagnetic fields are poorly understood. An alternating electric field-generating therapeutic device called Optune™ device has been approved for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). We have developed a new device that generates oscillating magnetic fields (OMF) by rapid rotation of strong permanent magnets in specially designed patterns of frequency and timing and have used it to treat an end-stage recurrent GBM patient under an expanded access/compassionate use treatment protocol. Here, we ask whether OMF causes selective cytotoxic effects in GBM and whether it is through generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We stimulated patient derived GBM cells, lung cancer cells, normal human cortical neurons, astrocytes, and bronchial epithelial cells using OMF generators (oncoscillators) of our Oncomagnetic Device and compared the results to those obtained under unstimulated or sham-stimulated control conditions. Quantitative fluorescence microscopy was used to assess cell morphology, viability, and ROS production mechanisms. We find that OMF induces highly selective cell death of patient derived GBM cells associated with activation of caspase 3, while leaving normal tissue cells undamaged. The cytotoxic effect of OMF is also seen in pulmonary cancer cells. The underlying mechanism is a marked increase in ROS in the mitochondria, possibly in part through perturbation of the electron flow in the respiratory chain. Rotating magnetic fields produced by a new noninvasive device selectively kill cultured human glioblastoma and non-small cell lung cancer cells by raising intracellular reactive oxygen species, but not normal human tissue cells.

Case Report: End-Stage Recurrent Glioblastoma Treated With a New Noninvasive Non-Contact Oncomagnetic Device.

Alternating electric field therapy has been approved for glioblastoma (GBM). We have preclinical evidence for anticancer effects in GBM cell cultures and mouse xenografts with an oscillating magnetic field (OMF) generating device. Here we report OMF treatment of end-stage recurrent glioblastoma in a 53-year-old man who had undergone radical surgical excision and chemoradiotherapy, and experimental gene therapy for a left frontal tumor. He experienced tumor recurrence and progressive enlargement with leptomeningeal involvement. OMF for 5 weeks was well tolerated, with 31% reduction of contrast-enhanced tumor volume and reduction in abnormal T2-weighted Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery volume. Tumor shrinkage appeared to correlate with treatment dose. These findings suggest a powerful new noninvasive therapy for glioblastoma.

Effect of the oscillating magnetic field on airborne fungal.

This study shows that some species of fungi are affected by the magnetic field, which should be taken into account in studies of airborne fungal and air quality. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of the oscillating magnetic field (OMF) on the behavior of colonies of three fungi genus growth in different culture mediums. The stains were: Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium cladosporioides and Penicillium citrinum and were inoculated in 90mm Petri dishes with: Malt Extract Agar (MEA), Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Czapek-Dox Agar (CDA). Was applied them OMF of 60Hz/220V between 1 and 5 mT during 2h and then they were incubated 7days to 28°C. Colonies size (mm) every day was measured. Stimulation in the colonies size of all experimental conditions was showed; the greatest size of A. niger in MEA was notorious. It was demonstrated by statist analyze that only colonies size with 1mT was significance respect to the control. The effect of OMF on the cellular metabolism was evidenced, as well as: less exudation and major pigmentation of P. citrinum in MEA; variation of pigmentation of A. niger and C. cladosporioides in CDA and increase of conidiogenesis of A. niger in SDA. Was concluded that the applied OMF had a major influence on size colony and mycelia pigmentation of A. niger that C. cladosporioides and P. citrinum, independently of the nutritional state according to the culture medium employed in this study.

Effect of an oscillating magnetic field on the inhibition of ice nucleation and its application for supercooling preservation of fresh-cut mango slices

The present study was aimed to examine the effect of oscillating magnetic fields (OMFs) at different intensities (up to 100 mT) on the extended water supercooling. The exterior supercooling chamber with specialized air circulation was invented for validation of the influence of OMF without any heat involvement. The pendulum experiment demonstrated that water tended to move in a direction opposite to the applied OMF due to diamagnetic repulsion, and the magnitude of the displacement increased proportionally with increases in the OMF intensities. Supercooling probability results indicated that OMF intensities of 50 mT inhibited ice nucleation in supercooled water when stored at the temperature of −11 °C, whereas OMF intensities exceeding 100 mT induced freezing. In this respect, the OMF at the field strength of 50 mT was applied for the supercooling preservation of fresh-cut mango slices, which were preserved in a supercooled state at −5 °C for up to 7 days. The quality assessment, such as weight loss and firmness, indicated that the supercooling preservation potentially extended the shelf-life of fresh-cut mangoes while maintaining their original quality. • The intensity of OMF was a significant factor affecting the supercooling probability of water. • OMF intensities of 50 mT potentially inhibited ice nucleation. • The supercooled state of mango slices was extended at −5 °C with the OMF treatment. • Supercooling preservation extended the shelf-life of mango samples without freezing damage.

CBIO-07. CELL DEATH INDUCED BY AN OSCILLATING MAGNETIC FIELD IN PATIENT DERIVED GLIOBLASTOMA CELLS IS MEDIATED BY REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES

Abstract Noninvasive cancer therapy with minimal side effects would be ideal for improving patient outcome in the clinic. We have developed a novel therapy using strong rotating magnets mounted on a helmet. They generate oscillating magnetic fields (OMF) that penetrate through the skull and cover the entire brain. We have demonstrated that OMF can effectively kill patient derived glioblastoma (GBM) cells in cell culture without having cytotoxic effects on cortical neurons and normal human astrocytes (NHA). Exposure of GBM cells to OMF reduced the cell viability by 33% in comparison to sham-treated cells (p&amp;lt; 0.001), while not affecting NHA cell viability. Time lapse video-microscopy for 16 h after OMF exposure showed a marked elevation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), and rapid apoptosis of GBM cells due to activation of caspase 3. Addition of a potent antioxidant vitamin E analog Trolox effectively blocked OMF-induced GBM cell death. Furthermore, OMF significantly potentiated the cytotoxic effect of the pro-oxidant Benzylamine. The results of our studies demonstrate that OMF-induced cell death is mediated by ROS generation. These results demonstrate a potent oncolytic effect on GBM cells that is novel and unrelated to any previously described therapy, including a very different mechanism of action and different technology compared to Optune therapy. The effect is very powerful, and unlike Optune, can be seen within hours after initiation of treatment. We believe that this technology holds great promise for new, effective and nontoxic treatment of glioblastoma.

EXTH-58. ONCOSCILLATORS: INDUCTION OF THE MITOCHONDRIAL PERMEABILITY TRANSITION IN CANCER CELLS

Abstract Magnetic fields in the mT range influence spin state pairing in redox-active radical pairs generating spin-forbidden quantum states which are kinetically inert. Studies examining the effects of static magnetic fields on mitochondrial electron transfer kinetics have demonstrated only modest effects. When neodymium super-magnets are securely attached to and precision-balanced on the shafts of electronically-controlled motors it is possible to generate rotating magnetic fields of desirable strengths and frequencies. Unlike a static magnetic field or an alternating field in a static electromagnetic coil, oscillating magnetic field (OMF) produced by rotating lines of force of a spinning permanent magnet can dynamically couple the electron spins of radical pairs within proteins whose orientations are ‘fixed’. The frequencies of rotation of magnets can also be tuned to appropriate electron cycling resonances within the proteins. Using OMF of appropriate field strength, frequency and on/off acceleration/deceleration profiles we can completely arrest electron transport in isolated respiring rat liver mitochondria. Parallel to this inhibition of electron flux, we also independently observe an increase in superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Under certain OMF exposure regimes, we observe membrane permeability transition in these mitochondria when using succinate as substrate, and show that the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition effect can be blocked by bongkrekic acid. We have examined the effect of OMF on oxygen consumption in cultured primary cancer cells with a rotating magnet (oncoscillator) that is an integral component of a new anti-cancer Oncomagnetic device. We observe three main effects in addition to the inhibition of respiratory flux in cancer cells – damage to the respiratory complex, uncoupling and generation of superoxide/hydrogen peroxide. OMF generated by oncoscillators can induce mitochondrial permeability transition in primary cultured malignant meningioma, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma and GBM cells. Parallel experiments with normal human astrocytes show only minor changes in cellular/mitochondrial function under these conditions.

NIMG-48. USE OF MOBILE LIPIDS AS METABOLIC MARKERS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF TREATMENT-INDUCED NECROSIS IN A RECURRENT GLIOBLASTOMA PATIENT TREATED WITH A NEW OSCILLATING MAGNETIC FIELD GENERATING DEVICE

Abstract The FDA has approved tumor treating fields (Optune) to treat glioblastoma (GBM) and unresectable mesothelioma. Optune uses scalp electrodes to pass a strong alternating electric field through the head, slowing GBM growth. We have recently developed and tested a novel device that uses an oscillating magnetic field (OMF) generated by rotating magnets to treat GBM. Our first GBM patient had a recurrent GBM with leptomeningeal spread. A custom-made Oncomagnetic device consisting of a multi-sport helmet with three OMF generators called oncoscillators, was worn by the patient at home. Changes in the brain and GBM tumor metabolism were examined using in vivo1H MRS on a 7T Siemens MRI scanner. 1H MRS data of the “tumor” and “non-tumor” regions during OMF treatment was obtained using sLASER pulse sequences. Both non–tumor and tumor regions showed the most common brain metabolites – myo-inositol, creatine, choline, glutamine/glutamate, and N-acetyl aspartate (NAA). 30 days after initiation of treatment, choline, creatine and NAA levels in the shrunken tumor region had collapsed. The tumor region displayed broad proton signals centered at 1.30 ppm and 0.88 ppm. These peaks have been observed following successful brain tumor radiation therapy and have been attributed to the presence of mobile lipids due to tumor necrosis. Our in vitro experiments suggest OMF-induced damage to mitochondria and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, leading to cancer cell death via apoptosis and necrosis. We propose that loss of choline and elevation of lipid levels may be used as a metabolite ‘fingerprint’ to noninvasively assess the Oncomagnetic treatment response. This powerful new treatment holds great promise for treatment of patients with GBM, and produces rapid changes in brain chemistry during treatment.