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Review

Magnetic Fields and Cancer: Epidemiology, Cellular Biology, and Theranostics

by
Massimo E. Maffei
Department Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/a, 10135 Turin, Italy
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(3), 1339; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23031339
Submission received: 30 December 2021 / Revised: 22 January 2022 / Accepted: 22 January 2022 / Published: 25 January 2022

Abstract

Humans are exposed to a complex mix of man-made electric and magnetic fields (MFs) at many different frequencies, at home and at work. Epidemiological studies indicate that there is a positive relationship between residential/domestic and occupational exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and some types of cancer, although some other studies indicate no relationship. In this review, after an introduction on the MF definition and a description of natural/anthropogenic sources, the epidemiology of residential/domestic and occupational exposure to MFs and cancer is reviewed, with reference to leukemia, brain, and breast cancer. The in vivo and in vitro effects of MFs on cancer are reviewed considering both human and animal cells, with particular reference to the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS). MF application on cancer diagnostic and therapy (theranostic) are also reviewed by describing the use of different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications for the detection of several cancers. Finally, the use of magnetic nanoparticles is described in terms of treatment of cancer by nanomedical applications for the precise delivery of anticancer drugs, nanosurgery by magnetomechanic methods, and selective killing of cancer cells by magnetic hyperthermia. The supplementary tables provide quantitative data and methodologies in epidemiological and cell biology studies. Although scientists do not generally agree that there is a cause-effect relationship between exposure to MF and cancer, MFs might not be the direct cause of cancer but may contribute to produce ROS and generate oxidative stress, which could trigger or enhance the expression of oncogenes.
Keywords: magnetic field; cancer; epidemiology; therapy; diagnostics; theranostic; MRI; magnetic nanoparticles; nanomedicine; reactive oxygen species magnetic field; cancer; epidemiology; therapy; diagnostics; theranostic; MRI; magnetic nanoparticles; nanomedicine; reactive oxygen species
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MDPI and ACS Style

Maffei, M.E. Magnetic Fields and Cancer: Epidemiology, Cellular Biology, and Theranostics. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 1339. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23031339

AMA Style

Maffei ME. Magnetic Fields and Cancer: Epidemiology, Cellular Biology, and Theranostics. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2022; 23(3):1339. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23031339

Chicago/Turabian Style

Maffei, Massimo E. 2022. "Magnetic Fields and Cancer: Epidemiology, Cellular Biology, and Theranostics" International Journal of Molecular Sciences 23, no. 3: 1339. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23031339

APA Style

Maffei, M. E. (2022). Magnetic Fields and Cancer: Epidemiology, Cellular Biology, and Theranostics. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(3), 1339. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23031339

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