Singapore university researchers find magnetic pulses can turn immune cells against breast cancer
Researchers at the National University of Singapore have discovered that low-intensity magnetic pulses can reprogram immune cells to attack breast cancer tumors. This non-invasive method showed success in pre-clinical models by triggering metabolic stress in cancer cells.
Why it matters
This breakthrough offers a potential pathway for cancer treatments that minimize the toxic side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy.
SINGAPORE, Sept 14 — Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have reportedly found that gentle magnetic pulses could reprogramme immune cells that normally support tumour growth into cells capable of attacking breast cancer.
According to The Straits Times , the researchers used intermittent, low-intensity pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) to eradicate tumours in 75 per cent of the pre-clinical models tested after four 30-minute sessions, without chemotherapy.
PEMFs are low-energy magnetic waves that can pass through the body without producing heat or damaging tissue.
Research leader Alfredo Franco-Obregon, from the NUS Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, reportedly said the pulses interact with microscopic gates known as TRPC1 channels on cells, triggering a controlled influx of calcium that activates their mitochondria.
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