• The effects of electromagnetic waves on cancer cells
  • Neda Ghobadi Samian,1 Hannaneh Azadeh asl,2 Mahshad Salari,3,*
    1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, ARD.C. , Islamic Azad University , Ardabil , Iran
    2. Department of Biomedical Engineering, ARD.C. , Islamic Azad University , Ardabil , Iran
    3. Department of Biomedical Engineering, ARD.C. , Islamic Azad University , Ardabil , Iran


  • Introduction: The use of electromagnetic waves in cancer treatment has gained significant attention, especially in recent years. Electromagnetic - waves – based approaches can be categorized into four main areas: bioelectric fields such as tumor treating fields (TTFields) and cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), biomaterials (materials and conductive nanoparticles), biological systems modeling (field simulation in tissues and cell behavior), and clinical applications. The goal of these technologies is to improve treatment accuracy and reduce side effects. Experimental studies have shown that focused electromagnetic waves on the target cell can disrupt the tumor cell cycle and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. This paper aims to provide an analytical review of the existing evidence, with a focus on the mechanisms of action, engineering principles, and technical specifications of the aforementioned technologies.
  • Methods: This paper is an analytical review. A search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar for international and domestic papers published in English and Persian between 2010 and 2025, using keywords such as cancer electromagnetic therapy, TTFields, cold plasma, and PEMF. Out of 28 valid papers, 12 were selected for this review article based on criteria including in vitro and in vivo studies, laboratory reports, and clinical trials, while papers without experimental data were excluded. The selected data were categorized and analyzed according to the type of technology, engineering parameters (such as frequency, intensity, and waveform), and the method of field focusing within the tissue.
  • Results: A review of studies shows that electromagnetic fields (EMF) at specific frequencies can influence cancer cells via two primary mechanisms. In the thermal mechanism, EMF energy is converted into heat, inducing hyperthermia at around 43 degrees Celsius, which selectively kills cancer cells. This phenomenon underpins methods such as radiofrequency and microwave ablation. Moreover, the application of magnetic nanoparticles—particularly iron oxide—within an alternating magnetic field can induce controlled tumor destruction and stimulate an anti-cancer immune response. This approach, known as ‘magnetic hyperthermia,’ is currently in the early stages of clinical trials. In contrast, non-thermal mechanisms work without raising temperature, relying instead on carefully tuned frequencies and specific modulation patterns. Modulated radio frequency (RF) fields, such as the TheraBionic system, have been shown to reduce tumor growth under in vitro conditions. The TTFields technology also limits the proliferation of cancer cells by disrupting mitotic processes. Clinical data in glioblastoma are promising, though its efficacy depends on the tumor location. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has induced selective apoptosis in breast and colon cancer cells by producing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Additionally, pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) inhibit tumor proliferation by modulating ion channels and generating oxidative stress. Despite these advances, significant challenges remain, including limited wave penetration into deep tumors, uneven distribution of nanoparticles, and a lack of clinical data. Nevertheless, the combination of EMF with chemotherapy and radiotherapy has been shown to improve the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments. future research in this field will likely emphasize the development of multi-array EMF designs, the application of metamaterial lenses, and integration with emerging technologies such as nanomedicine and immunotherapy, aiming to accelerate the translation of these approaches into clinical practice.
  • Conclusion: The future of cancer treatment will focus on utilizing the full spectrum of electromagnetic waves and related technologies to develop targeted, effective, and minimal side effects. Studies suggest that by carefully adjusting technical parameters such as optimal frequency, safe intensity, and focusing patterns and using conductive materials and multi-array systems, electromagnetic fields can be precisely targeted to tumor tissues while minimizing harm to healthy cells, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy. Integrating domestic and international laboratory studies will be effective in better understanding biological mechanisms and optimizing device design. Ultimately, these technologies should be advanced towards safe and reliable clinical applications through controlled clinical trials and the development of precise technical standards.
  • Keywords: Magnetic hyperthermia- Electromagnetic therapy-Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields -Tumor Treating Fields