Effects of Electromagnetic Field on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Acute Toxicity and Cancer Progression in Laboratory Mice: A Preliminary Experimental Study
Mikhail Artamonov* and Evgeniy Komrakov
ABSTRACT
Background: Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has emerged as a potential adjuvant treatment in oncology, demonstrating selective cytotoxic effects on neoplastic cells while sparing normal tissues. The device, which generates a specific electromagnetic field configuration, has shown promise in preliminary studies. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exposure on cyclophosphamide-induced acute toxicity and cancer progression in BDF1 hybrid mice.
Methods: Male BDF1 (C57BL/6 × DBA/2) hybrid mice aged 3-4 months were randomized into three groups (n=10 per group): control (cyclophosphamide only, 500 mg/kg i.p.), peripheral zone exposure, and focal zone exposure. Prior to chemotherapy administration, mice in treatment groups received daily exposure (3 hours/day, 3-5 days/week) for three weeks. Mortality rates were monitored for one month following cyclophosphamide injection.
Results: The control group demonstrated 50% mortality consistent with the established LD50 for this strain. Mice exposed to the peripheral zone showed reduced mortality (30%), while those in the focal zone exhibited complete protection with 0% mortality (p<0.05). Additional observational studies in tumor-bearing mice demonstrated that exposure significantly improved quality of life indicators, including maintained activity levels and appetite, despite continued tumor progression.
Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that electromagnetic field exposure may provide significant protection against cyclophosphamide-induced acute toxicity in a dose- dependent manner related to field intensity. The device shows potential as a supportive intervention during chemotherapy, although it does not appear to inhibit tumor growth directly. Further controlled studies are warranted to elucidate mechanisms and optimize protocols for clinical translation.
