Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Magnetic Fields in Cancer Treatment: From Molecular Mechanisms to Precision Oncology

The field of experimental oncology continues to grapple with the persistent challenge of improving cancer treatment outcomes. Despite decades of research leading to a deeper understanding of tumorigenesis and intervention pathways, cancer remains a predominant cause of mortality worldwide, partly due to the limitations of conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These standard therapies are often compromised by severe side effects and the eventual development of drug resistance, highlighting the urgent need for innovative, multidisciplinary strategies. Recent advancements have shed light on the unique role of magnetic fields (MFs) in modulating cellular behaviors relevant to cancer, offering a promising new dimension in therapeutic exploration.Emerging studies demonstrate that magnetic fields can suppress tumor cell growth, induce apoptosis, arrest the cell cycle, trigger differentiation, and modulate the immune response, in addition to impeding angiogenesis and metastasis via various signaling pathways. Notably, MFs appear to potentiate chemotherapy, enhancing drug uptake and synergistically activating programmed cell death pathways, with minimal toxicity observed in both in vitro and in vivo models. These effects are closely linked to the modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), with evidence suggesting that MF-induced ROS dynamics are critical to their antitumor action. However, current research is hindered by discrepancies in experimental designs and the predominance of in vitro studies, impeding robust translation to clinical applications.This Research Topic aims to advance the understanding of magnetic field applications in oncology by delineating the biophysical and quantum biological mechanisms underlying their effects on tumor and normal cells. Specifically, it seeks to explore how quantum physics principles, particularly electron spin selectivity and associated ROS chemistry, may enable the development of highly targeted interventions. The goal is to foster a multidisciplinary dialogue that bridges foundational biophysics, experimental oncology, and translational research, ultimately contributing to the refinement of precision and individualized cancer therapies.To gather further insights in the innovative and multidisciplinary investigation of magnetic fields in cancer research, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:Biophysical and quantum biological mechanisms of MF interaction with tumor cellsThe influence of MFs on reactive oxygen species dynamics and redox signalingComparative analysis of in vitro and in vivo findings in MF-based cancer studiesOptimization of MF parameters for selective antitumor efficacyIntegration of MFs with conventional and emerging combination therapiesSafety, toxicity, and translational challenges in applying MFs in oncologyQuantum physics approaches to targeting electron spin and cellular selectivity in cancer Topic editors: Santi Tofani, Alfredo Franco-Obregón Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77527/exploring-the-therapeutic-potential-of-magnetic-fields-in-cancer-treatment-from-molecular-mechanisms-to-precision-oncology