Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug for a variety of cancers, including ovarian, thyroid, lung, and breast cancers. While effective for killing cancer cells, the drug can also damage healthy tissues in the body, leading to mild to severe side effects such as cardiomyopathy and muscle atrophy. Methods that selectively increase DOX uptake in cancer cells could improve patient outcomes.
In the current study, researchers compared the effects of magnetic field therapy on human breast cancer cells and healthy muscle cells. In doing so, they found that magnetic field exposure activates a calcium ion channel often found in aggressive cancers known as TRPC1, which facilitates the entry of DOX into cancer cells.
This mechanism meant that a 10-minute magnetic field exposure increased DOX uptake by cancer cells, thus reducing the amount of DOX needed for therapeutic effect. Meanwhile, healthy muscle cells did not show an increase in cell death in response to the DOX and magnetic pulse combo, indicating a greater level of protection for non-cancerous tissues.
"What's promising is that this mechanism works strongest at low drug concentrations, enabling us to target cancer cells more effectively while reducing the burden of chemotherapy on healthy tissues," said lead author of the study Franco-Obregón, Research Associate Professor of Surgery at the National University of Singapore, in a press release.
The researchers now hope to translate these findings into clinical practice. Franco-Obregón said that the approach will be patented and will form the basis of a startup specializing in treating breast cancer.
"We are currently in discussions with potential investors in Southeast Asia and the United States to translate this technology from bench to bedside," he said.
Sources: Science Daily, Cancers
