Magnetic pulses reprogram immune cells to fight breast cancer in preclinical models

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by National University of Singapore

edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Robert Egan

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The National University of Singapore team used the PEMF device (right) to completely eliminate breast cancer tumours in 75% of tested preclinical models after only four 30-minute sessions. Since chemotherapy is not used, its associated side effects are avoided. Credit: National University of Singapore

Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have demonstrated an innovative approach for targeted breast cancer therapy using pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs). The NUS team successfully reprogrammed tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), a corrupted class of immune cells that typically promote cancer growth, into an active anti-tumor state that attacks and destroys cancer cells.

The study, led by Associate Professor Alfredo Franco-Obregón from the Department of Surgery at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the NUS Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, was published in the journal Smart Medicine.

This discovery builds on their previous work, where they showed that brief PEMF exposure enhances uptake of doxorubicin (DOX), a chemotherapy drug, by breast cancer cells.

PEMF therapy applies intermittent, low-intensity magnetic pulses to targeted regions of the body over a short period. Franco-Obregón has previously explored the effect of PEMFs on muscle development and oncology. In their latest study, the NUS team demonstrated that even without chemotherapy, PEMFs completely eradicated tumors in 75% of tested preclinical models after just four 30-minute sessions.

"Our study represents a major advancement in breast cancer treatment by demonstrating the potential of PEMFs as a standalone, drug-free therapy, offering a possible future where patients could avoid chemotherapy and its debilitating side effects," said Franco-Obregón.

Breast cancer cases are projected to rise by a third, from 2.3 million in 2023 to more than 3.5 million by 2050, while annual deaths may nearly double from 764,000 to nearly 1.4 million. Cancer treatment faces challenges such as tumor heterogeneity, drug resistance and treatment-related toxicities.

Approaches targeting TAMs also face difficulties such as off-target effects. The growing burden underscores the urgent need for innovative therapies to improve patient outcomes and save lives.

From cancer's friends to foes

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast mutate and grow uncontrollably, forming a solid tumor. These cancer cells recruit and hijack nearby immune cells, corrupting them to protect the tumor, accelerate tumor growth and encourage the spread of cancer (metastasis). Prominent among these recruited immune cells are TAMs, which are abundant in nearly all solid tumors.

There are two primary types of macrophages, M1 and M2. M1 macrophages are pro-inflammatory—the "soldiers" that eliminate threats like bacteria and viruses. M2 macrophages are anti-inflammatory—the "medics" that orchestrate wound healing and tissue repair once threats are cleared.

Cancer cells corrupt most TAMs into adopting the M2 "medic" state, suppressing immune attacks against the tumor while facilitating tumor growth and metastasis.

The key to this macrophage reprogramming lies in a protein called TRPC1 (Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 1), which regulates the M1 state. Crucially, TRPC1 also allows cells to sense and respond to magnetic fields.

In their experiments, the NUS team confirmed that a brief 10-minute exposure to PEMFs activated TRPC1 channels on M2-like TAMs, setting off a signaling cascade that converted them to the M1 state—essentially turning TAMs from helpful "medics" to aggressive cancer-killing "soldiers."

These activated TAMs then selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Furthermore, the same magnetic signature disrupts cancer's ability to hijack TAMs, altering the TAM-cancer communication loop in both directions.

"We have identified a molecular 'switch,' the specific cell signaling pathway that allows us to reprogram TAMs. Once reprogrammed, these immune cells actively hunt and devour cancer cells, obliterating the tumor," said Franco-Obregón. "With the noninvasive and targeted nature of PEMF therapy, we hope to provide patients with an effective and safe alternative treatment, with fewer undesirable side effects."

Pulses of hope for cancer patients

Franco-Obregón shared that the same PEMF device used in this study has just successfully completed Phase I clinical trials, demonstrating its safety in humans. The team is now seeking partners to conduct Phase II efficacy trials to evaluate how well the PEMF treatment works in patients and to further advance its development toward clinical use.

"Since we previously showed that PEMFs selectively increased the uptake of DOX in breast cancer cells, we will be evaluating whether our PEMF immunotherapy can work synergistically with chemotherapy for better results," added Franco-Obregón.

"As the immune cells we reprogram are commonly found in most solid tumors, we are optimistic that our PEMF therapy could potentially be a complementary treatment for other cancers beyond breast cancer."

More information

Viresh Krishnan Sukumar et al, Magnetic Reprogramming of Macrophages Stimulates Phagocytosis of Breast Cancer Cells via a TRPC1‐STING Inflammatory Axis, Smart Medicine (2026). DOI: 10.1002/smmd.70038

Key medical concepts

Tumor-Associated MacrophagesBreast Cancer

Clinical categories

OncologyAllergy and immunology Provided by National University of Singapore Who's behind this story?

Sadie Harley

BSc Life Sciences & Ecology. Microbiology lab background with pharmaceutical news experience in oil, gas, and renewable industries. Full profile →

Robert Egan

Bachelor's in mathematical biology, Master's in creative writing. Well-traveled with unique perspectives on science and language. Full profile →

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