Effect of low-frequency rotary magnetic fields on advanced gastric cancer: Survival and palliation of general symptoms

Objective: The tumor inhibition by magnetic fields (MFs) has been reported in many in vivo and in vitro studies, while clinical trials have been rare. This report aimed to evaluate the improvement of survival and general symptoms in advanced cancer patients treated with MFs. Subjects and Methods: In this study, we investigated 21 patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) treated with 420 r/min, 0.4-T low-frequency rotary MFs. The treatment area encompassed the primary tumor sites, metastatic sites, and metastatic lymph nodes. In addition, the patients were treated 2 h per day, 5 days per week for 6-12 weeks. The toxicity pilot human study was approved by the competent ethical committee. Toxicity and side effects were assessed according to the WHO criteria. The changes of general symptoms were analyzed during low-frequency rotary MFs treatment and 2 weeks after the end of therapy. Electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, physical examination, blood cell count and complete blood chemistry, biochemical, and kidney function tests were performed before and after the end of the treatment. All 21 patients were followed up by outpatient service or telephone interview. Results: Our results demonstrated that low-frequency rotary MFs improved abdominal pain in 9/21 (42.9%), nausea/vomiting in 4/21 (19.0%), weight loss in 11/21 (52.4%), ongoing blood loss in 2/21 (9.5%), physical strength in 5/21 (23.8%), and sleep quality in 4/21 (19.0%) patients. No severe toxicity and side effect were observed in our trial. The median survival time was 8.0 months (95% confidence interval, 5.190-10.810). The 1-year survival rate was 25.8%. Conclusion: Low-frequency rotary MFs may prolong survival and improve general symptom of AGC patients, as an effective, well-tolerated, and safe treatment choice.