Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

There is growing concern that the increased use of cell phones and the dependence on electronic equipment increases cancer risk. We believe that the ability of EMFs to influence biological processes is dependent upon the temporal (timing) patterns of the fields and that some EMF can be beneficial. A unique EMF pattern, generated in our laboratory to target specific biological processes was shown to block pain receptors. We have now shown that this EMF can inhibit cancer cell growth. Daily one hour exposures to this EMF can significantly inhibit the growth of cultured cancer cells while having no effects on non-cancerous cells. In addition, exposure to this EMF significantly blocked tumour growth in mice with experimental tumours. We now propose to determine the mechanism by which EMF affects cancer cell growth. Our experiments will examine the effects of EMF on specific biological signals and will determine if this EMF can shrink pre-existing tumours in mice. The ability of EMF to target cancer cells, while leaving healthy tissue intact, will be exploited and would allow for whole body exposures which may be effective in treating metastatic disease, where regular treatments have been ineffective. Findings generated during the course of this program may ultimately have the potential to significantly improve outcomes in patients diagnosed with various stages of cancer.