Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Static and Repetitive Magnetic Stimulation in Cancer Therapy: A Scoping Review

Background/Objectives: Repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) and static magnetic stimulation (sMS) are currently used as adjunctive therapies for certain neurological conditions. Despite substantial advances in cancer treatment, unfavorable prognoses and outcomes persist, especially for aggressive neoplasms, including glioblastoma and acute myeloid leukemia. In this context, the application of magnetic fields has demonstrated significant anti-tumoral benefits in both in vitro and animal studies, indicating its potential as an effective non-invasive therapeutic strategy; nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of action remain unclear. This scoping review was intended to identify published research investigating the effects of sMS and rMS in in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate their impacts on morphological and molecular parameters. Methods: Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus) were assessed; the search strategy was limited to the past twenty-five years of data publication. Studies employing rMS or sMS as a primary therapy for conditions apart from neoplasms, and those not addressing these interventions as an adjuvant therapy were excluded. Results: Nine articles using rMS were included: three in vitro, two employing animal models, and the remaining four including both cellular and animal-based analyses. Seventeen studies using sMS were identified: thirteen in vitro and four in vivo. Conclusions: This review indicates that sMS and rMS are employed as adjuvant therapies for increasing the efficacy of conventional drugs like chemotherapy. Their efficacy relies on specific factors: type of cancer, location, cell type, metabolism, and exposure parameters, including intensity, frequency, and duration.