Peer-reviewed abstract on the effects of magnetics on physical ailments

The impact of treatment with magnetic fields on a variety of physical ailments are presented in the following descriptions of recent studies, published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Cancer

Results of this study found that prolonged exposure to a 7-tesla uniform static magnetic field for a period of 64 hours inhibited growth of three human tumor cell lines in vitro.

R.R. Raylman, et al., "Exposure to Strong Static Magnetic Field Slows the Growth of Human Cancer Cells in Vitro,"Bioelectromagnetics, 17(5),1996, . 358-363.

This study examined the effects of a rotational magnetic field on a group of 51 breast cancer patients. Results showed a significant positive response in 27 of them.

N.G.

Bakhmutskii, et al., "The Assessment of the Efficacy of the Effect of a Rotational Magnetic Field on the Course of the Tumor Process in Patients with Generalized Breast Cancer," Sov Med, (7), 1991, . 25-27.

Results of this study indicated that exposure to a rotational magnetic field inhibited Walker 's carcinoma tumor growth as much as 90 percent in some cases.

N.G.

Bakhmutskii, et al., "The Growth Dynamics of Walker Carcinosarcoma During Exposure to a Magnetic Eddy Field," Vopr Onkol,37(6), 1991, . 705-708.

Y.

Omote, "An Experimental Attempt to Potentiate Therapeutic Effects of Combined Use of Pulsing Magnetic Fields and Antitumor Agents," Nippon Geka Gakkai Zasshi, 89(8), August 1988, .. 1155-1166.

Results of this study indicated that pulsed magnetic field stimulation increased the incorporation of antitumor agents into cells, and thus increased antitumor activity shifting the cell cycle to a proliferative from a nonproliferative phase.

Results of this study found that 20-30 sessions of magnetotherapy administered preoperatively exhibited antitumor effects in patients suffering from lung cancer.

L.S. Ogorodnikova, et al., "Morphological Criteria of Lung Cancer Regression Under the Effect of Magnetotherapy," VoprOnkol, 26(1),1980, . 28-34.

This study examined the effects of microwave resonance therapy (MRT) in patients suffering from various forms of cancer. Results showed that MRT treatment prior to surgery reduced the spread of cancer-associated conditions and reduced the risk associated with surgery in 87 percent of patients. MRT applied postoperatively had beneficial effects in 68 percent.

D.V. Miasoedov, et al., "Experience with the Use of Microwave Resonance Therapy as a Modifying Factor in Oncological Therapy," Abstracts of the First All-Union Symposium with International Participation, May 10-13, 1989, Kiev , Ukraine , .. 313-315.

Results of this study proved that the combination of weak pulsed electromagnetic fields with antioxidant supplementation is beneficial in the treatment of patients suffering from tongue cancer, improving speech, pain control, and tolerance to chemotherapy.

U. Randoll & R.M. Pangan, "The Role of Complex Biophysical-Chemical Therapies for Cancer," Bioelectrochem Bioenerg, 27(3), 1992, . 341-346.

Results of this controlled study indicated that treatment with a constant magnetic field significantly improved long-term (3year) survival time in patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer of the throat. Constant magnetic field therapy consisted of the application of 300 mT for 30 minutes to tumor and metastasizing regions immediately prior to each irradiation.

V.G. Andreev, et al., "Radiomodifying Effect of a Constant Magnetic Field in Radiation Therapy of Patients with Cancer of the Throat," Fizicheskaia Meditzina, 4(1-2), 1994,. 92.

Results of this Russian study indicated that the use of whole body eddy magnetic fields, coupled with more conventional cancer therapies (including magnetotherapy) is effective in the treatment of patients suffering from a variety of different malignancies.

V. Smirnova, "Anti-Tumorigenic Action of an Eddy Magnetic Field," Vrach, 2, 1994, . 25-26

This article reports on the case of a 48-year-old-woman with breast cancer who was treated successfully with magnetotherapy. Infiltration showed a marked decrease following 30 whole body exposures to an eddy magnetic field for 60 minutes. One metastatic node disappeared while the size of others was reduced following 60 such exposures. A total regression of tumor and metastases was seen following the completion of a course of 110 exposures.

N.G. Bakhmutskii, et al., "A Case of Successful Treatment of a Patient with Breast Cancer Using a Rotating Electromagnetic Field," Soviet Medicine, 8, 1991, . 86-87.

This study examined the effects of whole body magnetic fields (16.5-35 G, 50-165 Hz) on patients suffering from different forms of cancer. Treatment consisted of 15 cycles, each 1-20 minutes in duration, and was coupled with more traditional cancer therapies. Results showed that the magnetotherapy had overall beneficial effects, particularly with respect to improved immune status and postoperative recovery.

V.A. Lubennikov, et al., "First Experience in Using a Whole-Body Magnetic Field Exposure in Treating Cancer Patients," Vopr Onkol, 41(2), 1995, . 140-141.

Heart Disease

Results of this study found that the addition of magnetotherapy to the treatment of patients suffering from ischemic heart disease and osteochondrosis led to clinical improvements.

I. Rodin, et al., "Use of Low-Intensity Eddy Magnetic Field in the Treatment of Patients with Skin Lymphomas," Voen Med Zh, 317(12), 1996, . 32-34.

Results of this study involving 23 parasystolic children found that low-frequency magnetic field exposure improved humoral and cellular processes involved in the regulation of cardiac rhythm.

M.A. Dudchenko, et al., "The Effect of Combined Treatment with the Use of Magnetotherapy on the SystemicHemodynamics of Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease and Spinal Osteochondrosis,"Lik Sprava, (5), May 1992, . 40-43.

The authors of this study report on their development of a polymagnetic system called Avrora-MK-01 used to administer impulse magnetic fields to diseases of the leg vessels. Results indicated positive effects on peripheral capillaries in 75-82 percent of patients receiving the treatment at a pre-gangrene stage.

E.M. Vasil'eva, et al., "The Effect of a Low-frequency Magnetic Field on Erythrocyte Membrane Function and on the Prostanoid Level in the Blood Plasma of Children with Parasystolic Arrhythmia," Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, (2), March-April 1994, . 18-20.

Results of this study showed exposure to low-frequency alternating magnetic fields had beneficial effects in children with primary arterial hypertension, as seen in the attenuation of sympathetic and vagotonic symptoms.

Y.B. Kirillov, et al., "Magnetotherapy in Obliterating Vascular Diseases of the Lower Extremities," Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, (3), May-June 1992, . 14-17.

This study demonstrated that traveling pulsed magnetic field and magnetic laser treatment produced beneficial effects in patients suffering from the initial stages of essential hypertension.

V.S. Zadionchenko, et al., "Prognostic Criteria of the Efficacy of Magnetic and Magnetic-laser Therapy in Patients with theInitial Stages of Hypertension," Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, (1), January-February 1997, . 8-11.

In this article, the authors propose a new approach to treating atherosclerosis through the alteration of biophysical properties both intracellularly and extracellularly. Citing their own preliminary data, they suggest atherosclerotic lesions might be selectively resolved without harming normal blood vessels allowing the lesions to take up the magnetically excitable submicron particles and then applying an external alternating electromagnetic field.

R.T. Gordon & D. Gordon, "Selective Resolution of Plaques and Treatment of Atherosclerosis Biophysical Alteration of "Cellular" and "Intracellular" Properties," Medical Hypotheses, 7(2),February 1981, . 217-229.

This study examined the effects of constant MKM2-1 magnets on essential hypertension patients. Results indicated the treatment decreased arterial pressure in stage II patients, with magnetotherapy being shown to produce beneficial effects on the central hemodynamics and microcirculation.

S.G. Ivanov, et al., "The Magnetotherapy of Hypertension Patients," Ter Arkh, 62(9), 1990, . 71-74.

Results from several recent studies conducted the author are reviewed. Conclusions are that pulsed electromagnetic fields exhibit protective effects against necrosis from acute ischemia in rats, cerebral infarcts in rabbits, and myocardium infarcts in rats.

R. Cadossi, "Protective Effect of Electromagnetic Field Exposure on Acute Soft Tissue Ischaemic Injury," Second WorldCongress for Electricity and Magnetism in Biology and Medicine, 8-13 June 1997, Bologna , Italy .

This study examined the effects of extremely high frequency electromagnetic radiation (EHF EMR) in 93 patients suffering ischemic heart disease. EHF treatment consisted of 10 to 15 exposures of the lower end of the sternum from a 'Yav'-1-7,1 device. Treatment was performed five times weekly for a total of 30 minutes per day, with drug therapy being maintained during this period. Positive results tended to occur after 5 to 6 treatment sessions, with a good or satisfactory response being reported in 82 of 93 patients, and lasting as long as 11 months after hospital release.

I.E. Ganelina, et al., "Electromagnetic Radiation of Extremely High Frequencies in Complex Therapy for Severe Stenocardia," Millimetrovie Volni v Biologii I Meditcine, (4), 1994, . 17-21.

This review article concerning the clinical application of electromagnetic fields notes that microwave therapy has been shown to improve local circulation and vascular tone, increase the volume of functional capillaries, lower hypertension, stimulate protein and carbohydrate metabolism, stimulate the pituitary-adrenal system, produce anti-inflammatory effects, and improve digestive organ function. Studies have shown decimeter wave therapy capable of stimulating the secretory function of the stomach, as well as blood circulation, respiratory function, and the immune system. Side effects have been reported in both human and animal studies.

V.V. Orzeshkovskii, et al., "Clinical Application of Electromagnetic Fields," in I.G. Akoevs & V.V. Tiazhelov, (eds.), Topics of Experimental and Applied Bioelectromagnetics. A Collection of Research Papers, Puschcino, USSR, USSR Academy of Sciences, Biological Sciences Research Center, 1983, . 139-147.

In this study, 30 myocardial infarction patients received millimeter-wave (MW) therapy in the form of 10 exposures of 30 minutes per day, with a 2-day interruption after the fifth exposure. Patients continued conventional drug treatment during the MW therapy period. Better results were seen in those patients exposed to the MW therapy relative to an equal number of patients receiving conventional treatment only.

N.N. Naumcheva, "Effect of Millimeter Waves on Ischemic Heart Disease Patients," Millimetrovie Volni v Biologii I Meditcine, (3), 1994, . 62-67.

This study examined the effects of millimeter wave therapy in approximately 450 patients suffering from a variety of diseases, including those of the musculoskeletal, digestive, pulmonary, and nervous systems. Treatment consisted of 2530 minutes per day using the "Porog-1" apparatus and generally lasted for a period of up to 10 days. Results showed positive effects in over 87 percent of the patients.

A.P. Dovganiuk & A.A. Minenkov, "The Use of Physical Factors in Treating Chronic Arterial Insufficiency of the Lower Limbs," Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, (5), 1996, . 7-9.

Results of this study found that the use of magnetophore therapy (constant magnets applied to adrenal regions 10 hours per day for 15 days) significantly improved symptoms associated with hypertension in about 35 percent of patients studied, with mild improvement seen in 30 percent, and no improvement in 35 percent. Patients receiving decimeter-band waves (460 MHz, field intensity of 35-45 W, for 10-15 minutes per day for a total of 15 days) experienced similar results.

V.V. Orzheshovski, et al., "Efficacy of Decimeter-Band Waves and Magnetophore Therapy in Patients with Hypertension," Vrach Delo, (1), 1982, . 65-67.

Results of this placebo-controlled study demonstrated a 76-percent effectiveness rate for running impulse magnetic field therapy in a group of arterial hypertensive patients. Treatment consisted of two 25-minute exposures per day over a period of 10-20 total exposures, at frequencies of 10 or 100 Hz and magnetic field intensity of 3 or 10 mT.

L.L.Orlov, et al., " Indications for Using a New Magnetotherapeutic Method in Arterial Hypertension," Soviet Medicine, (8), 1991, . 23-24.

This study examined the efficacy of the reinfusion of autologous blood following magnetic field exposure in hypertensive patients. Positive effects were found in 92 percent of patients receiving the treatment.

I.G. Alizade, et al., "Magnetic Treatment of Autologous Blood in the Combined Therapy of Hypertensive Patients," Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, (1), 1994, . 32-33

This double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of magnetotherapy in patients suffering from first-or second-stage hypertension. A magnetic field of 50 Hz, 15-25 mT was applied to acupuncture points He-Gu and Shen'Men for 15-20 seconds per day for a total of 9-10 days. Results: The treatment improved headaches in 88 percent of patients, dizziness in 89 percent, and irritability in 88 percent. In general, 95 percent of hypertensive patients experienced beneficial effects from the treatment, and the morbidity rate decreased twofold following one course extended over a period of 5-6 months.

E.V. Rolovlev, "Treatment of Essential Hypertension Patients an Alternating Magnetic Field Puncture," All-Union Symposium: Laser and Magnetic Therapy in Experimental and Clinical Studies,June 16-18, 1993, Obninsk, Kaluga Region , Russia , . 221-223.

This placebo-controlled study examined the effects of constant and of running magnetic fields in patients suffering from stage II hypertension. Results found that constant magnetic fields exhibited benefits in 68 percent of patients treated, and running magnetic fields were helpful in 78 percent. Only 30 percent of controls showed improvement. Constant magnetic field treatment consisted of constant magnets applied to the inner side of the wrist on each hand for 35-40 minutes daily over a period of 7-10 days. Running magnetic field treatment involved the use of a "Alimp-1" apparatus for 20 minutes per day for a total of 12-15 days.

S.G.

Ivanov, et al., "Use of Magnetic Fields in the Treatment of Hypertensive Disease, " Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech FizKult, (3), 1993, . 67-69.

This double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that magnetotherapy was effective in the treatment of symptoms associated with stage II hypertension, such as headache, dizziness, and cardiodynia. The therapy consisted of permanent circular magnets (16 mT) applied to the inner forearm for 30-45 minutes per day over a period of 10 sessions.

S.G.

Ivanov, "The Comparative Efficacy of Nondrug and Drug Methods of Treating Hypertension, " Ter Arkh, 65(1), 1993, . 44-49.

This controlled study examined the effects of magnetotherapy in patients suffering from neurocirculatory hypotension (low blood pressure) or hypertension (high blood pressure). Treatment consisted of a running pulsed magnetic field generated an "ALIMP" device (0.5 mT, 300 Hz) administered for 20 minutes per day over a course of 10 days. Patients suffering from hypotension did not benefit significantly from the magnetotherapy. Hypertension patients, however, showed a marked improvement with respect to symptoms including headache, chest pain, extremity numbness, abnormal systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and work capacity.

L.L. Orlov, et al., "Effect of a Running Pulse Magnetic Field on Some Humoral Indices and Physical Capacity in Patientswith Neurocirculatory Hypo- and Hypertension," Biofizika, 41(4),1996, . 944-948.

This double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that low-frequency, low-intensity electrostatic fields (40-62 Hz) administered for 12-14 minutes per day helped normalize blood pressure in patients suffering from ertension.

T.A. Kniazeva, "The Efficacy of Low-Intensity Exposures in Hypertension," Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, 1, 1994, . 8-9.

This study examined the effects of low-frequency alternating magnetic fields in patients suffering from arteriosclerosis or osteoarthrosis deformans. Treatment involved 10-15 minute daily leg exposures over a total of 15 days. Results showed the treatment to be effective in 80 percent of arteriosclerosis patients and 70 percent of those with osteoarthrosis formans.

A.G. Kakulia, "The Use of Sonic Band Magnetic Fields in Various Diseases," Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, 3, 1982, . 18-21.

This study examined the effects of low-frequency magnetic fields (25 mT) in patients suffering atherosclerotic encephalopathy. Treatment involved 10-15 minute daily exposures over a total of 10-15 applications. Results showed clinical improvements with respect to chest pain, vertigo, headache, and other symptoms.

S.S. Gabrielian, et al., "Use of Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields in the Treatment of Patients with AtheroscleroticEncephalopathy," Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, 3, 1987, . 36-39.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

This study examined the effects of alternating magnetic fields (15-20 minutes per day over a period of 20 days) in patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and trophic shin ulcers. Results showed good effects in 236 of the 271 patients receiving the treatment. Thirty-four patients reported satisfactory effects. Only one patient experienced no effects.

E.I. Pasynkov, et al., "Therapeutic Use of Alternating Magnetic Field in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Diseases of the Veins of the Lower Limbs," Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, 5,1976, . 16-19.

This review article notes that magnetotherapy in a variety of forms has been successfully used in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency and is a commonly used physical therapy for the condition.

A.P. Dovganiuk, "Balneologic and Physical Therapy of Chronic Venous Insufficiency of Extremities," Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, 2, 1995, . 48-49.

This study examined the effects of running impulse magnetic fields in patients suffering from vessel obliteration diseases of the legs. Treatment consisted of 15-20 whole body exposures (0.5-5 mT, 1-2 Hz) lasting 15-20 minutes each. Results showed treatment led to a significant reduction in the number of patients experiencing leg pain while at rest. Among patients previously unable to walk a 500-m distance, 52 percent were able to complete the distance following treatment. Circulation improved in 75-82 percent of patients.

Y.B. Kirillov, et al., "Magnetotherapy for Obliterative Disease of the Vessels of the Legs," Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, 3, 1992, .. 14-17.