One of the most general causes of demise globally is Cancer[1]. The kinds of cancer with the highest percentage are lung cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer and rectum cancer, breast cancer, and oesophagus cancer[1]. In oncology, an accurate treatment strategy in early disease stages is vital to improving the likelihood of remission and promote survival[1]. Available cancer treatments comprise chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and cancer surgery[1].
But all these traditional treatments come with unwanted health effects. Multimodal therapies are often needed to decrease the therapy‐caused side effects of pharmacological and other approaches, including surgery[1]. Alternative cancer treatments are one such option that utilizes non-invasive methods which can potentially stop infections and scar formation linked with surgery, as well as reduces the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs overdose[3]
Magnet therapy is an alternative treatment for treating and diagnosing cancer, AIDS, psychiatric disorders, stress, increasing life, and stimulating the immune system[2]. Magnets administer magnetic fields to some parts of the body[2]. Also, we can use magnetic field-generating machines or magnetic mattresses or blankets to produce a magnetic field[2]. Treatment can last for minutes to weeks[2].
Research in bioelectromagnetics concentrates on the possible carcinogenic effects of environmental exposure to electromagnetic fields—like those generated by mobile phones or power lines—and advantageous therapeutic effects[4]. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is commonly used therapeutically in medicine, offering several potential advantages, including non‐invasiveness, safety, lack of toxicity for non‐cancerous cells, and the possibility of being merged with other available therapies[1]. Indeed, PEMF stimulation has already been used for many cancer types, including skin cancer, hepatocellular cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer in vitro and in vivo[1]. Another type of electromagnetic field therapy is tumour-treating fields(TTFs), which may increase patients’ lives with a brain tumour who also undergo chemotherapy[5].
USES
To reduce pain from arthritis, post-polio syndrome, muscle strains or other conditions.
Studies failed to see the influence of magnets on pain[2]. In some trials, design flaws and likely placebo effects have declared results into question[2].
Other uses:-
- Cancer
- Circulation
- Fatigue
- Immunostimulation
- Inflammation
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nausea, vomiting
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Marketers make different, false claims for how magnets work, such as magnets “act upon the energy field of the body” or eliminate “magnetic field deficiency syndrome,”- a condition said to result from reductions in the earth’s magnetic field over the past 1,000 years[2]. It is indicated that the magnet’s south pole has a “stress effect,” which interferes with metabolic functioning and produces acidity, decreases cellular oxygen supply, and promotes the replication of latent microorganisms[2]. The north pole is told to have a “calming effect” and helps to normalize metabolic functioning, improve oxygenation, and treat psychiatric disorders[2]. No proof supports these claims, and no anticancer activity is observed with magnetic fields in the laboratory or human studies[2]. Most magnetic “healing” anecdotes include symptoms that may be psychosomatic, linked with stress, or subjective measures such as pain or depression[2].
Theoretically, static magnetic fields (SMFs) may change ion flow, cellular potential, membrane configuration, or neurotransmitters etc., release[2]. Most of the living phenomena linked with SMFs may be produced by changes in cellular calcium[2]. SMFs of 1,000-4,000 G are observed to change protein and enzyme structure and the kinetics of reactions involving free radicals[2]. Lowered action potential firing in cultivated neurons and permeability variations in synthetic liposome vesicles are observed after applying an SMF[2]. It may not be allowed to extrapolate in vitro data in which cells are directly introduced to magnetic fields to their effect in a complicated biological system[2].
Further, many in vitro studies have not been copied. Although some authors look to documented effects of PMEFs in describing a mechanism of action for static magnets, SMFs do not produce an electric field and cannot give the claimed physiologic effects[2]. It is claimed that positive reports of magnet usage show placebo effects[2].
MANAGING SYMPTOMS
CLINICAL EVIDENCE:-
Pulsed electromagnetic fields: Numerous studies and reviews show decreased pain, opioid usage and inflammation following surgery[4].
Electroacupuncture: Randomized trials showed proof of decreased pain, nausea, and vomiting post thoracic surgery[4].
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation: A randomized study found that TEAS usage with general anaesthesia causes stable blood pressure during surgery, lessened analgesic use and better pain relief contrasted to general anaesthesia alone[4].
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: A review and meta-analysis explained decreased blood levels of proinflammatory cytokines[4]. A clinical trial found lessened pain severity, lower opioid usage and some requests for chest radiographs following coronary artery bypass surgery[4]. A review found alleviation in postoperative pain in urology patients[4].
Magnetic devices: A study on the effectiveness of a magnetic device for breast cancer-associated hot flashes explained that magnet therapy was significantly less efficient than a placebo device in decreasing the hot flash frequency and interference with regular activities and enhancing the quality of life[4]. In other words, the placebo, i.e. no treatment, was more beneficial than the magnet therapy[4].
ADVERSE EFFECTS
Common effects:- It includes pain, sleepiness and nausea[2]. But these symptoms terminated upon removal of the magnets [2].
Case Report
Bullous pemphigoid correlated with magnetic mattress use[2].
Consistent use of low-intensity magnets seems to be safe[2]. According to The World Health Organization reports, the available proof indicates the absence of severe effects on the health of humans with exposure to magnetic fields up to 2 Tesla[2].
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Body magnets are contraindicated in magnetic resonance and radiology procedures[2]. In pregnancy, patients with cardiac pacemakers should also restrain the usage of magnetic devices[2]. Magnetic therapies play no role in the diagnosis or treatment of cancer[2].
