Can a magnetic helmet treat cancerous tumors? A recent outcome from a human test of an investigational magnetic device indicates its possibility. In July 2021, a case report published in ‘Frontiers in Oncology’ confirms promising outcome of using an Oncomagnetic Device to treat Glioblastoma. It is an aggressive form of cancer that affects brain or spinal cord. According to the report by David S. Baskin Et Al, A 53-year-old patient had experienced 31% reduction in the tumor volume after being on treatment assisted by an oscillating magnetic field (OMF) device for five weeks. This is a non-invasive treatment aided by a helmet like device. Considering the positive outcome and the treatment being non-invasive in nature, it is realistic to hope for this to become a promising therapeutic modality in Glioblastoma management.
How does an Oncomagnetic Device work?
In 2017, there were reports about an ‘Electric Cap’ that produce low-intensity electric currents with ability to fight Glioblastoma. Later it has evolved into something popularly known as the alternating electric field therapy. This was approved for GBM treatment. The OMF therapy which is being studied now can become a better alternative to the electric field therapy, if proven to be effective. Researchers have been studying the relevance of OMF or Oscillating Magnetic Field Devices in the treatment of complex conditions including
Glioblastoma. The Oncomagetic Device that was used in the case study consisted of three oncoscillators. They were attached to an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene helmet, which is now referred as the magmatic helmet. It was connected to a battery operated rechargeable micro-processer based eclectic controller. The detailed description of the device is available in the same case report published in ‘Frontiers in Oncology’. Researchers found that the treatment was well tolerated with clinically significant reduction in CET volume. More clinical research in this area can provide insights on statistical significance and ultimate relevance of OMF based treatments.
Limitations of conventional treatment protocols for Glioblastoma
The standard of care includes treatments based on radiation and chemotherapy. With a few chemotherapy options available other than the radiation treatment, no significant improvement in terms of median overall survival has been achieved for decades. Tolerability has always been a concern when it comes to radiation while chemotherapy side effects are not so easy to manage. Quality of life has also been a key challenge. There has always been a desperate need for new treatment modalities in this area of disease management.
Given these limitations of standard of care, OMF based treatment interventions can be promising and considered futuristic. Non-invasive treatments will always have an advantage in terms of tolerability and convenience. Extensive research and clinical trials must be conducted to determine the optimum safety and efficacy parameters.
