NUS researchers use magnetic pulses to turn immune cells against cancer

The study, published in the journal Smart Medicine, identifies the TRPC1 protein as a molecular switch capable of sensing magnetic fields. By applying 30-minute sessions of low-intensity magnetic pulses, the research team forced corrupted M2-type macrophages—which typically aid tumor growth—to adopt an M1-type "soldier" state. These reprogrammed cells then actively target and destroy malignant cells while leaving healthy tissue intact.

Associate Professor Alfredo Franco-Obregón, who led the research at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, emphasizes that this drug-free approach could eventually spare patients from the severe side effects of traditional chemotherapy. Beyond breast cancer, the team suggests this method may hold promise for treating other solid tumors, given that macrophages are a common component of the tumor microenvironment.

Following the successful completion of Phase 1 clinical trials regarding the device's safety, the team is now seeking partners for Phase 2 efficacy testing. Future research will explore whether these magnetic pulses can work in tandem with chemotherapy to improve patient outcomes, potentially offering a more precise and less toxic alternative to standard oncology treatments.