Spatiotemporal cancer control via alternating magnetic field -activated nanoantennae: coupling heat, electron transport, and immune reprogramming

Magnetic-field-responsive nanoparticles (MFR-NPs) have evolved from traditional magnetic hyperthermia agents into conductive nanomaterials that combine catalytic therapy with electrical current generation under alternating magnetic fields (AMFs). This review highlights advances in their design, showing how control over composition, size, and morphology improves heating efficiency, energy conversion, and catalytic activity. Beyond magnetic losses, AMFs can induce eddy currents and voltage gradients in conductive nanoparticles, enabling Joule heating and wireless electrochemical stimulation. These effects support controlled drug release, deeper tumor penetration, and regulation of cellular redox processes. Systems such as gold and carbon-based nanoelectrodes with redox-active biomolecules allow remote modulation of electron transport, influencing apoptosis and intracellular signaling. Magnetically triggered catalytic platforms also enhance cuproptosis and immunogenic cell death, promoting the release of DAMPs and TAAs to reshape the tumor microenvironment. Applications in glioblastoma and metastatic cancers show promise, as tailored MFR-NPs can overcome barriers like the blood-brain barrier and work synergistically with immune checkpoint therapies, offering potential for next-generation cancer immunotherapy.