Magnetic Fields in Cancer Therapy: Mechanistic Insights, Signaling Pathways, and Evidence from Clinical and In Vitro Studies

Magnetic fields (MFs) represent an emerging modality in cancer therapy, encompassing static, low-frequency, pulsed, and nanoparticle-mediated alternating fields. These interventions have demonstrated the capacity to modulate proliferation, apoptosis, ferroptosis, migration, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells, often through reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulation, ion channel regulation, membrane receptor dynamics, and lysosomal membrane permeabilization. Magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia (MHT) has reached clinical application, showing promising outcomes in glioblastoma and prostate cancer, while pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) and magneto-mechanical approaches are under preclinical investigation. The mechanistic diversity of MFs allows synergistic combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. However, parameter sensitivity, field standardization, and long-term safety remain challenges. Here, we review mechanistic insights, signaling pathways, and experimental and clinical evidence for MF-based cancer therapies, highlighting translational potential and the need for rigorous optimization to realize clinical efficacy.