NUS Develops PEMF Therapy to Reprogram Immune Cells Against Breast Cancer

Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a groundbreaking approach to treating breast cancer using pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs). This innovative method reprograms immune cells, turning them from tumour helpers into cancer-fighting warriors, potentially offering a drug-free therapy with fewer side effects.

The study, led by Associate Professor Alfredo Franco-Obregón from the Department of Surgery at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the NUS Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, was published in the journal Smart Medicine on June 4, 2026. The findings represent a significant advancement in breast cancer treatment, as they demonstrate the potential of PEMFs as a standalone therapy.

PEMF therapy involves applying intermittent, low-intensity magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the body over a short period. Franco-Obregón's team discovered that brief PEMF exposure can activate a protein called TRPC1, which regulates the M1 state in macrophages. M1 macrophages are pro-inflammatory and typically act as "soldiers" to eliminate threats. In contrast, M2 macrophages are anti-inflammatory and function as "medics," promoting wound healing and tissue repair. Cancer cells often corrupt M2 macrophages, turning them into M2-like TAMs, which suppress immune attacks and facilitate tumour growth.

In their experiments, the NUS team found that a 10-minute exposure to PEMFs activated TRPC1 channels on M2-like TAMs, converting them to the M1 state. These reprogrammed TAMs then selectively target and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Furthermore, the magnetic pulses disrupted the communication between cancer cells and TAMs, altering the interaction in both directions.

The study showed that in preclinical models, PEMFs completely eradicated tumours in 75% of cases after just four 30-minute sessions. This success rate is particularly promising as it suggests a potential alternative to chemotherapy, which can be debilitating for patients.

Breast cancer cases are projected to rise significantly, with cases projected to increase by a third from 2.3 million in 2023 to more than 3.5 million by 2050, while annual deaths may nearly double from 764,000 to nearly 1.4 million. The growing burden underscores the urgent need for innovative therapies to improve patient outcomes and save lives.

The NUS team has already demonstrated the safety of the PEMF device in Phase 1 clinical trials. They are now seeking partners to conduct Phase 2 efficacy trials to evaluate the treatment's effectiveness in patients and further advance its development towards clinical use. Additionally, the team plans to explore the potential of combining PEMF therapy with chemotherapy for better results.