Electromagnetic fields and optomechanics in cancer diagnostics and treatment.

Author: Salari V1, Barzanjeh S2, Cifra M3, Simon C4, Scholkmann F5, Alirezaei Z6, Tuszynski JA7
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Department of Physics, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran. <sup>2</sup>Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria. <sup>3</sup>Institute of Photonics and Electronics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Chabersk´a 57, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic. <sup>4</sup>Institute for Quantum Science and Technology and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N 1N4, Alberta, Canada. <sup>5</sup>Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland. <sup>6</sup>Department of Medical Physics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. <sup>7</sup>Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton T6G 1Z2, Alberta, Canada, jackt@ ualberta.ca.
Conference/Journal: Front Biosci (Landmark Ed).
Date published: 2018 Mar 1
Other: Volume ID: 23 , Pages: 1391-1406 , Word Count: 131


In this paper, we discuss biological effects of electromagnetic (EM) fields in the context of cancer biology. In particular, we review the nanomechanical properties of microtubules (MTs), the latter being one of the most successful targets for cancer therapy. We propose an investigation on the coupling of electromagnetic radiation to mechanical vibrations of MTs as an important basis for biological and medical applications. In our opinion, optomechanical methods can accurately monitor and control the mechanical properties of isolated MTs in a liquid environment. Consequently, studying nanomechanical properties of MTs may give useful information for future applications to diagnostic and therapeutic technologies involving non-invasive externally applied physical fields. For example, electromagnetic fields or high intensity ultrasound can be used therapeutically avoiding harmful side effects of chemotherapeutic agents or classical radiation therapy.

PMID: 29293441