RESEARCH ARTICLES
Scientific perspectives on electric field therapy as integrated complementary cancer care
Section Title
Exploring the Potential Role of Electric Fields in Integrated Complementary Cancer Therapy
Authors: Bilgin Keserci, PhD · Yugaraiah Asokumaran, MD · Chandran Nadarajan, MD
Electric fields are being studied as a complementary approach in cancer care because they may influence not only cancer cells, but also the environment around the tumor and how cancer responds to treatment. This review explains how electric fields interact with biological systems and explores their potential role as part of integrated cancer care alongside chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other established cancer treatments.
Published on SSRN · April 2024 · 18 Pages
Author Credentials:
Prof Dr Bilgin Keserci, Medical Physicist
PhD in Medical Radiation Physics · University of Chicago · Research collaboration with Harvard Medical School and MGH, USA
JSPS Postdoctoral Research · Osaka University Medical School, Japan
Dr Yugaraiah Asokumaran, Medical Oncology, Thompson Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia
MD · Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia
Dr Chandran Nadarajan, Interventional Radiology and Interventional Oncology, Gleneagles Hospital, Sabah, Malaysia
MD · Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia
Capacitance Electric Fields and Cancer: Exploring the Physics Behind Cellular Vulnerability and Disruption
Authors: Bilgin Keserci, PhD
Capacitance electric fields (CEFs) are being studied because cancer cells can have different electrical and physical properties from normal cells, which may affect how they respond to an applied electric field. This article explains how electric fields may interact with the outer membrane of cancer cells and other processes involved in their growth and survival.
Published on SSRN · December 2024 · 22 Pages
Author Credentials:
Prof Dr Bilgin Keserci, Medical Physicist
PhD in Medical Radiation Physics · University of Chicago · Research collaboration with Harvard Medical School and MGH, USA
JSPS Postdoctoral Research · Osaka University Medical School, Japan
Current Challenges in Cancer Therapy: A Biophysical Perspective on Electric Field-Based Strategies
Authors: Bilgin Keserci, PhD · Muhammed Hamza Muslumanoglu, MD/PhD · Chandran Nadarajan, MD
Cancer treatment remains challenging because tumors can change over time, develop resistance, evade the immune system, and create a surrounding environment that makes treatment less effective. This article explores how electric fields may offer a different way of influencing cancer by affecting cellular processes involved in growth and survival, as well as the environment surrounding the tumor.
Published on SSRN · March 2025 · 15 Pages
Author Credentials:
Prof Dr Bilgin Keserci, Medical Physicist
PhD in Medical Radiation Physics · University of Chicago · Research collaboration with Harvard Medical School and MGH, USA
JSPS Postdoctoral Research · Osaka University Medical School, Japan
Prof Dr Muhammed Hamza Muslumanoglu, MD/PhD
Medical Degree, Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Türkiye
Dr Chandran Nadarajan, Interventional Radiology and Interventional Oncology, Gleneagles Hospital, Sabah, Malaysia
MD · Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia
Cancer Treatment Beyond the Tumor: Physiological Reserve, Therapeutic Tolerance, and Durable Disease Control
Authors: Bilgin Keserci, PhD
Modern cancer treatments can be effective at controlling tumors, but long-term success also depends on whether the body remains strong enough to continue treatment and recover from its cumulative effects. This article explains why protecting the immune system, liver, kidneys, metabolic balance, and overall physiological reserve may be important for sustaining cancer treatment over time.
Published on SSRN · January 2026 · 19 Pages
Author Credentials:
Prof Dr Bilgin Keserci, Medical Physicist
PhD in Medical Radiation Physics · University of Chicago · Research collaboration with Harvard Medical School and MGH, USA
JSPS Postdoctoral Research · Osaka University Medical School, Japan
New Concept in Radiation: Electric Field Treatments
Authors: Bünyamin Kaplan, MD · Bilgin Keserci, PhD
Electric field therapy is being explored as a complementary approach that may offer additional possibilities alongside established cancer treatments. This article explains the basic principles of electric field therapy, how electric fields interact with biological systems, and how this approach has developed toward applications in cancer care.
Published in Türkiye Klinikleri · 2025 · 16 Pages
Author Credentials:
Prof Dr Bilgin Keserci, Medical Physicist
PhD in Medical Radiation Physics · University of Chicago · Research collaboration with Harvard Medical School and MGH, USA
JSPS Postdoctoral Research · Osaka University Medical School, Japan
Prof Dr Bünyamin Kaplan, Clinical Oncologist
MD, Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine, Türkiye · Postdoctoral Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA
Tumor-Treating Fields in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, and Emerging Precision Therapy
Authors: Chern E Oon, PhD · Bilgin Keserci, PhD
Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) use low-intensity alternating electric fields to interfere with important processes inside dividing cancer cells. This article reviews how TTFields may affect cancer-cell division, DNA-related processes, cellular organization, and immune responses, with a particular focus on gastrointestinal cancers.Accepted for Publication · August 2026
Author Credentials:
Dr Chern E Oon,
DPhil in Molecular Oncology, University of Oxford, UK
Prof Dr Bilgin Keserci, Medical Physicist
PhD in Medical Radiation Physics · University of Chicago · Research collaboration with Harvard Medical School and MGH, USA
JSPS Postdoctoral Research · Osaka University Medical School, Japan
ECCT: Physical Therapy for Cancer -clinical report
ECCT cancer treatment as effective cancer treatment employs low-voltage, medium-frequency electric fields to disrupt mitotic progression by inducing microtubule depolymerization, ultimately triggering apoptosis in cancer cells while sparing normal tissues. By interfering with the electrostatic forces that stabilize spindle formation during cell division, ECCT selectively targets proliferating malignant cells without the systemic toxicity associated with conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Uses of ECCT in Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma
ECCT is an effective cancer treatment and non-invasive therapeutic platform that delivers low-intensity, intermediate-frequency electric fields (100–150 kHz; 20–30 Vpp) to disrupt cancer cell survival mechanisms and modulate the tumor microenvironment. In a case series of six patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma (stage III–IV), ECCT demonstrated meaningful tumor shrinkage, metabolic reduction, long-term disease stability, and excellent tolerability when used alongside chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and EGFR-targeted therapies.
Capacitance Electric Field Therapy: A New Frontier in Non-Invasive Cancer Treatment
This publication review explores the emerging cancer therapy modality known as Capacitance Electric Field (CEF), a non-invasive approach utilizing low-frequency alternating electric fields to selectively disrupt mitosis in tumor cells while sparing normal tissues. Through preclinical and early clinical studies, CEF has demonstrated tumor growth inhibition via multiple mechanisms including interference with microtubule polymerization, mitotic spindle disruption, and apoptosis induction.
The effect of exposure to electro-capacitive cancer treatment on JNK2α2 expression and the number of glioblastoma cells
This study explores the effects of ECCT on glioblastoma (GBM), an extremely aggressive form of brain cancer. ECCT uses low-intensity, medium-frequency electrostatic wave energy to target cancer cells. The research focuses on JNK2α2, a protein that plays a role in tumor growth, and looks at how ECCT influences its levels and the number of GBM cells in a laboratory setting. The results show that ECCT can significantly decrease both the amount of JNK2α2 and the number of GBM cells, suggesting it could be a promising complementary treatment option.
The effect of non‐contact electro capacitive cancer therapy on DMBA‐ induced rat breast tumor angiogenesis
Researchers have explored a new cancer treatment called ECCT and found that it can affect blood vessel growth in breast cancer tumours. This treatment uses electrical fields to target tumours without harming normal breast tissue. The study showed that ECCT increases certain proteins that help form blood vessels in tumours, which might help fight cancer in a new way.
Alternating Current-Electric Field Inducing Chorio Allantoic Membrane (CAM) Angiogenesis through Exogenous Growth Factor Intervention
This study explores a fascinating new way to promote the formation of new blood vessels, which is crucial for healing and recovery in many medical conditions. Scientists used a special device to create tiny electric fields and combined it with a natural growth substance called basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in a chick embryo model. They found that while the electric fields alone didn't do much, the combination with bFGF led to a significant increase in new blood vessel growth. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for conditions like heart disease, where improving blood flow is essential, and certain cancers, where controlling blood vessel growth is crucial.
Wire-Mesh Capacitance Tomography for Treatment Planning System of Electro-Capacitive Cancer Therapy
Brain cancer stands as one of the most formidable and challenging types of cancer to combat. However, a recent breakthrough in research has introduced a novel approach in its treatment utilizing electric fields. This innovative method, termed ECCT, presents a non-invasive alternative devoid of the adverse effects commonly associated with traditional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. ECCT operates by applying an electric field to the tumor region via a specialized helmet. This field disrupts the growth and multiplication of cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected.
A Novel Method for Measurement of Electric Field in Emulated Human Body Tissue using Wire Mesh Sensor
The study introduces a fresh technique for measuring electric fields, potentially upgrading treatment planning for therapies reliant on electric fields. This innovation holds promise in boosting the effectiveness of such treatments for cancer patients. Ultimately, it could revolutionize how we utilize electric fields in cancer treatment, paving the way for significant improvements in patient care.
Electric Field-Based Cancer Therapy Induces the Expression of HMGB1 and PD-L1 mRNA Genes on Breast Tumor of Female Rats
The study observed that exposing breast tumor samples in rats to electric fields led to increased activity in specific genes, potentially influencing the tumor's behavior. Additionally, it demonstrated the safety of ECCT for healthy organs, particularly the brain and liver, in female rats.
Antiproliferative Effect of Electric Fields on Breast Tumor Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
The study shows ECCT stands as a potential novel approach for treating breast cancer. This therapy employs low-intensity, intermediate-frequency electric fields and has exhibited promising outcomes in both laboratory experiments and trials conducted on mice. Research indicated that ECCT not only slowed the growth of cancer cells but also halted the growth of some cells entirely.
Evaluation of Static Electric Field Exposure on Histopathological Structure and Function of Kidney and Liver in DMBA- Induced RAT
The study demonstrates that ECCT is not only safe for the liver and kidneys but also spares normal cells from harm. This stands as a significant advantage, addressing a key challenge in cancer treatment, how to target cancer cells without harming healthy ones. The research shows that, in rats, kidney and liver functions declined over time with chemotherapy alone, whereas those receiving ECCT did not experience the same deterioration.
CCL2 and IL18 expressions may associate with the anti-proliferative effect of noncontact electro capacitive cancer therapy in vivo
ECCT, by potentially reducing the activity of specific genes within breast tumor cells, holds promise in slowing down their growth. This implication positions ECCT as a potentially groundbreaking approach in the treatment of breast cancer, offering a new avenue for combating this disease.
Cytotoxic T cells response with decreased CD4/CD8 ratio during mammary tumors inhibition in rats induced by non-contact electric fields
This approach isn't just about slowing tumor growth; it also plays a significant role in bolstering the body's natural immune response against the tumor. By leveraging this method, there's a dual benefit, restraining the tumor's expansion while empowering the body's defense mechanisms to better combat and potentially suppress the cancerous growth.
Effects of Non-Contact Electric Fields on Kidney and Liver Histology in Tumour-Induced Rats
Scientists conducted trials testing a new non-contact method of treating cancer using weak electric fields. These fields, harmless to normal cells, possess the ability to impede the growth and division of cancer cells by affecting their internal structures. In their study, rats with chemically induced breast cancer were exposed to varying strengths of these electric fields. Subsequently, the researchers examined the rats' kidneys and livers to assess any potential damage caused by the electric fields. Encouragingly, they found no harm inflicted on these organs and even noted a potential positive impact on kidney function in healthy rats.
Numerical Analysis of Electric Force Distribution on Tumor Mass
Researchers have explored a pioneering approach to cancer treatment involving continuous, one-directional electric fields. These steady electric fields exert pressures on tumor cells, either propelling or retracting them. Using a computer model, scientists measured the electric force acting on tumor cells within breast cancer tissue. They evaluated two scenarios: one with a uniform distribution of the electric field across the tissue and another concentrating more powerfully on the tumor cells. Results highlighted a significantly higher electric force on the tumor cells compared to normal cells, further intensifying when the electric field specifically targeted the tumor cells.
Relative Expression of IL-10 and TNF-α mRNA of Kidney and Spleen Tissues of Rat with and without Mammary Tumor after Exposure to Alternating Current Electric Field
Researchers have investigated a groundbreaking cancer treatment approach employing electric fields with varying direction and strength. These low-intensity electric fields, harmless to normal cells, disrupt the growth and division of cancer cells by influencing their internal structures. In a study involving rats with chemically induced breast cancer, the subjects were exposed to different electric field strengths. Assessments of two molecules linked to inflammation and immune response in the kidney and spleen indicated no adverse effects on these organs. Notably, there were signs that the electric fields might mitigate inflammation and enhance immune response in rats with breast cancer. The researchers concluded that electric fields are safe for the kidney and spleen in rats with breast cancer, underscoring the necessity for further studies to optimize their application and understand their mechanisms.
Non-Contact Electric Field May Induced Higher CD4, CD8, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9 Protein Expression in Breast Tumor Tissue of Rats
Imagine a cancer treatment that's not only effective but also gentle on the body. That's what researchers found when they tested a new method called non-contact electric field therapy on rats with breast tumors. This therapy uses low-intensity electric fields to slow down tumor growth, making the tumor cells less harmful. It also boosts the body's natural defenses and helps kill off cancer cells more efficiently. The best part? It doesn't cause the harsh side effects often seen with traditional cancer treatments.
Electric Field Distribution Analysis of Blood Cancer as a Potential Blood Cancer Therapy
The paper presents electric fields as a novel and effective treatment for blood cancer, a serious condition arising from the abnormal growth of white blood cells. The authors highlighted the impact of various factors, electrode size, shape, material, and voltage, on the electric field distribution in blood.
Non-contact Electric Field Exposure Provides Potential Cancer Therapy through p53-Independent Proliferation Arrest and Intrinsic
Pathway Apoptosis Induction in MG-63 Cell Lines
Osteosarcoma, a highly malignant bone tumor primarily affecting children and young adults, poses significant challenges in treatment due to its aggressive nature and propensity for metastasis. Traditional therapies, including chemotherapy and surgery, often come with severe side effects and may not effectively halt the progression of the disease. This study explores a novel, non-invasive approach using non-contact electric field exposure as a potential therapy for osteosarcoma, focusing on its effects on MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells. The researchers exposed MG-63 cells to a non-contact electric field at a frequency of 200 kHz for six days. This treatment led to remarkable changes in cell behavior, including a significant reduction in cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis.
Electric Fields Regulate In Vitro Surface Phosphatidylserine Exposure of Cancer Cells via a Calcium-Dependent Pathway
The study provides evidence that non-contact electric field (EF) stimulation can differentially modulate surface phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure in cancer cells through a calcium-dependent pathway, involving actin polymerization and p38 MAPK activation. These findings open new avenues for enhancing targeted cancer therapies by manipulating PS exposure using EF stimulation.
Cox Model Survival Analysis to Evaluate Treatment of Electro-Capacitive Cancer Therapy (ECCT) For Cancer Patients
The research highlights the significance of monitoring frequency in ECCT's impact on the lifespan of patients with breast, brain, and lung cancers. It suggests that each extra monitoring session can potentially reduce the risk of death by 10-20%. In essence, this study underscores ECCT's potential effectiveness as a treatment option for cancer patients.
The Specificity and Efficacy of Alternating Electric Fields as a Prospective Cancer Treatment
Advancements in medical technology are opening up new possibilities for cancer treatment. Specifically, the use of external electric fields has shown potential in inhibiting cancer growth. Devices such as Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields), nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields (nsPEF), picosecond Pulsed Electric Fields (psPEF), and Electro-Capacitive Cancer Therapy (ECCT) are being studied and developed for this purpose. Among these, ECCT has been particularly effective and is being closely investigated, especially in breast cancer treatment.
Design of frequency generator and amplifier level converter using 300nm CMOS technology (2016 International Symposium on Electronics and Smart Devices (ISESD))
The study contributes to enhancing ECCT systems by incorporating Integrated Circuit technology. This integration has the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the system in treating cancer.
Electric Field Distribution Measurement for electrocapacitive cancer therapy by using Wire Mesh Tomography
Major strides have been made in brain cancer treatment through the application of electricity. This study delves into a groundbreaking approach using electricity to specifically address brain cancer. Envision a treatment that is safer, more efficient, and less distressing. This research lays the groundwork for innovations that have the potential to profoundly change lives.
A Novel Method for Analyzing Electric Field Distribution of Electro Capacitive Cancer Treatment (ECCT) Using Wire Mesh Electrodes: A Case Study of Brain Cancer Therapy
The research highlights the significance of monitoring frequency in ECCT's impact on the lifespan of patients with breast, brain, and lung cancers. It suggests that each extra monitoring session can potentially reduce the risk of death by 10-20%. In essence, this study underscores ECCT's potential effectiveness as a treatment option for cancer patients.
Impact of electric field exposure on p53 and tnf-α in glioblastoma: An in vivo rat model study
This study aims to investigate the effects of ECCT on p53 and TNF-α expression in glioblastoma using an in vivo rat model. Specifically, it examines whether ECCT exposure (30Vpp and 50Vpp, for 24h and 72h) influences p53 expression, a key tumor suppressor protein in glioblastoma, and assesses changes in TNF-α levels to evaluate ECCT’s potential role in modulating tumor-associated inflammation. Additionally, the study explores the impact of different exposure durations and intensities to identify optimal treatment conditions for ECCT in glioblastoma therapy.
Cancer cells as capacitors: A new approach to the study of cancer staging
The paper “Cancer cells as capacitors: A new approach to the study of cancer in the light of electric currents in the blood” (PII: S0263224125012400) presents a novel, non‑invasive, and low‑cost method for studying cancer by modeling cells as capacitive elements within electrical fields . The authors propose that cancer cells exhibit unique electrical behavior, akin to capacitors, due to altered membrane structure and ionic composition, which allows for differential responses to applied electric currents in the bloodstream.