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Title: Induction of tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer cells by ELF electromagnetic fields

Journal Article · · Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [1];  [1]
  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Goettingen, D-37099 Goettingen (Germany)
  2. Facility for Electronic Equipment, University of Ulm, D-89075 Ulm (Germany)
  3. Bavarian Environmental Protection Agency, D-86179 Augsburg (Germany)

The incidence of breast cancer in western societies has been rising ever since the Second World War. Besides the exposure to a multitude of new chemical compounds, electromagnetic field exposure has been linked to breast cancer through a radiation-mediated anti-melatonin pathway. We investigated, whether low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure interferes with the anti-estrogenic activity of tamoxifen. Two different clones of the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 were exposed to highly homogeneous 50 Hz electromagnetic fields and IC{sub 50} values were calculated from dose-response curves of tamoxifen at various field intensities. An intensity-dependent shift of tamoxifen dose-response curves to higher concentrations with a maximal response at 1.2 {mu}T was observed. Hypothetically, electromagnetic field exposure could contribute to tamoxifen resistance observed in breast cancer after long-term treatment.

OSTI ID:
20713416
Journal Information:
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Vol. 336, Issue 4; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.08.243; PII: S0006-291X(05)01977-7; Copyright (c) 2005 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0006-291X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English