Antitumor activity of functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles in Ehrlich tumor carcinoma-bearing mice enhanced by magnetic field

Iron oxide nanoparticles show an intrinsic therapeutic effect on cancer growth. In vivo, the combination of iron oxide nanoparticles as magnetic particles and a low-frequency magnetic field significantly decreases the growth of Ehrlich tumor carcinoma in mice. Magnetic fields can vibrate and enhance iron oxide nanoparticles movement inside of cells, affecting their structure. In this study, iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and assessed by UV–visible spectrophotometer, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The damage effects of iron oxide nanoparticles and low-frequency magnetic fields (0.5 T, 50 Hz) on tumor tissues were evaluated by assessment of DNA comet assay, and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), oxidative stress, assessment of inflammatory biomarkers, and histopathology studies. Also, the effect on the heart, liver, and kidney organs was studied. Our results suggest that iron oxide nanoparticles and magnetic fields could be applied to help in cancer treatment.