Alteration of human tumor cell adhesion by high-strength static magnetic fields

Rationale and Objectives: The authors investigated whether the ability of human malignant melanoma cells to increase in cell number or their ability to remain viable was compromised by high-field strength static magnetic fields. Normal human fibroblasts also were studied to determine if any magnetic field-related alterations were unique to tumor populations. Methods: Human cell lines were grown in monolayer culture in vitro and subjected to a static magnetic field using a 4.7-Tcsla superconducting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnet with the gradient coils removed. The number of cells within the total population was determined using an electronic particle counter. Cell viability was estimated by trypan blue exclusion, and the cellular morphology of the attached cells was documented using microscopy. Results: Both the human malignant melanoma cells and the normal human cells were unaffected by the presence of a highstrength magnetic field in terms of increasing their cell numbers or their viability. However, the ability of the malignant melanoma cells to remain attached to the tissue culture surface was impaired. Normal fibroblasts were not affected in this regard. Conclusion: High-strength static magnetic fields alter the ability of human malignant melanoma cells to remain adherent to the tissue culture surface, but have no effect on normal human fibroblasts. This may affect the ability of tumor cells to successfully interact with their environment.