Exploring novel therapeutic strategies: Static Magnetic Fields in combination with doxorubicin induce ROS and apoptosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), primarily affecting children, is a rare malignancy. This study explores the use of alternative therapies such as Static Magnetic Fields (SMF) and Doxorubicin (Dox) as a novel therapeutic strategy for ALL NALM-6 cells. Viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, ROS, and gene expression were assessed using Trypan blue, MTT, flow cytometry, and qRT-PCR. SMF significantly reduced NALM-6 viability and metabolic activity, increased apoptosis and ROS, and altered gene expression related to apoptosis, ROS, cell cycle, and autophagy. Co-treatment with SMF and Dox enhanced these effects compared to single treatments (p ≤ .05), with no cytotoxicity to normal PBMCs or L929 cells. SMF alone or with Dox induces ROS-mediated apoptosis and autophagy inhibition, suggesting a potential complementary therapy, though further research is needed.