NUS scientists harness magnetic pulses to reprogram immune cells to fight breast cancer
- September 14, 2026
Photo credit: NUS iHealthtech
Many of us have witnessed the immense challenges faced by loved ones battling cancer. Beyond the disease itself, treatments such as chemotherapy can take a significant toll on patients physically and emotionally.
One reason cancer is so difficult to defeat is that tumour cells are remarkably adept at evading our body’s natural defence mechanisms. They can effectively “switch off” immune cells that would otherwise recognise and attack them.
A/Prof Alfredo Franco-Obregón and his team have spent years developing magnetic stimulation technologies, initially for applications such as muscle rehabilitation and recovery. Now, their research has uncovered a promising new possibility: using magnetic pulses to reprogram immune cells from cancer promoters into cancer fighters.
In preclinical studies, the approach achieved up to 75% elimination of cancer cells after just four short magnetic stimulation sessions. The technology has also completed a Phase I safety trial in breast cancer patients, marking an important step towards clinical translation.
While more research and larger clinical trials are still needed, this study highlights how discoveries often emerge from unexpected places. A technology originally developed for rehabilitation may one day contribute to entirely new ways of fighting cancer.
Congratulations to Alfredo and the research team on this important milestone. Looking forward to following the next phase of this journey.
Related News:
🌐 NUSnews: NUS scientists harness magnetic pulses to reprogram immune cells to fight breast cancer
🌐 The Straits Times: NUS researchers use magnetic pulses to turn cancer-promoting immune cells into cancer fighters
