Advances in Millimeter-Wave Treatment and Its Biological Effects Development

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 25; no. 16; p. 8638
• Main Authors: Jing, Rui, Jiang, Zhenqi, Tang, Xiaoying
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 08.08.2024; MDPI
• Subjects: Animals; Apoptosis; biological effect; Humans; Medical research; Microwaves; millimeter-wave treatment; Neoplasms - therapy; non-thermal effect; Quality control; research challenges; Review; Signal Transduction; therapeutic potential; Union of Soviet Socialist Republics > USSR; millimeter-wave treatment; therapeutic potential; biological effect; non-thermal effect; research challenges
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168638

This comprehensive review critically examines the current state of research on the biological effects of millimeter-wave (MMW) therapy and its potential implications for disease treatment. By investigating both the thermal and non-thermal impacts of MMWs, we elucidate cellular-level alterations, including changes in ion channels and signaling pathways. Our analysis encompasses MMW's therapeutic prospects in oncology, such as inducing apoptosis, managing pain, and modulating immunity through cytokine regulation and immune cell activation. By employing a rigorous methodology involving an extensive database search and stringent inclusion criteria, we emphasize the need for standardized protocols to enhance the reliability of future research. Although MMWs exhibit promising therapeutic potential, our findings highlight the urgent need for further elucidation of non-thermal mechanisms and rigorous safety assessments, considering the intricate nature of MMW interactions and inconsistent study outcomes. This review underscores the importance of focused research on the biological mechanisms of MMWs and the identification of optimal frequencies to fully harness their therapeutic capabilities. However, we acknowledge the challenges of variable study quality and the necessity for advanced quality control measures to ensure the reproducibility and comparability of future investigations. In conclusion, while MMW therapy holds promise as a novel therapeutic modality, further research is imperative to unravel its complex biological effects, establish safety profiles, and optimize treatment protocols before widespread clinical application.