Magneto-mechanical stimulation for the selective destruction of pancreatic cancer cells while sparing healthy cells

A novel approach for selectively destroying cancer cells is being developed through a collaboration between the BIOMICS biology laboratory and the SPINTEC magnetism laboratory, both part of the IRIG Institute. This method employs magnetic particles dispersed among cancer cells, which are set into low-frequency vibration (1–20 Hz) by an applied rotating magnetic field. The resulting mechanical stress induces controlled cell death (apoptosis) in the targeted cells.
The effect has been demonstrated in vitro across various cancer cell types—including glioma, pancreatic, and renal cells—in 2D cultures, as well as in 3D pancreatic cancer spheroids (tumoroids) and healthy pancreatic organoids. These 3D models, which more closely mimic the structure and organization of real biological tissues, facilitate the transition to in vivo studies and reduce reliance on animal models. Preliminary findings indicate that pancreatic cancer cells exhibit a higher affinity for magnetic particles and are more sensitive to mechanical stress than healthy cells, enabling selective destruction of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
The next phase will involve confirming this specificity in mixed spheroids (containing both cancerous and healthy cells), statistically quantifying the results, and elucidating the mechanobiological mechanisms underlying cell death. These promising findings pave the way for an innovative biomedical approach to cancer treatment.