Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation on Cell Viability and Cisplatin Response in Melanoma Cells

INTRODUCTION: With the widespread use of wireless communication technologies, exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields has markedly increased. Considering that cancer patients are continuously exposed to RF sources in daily life, the potential interaction between RF exposure and chemotherapeutic agents remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to evaluate the time-dependent effects of RF exposure, alone and in combination with low-dose cisplatin, on B16 melanoma cell viability.
METHODS: B16 melanoma cells were cultured in 96-well plates and divided into control, RF exposure (1, 6, and 24 h), cisplatin control, and cisplatin + RF groups. Cisplatin was administered at a low dose (0.5 µM). RF exposure was performed at 3.5 GHz using a GTEM cell, with a calculated specific absorption rate (SAR) of approximately 1.04 W/kg. Cells were maintained under physiological conditions (37 °C, 5% CO₂). Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, and statistical analyses were performed using appropriate tests.
RESULTS: RF exposure alone did not significantly affect cell viability at 1 and 6 h, whereas a significant reduction was observed at 24 h (p<0.01). In cisplatin-treated cells, RF exposure for 1 and 6 h showed no significant effect. However, 24 h RF exposure significantly increased cell viability compared to the cisplatin control group (p<0.01).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: RF exposure induces time-dependent biological effects in melanoma cells and may alter the cellular response to cisplatin. Prolonged RF exposure appears to attenuate cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity, suggesting a modulatory effect on chemotherapy response. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms and clinical relevance of RF–chemotherapy interactions.

Keywords: Radiofrequency radiation, Melanoma, Cisplatin, Chemotherapy response, Cell viability.