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Exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic field induces an unbalance between pro-apoptotic and pro-survival signals in T-lymphoblastoid leukemia CCRF-CEM cells

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Marinelli F, La Sala D, Cicciotti G, Cattini L, Trimarchi C, Putti S, Zamparelli A, Giuliani L, Tomassetti G, Cinti C · 2004

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900 MHz radiation initially damages DNA but helps surviving cancer cells become more resistant and aggressive.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Italian researchers exposed leukemia cells to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (the same frequency used in many cell phones) and found that short exposures caused DNA damage and triggered cell death pathways. However, cells that survived longer exposures actually became more resistant to dying and better at proliferating, suggesting that RF radiation might help cancer cells become more aggressive over time.

Why This Matters

This study reveals a particularly troubling finding: while radiofrequency radiation initially damages DNA and triggers protective responses in cells, prolonged exposure may actually help cancer cells survive and thrive. The research demonstrates that 900 MHz EMF-the same frequency used in GSM cell phones-can create a cellular environment that favors cancer cell survival through what researchers call 'pro-survival signaling.' What makes this especially concerning is that the surviving cells don't just return to normal; they develop enhanced abilities to resist death and continue multiplying. This suggests that chronic EMF exposure might not just initiate cellular damage, but could potentially promote cancer progression by helping malignant cells become more resilient. While this was conducted on isolated leukemia cells in laboratory conditions, it adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting we need to take EMF exposure seriously, particularly given our increasing daily exposure to these same frequencies.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 900 MHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 900 MHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 900 MHz

Study Details

To investigate whether exposure to high-frequency EMFs could affect in vitro cell survival, we cultured acute T-lymphoblastoid leukemia cells (CCRF-CEM) in the presence of unmodulated 900 MHz EMF, generated by a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cell, at various exposure times.

We evaluated the effects of high-frequency EMF on cell growth rate and apoptosis induction, by cell...

At short exposure times (2–12 h), unmodulated 900 MHz EMF induced DNA breaks and early activation of...

Overall our results indicate that exposure to 900 MHz continuous wave, after inducing an early self-defense response triggered by DNA damage, could confer to the survivor CCRF-CEM cells a further advantage to survive and proliferate.

Cite This Study
Marinelli F, La Sala D, Cicciotti G, Cattini L, Trimarchi C, Putti S, Zamparelli A, Giuliani L, Tomassetti G, Cinti C (2004). Exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic field induces an unbalance between pro-apoptotic and pro-survival signals in T-lymphoblastoid leukemia CCRF-CEM cells J Cell Physiol. 198(2):324-332, 2004.
Show BibTeX
@article{f_2004_exposure_to_900_mhz_2411,
  author = {Marinelli F and La Sala D and Cicciotti G and Cattini L and Trimarchi C and Putti S and Zamparelli A and Giuliani L and Tomassetti G and Cinti C},
  title = {Exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic field induces an unbalance between pro-apoptotic and pro-survival signals in T-lymphoblastoid leukemia CCRF-CEM cells},
  year = {2004},
  doi = {10.1002/jcp.10425},
  url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jcp.10425},
}
DOI: 10.1002/jcp.10425

Cited By (104 papers)

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Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, Italian researchers found that while short 900 MHz exposures initially damage leukemia cells, longer exposures (24-48 hours) actually make surviving cells more resistant to death and better at proliferating. This suggests RF radiation might help cancer cells become more aggressive over time.
DNA breaks occur within 2-12 hours of 900 MHz EMF exposure in leukemia cells. The Italian study found that short exposures trigger immediate DNA damage and activate cell death pathways, but this protective response changes with longer exposure times.
Yes, continuous 900 MHz exposure for 24-48 hours activates pro-survival genes including Bcl-2, Ras, and Akt1 in leukemia cells. These genes help cancer cells resist death and promote proliferation, potentially making tumors more aggressive according to the 2004 Italian research.
Leukemia cells that survive initial 900 MHz radiation damage develop enhanced survival mechanisms. The Italian study found these survivor cells activate protective genes and become better at proliferating, gaining a competitive advantage over unexposed cells.
Yes, 900 MHz EMF initially activates p53-dependent cell death pathways within 2-12 hours in leukemia cells. However, the Italian researchers found this protective p53 response gets silenced during longer exposures, allowing damaged cells to survive and potentially become more aggressive.