Amplitude-modulated 27.12 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (AM RF EMF) delivered via a spoon-shaped antenna placed on the patient's tongue results in shrinkage of the primary and metastatic tumors in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mechanism by which AM RF EMF have direct antiproliferative effect cancer cells is largely unknown.

In order to deduce the unknown mechanism of action we have assessed the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) level and distribution inside the human body. Additionally, we performed various in vitro and in vivo experiments that were exposed to HCC-specific AM RF EMF using systems replicating human exposure levels and treatment duration. The resulting data provided new insights into the mechanism of action of a novel systemic therapy.

Therefore, this dissertation will show that HCC-specific AM RF EMF's antiproliferative effects are mediated by Ca2+ influx through Cav3.2 T-type voltage-gated calcium channel (CACNA1H). This finding establishes a key functional role for Cav3.2 in control of HCC proliferation, and furthermore establishes this transmembrane protein complex as a main target for HCC-specific AM RF EMF.