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Background There is a strong interest in the investigation of extremely low frequency Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) in the clinic. While evidence about anticancer effects exists, the mechanism explaining this effect is still unknown. Methods We investigated in vitro, and with computer simulation, the influence of a 50 Hz EMF on three cancer cell lines: breast cancer MDA-MB-231, and colon cancer SW-480 and HCT- 116. After 24 h preincubation, cells were exposed to 50 Hz extremely low frequency (ELF) radiofrequency EMF using in vitro exposure systems for 24 and 72 h. A computer reactiondiffusion model with the net rate of cell proliferation and effect of EMF in time was developed. The fitting procedure for estimation of the computer model parameters was implemented. Results Experimental results clearly showed disintegration of cells treated with a 50 Hz EMF, compared to untreated control cells. A large percentage of treated cells resulted in increased early apoptosis after 24 h and 72 h, compared to the controls. Computer model have shown good comparison with experimental data. Conclusion Using EMF at specific frequencies may represent a new approach in controlling the growth of cancer cells, while computer modelling could be used to predict such effects and make optimisation for complex experimental design. Further studies are required before testing this approach in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]