Tumor-treating
Fields (TTFields) are low intensity, intermediate frequency,
alternating electric fields delivered through noninvasive transducer
arrays placed locoregionally around the anatomic region of the tumor.
TTFields selectively disrupt cell division, and preclinical research has
demonstrated the antimitotic effects of TTFields in different tumor
types. TTFields’ effects on dividing cells result from the multitude of
charged macromolecules and organelles responsible for key processes in
the mitotic process. Structural change or dislocation of those cellular
components may alter their physiologic function,
and ultimately disrupt normal mitosis. The effects of TTFields on
various cellular processes can be explained by two fundamental physical
principles: dipole alignment and dielectrophoresis. TTFields are
nonuniformly distributed within the treated region based on multiple
parameters, which include the geometry of the treated organ,
the distance between transducer arrays applied to the patient’s skin,
and the tissue’s dielectric properties. The fields do not attenuate in
correlation to the distance from the array, and may therefore be used
for the treatment of deeply located tumors. As electric fields do not
have a half-life time, TTFields are continuously delivered during the
course of treatment.
TTFields
are delivered via noninvasive transducer arrays attached to the skin of
patients. The field-generator may be connected to a portable battery
and is intended for continuous use. No high-grade systemic toxicity has
been related to TTFields, as anticipated by the mechanism of action and
the regional nature of the application. The most common adverse event
related to TTFields is mild-to-moderate dermatitis (of either contact or
allergic etiology) at the site of the transducer array placement.
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