Alternating electric field therapy

Alternating Electric Field Therapy (also known as Tumor Treating Fields or TTFields) is a type of cancer treatment that uses electric fields to disrupt the rapid cell division exhibited by cancer cells. This therapy is non-invasive and is used as an alternative or in conjunction with other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Mechanism of Action

Alternating Electric Field Therapy works by delivering low intensity, intermediate frequency, alternating electric fields to the region of the body where the tumor is located. These electric fields interfere with the cell division process, particularly during the metaphase and anaphase stages, causing the cancer cells to die off. The electric fields have no effect on normal, non-dividing cells.

Application

The therapy is administered using a portable device that can be worn by the patient. The device, which is powered by a battery, generates the electric fields that are delivered to the tumor site through adhesive patches placed on the skin. The device is programmed to deliver the therapy continuously, typically for 18 hours a day.

Efficacy

Several clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Alternating Electric Field Therapy in treating certain types of cancer, including glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. In a phase III clinical trial, patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma who received the therapy in addition to standard treatment had a median overall survival of 20.9 months, compared to 16.0 months for those who received standard treatment alone.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Alternating Electric Field Therapy are skin irritation and mild discomfort at the site where the patches are applied. Other side effects can include fatigue, muscle twitching, and headache.

See Also

• Cancer treatment
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Glioblastoma