Brain Cancer: Is Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) Gaining Ground?

Brain Cancer: Is Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) Gaining Ground?

• November 9, 2019
• Reading time: 2 minutes

Updated: March 17, 2020

Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) therapy has been a standard treatment for brain cancer in Japan since 2017. Depending on the equipment manufacturer, using OPTUNE as an example, the Fujita University School of Medicine Department of Neurosurgery notes that head hair must be shaved, and the device should be worn on the scalp for at least 18 hours daily, though mild skin irritation may occur. In recent years, Tumor Treating Fields therapy has achieved significant clinical advances across various solid tumors, including lung cancer (Phase III), pancreatic cancer (Phase II), metastatic non-small cell cancer (Phase III), malignant mesothelioma (Phase II), and ovarian cancer (Phase II).

The principle of operation: Tumors grow due to unrestricted cell division of cancer cells. During cell division, protein spindle fibers form within the cell and pull replicated chromosomes toward both cell ends, enabling newly formed cells to receive complete DNA from the parent cell. Tumor Treating Fields therapy works by targeting the spindle fibers, which have electrical polarity with negative and positive ends. These fibers are easily influenced by external electric fields and change orientation. When the spindle fibers are forced to continuously change direction, they cannot maintain their structure and collapse. Chromosomes cannot be separated correctly, and newly formed cells undergo apoptosis. Based on this principle, the Optune device worn on the patient's head generates low-intensity (1-2V/cm), intermediate-frequency (100-200 kHz) alternating electric fields that act on the microtubule proteins of proliferating cancer cells. This disrupts cancer cell division and treats tumors. It represents a distinctly different cancer therapy beyond surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, and is more convenient and non-invasive.

【Note】The clinical trial data and pharmaceutical information from overseas trials translated by "Medical Supporter" do not constitute an endorsement of participation in clinical trials or the use of new drugs. Additionally, the translated materials are for reference only and should not be considered as treatment guidelines. Please discuss with healthcare professionals, and refer to the original text at the bottom of the article for accurate information.

Data Source: http://www.fujita-hu.ac.jp/~neuron/jp/topics/ttf.html

#Tumor Treating Fields #TTF #Brain Cancer

• Tumor Treating Fields (ECCT)

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