Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) for Brain Tumors in Adults

Tumor treating fields (TTFields) are low-energy alternating electrical fields that disrupt the ability of certain tumor cells to grow and divide. Optune Gio is a wearable TTFields device approved to treat some people with glioblastoma.

When might TTFields be used for brain tumors?

Optune Gio can be used:

• Along with chemotherapy in people with glioblastoma after treatment with surgery and radiation therapy. It may help people live longer than if they just get chemotherapy alone.
• Instead of chemotherapy if glioblastoma has come back after initial treatment. It hasn’t been shown to help people live longer than chemotherapy in this situation, but it tends to have much milder side effects.

What to expect during TTFields treatment

For this treatment, your head is shaved, and 4 sets of adhesive pads with electrodes are placed on your scalp. The pads are attached to a battery pack (kept in a backpack) and are worn for most of the day. The electrodes create mild electric currents that are thought to affect tumor cells in the brain more than normal cells.

Possible side effects of TTFields

Side effects of the device used for TTFields tend to be minor and can include skin irritation at the electrode sites, trouble sleeping, mood changes, and a slightly increased risk of headaches and seizures.

Learn more: Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields)/Electrical Fields