Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) Therapy for Mesothelioma

Researchers have found that exposing some types of cancer to alternating electric fields, also known as tumor treating fields, TTFields, or TTF, can interfere with its ability to grow and spread.

A wearable device known as Optune Lua is a TTFields treatment that creates such electric fields. It is an option to help treat some people with pleural mesothelioma.

When might TTFields therapy be used to treat mesothelioma?

TTFields therapy can be used along with chemotherapy to treat some people with advanced pleural mesothelioma that can't be removed with surgery.

How is TTFields therapy given?

For this treatment, sticky pads containing sets of electrodes are placed on the skin, usually 2 on the chest and 2 on the back.

The electrodes are attached to a battery pack kept in a backpack, which is worn for most of the day – typically at least 18 hours. They create mild electric currents that are thought to affect cancer cells more than normal cells.

Possible side effects

Side effects of the device are usually limited to the electrode sites. They can include:

• Skin irritation
• Allergic reactions
• Local warmth and tingling sensations
• Muscle twitching
• Infections
• Breakdown of the skin (ulcers)