Tumour treating fields (TTFields)
Wearable electrodes that deliver alternating electric fields disrupting cancer cell division.
Optune approved in glioblastoma (EF-14), mesothelioma, and NSCLC after platinum (LUNAR, 2024). Optune Pax approved in Q1 2026 with chemotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (PANOVA-3), the first approval specific to that setting in nearly 30 years. Mechanism and magnitude of benefit remain debated.
How it works
Low-intensity, intermediate-frequency (100-300 kHz) alternating fields interfere with mitotic spindle assembly and cytokinesis.
- Non-invasive, minimal systemic toxicity
- Combinable with any drug
- 18+ hours/day wear
- Skin irritation
- Sceptical reception of some trial designs
Latest papers
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