Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields)

Tumor Treating Fields is a non-invasive cancer therapy that delivers low-intensity, alternating electric fields (around 150 kHz for mesothelioma) through adhesive patches worn on the skin. These fields interfere with proteins cancer cells need to divide, slowing tumor growth. For pleural mesothelioma, it is delivered by a device called Optune Lua (formerly NovoTTF-100L) and is used together with chemotherapy, not as a standalone cure.

Origin

The technology was developed by Israeli biophysicist Dr. Yoram Palti in the early 2000s and commercialized by Novocure. The FDA approved TTFields for pleural mesothelioma in May 2019 under a Humanitarian Device Exemption, based on the STELLAR trial, which combined the device with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy.

Significance in Asbestos Context

TTFields is one of the few treatment advances specifically approved for pleural mesothelioma in the last two decades, giving patients another option when surgery is not possible or when chemotherapy alone is insufficient. Because mesothelioma has limited approved therapies, the addition of TTFields may extend survival and is worth discussing with a mesothelioma specialist. Use of the device, related medical bills, caregiver time, and quality-of-life impact (skin irritation, daily wear of the array, equipment logistics) can all be documented as part of the medical damages in an asbestos claim, so keep prescriptions, device logs, and insurance correspondence.

Example Sentence

"After her unresectable pleural mesothelioma diagnosis, her oncologist added Tumor Treating Fields to her pemetrexed and cisplatin regimen, and she wore the Optune Lua arrays at least 18 hours a day."

Related Terms

Pleural Mesothelioma, Pemetrexed, Cisplatin, Multimodal Therapy, STELLAR Trial, Humanitarian Device Exemption

Notes

• Ask your oncologist whether you are a candidate; in the U.S., TTFields for mesothelioma is approved for unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic pleural mesothelioma in combination with pemetrexed and a platinum agent.
• To work, the arrays generally must be worn at least 18 hours per day; ask about scalp/skin care (for brain cancer use) or chest skin care, since irritation under the patches is the most common side effect.
• Confirm insurance coverage early. Novocure's patient support program (nCompass) can help with prior authorization, copays, and device shipment.
• Keep copies of the prescription, device usage reports, and out-of-pocket costs; these support both medical decision-making and the damages portion of an asbestos claim.
• TTFields does not replace surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy; ask whether a clinical trial combining TTFields with newer agents (such as immune checkpoint inhibitors) is open to you.