Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) for Adult Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

Researchers have found that exposing some types of tumor cells to alternating electric fields, also known as tumor treating fields (or TTFields), can interfere with the cells’ ability to grow and spread.

A wearable device known as Optune Gio is a TTFields treatment that generates such electric fields. It is now an option to help treat some people with glioblastomas.  

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

Optune Gio can be used:

• Along with chemotherapy in people with newly diagnosed glioblastoma after treatment with surgery and radiation therapy. It may help people live longer than if they just get chemotherapy alone.
• Instead of chemotherapy in people whose 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.

Possible side effects

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.