Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) Therapy for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Researchers have found that exposing some types of cancer 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 Lua is a TTFields treatment that creates such electric fields. It is an option to help treat some people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
When might TTFields be used to treat NSCLC?
Optune Lua can be used along with either an immune checkpoint inhibitor or with the chemotherapy drug docetaxel to treat some people with metastatic NSCLC that has grown during or after treatment with chemotherapy.
How is TTFields therapy given?
For this treatment, the chest and/or back is shaved (if needed), and 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) and are 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 of TTFields therapy
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)
- Written by
- References
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as editors and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
Neal JW. Subsequent-line therapy in non-small cell lung cancer lacking an actionable driver mutation. UpToDate. 2024. Accessed at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/subsequent-line-therapy-in-non-small-cell-lung-cancer-lacking-an-actionable-driver-mutation on October 29, 2024.
Last Revised: October 29, 2024
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