Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields): The Wearable Device Now Being Used in Mesothelioma

Key Takeaways

• Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) is a wearable, non-invasive therapy that uses low-intensity electrical fields delivered through adhesive chest arrays to disrupt the growth and division of cancer cells.
• The Optune Lua device received FDA approval in 2019 through the Humanitarian Device Exemption pathway for use alongside pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy in adults with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma.
• Patients typically wear adhesive arrays connected to a portable generator carried in a backpack or shoulder bag for around 18 hours a day, allowing many to continue normal daily activities while undergoing treatment.
• Unlike chemotherapy, TTFields doesn’t circulate drugs throughout the body and generally avoids many systemic side effects, with skin irritation beneath the arrays being the most commonly reported issue.
• TTFields isn’t appropriate for every patient, and treatment decisions depend on factors like disease stage, overall health, and a multidisciplinary care team’s recommendations, so it’s typically used alongside other treatments rather than in place of them.

For decades, treatment options for mesothelioma were largely limited to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. While each of these treatments continues to play an important role, advances in medical technology have introduced new ways to fight this rare and aggressive cancer. 

One of the most innovative developments is Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields)—a wearable, non-invasive therapy that uses low-intensity electrical fields to disrupt the growth and division of cancer cells. Rather than relying on medication or radiation, TTFields physically interfere with the process cancer cells use to multiply. 

Although it isn’t appropriate for every patient, TTFields has become an important addition to the treatment options available for some individuals diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. 

What Are Tumor Treating Fields? 

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are alternating electric fields delivered through adhesive transducer arrays placed directly on the chest. These arrays connect to a lightweight, portable device that patients carry in a shoulder bag or backpack, allowing treatment to continue while they go about many of their normal daily activities. 

Unlike chemotherapy, TTFields do not circulate drugs throughout the body. Instead, they target rapidly dividing cancer cells while minimizing effects on most healthy cells. 

How Does TTFields Work? 

Cancer cells constantly divide and multiply. TTFields use carefully controlled, low-intensity electrical fields to interfere with this process. 

As cancer cells attempt to divide, the electrical fields disrupt critical structures inside the cell. This disruption can prevent the cells from successfully completing division, leading many of them to die before they can continue spreading. Healthy cells, which divide much less frequently, are generally far less affected. 

Because TTFields work through a physical mechanism rather than a drug, they are often used alongside chemotherapy, not in place of it. 

The Device Used for Mesothelioma 

The TTFields system approved for mesothelioma is called Optune Lua. 

In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval through its Humanitarian Device Exemption pathway for Optune Lua to be used in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy for adults with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma. 

The approval represented a milestone because mesothelioma is a rare disease with relatively few new treatment options compared with many other cancers. 

What Does Treatment Look Like? 

Unlike traditional treatments that require frequent hospital visits, TTFields therapy is designed to be worn at home and during everyday activities. 

Patients typically: 

• Wear adhesive arrays on the chest. 

• Carry a portable generator in a backpack or shoulder bag. 

• Wear the device for most of the day, often around 18 hours daily, depending on their care team’s recommendations. 

• Continue regular follow-up visits with their oncology team. 

Because the device is portable, many patients can continue spending time with family, walking, reading, or performing other routine activities while receiving therapy. 

What Are the Side Effects? 

One reason TTFields has generated interest is that it does not produce many of the systemic side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy. 

The most frequently reported side effect is skin irritation beneath the adhesive arrays. 

Patients may experience: 

• Mild redness 

• Skin irritation 

• Itching 

• Dry skin 

Healthcare teams provide guidance on proper skin care and array placement to help reduce these effects. 

Is TTFields Right for Everyone? 

No. 

Treatment decisions depend on many factors, including: 

• The stage of mesothelioma. 

• The patient’s overall health. 

• Whether surgery is an option. 

• Other medical conditions. 

• Recommendations from a multidisciplinary cancer team. 

For some patients, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, clinical trials, or combinations of these treatments may be more appropriate. 

Every mesothelioma diagnosis is unique, which is why treatment plans are individualized. 

Why New Treatments Matter 

Mesothelioma remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat because it is often diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure and frequently isn’t discovered until the disease has progressed. 

Innovations like TTFields demonstrate that researchers continue searching for new ways to improve outcomes and expand treatment options. 

While TTFields is not considered a cure, it represents another tool that specialists may use as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy. 

The Importance of Specialized Care 

Because mesothelioma is so rare, patients often benefit from evaluation at medical centers experienced in treating asbestos-related diseases. 

Specialists can determine whether treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, clinical trials, or TTFields may be appropriate based on the patient’s specific diagnosis. 

Staying informed about emerging therapies can help patients and families have more meaningful discussions with their healthcare team about available options. 

Looking Beyond the Diagnosis 

A mesothelioma diagnosis brings many difficult decisions. Understanding newer treatments like Tumor Treating Fields can help patients feel more informed as they explore their options with their medical providers. 

At the Halpern Law Firm, we know that medical treatment is only one part of the journey. Families are often also facing questions about where asbestos exposure occurred, how it happened, and what legal options may be available. 

For decades, we have helped individuals and families affected by asbestos-related diseases pursue the answers and compensation they deserve. As research continues to advance and treatments like TTFields provide new hope, we remain committed to supporting those whose lives have been changed by asbestos exposure. 

For more information, call (800) 505-6000, fill out our contact form, or chat with a representative on our website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields)?

TTFields are alternating electric fields delivered through adhesive transducer arrays placed on the chest and connected to a portable device. Rather than using medication or radiation, the fields physically disrupt the process cancer cells use to divide and multiply.

What device is used to deliver TTFields for mesothelioma?

The device is called Optune Lua. It received FDA approval in 2019 through the Humanitarian Device Exemption pathway for use in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy in adults with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma.

What does daily treatment with TTFields look like?

Patients wear adhesive arrays on the chest connected to a portable generator carried in a backpack or shoulder bag, typically for around 18 hours a day depending on their care team’s recommendations, while continuing regular oncology follow-up visits.

What side effects are associated with TTFields?

The most common side effect is skin irritation beneath the adhesive arrays, which may include mild redness, itching, or dry skin. TTFields generally doesn’t produce many of the systemic side effects associated with chemotherapy.

Is TTFields the right treatment for every mesothelioma patient?

No. Treatment decisions depend on factors like disease stage, overall health, whether surgery is an option, and other medical conditions, so care teams individualize each treatment plan. If you or a loved one has questions about asbestos exposure and legal options, call the Halpern Law Firm at (800) 505-6000 or fill out the contact form.

Sources: 

 National Library Of Medicine