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Updated: Dec 21, 2025
The Clinical Application of Tumor Treating Fields Therapy in Glioblastoma
Published on: April 16, 2019
Tumor treating fields for high-grade gliomas
Chengke Luo1, Shengchao Xu1, Gan Dai2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China.
Abstract:
High-grade gliomas (HGG) are the most common malignant intracranial tumors with poor prognosis. Current treatments have not yielded optimal remission rates; there are no standard treatments for recurrent and drug-resistant gliomas. Tumor treating fields, which was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), could significantly improve progression free survival and the overall survival of glioma patients. In this review, we elaborate on the mechanism of tumor treating fields in tumor cells and detail various preclinical and clinical studies on gliomas. Tumor treating fields could be a promising option for patients with malignant tumors for which there are no standard treatment plans. Moreover, we identify several potential problems for the practical application of tumor treating fields and predict future directions for further studies. Tumor treating fields may be a potential therapy with high efficacy, fewer adverse effects, and high cost-effectiveness.
Insights
Tumor treating fields offer a promising new treatment for high-grade gliomas, improving survival rates. This therapy shows potential for difficult-to-treat brain tumors with fewer side effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Medical physics
- Cancer therapy
Background:
- High-grade gliomas (HGG) are aggressive brain tumors with poor prognoses.
- Current treatments for HGG, especially recurrent or drug-resistant cases, are limited.
- There is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies for HGG.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanism of action of Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) in glioma cells.
- To summarize preclinical and clinical evidence supporting TTFields for glioma treatment.
- To discuss the potential applications, challenges, and future directions of TTFields in neuro-oncology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical studies on TTFields and gliomas.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for TTFields in glioma patients.
- Examination of the FDA approval and regulatory status of TTFields.
Main Results:
- TTFields have demonstrated significant improvements in progression-free survival and overall survival in glioma patients.
- TTFields represent a novel therapeutic modality with a distinct mechanism of action.
- The therapy has shown promise as a viable option for recurrent and drug-resistant gliomas.
Conclusions:
- Tumor Treating Fields show potential as an effective and well-tolerated treatment for high-grade gliomas.
- Further research is needed to address practical application challenges and optimize TTFields therapy.
- TTFields may offer a cost-effective therapeutic option with a favorable side effect profile for malignant brain tumors.
