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Updated: Oct 20, 2025

The Clinical Application of Tumor Treating Fields Therapy in Glioblastoma
Published on: April 16, 2019
Tumor treating fields can effectively overcome trastuzumab resistant breast cancer multiplication
Jin Su Kim1, Jae Min Cho2, Hyeongi Kim1
1Division of RI Application, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (KIRAMS) 75 Nowon-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
The Human Epidermal Growth Receptor 2, or the HER2 is one of the highest expressed negative receptor that constitutes approximately 15-20% of malevolent breast cancerous tumors among women. The prevalence of HER2 has untimely and unfavorable consequences on breast cancer, and its underlying carcinomous cell processes, structures, and growth. Trastuzumab (TRZ), a humanized antibody that is rooted in relatively recent foundations, has been found operational in its construction of treatments against HER2-positive breast cancer. This drug is combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy to deregulate HER2 genes in the body. However, patients who suffer from evolved tumors in advanced stages of cancer exhibit a good amount of tolerance towards singularly used TRZ treatment. Inversely, the factorization of Tumor Testing Fields (TTFields or TTFs) into cancer therapy revives the functions of a TRZ treatment plan, by sensitizing the HER2 genes to the drug. In turn, this facilitates TRZ to continue limiting cancerous cell multiplication and toxicity levels within the treatment. This research evaluates the aspects and effects of this pairing, both in vivo and in vitro through BT474 cells. The TTFields conduct an electromagnetic boundary, which generates sine-wave radiations to manipulate the HER2 gene structure. The methods followed in the research also examines the gene cell cultures and their viability through solutions like Tryptophan blue, or the Crystal violet which may or may not deliver certain testmants to the experiment. The Western Blot Test and the IHC confirm the presence of antibodies and negative receptors in the BT474 cells. These procedures contribute to the formulation of a treatment plan that overcomes the TRZ-resistant nature of the tumor, which is essentially the aim of the research. Thus, the paper substantiates that a healthy combination of TTF's with TRZ can enhance the penetration of TRZ after inducing apoptosis due to TTFields therapy. The success of a TTField in undertaking this pursuit makes room for more utilization of it in future cancerous treatment ventures.
Insights
Combining Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) with Trastuzumab (TRZ) overcomes resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer. TTFields therapy sensitizes HER2 genes, enhancing TRZ effectiveness and inducing apoptosis for improved treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Human Epidermal Growth Receptor 2 (HER2) positive breast cancer affects 15-20% of women.
- Trastuzumab (TRZ) is a key treatment, but resistance develops in advanced stages.
- Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) offer a novel therapeutic approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the synergistic effects of TTFields and TRZ on HER2-positive breast cancer.
- To investigate the mechanism by which TTFields sensitizes HER2 genes to TRZ.
- To assess the efficacy of combined TTFields and TRZ therapy in overcoming TRZ resistance.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo studies using BT474 cells.
- Application of TTFields to generate electromagnetic fields and manipulate HER2 gene structure.
- Assessment of cell viability using Tryptan blue and Crystal violet staining.
- Confirmation of receptor presence via Western Blot and Immunohistochemistry (IHC).
Main Results:
- TTFields therapy successfully sensitized HER2 genes to Trastuzumab.
- The combination therapy demonstrated enhanced TRZ penetration and efficacy.
- TTFields induced apoptosis, overcoming TRZ resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer models.
- Western Blot and IHC confirmed target engagement and receptor status.
Conclusions:
- Combined TTFields and TRZ therapy is a promising strategy for HER2-positive breast cancer.
- TTFields enhance TRZ efficacy by overcoming treatment resistance.
- This combination therapy holds potential for future cancer treatment ventures.
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