Advances in tumor treating fields for solid tumors: Mechanism, evidence and future outlook

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biophysics
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) represent a novel, non-invasive anti-tumor modality utilizing low-intensity alternating electric fields.
• Initially approved for glioblastoma, TTFields are currently being investigated across a spectrum of solid tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize evidence from preclinical and clinical studies on TTFields.
• To emphasize TTFields' mechanistic insights and therapeutic outcomes in various solid tumors.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search including original articles, reviews, case reports, meeting abstracts, and clinical trials.
• Inclusion criteria: publications, completions, or conduct between January 1, 2000, and August 31, 2025.
• Cross-checking of references to ensure a balanced and high-quality literature review.

Main Results:

• Preclinical studies (in vitro and in vivo) demonstrate TTFields inhibit tumor growth by interfering with mitosis, DNA replication/repair, inducing apoptosis, activating autophagy, modulating immune response, suppressing metastasis, and affecting membrane permeability.
• Clinical studies confirm TTFields are safe and efficacious in multiple solid tumors.
• Evidence suggests synergistic effects when TTFields are combined with other anti-tumor treatments.

Conclusions:

• TTFields offer an innovative, non-invasive treatment for solid tumors with minimal systemic toxicity.
• Preclinical and clinical data confirm superior therapeutic benefits, especially when combined with other therapies.
• Future research should focus on expanding indications, exploring new therapeutic combinations, identifying biomarkers, and device innovation for improved solid tumor management.