Encyclopedia of Experiments: Cancer Research
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Transcript
Tumor Treating Fields or TTFields is a non-invasive therapy that uses low-intensity alternating electric fields to disrupt cancer cell division.
To simulate the delivery of TTFields to a brain tumor patient, first, shave the patient's entire scalp and sterilize it to prepare for TTFields-Transducer arrays placement.
Then, using the patient's MRI measurements, configure the transducer arrays placement.
Secure the arrays over the predetermined positions on the scalp with adhesive bandages.
Next, connect the color-coded cables attached to the transducer arrays to the matching color-coded sockets on the connection cable box.
Additionally, connect the cable box assembly to the battery-powered TTFields generator, which would deliver electric fields to the transducer arrays.
Now, switch on the power to apply optimal electric field intensity at the tumor site for the desired duration.
In a dividing cancer cell, exposure to low-intensity, intermediate frequency alternating electric fields causes the electrically charged proteins such as tubulin and septin to align in the direction of the applied field.
This alignment disrupts microtubule spindle formation and localization of septin fibers, which are the key mitotic processes.
As a result, mitosis is inhibited, ultimately leading to cell death.
