Tumor Treating Fields MesotheliomaTumor treating fields mesothelioma, a new form of therapy, uses alternating electric field to slow the growth of cancer. It is paired with chemotherapy to treat mesothelioma pleural.Following the success of the STELLAR study, the FDA approved TTFields together with pemetrexed-cisplatin. 2019 FDA approved TTFields. Patients are able to ask their mesothelioma doctor to prescribe this treatment.Disrupting Cell DivisionTTFields employ different electrical fields to disrupt cancer cell proteins and prevent their cells from dividing. This can prevent mesothelioma cells from advancing or spreading to other organs in the body. TTFields work to stimulate the release of proteins that kill cancerous cells and assist the immune system in fighting mesothelioma tumours.During treatment patients wear a small device with pads that are insulated and adhere to the skin. The device is able to deliver a low-intensity electrical current, and patients can decide the amount of treatment they receive. The mesothelioma treatment typically lasts 30 minutes. Patients can have TTFields treatment at various times throughout the day.A TTFields research study published in 2021 showed that the intensity of electrical fields of 100-300 kilohertz was able to stop cell division in cancer cells and cause them to die. The study examined a range of cancerous cells and found that electrical fields killed them all regardless of their cell structure.The author of the study suggested combining TTFields and chemotherapy for mesothelioma. Novocure's TTFields product, NovoTTF-100L was approved by the FDA in 2019 to treat pleural mesothelioma unresectable. It is now accessible through mesothelioma specialists at medical centers across the U.S., including the West Cancer Center in Memphis. The NovoTTF 100L device, also known as Optune Lua has been used to treat mesothelioma in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy and pemetrexed. Mesothelioma victims have reported an extended survival when the TTFields treatment has been combined with chemotherapy.Another study, published in "Lung Cancer", reported that TTFields therapy is effective when combined with chemotherapy. In the trial researchers discovered that the combination of chemotherapy and TTFields reduced the amount of malignant mesothelioma cells in animal models by more than 80 percent. The study also demonstrated that combining these treatments increased the production proteins that kill mesothelioma cancerous cells and reduce the amount or cancerous DNA that is found in your body.TTFields is a relatively new treatment, and a lot of mesothelioma physicians do not recommend it for pleural malignant mesothelioma. However, patients may be able to avail this treatment option through clinical trials or at mesothelioma clinics that are accredited by Novocure.Stalling Tumor GrowthMesothelioma develops when mesothelial cells alter and exceed their normal lifespan, leading to an overabundance of diseased cells that grow and spread in the body. The tumor treatment fields stop mesothelial cell duplication which prevents mesothelioma from expanding and growing.The TTFields device, which is worn on the chest as a vest, creates a series of electrical fields that alter protein and kill cancer cells and slow the growth of tumors. The device is fitted with insulated pads that adhere to the skin. Patients or health professionals are able to apply them at home.Doctors suggest combining TTFields with chemotherapy for the most effective results. The combination boosts production of proteins which destroy cancerous cells, and reduces cancer cells' capacity to repair DNA damage from chemotherapy drugs. This allows chemotherapy drugs to perform more effectively and improves the survival rate in mesothelioma sufferers.In the most recent STELLAR trial, a combination of TTFields therapy and chemotherapy significantly increased survival for mesothelioma sufferers. The FDA approved the NovoTTF 100L System, which is now marketed as Optune Lua, for use in conjunction with pemetrexed, cisplatin or carboplatin as first-line treatment for malignant mesothelioma pleural in the year 2019.Researchers have discovered that the TTFields therapy is effective against mesothelioma due to its interception of cell division. The treatment TTFields causes cancer cells to break apart through a process known as mitosis. After that, the cells get trapped in surrounding tissues, which inhibits the growth of new tissues. Mitosis prevents mesothelioma cancer cells from healing damaged genetic material and makes them more sensitive to radiation treatment.The TTFields therapy also decreases tumor blood flow through the suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the rise of hypoxia-inducible factors-1 alpha or HIF-1a. HIF-1a is associated with cancer cells angiogenesis.If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other cancers, talk to your physician about whether TTFields is right for you. Many mesothelioma specialists are working with Novocure on clinical trials to determine the efficacy of this new treatment. To find out more about how mesothelioma TTFields may benefit your treatment plan Contact a Novocure-certified expert at one of more than 1,300 U.S. treatment centers.Killing Tumor CellsTumor treating fields for treating tumors (TTFields) which transmit electrical waves throughout the body. They disrupt cell division and kill tumor cells. TTFields are low intensity and intermediate frequency alternating electric fields that target cancerous cells without harming healthy ones. They also hinder DNA repair and increase cell defenses, making it more difficult for cancerous cells to survive. TTF is a non-invasive treatment and has very few side effects besides minor skin irritation.Scientists believe TTFields interrupt mitosis - the process whereby the cell divides and forms two identical new cells. Normal cells have rules that limit the process of mitosis, but malignant cancerous cells break this control and multiply in a rapid rate. TTFields interfere with this process by blocking the signals that regulate the growth of mesothelioma cells. In the STELLAR trial TTFields in combination with chemotherapy significantly improved survival rates for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma patients who received TTFields along with maintenance cycles of chemotherapy lived six months longer than those who only received chemotherapy.In a separate study it was found that TTFields could boost the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy drugs called platinum-based treatments. These platinum-based treatments kill mesothelioma cells by attacking mitochondria, where cancerous cells get their energy. When TTFields are combined with these chemotherapy drugs, the combination could result in higher levels of DNA damage and more rapid cancer cell death.In certain instances, TTFields can also enhance the effects of radiation treatment. Scientists have discovered that when you combine TTFields with radiation therapy could produce the "synergistic" effect. This means that the combined treatment enhances the sensitivity of tumor cells to radiation.Currently, TTFields are only available at certain mesothelioma centres. However, a mesothelioma expert can determine whether you may be suitable for this treatment. If you do qualify an attorney for mesothelioma can assist you in gaining access to treatment that can include TTFields alongside chemotherapy. A mesothelioma lawyer can help veterans get VA-covered treatment.Side EffectsThe TT fields therapy can disrupt the cancer cells by generating an electric field that blocks their ability to divide. This can slow the growth of tumors and stop them from spreading to other areas of the body. The TT Fields device is not invasive. It doesn't cause pain or damage to the surrounding tissue. This is a completely different method than conventional chemotherapy, which involves radiation and injections into the intravenous vein which can result in serious side effects.In a study, patients treated with a combination TT fields and temozolomide experienced survival improvements similar to those who were only treated with chemotherapy. Doctors attributing the improved survival to TT fields' ability to increase the efficacy of chemotherapy and reduce adverse effects.Mesothelioma cancer cells can change and multiply uncontrollably, causing cancerous cells to invade your organs. By disrupting cell division, mesothelioma treatments such as TT fields prevent mesothelioma cancer cells from reproducing and hindering your body's normal functions.During a mesothelioma study patients who received TT fields together with chemotherapy had an average survival rate (18.2 months). Patients who received TT fields but not chemotherapy had a rate of 12.1.Tumor treating fields can be applied to the pleura or the thin lining that covers your lungs, either on your chest or abdominal wall. The device is small and can be worn for up to 18 hours and even during sleep. This allows patients to carry on their normal life and work while receiving treatment.TT fields can be combined with conventional chemotherapy, immunotherapy or other mesothelioma treatment options . Patients with mesothelioma who are interested in TT should discuss the option with their physician. They can provide eligibility requirements and the benefits that are expected for each patient's case.