A pilot study with very low-intensity, intermediate-frequency electric fields in patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic solid tumors.
BACKGROUND
The transmission of electric fields using insulated electrodes has demonstrated that very low-intensity, properly tuned, intermediate-frequency electric fields, termed tumor-treating fields (TTFields), selectively stunts tumor cell growth and is accompanied by a decrease in tumor angiogenesis.


METHODS
This open, prospective pilot study was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy profile of TTFields treatment in patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic solid tumors using the NovoTTF100A(TM) device. All 6 patients were heavily pre-treated with several lines of therapy; no additional standard treatment option was available to them. TTFields treatment using continuous NovoTTF-100A lasted a minimum of 14 days and was very well tolerated.


RESULTS
No related serious adverse events occurred. Outcomes showed 1 partial response of a treated skin metastasis from a primary breast cancer, 3 cases where tumor growth was arrested during treatment, and 1 case of disease progression. One mesothelioma patient experienced lesion regression near TTFields with simultaneous tumor stability or progression in distal areas.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the number of patients in this study is small, the lack of therapy toxicity and the efficacy observed in data gathered to date indicate the potential of TTFields as a new treatment modality for solid tumors, definitely warranting further investigation.
Salzberg
Marc
M
University Hospital Basel, Switzerland. msalzberg@pharmabrains.ch
Kirson
Eilon
E
Palti
Yoram
Y
Rochlitz
Christoph
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D004560:Electricity / Q000009:adverse effects; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome