Biological & Soft Matter Seminar: Tumor Treating Fields: A new physical modality for treating cancer

Abstract:

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are alternating electric fields in the frequency range of 100-500 KHz, and at intensities of 1-5 V/cm. TTFields therapy has been approved for the treatment of recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme (rGBM) since 2011, and a recent clinical trial (EF-14) was terminated early because it showed strong evidence that TTFields in combination with Temozolomide was effective in treating newly diagnosed Glioblastoma patients.
In-vitro studies show that TTFields operate by disrupting the formation of the mitotic spindle in  dividing cells. It is believed that the anti-mitotic effect occurs through two mechanisms:

1. Interactions of the electric field with the highly polarized tubulin dimers that make up the spindle.

2. Significant dielectrophoretic forces that develop within the dividing cell.

However, there are still many open question regarding the exact mechanisms. At Novocure, we have a multi-disciplinary team working to understand how TTFields operate in the body. Our team comprises biologists and physicists that collaborate in order to understand both the biological and physical processes through which TTFields affect cells. In this talk I will present our recent learnings about both the biology and biophysics of TTFields, and conclude with an open discussion of the major questions regarding TTFields mechanism of action.

Seminar Organizer: Guy Yaacoby