Alternating electric fields therapy
Alternating electric fields therapy uses a device that you carry with you to send electrical currents through the scalp and into the brain cells. The electricity stops the tumour cells from dividing, which prevents the tumour from growing or spreading quickly into nearby brain tissues. It may be offered as a treatment for glioblastoma.
Alternating electric fields therapy may also be called tumour treating fields (TTFs).
Before you are given this treatment, your head is shaved and a set of electrodes is attached to your head. The electrodes connect to a device that you carry in a backpack or shoulder bag. The device uses a battery or an electric power supply to send alternating electric fields through the electrodes and into the brain tumour. You need to wear the electrodes for most of the day for the currents to be effective, and take them off after the treatment time has finished. You can go about most of your daily activities while wearing them. Your healthcare team will teach you how to put the electrodes in place, and how to use the device.
An alternating electric fields therapy device has been approved for use in Canada. It may be used:
- in combination with the chemotherapy drug temozolomide for people who have been newly diagnosed with glioblastoma
- for glioblastoma that has come back after treatment (recurrent glioblastoma)
Alternating electric fields therapy may not be available in all cancer treatment centres, and it may not be covered by all provincial or territorial health plans.
Side effects of alternating electric fields therapy
Side effects of alternating electric fields therapy will depend mainly the dose, how it’s given and your overall health. Tell your healthcare team if you have side effects that you think are from alternating electric fields therapy. The sooner you tell them of any problems, the sooner they can suggest ways to help you deal with them.
Side effects of alternating electric fields therapy include:
- headache
- skin problems– including redness, itching, burning, open sores (ulcers) on the scalp
- problems sleeping
- fatigue
- higher risk of falls
- tingling sensations
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