What are Tumor Treating Fields (TTF)?

TL;DR

• Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) use low-intensity electric fields to interrupt cancer cell division.
• This noninvasive therapy targets tumors without damaging most healthy cells.
• TTF is FDA-approved for glioblastoma and mesothelioma, with ongoing research in other cancers.

What Are Tumor Treating Fields (TTF)?

Tumor Treating Fields — often shortened to TTF — is a newer, noninvasive cancer treatment that uses electrical fields to disrupt how cancer cells grow and divide.

Instead of drugs or radiation, TTF therapy delivers low-intensity, alternating electric fields directly to the tumor site — targeting cancer cells without harming most healthy cells.

To learn more about TTF therapy, visit the American Cancer Society’s overview of Tumor Treating Fields.

How It Works

Cancer cells divide rapidly, and during that process, they rely on internal structures that help pull chromosomes apart.

TTF works by interfering with those structures. When the electric fields pass through the tumor, they disrupt cell division — slowing or even stopping cancer growth over time.

Patients typically wear adhesive patches, called transducer arrays, on their scalp or body (depending on the tumor’s location). These are connected to a portable device that generates the fields — allowing treatment to continue while going about daily life.

For a deeper scientific explanation, read the National Institutes of Health's review of Tumor Treating Fields therapy.

TTF in Cancer Treatment

TTF is FDA-approved for glioblastoma and mesothelioma, and it’s being studied in several other cancer types, including lung, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers.

While it doesn’t replace other treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, it can be used alongside them — and has been shown to extend survival in certain cases of brain cancer.

Researchers continue to explore how to combine TTF with immunotherapy and other targeted approaches to improve outcomes and quality of life.

Exploring Clinical Trials with PACT AI

If you or a loved one are exploring treatment options for brain cancer or another tumor type, ask your doctor whether Tumor Treating Fields could be an option — or if clinical trials are studying it for your diagnosis.

With PACT AI, patients and caregivers can easily explore ongoing clinical trials for TTF and related treatments, compare new therapy combinations, and access clear information to support informed, confident decisions.

Explore our site to learn more about how PACT AI can help.

Have questions? Reach out at contact@pact-ai.com.