Electric fields surrounding a stylized brain, representing innovative glioblastoma treatment.

Beating Brain Tumors: How a New Therapy is Changing the Game

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore how Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are revolutionizing glioblastoma treatment, offering new hope and extending survival rates."

Glioblastoma (GB) is one of the most aggressive and challenging forms of brain cancer to treat. For years, the standard approach has involved surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, particularly temozolomide (TMZ). While these treatments can help manage the disease, glioblastoma often returns, leading to a poor prognosis for many patients.

However, recent advances in cancer therapy are offering new hope. One such innovation is Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields), a non-invasive therapy that uses electric fields to disrupt cancer cell division. When combined with traditional treatments like TMZ, TTFields has demonstrated significant potential in controlling glioblastoma and extending patient survival.

This article delves into how TTFields works, its effectiveness in treating glioblastoma, and its potential to transform the landscape of brain cancer therapy. We'll explore a real-world case study, discuss the science behind TTFields, and examine how it fits into the broader context of cancer treatment innovations.

What Are Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) and How Do They Work?

Electric fields surrounding a stylized brain, representing innovative glioblastoma treatment.

TTFields therapy utilizes alternating electric fields to disrupt the rapid division of cancer cells. Unlike radiation or chemotherapy, TTFields does not rely on toxic chemicals or high-energy particles. Instead, it employs a device that emits low-intensity electrical fields, which are applied directly to the scalp via transducer arrays. These fields interfere with the formation of the mitotic spindle, a critical structure for cell division, causing the cancer cells to either die or slow their proliferation.

The beauty of TTFields lies in its targeted approach. The electric fields primarily affect actively dividing cells, which means they have a greater impact on cancer cells compared to healthy cells. This precision helps minimize side effects, making TTFields a well-tolerated treatment option for many patients.

Non-Invasive: TTFields is a non-surgical treatment, reducing the risks and recovery time associated with invasive procedures.
Targeted Action: It selectively disrupts cancer cell division, sparing healthy cells.
Well-Tolerated: Most patients experience mild to moderate side effects, such as skin irritation, which are manageable.
Combined Therapy: TTFields can be used alongside traditional treatments like chemotherapy, enhancing their effectiveness.

Research has shown that TTFields can significantly extend survival rates in newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients when used in combination with TMZ. It has also proven effective in recurrent glioblastoma cases, offering patients a valuable alternative when other treatments have failed.

The Future of Glioblastoma Treatment: A Personalized Approach

As we continue to unravel the complexities of glioblastoma, personalized treatment strategies are becoming increasingly important. Combining TTFields with molecular profiling and targeted therapies holds the promise of even better outcomes for patients. By understanding the unique characteristics of each tumor and tailoring treatment accordingly, we can offer more effective and less toxic therapies, ultimately improving the lives of those affected by this devastating disease.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What is Glioblastoma (GB) and why is it so difficult to treat?

Glioblastoma (GB) is a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer, known for its rapid growth and resistance to conventional treatments. The standard treatments, which include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy like temozolomide (TMZ), often fail to provide a lasting cure. This is primarily due to the cancer's ability to return, leading to a poor prognosis for many patients. The complexity of GB stems from its aggressive nature and the challenges associated with treating it within the sensitive environment of the brain.

How do Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) work to combat Glioblastoma?

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) work by using alternating electric fields to disrupt the division of cancer cells. Unlike traditional treatments like radiation or chemotherapy, TTFields employs a non-invasive device that emits low-intensity electrical fields applied directly to the scalp. These fields interfere with the mitotic spindle, a crucial structure for cell division, ultimately causing the cancer cells to either die or slow their growth. The targeted nature of TTFields, which affects actively dividing cells, minimizes harm to healthy cells, making it a well-tolerated treatment.

What are the main advantages of using TTFields in the treatment of Glioblastoma?

The key advantages of TTFields include its non-invasive nature, which reduces risks and recovery time associated with surgical procedures. The therapy is designed for targeted action, selectively disrupting cancer cell division while sparing healthy cells. Furthermore, TTFields is generally well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing only mild to moderate side effects like skin irritation. Another major benefit is its compatibility with other treatments, such as chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ), enhancing the overall effectiveness of the treatment approach.

Can TTFields be combined with other treatments, and how does this impact patient outcomes in Glioblastoma cases?

Yes, TTFields can be used in combination with other treatments, such as the chemotherapy drug temozolomide (TMZ), to treat Glioblastoma. Studies have demonstrated that using TTFields alongside TMZ significantly extends survival rates, especially in newly diagnosed patients. This combination therapy approach enhances the effectiveness of both treatments, leading to better outcomes and potentially extending the lives of patients suffering from this aggressive form of brain cancer. The combined approach is a move towards personalized medicine, tailoring treatment plans to increase efficacy.

What does the future of Glioblastoma treatment look like with innovations like TTFields?

The future of Glioblastoma treatment is leaning towards a personalized approach. Combining Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) with advanced techniques like molecular profiling and targeted therapies is expected to improve patient outcomes further. Understanding the unique characteristics of each tumor allows for the creation of more effective and less toxic treatments. This shift signifies a move towards individualized treatment plans, leveraging the potential of technologies like TTFields to improve the survival rates and quality of life for those affected by Glioblastoma.