Transducer array migration to reduce skin irritation

Abstract

1. A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, the transducer device comprising: an array of electrodes configured to be placed on a body of a subject with one face of the array facing the body of the subject, the array including electrode elements positioned at existing electrode locations positioned about a center of gravity of the array; and at least one void space within the array capable of enclosing an area footprint equal to at least 40% of the area footprint of at least one existing electrode location and superimposable onto at least 40% of the at least one existing electrode location by rotation of the array about the center of gravity.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 080,091, filed December 13, 2022, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 289,484, filed December 14, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 324,491, filed March 28, 2022, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein. [Background technology]

[0002] Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are low intensity alternating electric fields in the mid-frequency range (e.g., 50 kHz to 1 MHz) that can be used to treat tumors, as described in US Pat. No. 6,399,633. TTFields are non-invasively induced in a region of interest by placing transducers on the patient's body and applying an AC voltage across the transducers. Traditionally, transducers used to generate TTFields include multiple electrode elements that include ceramic discs. One side of each ceramic disc is placed in contact with the patient's skin, and the other side of each disc has a conductive backing. Electrical signals are applied to this conductive backing, and these signals are capacitively coupled through the ceramic discs into the patient's body. Traditional transducer designs include a rectangular array of ceramic discs aligned with one another in linear rows and columns and attached to the subject's body via adhesive. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,565,205 [Brief description of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 shows an example of a transducer placed on a subject's head. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a transducer placed on a subject's body. [Figure 3A] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example transducer structure. [Figure 3B] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example transducer structure. [Figure 3C] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example transducer structure. [Figure 3D] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example transducer structure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 shows an example layout of an array of electrode elements on a transducer device. [Figure 4B] FIG. 13 shows the array after rotation about its center of gravity. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 shows an example of an adhesive layer connected to an electrode array. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 shows another example of an adhesive layer connected to an electrode array. [Figure 7A] FIG. 13 shows an example layout of an array of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 7B] FIG. 13 shows an example layout of an array of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 7C] FIG. 1 shows an example layout of an array of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 7D] FIG. 13 shows an example layout of an array of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 7E] FIG. 1 shows an example layout of an array of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 7F] FIG. 13 shows an example layout of an array of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 7G] FIG. 1 shows an example layout of an array of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 7H] FIG. 1 shows an example layout of an array of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 7I] FIG. 1 shows an example layout of an array of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 8]FIG. 13 shows another example layout of an array of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 9] 1 is a flow chart illustrating an example of application of TTFields to the body of a subject. [Figure 10] 1 is a flow chart illustrating another example of applying TTFields to the body of a subject. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0005] This application describes an exemplary transducer device that can be used to apply TTFields to a subject's body to treat one or more cancers. This application also describes an exemplary method of applying TTFields to a subject's body using the transducer.

[0006] Transducers used to apply TTFields to a subject's body often include multiple electrode elements that are electrically coupled to each other on a substrate and attached to the subject's body at desired locations, for example, via an adhesive backing on the substrate or a separately applied adhesive. Conventional transducers have a large rectangular surface to maximize the number of electrode elements that can be placed on the transducer to apply TTFields to the subject's body. However, subjects may experience skin irritation in areas of their skin that come into contact with the electrode elements during TTFields treatment.

[0007] The inventors have now recognized that a need exists for a transducer that can be shifted to reduce, minimize, prevent, soothe, heal, or treat skin inflammation without significantly altering the field strength of TTFields induced within the subject's body. For example, a transducer that can be shifted to expose (or cover with a topical agent) skin that was previously in contact with the electrode elements without substantially moving the transducer from its optimal location on the subject's body is desired. A new location of the transducer after shifting is in substantially the same location if the footprint of the new location after shifting covers 80% or more of the footprint of the original location before shifting, or if the footprint of the new location after shifting covers 90% or more of the footprint of the original location before shifting, or if the footprint of the original location before shifting covers 95% or more of the footprint of the original location before shifting. In some embodiments, the footprint of the new location of the transducer after shifting covers 100% of the footprint of the original location of the transducer before shifting. Transduction of the transducer device can reduce, minimize, prevent, soothe, heal, and / or treat skin inflammation while maintaining the transducer in an optimal location on the subject's body. As a result, the transducer can continually direct TTFields at ideal locations and power levels to target areas of interest (e.g., tumors) within the subject's body, thereby improving patient outcomes.

[0008] The disclosed transducer device can be shifted via rotation about the center of gravity of the array of electrodes or via translation of the array of electrodes to expose (or cover with a drug) one or more portions of the subject's skin previously contacted by the electrode elements while maintaining an optimal location of the transducer on the subject's body. In some embodiments, the array of electrodes does not include an electrode location that encompasses the center of gravity of the array. The disclosed transducer device can have a substantially round shape that allows the transducer to be placed on the subject's head. In other examples, the disclosed transducer device can have other (e.g., non-round) shapes. The description of the embodiments associated with specific exemplary figures herein is applicable to and can be combined with the description of the embodiments associated with other exemplary figures herein, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0009] FIG. 1 shows transducers 100 positioned on the head of a subject's body. Such positioning of the transducers 100 allows for the application of TTFields to a tumor in a region of the subject's brain. Various other positions and / or orientations on the subject's head can be selected for transducer placement. Each transducer 100 can be positioned with an array of electrode elements. Each transducer 100 can be positioned on the subject's head such that one face of the array of electrode elements faces and conforms to the subject's head. As shown, the transducers 100 on the subject's head do not overlap one another, e.g., due to their round shape.

[0010] 2 shows transducers 200 and 202 attached to other parts of the subject's body (e.g., chest / torso and thighs). Transducers 200 and 202 can be attached to the subject's body via a medically suitable gel or adhesive. In other embodiments, transducers 200 and 202 can be attached to one or more garments and held in contact with the subject's body. Each of transducers 200 and 202 can be disposed with an array of electrode elements 204. Each transducer 200 and 202 can be positioned on the subject's body such that one side of the array of electrode elements faces and conforms to the subject's body.

[0011] In the first transducer 200 and the second transducer 202, a perimeter 206 (defined by a dashed line in FIG. 2) follows the array of electrode elements 204. In one example, the perimeter 206 of the array on each transducer can have substantially rounded edges. The perimeter 206 can be substantially circular, elliptical, cocoon-shaped, oval, or oblong in shape. For example, as shown, the perimeter 206 can have a circular shape. In another example, the perimeter 206 can have other shapes, such as, for example, a square or rectangle, or a substantially square or rectangle with rounded corners (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8).

[0012] The structure of the transducer can take many forms. In FIG. 3A, the transducer 300A has a number of electrode elements 302A disposed on a substrate 304A. The substrate 304A is configured to attach the transducer 300A to the subject's body. Suitable materials for the substrate 304A include, for example, fabric, foam, flexible plastic, and / or conductive medical gel. The transducer 300A can be attached to the subject's body via the substrate 304A (e.g., via an adhesive layer and / or conductive medical gel). The adhesive layer that contacts the subject's skin may be present around the perimeter of the array of electrodes and / or between one or more gaps between the electrodes. Alternatively, the areas between the electrodes may be non-adhesive areas. The transducer may be conductive or non-conductive. FIG. 3B shows another example of the structure of the transducer 300B. In this example, the transducer 300B includes a number of electrode elements 302B that are electrically and mechanically connected to each other without a substrate. In one example, electrode elements 302B are connected to each other through conductive wire 306B.

[0013] In FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D, the transducers 300C and 300D include one or more drug regions 308C and 308D, respectively. The drug regions 308C and 308D can be non-adhesive regions. For example, the drug regions 308C and 308D are free of exposed adhesive. The drug regions 308C and 308D can each include a drug substrate. The drug substrate can be capable of at least one of receiving, absorbing, or retaining a topical drug applied thereto. The drug substrate can include a cloth, gauze, non-woven material, foam, or sponge disposed between one or more pairs of electrode elements 302C and 302D. In one example, the drug regions 308C and 308D can also include a topical drug integrated in or on the drug substrate. The topical drug can include a base of oil, water, petrolatum, wax, cellulose, or combinations thereof. The topical drug can be a cream, ointment, lotion, gel, wax, paste, or mineral oil jelly. The topical agent may include at least one of an antibiotic, a steroid, an antiseptic, an emollient, an anesthetic, a terpene, a botanical extract, a silicone-based organic polymer, an antifungal agent, a burn relief agent, a skin repair agent, an astringent, or an antihistamine. The topical agent may be any desired compound capable of soothing, healing, and / or relieving inflammation, sores, or other irritation that may occur on the skin of the subject's body. The topical agent may be substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the thickness of the drug substrate to form drug regions 308C and 308D. Alternatively, the topical agent may be substantially disposed on the surface of the drug substrate to form drug regions 308C and 308D.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3C, the transducer 300C may include a transducer substrate 304C that is separate from the drug region 308C. The array of electrode elements 302C may be disposed on a surface of the transducer substrate 304C, and the transducer substrate 304C may include an adhesive layer 310C for attaching the transducer device to the subject's body. The drug substrate may be part of the transducer substrate 304C or may be disposed on the surface of the transducer substrate 304C. Thus, the drug region 308C may be disposed on the surface of the transducer substrate 304C (as shown in FIG. 3C). In other embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 3D, the transducer 300D may not include a transducer substrate, but rather may only include an adhesive layer 310D for attaching the transducer 300D to the subject's body, and the drug region 308D may be bonded between different portions of the adhesive layer 310D and span the distance between the electrode elements 302D.

[0015] The transducers 300A, 300B, 300C, and 300D may each include an array of substantially planar electrode elements 302A, 302B, 302C, and 302D. The array of electrode elements may be capacitively coupled. The electrode elements 302A, 302B, 302C, and 302D may be non-ceramic dielectric materials disposed on a plurality of planar conductors, such as, for example, a polymer film disposed on pads on a printed circuit board or on a planar metal strip. In another example, the electrode elements 302A, 302B, 302C, and 302D are ceramic elements.

[0016] 4A-7I show examples of transducer devices that can be used to apply TTFields to a subject's body. Each example transducer device allows for simple rotation of the transducer to reposition at least one non-adhesive void region (or at least one drug region as described above with reference to FIGS. 3C and 3D) formed in the electrode array over an area of ​​the subject's skin that was previously covered by an electrode element. Positioning the void region over an area of ​​the subject's skin that was previously covered by an electrode element allows this area of ​​the subject's skin to "breathe" and recover from previous contact with the electrode elements used to induce TTFields.

[0017] Because some subjects experience skin irritation in response to prolonged interaction of the skin with the electrode elements used to induce TTFields, moving the transducer so that an air gap is positioned over the affected area of ​​the subject's skin can help minimize, reduce, or prevent irritation of the subject's skin throughout the TTFields treatment. Additionally, positioning a medicinal area over an area of ​​the subject's skin previously covered by the electrode elements allows a topical medicinal agent to be applied to this area of ​​the subject's skin to soothe, heal, reduce inflammation or pain, or otherwise improve the condition of the subject's skin. Because the transducer device can be rotated about the center of gravity of the array of electrodes, this allows the transducer to continue to output TTFields from the same optimal location on the subject's body during treatment while providing relief and / or healing to an area of ​​the subject's skin.

[0018] 4A and 4B show an example transducer device 400 that may include an array of electrodes 402 (i.e., 402A-402F) configured to be placed on a subject's body with one side of the array facing the subject's body. Figures 4A and 4B show the transducer device 400 as viewed perpendicular to the side of the array. As shown in Figure 4A, the transducer device 400 may also include one or more blank spaces 404 (i.e., 404A-404F), which do not overlap any of the electrodes 402. At least a portion of one or more of the blank spaces 404 may be a relaxed region, defined herein as either 1) a void region of the transducer device 400 that is entirely uncovered except for the transducer substrate, or 2) a non-adhesive region that includes a drug substrate capable of receiving, absorbing, or retaining a topical agent applied thereto, or 3) a drug region of the transducer device that includes a drug substrate and a topical agent integrated therein or thereon that is used to administer a topical agent to an area of ​​the skin of a subject. The topical agent may cover the entire surface of the drug substrate, or may cover a portion of it, or may be infused through a portion or the entire thickness of the drug substrate below the entire surface area or below a portion of the surface area of ​​the drug substrate, or may be disposed in some combination thereof. The footprint of the drug substrate may fill the entire area of ​​the blank space or a portion thereof. In some embodiments, the drug region has a surface area sufficient to occupy at least 40%, or at least 50%, of one of the electrodes of the array of electrodes. In some embodiments, the drug region has a surface area sufficient to occupy at least 95%, or at least 100%, of one of the electrodes of the array of electrodes. In some embodiments, the drug substrate is part of the transducer substrate. The array of electrodes 402 can be spaced about a center of gravity 440 of the array, and the blank spaces 404 can be disposed between each two adjacent electrodes. In some embodiments, the transducer device 400 has an alternating pattern of electrodes 402 and blank spaces 404.In other embodiments, a non-alternating rotating pattern of electrodes 402 and blank spaces 404 can be used. The electrodes 402 can be electrically coupled to each other via one or more PCB layers / connectors 405 or wires. The PCB layers / connectors 405 (and 805 in FIG. 8) are not electrodes, but are non-bonded areas. Although six electrodes 402 and six blank spaces 404 are shown, other embodiments can include a different number of electrodes 402, blank spaces 404, or both in the array.

[0019] The blank spaces 404 are present at one or more locations that may correspond to or encompass the relative locations of one or more electrodes 402 when the array is rotated about the centroid 440 by a first rotational amount (e.g., as shown by arrow 438 in FIG. 4B). When the transducer device 400 is rotated by a particular rotational amount (e.g., 30 degrees, 90 degrees, 150 degrees, 210 degrees, 270 degrees, or 330 degrees), the electrodes 402 are positioned in the area previously occupied (e.g., in FIG. 4A) by the blank spaces 404 between adjacent electrodes 402 (i.e., the new positions shown in FIG. 4B). Additionally, in the position of FIG. 4B, the blank spaces between the electrodes 402 (in their previous positions shown in FIG. 4A) move to the locations 436 (i.e., 436A-436F) previously occupied by the electrodes 402. This allows skin that was previously in contact with or near the electrode 402 to recover from exposure to the electrode and / or receive the topical agent to minimize, reduce, prevent, soothe, heal, and / or treat skin inflammation.

[0020] 4A and 4B, each electrode 402 of the array may extend substantially radially away from a center of mass 440 of the array (e.g., extend radially outward). In addition, the center of mass of each electrode 402 may be spaced substantially equidistant from the center of mass 440 of the array. Each electrode 402 may have a substantially similar shape, and a blank space 404 between two electrodes 402 may be large enough to occupy the electrode 402 therein. The electrodes 402 may be spaced substantially equidistant from each other about the center of mass 440 of the array. Each electrode 402 may include a first edge 408 (as shown for electrode 402A) that extends radially outward relative to a central portion of the array, and a second edge 410 that extends radially outward relative to the central portion of the array. An electrode (e.g., 402A) may further include a rounded edge 412 connecting a first edge 408 to a second edge 410 at an end of the electrode 402A disposed radially away from the central portion. A perimeter 406, which substantially follows the array of electrodes 402, may have a circular shape, although other shapes may be possible.

[0021] The relative size of one blank space 404 with respect to adjacent electrodes 402 can be described as follows: A first distance 414 (FIG. 4A) is defined as the distance between a first point 416 on a first outer edge of an electrode (e.g., 402E) and a second point 418 on a second outer edge of the electrode (e.g., 402E), where the first point 416 and the second point 418 are each the same distance 420 from the center of gravity 440 of the array. A second distance 422 is defined as the distance between the first point 416 and a third point 424 on an adjacent outer edge of a second electrode (e.g., 402D), where the adjacent outer edge of the second electrode and the first outer edge are disposed adjacent to each other without any electrodes between them. The first point 416 and the third point 424 are also each the same distance 420 from the center of gravity 440. The second distance 422 can be at least 80% of the length of the first distance 414. In some embodiments, the second distance 422 can be greater than or equal to the first distance 414. In this manner, the transducer 400 can provide sufficient space to encompass a portion of the subject's skin that was previously exposed to the electrode elements.

[0022] As shown with reference to electrodes 402A and 402F (FIG. 4A), when a bisector 430 is drawn between an outer edge 408 of electrode 402A and an adjacent outer edge of electrode 402F, a distance 432 from the outer edge 408 of electrode 402A to the bisector 430, measured in a direction perpendicular to the bisector 430, is equal to a distance 434 from the adjacent outer edge to the bisector 430, measured in a direction perpendicular to the bisector 430, along the length of the two outer edges. That is, the outer edges of the two adjacent electrodes 402 may have a constant rate of change with respect to these bisectors.

[0023] The relative shape of one blank space 404 (e.g., 404C, FIG. 4A ) with respect to an adjacent electrode 402 (e.g., 402C) can be described as follows: A first angle 426 greater than 0° is formed between a first edge and a second edge of the electrode element (e.g., 402C), the first angle 426 facing the exterior of the array. A second angle 428 is formed between a first edge of the electrode element (e.g., 402C) and an adjacent edge of an adjacent electrode element (e.g., 402D), the second angle 428 facing the exterior of the array. The value of the second angle 428 can be at least 80% of the value of the first angle 426. In some embodiments, the second angle 428 can be equal to or greater than the first angle 426. In this manner, the transducer 400 can provide sufficient space to surround a portion of the subject's skin that was previously exposed to the electrode element.

[0024] 5 and 6 show example transducer devices 500 and 600, respectively, which may include an array of electrodes 502A-502F (i.e., 502) and 602A-602F (i.e., 602) shaped similarly to the array of FIG. 4A. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the transducer device (500, 600) includes a substrate in the form of an adhesive layer, or a tape bandage (550, 650) with an adhesive layer, and an array of electrodes (502, 602) on the substrate. In each of FIGS. 5 and 6, the transducer device (500, 600) includes an array of electrodes (502, 602) with spaces (504A-504F, 604A-604F) between them. The adhesive layer (550, 650) may be connected to and substantially cover (from below) the array of electrodes (502, 602). To further allow the skin on the subject's body to breathe when not covered by the electrode elements, the adhesive layer (550, 650) can include one or more cutouts (552A-552F, 652A-652E) formed therein to leave one or more spaces between the electrodes of the array uncovered. As discussed above, the cutouts can be cut through both the tape bandage support and the adhesive layer, or only through the adhesive layer (e.g., leaving a non-adhesive void area).

[0025] In FIG. 5, the one or more cutouts 552 can have a closed shape such that the one or more cutouts 552 are surrounded by the adhesive layer 550. The adhesive layer 550 extends toward (from the underside) the outer edge of the one or more electrodes 502 as shown, but does not have to cover it. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the one or more cutouts (552, 652) can have an open shape such that the one or more cutouts (552, 652) define one or more recesses along the outer edge of the adhesive layer (550, 650). The adhesive layer 650 can completely cover (from the underside) the outer edge of the one or more electrodes 602 as shown in FIG. As shown with respect to electrode 602F, adhesive layer 650 can extend past each of the first outer edge (distance 662) and second outer edge (distance 664) of electrode 602F by the same or different amounts, and can extend past the edge (distance 660) of electrode 602F disposed radially away from the center of gravity by the same or different amounts (as distance 662 and / or distance 664). In some embodiments, adhesive layer can extend past the edge (distance 660) of electrode disposed radially away from the center of gravity by a greater amount (than distance 662 and distance 664). This can allow adhesive layer 650 to connect transducer device 600 to the subject's skin without covering too much of space 604 between adjacent electrodes 602.

[0026] Other arrangements of the array of electrodes may allow for rotational translation to minimize, reduce, prevent, soothe, heal, and / or treat skin irritation during TTFields treatment. Various examples of such electrode arrays are shown in Figures 7A-7I. The disclosure is not limited to the arrangements of electrode elements and relief regions (e.g., void regions or drug regions) shown in these examples, as many others may be possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0027] Each of Figures 7A-7I shows an array of electrodes (700A, 700B, 700C, 700D, 700E, 700F, 700G, 700H, 700I) including multiple electrode elements (702A, 702B, 702C, 702D, 702E, 702F, 702G, 702H, 702I) and one or more blank spaces where no electrode elements are present. Each blank space can be or include one or more relief regions (704A, 704B, 704C, 704D, 704E, 704F, 704G, 704H, 704I).

[0028] The term "relief region" 704 (and 804 in FIG. 8) as used herein refers to either 1) a void region of the transducer device that is completely uncovered except for the transducer substrate, 2) a non-adhesive region that includes a drug substrate that can receive, absorb, or retain a topical agent applied thereto, or 3) a drug region of the transducer device that includes a drug substrate and a topical agent integrated therein or thereon that is used to administer a topical agent to an area of ​​the skin of a subject. These relief regions 704 may be free of exposed adhesive.

[0029] The electrode elements 702 are disposed at existing electrode locations (708A, 708B, 708C, 708D, 708E, 708F, 708G, 708H, 708I) disposed about the center of gravity (706A, 706B, 706C, 706D, 706E, 706F, 706G, 706H, 706I) of the array 700. Each of the electrode elements 702 can trace an existing electrode footprint, shown via solid outline in Figures 7A-7I. The existing electrode footprint is the area footprint of the existing electrode locations 708. One or more blank spaces can define potential electrode locations (710A, 710B, 710C, 710D, 710E, 710F, 710G, 710H, 710I) that might otherwise be occupied by electrode elements 702 during several rotations of the array 700. The potential electrode locations 710 are disposed about the center of gravity 706 of the array, with each potential electrode location 710 tracing a potential electrode footprint, shown via dashed outline in Figures 7A-7I. The potential electrode footprint is the area footprint of the potential electrode locations 710.

[0030] In some embodiments, the relaxation regions 704 of the array 700 occupy at least the potential electrode locations 710. In one example, the relaxation regions 704 occupy only the area footprint defined by the potential electrode locations 710. In another example, one or more relaxation regions 704 of the array 700 can occupy a larger portion of the white space between adjacent electrodes 702 than is defined by the potential electrode locations 710.

[0031] In each of Figures 7A-7I, at least one relaxation region 704 in the array 700 can encompass an areal footprint equal to at least 40%, or at least 50%, of the areal footprint of at least one electrode 702, and can be superimposed on at least 40%, or at least 50%, of the existing electrode positions 708 by rotation of the array 700 about the center of gravity 706. For example, in Figure 7D, one such relaxation region 704D(2) can encompass at least 40% of the areal footprint (708D(1)) of the larger electrode element 702D(1), and can be superimposed thereon via rotation. In some embodiments, at least one relaxation region 704 in the array can encompass an areal footprint equal to at least 95% (e.g., 100%) of the areal footprint of at least one existing electrode position 708, and can be superimposed on at least 95% (e.g., 100%) of the existing electrode positions 708 by rotation of the array about the center of gravity 706. For example, in FIG. 7D, relaxation region 704D(2) can encompass the entire area footprint (708D(2)) of smaller electrode element 702D(2) and can be superimposed thereon via rotation.

[0032] In Figures 7A-7E, 7H, and 7I, at least one electrode element 702 extends radially outward away from the center of gravity 706. In Figures 7A, 7E, 7H, and 7I, the sum of the area footprints for all relaxation regions 704 in the array is approximately 50% of the sum of the combined area footprints for all relaxation regions 704 and all existing electrode locations 708 in the array. That is, the relaxation regions 704 occupy approximately the same total area as the electrode elements 702 in the transducer device. As shown in each of Figures 7A-7I, the sum of the area footprints for all relaxation regions 704 in the array can be equal to at least 20% of the sum of the combined area footprints for all relaxation regions 704 and all existing electrode locations 708 in the array, such that the relaxation regions 704 occupy a total amount of at least one-quarter the area of ​​the electrode elements 702.

[0033] In some embodiments, each potential electrode footprint (710) has the same shape, area, orientation relative to the center of gravity 706, and distance from the center of gravity 706 as one or more existing electrode footprints (708). In addition, each potential electrode footprint (710) is rotationally aligned with one or more existing electrode footprints (708) about the center of gravity 706 such that a rotational translation of the electrode array 700 about the center of gravity 706 can position at least one potential electrode location 710 to coincide with an existing electrode location 708. This rotation provides a resting state (or topical agent application) for an area of ​​skin beneath the at least one electrode after the rotation. In some embodiments, the total area occupied by the potential electrode locations 710 can be 50% or less of the sum of the total areas of the potential electrode locations 710 and the existing electrode locations 708.

[0034] In some embodiments, the distribution of combinations of potential electrode locations 710 and existing electrode locations 708 within the array 700 can exhibit Cx symmetry with respect to rotations about the center of gravity 706, where x is an integer, and the potential electrode footprints are considered to be identical to the existing electrode footprints when determining the rotational symmetry of the combinations of electrode locations 708 and 710. For example, with regard to the distribution of combinations of potential and existing electrode positions, FIG. 7A shows array 700A having C12 symmetry, since there are 12 rotationally symmetric positions about center of gravity 706A at which combinations of electrode positions 708A / 710A can be placed; array 700B in FIG. 7B has C10 symmetry; array 700C in FIG. 7C has C9 symmetry; arrays 700D, 700H, and 700I in FIGS. 7D, 7H, and 7I have C2 symmetry; arrays 700E and 700F in FIGS. 7E and 7F have C8 symmetry; and array 700G in FIG. 7G has C4 symmetry.

[0035] In addition, the rotational symmetry of the pre-existing electrode positions 708 with respect to a rotation about the centroid 706 is either Cx' or there is no rotational symmetry, where x' is an integer. For example, Figure 7A shows an array 700A with six rotationally symmetric pre-existing electrode positions 708 and therefore an x' value of 6. In the examples of Figures 7A and 7E, the x value is equal to a value of 2x'. In Figure 7B, the x value is equal to 5x'. In Figure 7C, the x value is equal to 3x'. In Figure 7F, the x value is equal to 4x'.

[0036] A productive rotation of the array is given by a 360 / x degree rotation and integer multiples thereof, excluding a 360 / x' degree rotation and integer multiples thereof (which are non-productive rotations). A "non-productive rotation" results in an equivalent array pattern in which the same area of ​​skin is covered by existing electrode locations 708, while a "productive rotation" results in at least one existing electrode location 708 being replaced by a potential electrode location 710, thus providing recovery space or drug application to the subject's skin. In some embodiments, at least one rotation about the centroid 706 results in all potential electrode locations 710 moving to coincide with the locations previously occupied by existing electrode locations 708, thereby providing resting state (or topical drug application) to all areas of skin under all of the electrodes at the existing electrode locations (e.g., arrays 700A, 700E, 700H, 700I) in one rotation.

[0037] As shown in Figure 7D, the existing electrode footprint of at least one electrode element 702D(1) of the array can have a different shape and the same distance from the centroid 706 as the potential electrode footprint of at least one potential electrode location 710. As shown in Figures 7D, 7E, 7G, 7H, and 7I, the existing electrode footprint of at least one electrode element (702D(1), 702E(1), 702G(1), 702H(1), 702I(1)) of the array has a different shape than the existing electrode footprint of at least one other electrode element 702D(2), 702E(2), 702G(2), 702H(2), 702I(2) of the array.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 7E and 7F, one or more relaxation regions 704 can define a first potential electrode location (710E(1), 710F(1)) disposed a first distance from the center of gravity 706 and a second potential electrode location (710E(2), 710F(2)) disposed a second distance from the center of gravity 706, where the first distance and the second distance are different from one another. In such a case, as in FIG. 7E, the first potential electrode location 710E(1) may be circumferentially offset from the second potential electrode location 710E(2), or as in FIG. 7F, the first potential electrode location 710F(1) may be radially aligned with the second potential electrode location 710F(2). In FIG. 7E (and in FIGS. 7F and 7G), the array 700E can include a first group of electrode elements 702E arranged in a first circular region 712E around the center of gravity 706E, and a second group of electrode elements 702E arranged in a second circular region 714E separated from the first group and concentric with the first circular region 712E.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 7F, the existing electrode footprint of at least one electrode element 702F(1) of the array 700F can have a different size than the existing electrode footprint of at least one other electrode element 702F(2) of the array 700F. In such a case, the electrode element 702F(1) can have a similar shape to the differently sized electrode element 702F(2) as shown (FIG. 7F), or a different shape (FIG. 7G). As shown in FIGS. 7H and 7I, the entire array 700 of electrodes can have a non-circular shape. For example, the array 700 can have an elliptical, cocoon-shaped, oval, or oblong shape. This allows the array 700 to be used to induce desired TTFields while still providing rotational symmetry for translating the electrodes relative to the subject's skin. Both arrays 700H and 700I can be rotated 180 degrees about the center of gravity 706 (706H, 706I), such that all potential electrode positions 710 move to coincide with the positions previously occupied by the existing electrode positions 708, thereby providing a resting state (or topical agent application) to all areas of skin under all of the electrodes at the existing electrode positions in a single rotation.

[0040] 8 illustrates an example transducer device 800 that can be used to apply TTFields to a subject's body. The transducer device 800 allows for simple translation of the transducer relative to the subject's body to reposition at least one relaxation region 804 formed in the electrode array over an area of ​​the subject's skin previously covered by an electrode element 802 (an existing electrode location). Relaxation regions 804A and 804B can be either void regions within the transducer device 800 that are not covered at all (other than the transducer substrate), or non-adhesive regions that include a drug substrate capable of receiving, absorbing, or retaining a topical agent applied thereto, or drug regions of the transducer device that include a drug substrate and a topical agent integrated therein or thereon that is used to administer a topical agent to an area of ​​the subject's skin. In some embodiments, the drug substrate can be part of the transducer substrate. Each relaxation region 804 may be capable of encompassing an area footprint (potential electrode footprint) equal to at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 95% of the area footprint of at least one of the electrodes 802 of the transducer 800 of FIG. 8. When viewed perpendicular to the plane of the array of electrodes, the electrode elements 802 are disposed at existing electrode locations 808. Each of the electrode elements 802 may trace an existing electrode footprint. The existing electrode footprint is the area footprint of the existing electrode location 808. The relaxation regions 804A and 804B may define potential electrode locations 810A and 810B, respectively, which are locations (i.e., potential electrode footprints) that may otherwise be occupied by the electrode elements 802 during several translations of the transducer array 800. As shown, the multiple existing electrode locations 808 may be disposed in a line 830. For example, three lines 830A, 830B, and 830C of existing electrode locations 808 are shown on the transducer 800 in FIG.Both relaxation regions 804A and 804B may be superimposable with at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 95% of the area footprint of each of the existing electrode locations 808 arranged in separate lines (e.g., 830A, 830B, or 830C) by translation of the array relative to the subject's body.

[0041] 9 illustrates an example method 900 of applying TTFields to a subject's body in accordance with the present technology. Method 900 begins at step S902 with placing a first transducer in a first initial position at a first location on the subject's body. The first transducer may include multiple electrodes at initial electrode positions arranged circumferentially about a center of gravity of the first transducer, with a space between at least one pair of adjacent electrodes. The first transducer may optionally be affixed to the subject's body via an adhesive layer having one or more cutouts (described above) therein, the cutouts being positioned over the spaces between adjacent electrodes.

[0042] At step S904, the method 900 may include placing a second transducer in a second initial position at a second location on the subject's body. The second transducer may include a plurality of electrodes arranged circumferentially about a center of gravity of the second transducer, with a space between at least one pair of adjacent electrodes. The second transducer may be optionally affixed to the subject's body via an adhesive layer having one or more cutouts therein, the cutouts being positioned over the spaces between the adjacent electrodes.

[0043] At step S906, the method 900 includes inducing an electric field between a first transducer disposed at a first location on the subject's body and a second transducer disposed at a second location on the subject's body. At step S908, the method 900 includes determining whether a first time period has elapsed. After inducing the electric field for more than the first time period, the method 900 proceeds to step S910, which includes terminating the electric field.

[0044] In step S912, the method 900 includes rotating the first transducer about its center of mass at a first location on the subject's body to a first rotational position such that at least one of the initial electrode positions is occupied by a space that existed between two electrodes in the first initial position. In some embodiments, at the first rotational position, all of the initial electrode positions of the first transducer are occupied by a space that existed between adjacent electrodes in the first initial position.

[0045] At step S914, the method 900 may include rotating the second transducer about its center of mass to a second rotational position at a second location on the subject's body, where at least one of the initial electrode positions is occupied by the space that existed between the two electrodes at the second initial position. In some embodiments, at the second rotational position, all of the initial electrode positions of the second transducer may be occupied by the space that existed between adjacent electrodes at the second initial position. At step S916, the method 900 includes inducing another electric field between the first transducer and the second transducer.

[0046] FIG. 10 illustrates an example method 1000 of applying TTFields to a subject's body in accordance with the present technology. Method 1000 begins at step S1002 with placing a first transducer in a first initial position at a first location on the subject's body. The first transducer can include a plurality of electrodes and a drug region disposed between two adjacent electrodes, the drug region including a drug substrate capable of holding a local drug therein or thereon, and no exposed adhesive on the drug region. In some embodiments, the first transducer can include a plurality of drug regions disposed between adjacent electrodes (e.g., as shown in the devices of FIGS. 4A-8).

[0047] At step S1004, the method 1000 can include placing a second transducer in a second initial position at a second location on the subject's body. The second transducer can include multiple electrodes at the initial electrode positions and a drug region disposed between two adjacent electrodes, as described above. In some embodiments, the second transducer can include multiple drug regions disposed between adjacent electrodes (e.g., as shown in the devices of FIGS. 4A-8).

[0048] At step S1006, the method 1000 includes inducing an electric field between a first transducer disposed in a first initial position at a first location on the subject's body and a second transducer in a second initial position disposed at a second location on the subject's body. At step S1008, the method 1000 includes determining whether a first time period has elapsed. After inducing the electric field for more than the first time period, the method 1000 proceeds to step S1010, which includes stopping the electric field.

[0049] At step S1012, the method 1000 includes moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position on the subject's body at a first location, where at the first rotational or translational position at least one drug region holds a local agent thereon and is in contact with an area of ​​the subject's body previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode. At the first rotational or translational position, each of the drug regions of the first transducer can be disposed in an area previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode. In one example, the drug region includes a drug substrate and a local agent that can be integrated in or on the drug substrate prior to steps S1002 and S1012. In another example, the method 1000 can include, as an optional step S1014, applying a local agent to the drug substrate prior to moving the first transducer to the first rotational or translational position at the first location on the subject's body.

[0050] In one example, moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position in step S1012 can include rotating the first transducer about its center of mass (1016). In particular, moving the first transducer can include rotating the first transducer about its center of mass to a first rotational position at a first location on the subject's body, where at least one drug region will be located over an area previously occupied by at least a portion of the electrode in the first initial position. In some embodiments, at the first rotational position, the entire area previously covered by the electrode in the first initial position can be occupied by the drug region, and vice versa. In another example, moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position in step S1012 can include translating the first transducer to a first translational position (1018) relative to a surface of the subject's body.

[0051] The method 1000 may also include, in step S1020, moving the second transducer from a second initial position at a second location on the subject's body (in a manner similar to that described above for the first transducer in step S1012) to a second rotational or translational position on the subject's body, where at the second rotational or translational position at least one drug region has a local agent thereon or therein and is in contact with an area of ​​the subject's body previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode. At the second rotational or translational position, each of the drug regions of the second transducer may be disposed in an area previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode. In one example, the drug region includes a drug substrate and a local agent that may be integrated in or on the drug substrate prior to steps S1002 and S1020. In another example, the method 1000 can include, as an optional step S1014, applying a topical agent to the agent substrate prior to moving the second transducer to a second rotational or translational position at a second location on the subject's body. In one example, moving the second transducer to a second rotational or translational position in step S1020 can include rotating the second transducer about its center of mass (1016) (as described above for moving the first transducer). In another example, moving the second transducer to a second rotational or translational position in step S1020 can include translating the second transducer to a second translational position (1018) relative to the surface of the subject's body (as described above for moving the first transducer).

[0052] In step S1022, the method 1000 includes inducing another electric field between the first transducer and the second transducer.

[0053] The present invention includes other exemplary embodiments ("embodiments") as follows.

[0054] Embodiment 1: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, the transducer device comprising: an array of electrodes configured to be placed on a body of a subject with one side of the array facing the body of the subject, the array including electrode elements positioned at existing electrode locations positioned about a center of gravity of the array; and at least one void space within the array capable of encompassing an area footprint equal to at least 40%, e.g., at least 45%, or at least 50%, of the area footprint of at least one existing electrode location and superimposable onto at least 40%, e.g., at least 45%, or at least 50% of the at least one existing electrode location by rotation of the array about the center of gravity.

[0055] Embodiment 2: A transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein at least one void space in the array can encompass an area footprint equal to at least 95% of the area footprint of at least one existing electrode location and is superimposable onto at least 95% of the at least one existing electrode location by rotation of the array about the center of gravity.

[0056] Embodiment 3: The transducer apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the sum of the area footprint for all void spaces in the array is about 50% of the sum of the area footprint for all void spaces and all existing electrode positions in the array.

[0057] Embodiment 4: The transducer apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the sum of the area footprints for all void spaces in the array is equal to at least 20% of the sum of the area footprints for all void spaces and all existing electrode locations in the array.

[0058] Embodiment 5: A transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein the array includes a first group of electrode elements arranged at existing electrode positions arranged in a first circular area around the center of gravity, and a second group of electrode elements arranged at existing electrode positions arranged in a second circular area different from the first group and concentric with the first circular area.

[0059] Embodiment 6: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, comprising an array of electrodes, the array configured to be positioned on the body of a subject with one side of the array facing the body of the subject, the array including electrode elements positioned at existing electrode locations arranged about a center of gravity of the array, each tracing an existing electrode footprint, the array also including one or more void spaces defining potential electrode locations, the potential electrode locations arranged about a center of gravity of the array, each potential electrode location tracing a potential electrode footprint, each potential electrode footprint having an identical shape, area, and distance from the center of gravity as one or more existing electrode footprints, rotationally conforming to the one or more existing electrode footprints about the center of gravity, such that rotational translation of the electrode array about the center of gravity allows at least one potential electrode location to be positioned to conform onto an existing electrode location, thereby providing a resting state for an area of ​​skin under the at least one electrode after rotation.

[0060] Embodiment 6A: The transducer device of embodiment 6, wherein the total area occupied by the potential electrode locations is no more than 50% of the sum of the total area of ​​the potential electrode locations and the existing electrode locations.

[0061] Embodiment 7: A transducer device of embodiment 6, wherein the array includes one or more potential electrode locations in one or more void spaces, and wherein the distribution of combinations of potential and existing electrode locations exhibits Cx symmetry with respect to rotations about the center of gravity, where x is an integer, and wherein the potential electrode footprint is considered to be identical to the existing electrode footprint when determining the rotational symmetry of the combinations of potential and existing electrode locations.

[0062] Embodiment 8: The transducer device of embodiment 6, wherein the rotational symmetry of the existing electrode positions with respect to rotation about the center of gravity is either Cx' or has no rotational symmetry, the rotational symmetry of the distribution of the combinations of potential and existing electrode positions with respect to rotation about the center of gravity is Cx-symmetric, a non-productive rotation results in the same array pattern and the same area of ​​skin being covered for the existing electrode positions, and a productive rotation results in the replacement of at least one existing electrode position with a potential electrode position, where x and x' are integers, and the productive rotation is given by a rotation of 360 / x and integer multiples thereof excluding a rotation of 360 / x' and integer multiples thereof.

[0063] Embodiment 9: The transducer device of embodiment 8, wherein x is equal to 2x', 3x', 4x', or 5x'.

[0064] Embodiment 10: The transducer device of embodiment 6, wherein an existing electrode footprint of at least one electrode element of the array has a different shape and the same distance from the center of gravity as the potential electrode footprint of at least one potential electrode location.

[0065] Embodiment 11: The transducer device of embodiment 6, wherein the one or more void spaces define a first potential electrode position disposed at a first distance from the center of gravity and a second potential electrode position disposed at a second distance from the center of gravity, the first distance and the second distance being different from each other.

[0066] Embodiment 12: The transducer device of embodiment 6, wherein the existing electrode footprint of at least one electrode element of the array has a different shape or a different size than the existing electrode footprint of at least one other electrode element of the array.

[0067] Embodiment 13: The transducer device of embodiment 6, wherein at least one rotation about the center of gravity results in all potential electrode positions moving to coincide with positions previously occupied by existing electrode positions, thereby providing a resting state for all areas of skin beneath all of the electrodes at the existing electrode positions.

[0068] Embodiment 14: The transducer device of embodiment 6, wherein the array of electrodes has a non-circular shape.

[0069] Embodiment 15: The transducer device of embodiment 6, wherein each electrode element extends radially outward away from the center of gravity.

[0070] Embodiment 16: A method of applying a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, comprising the steps of: placing a first transducer in a first initial position at a first location on the subject's body, the first transducer including a plurality of electrodes at initial electrode positions arranged circumferentially about a center of gravity of the first transducer, with a space between at least one pair of adjacent electrodes; inducing an electric field between the first transducer and a second transducer arranged at a second location on the subject's body; after inducing the electric field for more than a first period of time, terminating the electric field; rotating the first transducer about the center of gravity at the first location on the subject's body to a first rotational position, where at least one of the initial electrode positions is occupied by a space that was initially present between the two electrodes at the first initial position; and inducing another electric field between the first transducer and the second transducer.

[0071] Embodiment 17: The method of embodiment 16, wherein all of the initial electrode positions of the first transducer at the first rotational position are occupied by spaces that were initially present between adjacent electrodes at the first initial position.

[0072] Embodiment 18: The method of embodiment 16, further comprising the steps of: placing a second transducer in a second initial position at a second location on the subject's body, the second transducer including a plurality of electrodes at initial electrode positions arranged circumferentially about a center of gravity of the second transducer and having a space between at least one pair of adjacent electrodes; and after inducing the electric field for more than a first period of time, rotating the second transducer about its center of gravity to a second rotated position at the second location on the subject's body, wherein at least one of the initial electrode positions of the second transducer in the second rotated position is occupied by a space that was initially present between the two electrodes in the second initial position; and inducing another electric field between the first transducer and the second transducer.

[0073] Embodiment 19: The method of embodiment 18, wherein all of the initial electrode positions of the second transducer at the second rotational position at the second location are occupied by the spaces that initially existed between adjacent electrodes at the second initial position.

[0074] Embodiment 20: The method of embodiment 16, further comprising a step of attaching the first transducer to the subject's body via an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer having one or more cutouts therein, the one or more cutouts being positioned over the spaces between adjacent electrodes.

[0075] Embodiment 21: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, comprising an array of electrodes, the array configured to be placed on the subject's body with one side of the array facing the subject's body, and one or more blank spaces of the transducer device that do not overlap any of the electrodes are present in one or more locations that correspond to the relative locations of one or more electrodes of the array of electrodes when the array is rotated a first rotational amount about the center of gravity of the array.

[0076] Embodiment 22: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, comprising an array of electrodes, the array configured to be placed on the body of a subject with one face of the array facing the body of the subject, wherein when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, each electrode of the array extends substantially radially away from a center of gravity of the array, the center of gravity of each electrode is spaced substantially equidistant from the center of gravity of the array, each electrode of the array has a substantially similar shape, and a gap between two electrodes of the array is large enough to occupy the electrode therein.

[0077] Embodiment 23: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, comprising an array of electrodes, the array configured to be placed on the body of a subject with one face of the array facing the body of the subject, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, each electrode of the array extends substantially radially away from a center of gravity of the array, the electrodes are spaced substantially equidistant from each other about the center of gravity of the array, a first distance is defined as a distance between a first point on a first outer edge of a first electrode and a second point on a second outer edge of the first electrode, the first point and the second point each being the same distance from the center of gravity of the array, a second distance is defined as a distance between the first point and a third point on an adjacent outer edge of the second electrode, the adjacent outer edge of the second electrode and the first outer edge being positioned adjacent to each other without any electrodes therebetween, the first point and the third point each being the same distance from the center of gravity of the array, and the second distance is at least 80% of a length of the first distance.

[0078] Embodiment 24: The transducer device of embodiment 23, further comprising an adhesive layer connected to and substantially covering the substrate layer of the array of electrodes, the adhesive layer comprising one or more cutouts formed therein to leave one or more spaces between the electrodes of the array uncovered.

[0079] Embodiment 25: The transducer device of embodiment 24, wherein the one or more cutouts have a closed shape such that the one or more cutouts are surrounded by the adhesive layer when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array.Embodiment 26: The transducer device of embodiment 24, wherein the one or more cutouts have an open shape such that the one or more cutouts define one or more recesses along an outer edge of the adhesive layer when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array.

[0080] Embodiment 27: A transducer device of embodiment 23, wherein at least one rotation about the center of gravity results in at least one electrode moving to coincide with a position previously occupied by a space between electrode positions, and at least one position previously occupied by a space between electrode positions moving to coincide with an electrode.

[0081] Embodiment 28: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, comprising an array of electrode elements, the array being configured to be placed on the body of a subject with one side of the array facing the body of the subject, wherein when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, a first electrode element comprises a first edge extending in a radially outward direction relative to a central portion of the array and a second edge extending in a radially outward direction relative to the central portion of the array, a first angle greater than 0° is formed between the first edge and the second edge, the first angle facing an exterior of the array, and a second electrode element comprises an adjacent edge extending in a radially outward direction relative to the central portion of the array, the adjacent edge and the first edge being disposed adjacent to each other without any electrode elements therebetween, a second angle is formed between the first edge and the adjacent edge, the second angle facing an exterior of the array, and a value of the second angle is at least 80% of a value of the first angle.

[0082] Embodiment 29: The transducer device of embodiment 8, wherein the electrode elements of the array are spaced substantially equidistant from each other around the array.

[0083] Embodiment 30: The transducer device of embodiment 8, wherein the first electrode further includes a rounded edge connecting the first edge to the second edge at an end of the electrode element disposed radially away from the central portion.

[0084] Embodiment 31: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, comprising: an array of electrodes configured to be placed on the subject's body with one side of the array facing the subject's body; and a drug region disposed between at least one pair of adjacent electrodes of the array, when viewed perpendicular to the plane of the array, and having no exposed adhesive, the drug region comprising a drug substrate and a local drug integrated within or on the drug substrate.

[0085] Embodiment 32: The transducer device of embodiment 31, wherein the topical agent comprises a base component, the base component comprising oil, water, petrolatum, wax, cellulose, or a combination thereof.

[0086] Embodiment 33: The transducer device of embodiment 31, wherein the topical agent comprises at least one of an antibiotic, a steroid, an antiseptic, an emollient, an anesthetic, a terpene, a botanical extract, a silicone-based organic polymer, an antifungal agent, a burn relief agent, a skin repair agent, an astringent, or an antihistamine.

[0087] Embodiment 34: The transducer device of embodiment 31, further comprising a transducer substrate, wherein the array of electrodes is disposed on a surface of the transducer substrate, the transducer substrate comprising an adhesive layer for attaching the transducer device to the subject's body, and the drug substrate is either part of the transducer substrate or disposed on the surface of the transducer substrate.

[0088] Embodiment 35: The transducer device of embodiment 31, wherein the local agent is substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the thickness of the agent substrate.

[0089] Embodiment 36: The transducer device of embodiment 31, wherein the drug region has a surface area sufficient to occupy at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50%, or at least 95% of the surface area of ​​at least one of the electrodes of the electrode array when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array.

[0090] Embodiment 37: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, comprising: an array of electrodes configured to be placed on the body of a subject with one side of the array facing the body of the subject; and a non-adhesive region, free of exposed adhesive, disposed between at least a pair of adjacent electrodes of the array, the non-adhesive region comprising (i) a drug substrate capable of at least one of receiving, absorbing, or retaining a local agent applied thereto, and optionally (ii) a local agent integrated within or on the drug substrate, wherein when viewed perpendicular to the face of the array, the non-adhesive region can encompass an area footprint equal to at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50%, or at least 95% of the area footprint of at least one of the electrodes of the array of electrodes.

[0091] Embodiment 38: The transducer device of embodiment 37, wherein the drug substrate comprises a cloth, gauze, nonwoven material, foam, or sponge disposed between a pair of adjacent electrodes.

[0092] Embodiment 39: A transducer device of embodiment 37, wherein the non-adhesive region can encompass an area footprint equal to at least 95% of the area footprint of at least one of the electrodes of the array of electrodes when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array.

[0093] Embodiment 40: A transducer device of embodiment 37, wherein when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the array includes electrode elements arranged at existing electrode positions arranged about the center of gravity of the array, and the non-adhesive regions are superimposable on at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50%, or at least 95% of at least one existing electrode position by rotation of the array about the center of gravity.

[0094] Embodiment 41: A transducer device of embodiment 37, wherein when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the array is positioned at existing electrode locations arranged around the center of gravity of the array and includes electrode elements each tracing an existing electrode footprint, and the non-bonded regions encompass area footprints defining potential electrode locations, the potential electrode locations being positioned around the center of gravity of the array and tracing the potential electrode footprints, the potential electrode footprints having the same shape, area, and distance from the center of gravity as one or more existing electrode footprints and rotationally matching the one or more existing electrode footprints around the center of gravity, such that rotational translation of the array around the center of gravity allows the potential electrode locations to be positioned to match the existing electrode locations.

[0095] Embodiment 42: The transducer device of embodiment 41, wherein the existing electrode footprint of at least one electrode element of the array has a different shape or a different size than the existing electrode footprint of at least one other electrode element of the array.

[0096] Embodiment 43: The transducer device of embodiment 41, wherein at least one rotation about the center of gravity results in all potential electrode positions moving to coincide with positions previously occupied by existing electrode positions.

[0097] Embodiment 44: The transducer device of embodiment 41, wherein the array of electrodes has a non-circular shape.

[0098] Embodiment 45: The transducer device of embodiment 41, wherein each electrode element extends radially outward away from the center of gravity.

[0099] Embodiment 46: A transducer device of embodiment 37, wherein when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the array includes electrode elements arranged at existing electrode locations, the multiple existing electrode locations are arranged in a row, and the non-adhesive regions are superimposable over at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50%, or at least 95% of the area footprint of each of the existing electrode locations arranged in a row by translation of the array relative to the subject's body.

[0100] Embodiment 47: The transducer device of embodiment 41, wherein the device includes at least one non-adhesive region, each of which encompasses a potential electrode footprint, and wherein the sum of the area footprints for all potential electrode footprints is approximately 50% of the sum of the area footprints for all potential electrode footprints in the array of electrodes and all existing electrode footprints.

[0101] Embodiment 48: The transducer device of embodiment 41, wherein the device includes at least one non-adhesive region, each of which encompasses a potential electrode footprint, and wherein the sum of the area footprints for all potential electrode footprints is at least 20% of the sum of the area footprints for all potential electrode footprints and all existing electrode footprints in the array of electrodes.

[0102] Embodiment 49: A transducer device of embodiment 37, wherein the array of electrodes includes a first group of electrodes arranged in a first circular area around the center of gravity of the array, and a second group of electrodes different from the first group and arranged in a second circular area concentric with the first circular area.

[0103] Embodiment 50: A method of applying a tumor treatment field to a subject's body comprising: placing a first transducer in a first initial position at a first location on the subject's body, the first transducer including a plurality of electrodes at the initial electrode positions and a drug region disposed between two adjacent electrodes, the drug region including a drug substrate capable of holding a local agent therein or thereon, and no exposed adhesive on the drug region; inducing an electric field between the first transducer and a second transducer disposed at a second location on the subject's body; after inducing the electric field for more than a first period of time, terminating the electric field; moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position on the subject's body, where the drug region has a local agent therein or thereon and contacts an area of ​​the subject's body that was previously covered by at least a portion of the electrodes; and inducing another electric field between the first transducer and the second transducer.

[0104] Embodiment 51: The method of embodiment 50, wherein the drug region comprises a drug substrate and a local drug integrated within or on the drug substrate prior to placing the first transducer at a first initial location on the subject's body.

[0105] Embodiment 52: The method of embodiment 50, further comprising the step of applying a local drug to the drug substrate after placing the first transducer at a first initial position but before moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position on the subject's body.

[0106] Embodiment 53: The method of embodiment 50, wherein the step of moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position includes a step of rotating the first transducer about a center of gravity of the first transducer.

[0107] Embodiment 54: The method of embodiment 50, wherein the step of moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position includes a step of translating the first transducer relative to a surface of the subject's body.

[0108] Embodiment 55: The method of embodiment 50, wherein the first transducer includes a plurality of drug regions including the drug region, each drug region of the plurality of drug regions being disposed between adjacent electrodes of the plurality of electrodes, and in the first rotational or translational position, each drug region of the plurality of drug regions of the first transducer is disposed in an area previously covered by at least a portion of an electrode.

[0109] Embodiment 56: The method of embodiment 50, further comprising the steps of: placing a second transducer at a second initial position at a second location on the subject's body, the second transducer comprising a plurality of electrodes and a drug region disposed between two adjacent electrodes, the drug region comprising a drug substrate capable of holding a local agent thereon, and no exposed adhesive on the drug region; after inducing the electric field for more than the first period of time, moving the second transducer to a second rotational or translational position on the subject's body, where at the second rotational or translational position the drug region of the second transducer has a local agent held thereon or therein and comes into contact with an area of ​​the subject's body previously covered by at least a portion of the electrodes of the second transducer; and inducing another electric field between the first transducer and the second transducer.

[0110] Embodiment 57: The method of embodiment 56, wherein the second transducer includes a plurality of drug regions including the drug region, each drug region of the plurality of drug regions being disposed between adjacent electrodes of the plurality of electrodes, and at the second rotational or translational position, each drug region of the plurality of drug regions of the second transducer is disposed in an area previously covered by at least a portion of an electrode of the second transducer.

[0111] Embodiment 58: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, comprising: an array of electrodes configured to be placed on a body of a subject with one side of the array facing the body of the subject, the array including electrode elements positioned at existing electrode locations positioned about a center of gravity of the array; and at least one drug region positioned between a pair of electrodes in the array, wherein the at least one drug region comprises a drug substrate capable of at least one of receiving, absorbing, or retaining a local drug thereon or therein, and the at least one drug region is capable of encompassing an area footprint equal to at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50%, or at least 95% of the area footprint of the at least one existing electrode location, and is superimposable onto at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50%, or at least 95% of the at least one existing electrode location by rotation of the array about the center of gravity.

[0112] Embodiment 59: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, comprising an array of electrodes, the array configured to be placed on the body of a subject with one side of the array facing the body of the subject, said array including electrode elements disposed at existing electrode locations disposed about a center of gravity of the array, each tracing an existing electrode footprint, said array also including one or more drug regions surrounding an area footprint defining potential electrode locations, said potential electrode locations disposed about a center of gravity of the array, each potential electrode location tracing a potential electrode footprint, each drug region capable of (i) receiving, absorbing, or administering a local drug thereon or therein. and optionally (ii) a topical agent integrated within or on the agent substrate, wherein each potential electrode footprint has the same shape, area, and distance from center of gravity as one or more existing electrode footprints and is rotationally aligned about the center of gravity with said one or more existing electrode footprints, such that rotational translation of the electrode array about the center of gravity allows at least one potential electrode location to be positioned to match over an existing electrode location, thereby providing a quiescent state after rotation or applying the topical agent to an area of ​​skin previously under at least one electrode.

[0113] Embodiment 59A: The transducer device of embodiment 59, wherein the total area occupied by the potential electrode locations is 50% or less of the sum of the total areas of the potential electrode locations and the existing electrode locations.

[0114] Embodiment 60: The transducer device of embodiment 59, wherein at least one rotation about the center of gravity results in all potential electrode positions moving to coincide with positions previously occupied by existing electrode positions, thereby providing a resting state or applying a topical agent to the area of ​​skin beneath all of the electrodes at the existing electrode positions.

[0115] Embodiment 61: The transducer device of embodiment 59, wherein the array of electrodes has a non-circular shape.

[0116] Embodiment 62: The transducer device of embodiment 59, wherein each electrode element extends radially outward away from the center of gravity.

[0117] Embodiment 63: The transducer device of embodiment 59, wherein the topical agent is a cream, ointment, lotion, gel, wax, paste, or mineral oil jelly.

[0118] Any embodiment presented under any heading or in any portion of this disclosure may be combined with any embodiment presented under the same or any other heading or in any portion of this disclosure, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. For example, and not as a limitation, any embodiment presented in a dependent claim format for a given embodiment (e.g., a given embodiment presented in an independent claim format) may be combined with any other embodiment (presented in an independent or dependent claim format).

[0119] Numerous modifications, variations, and alterations to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the described embodiments, but rather to have the full scope defined by the language of the appended claims and equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 100 Transducers 200 First Transducer 202 Second Transducer 204 Electrode Element 206 Outer circumference 300A transducer 302A Electrode Element 304A Board 300B Transducer 302B Electrode Element 306B Conductive Wire 300C Transducer 302C electrode element 304C Transducer Board 308C Pharmaceuticals 310C adhesive layer 300D Transducer 302D Electrode Element 308D Pharmaceuticals 310D adhesive layer 400 Transducer 402 Electrode 404 Blank Space 405 PCB layers / connector 406 Outer circumference 408 First Edge 410 The Second Edge 412 Rounded Edge 414 First Distance 416 First Point 418 Second point 420 distance 422 Second Distance 424 Third Point 426 First Angle 428 Second Angle 430 Bisector 432 distance 434 distance 436 the location previously occupied by electrode 402 438 Rotation Amount 440 Center of gravity 500 Transducer Unit 502 Electrode 504 Space 550 Adhesive layer 552 Notch 600 Transducer Unit 602 Electrode 604 Space 650 Adhesive layer 652 Notch 660 Edge 662 First Outer Edge 664 Second Outer Edge 700 Array 702 Electrode Element 704 Relaxation area 706 Center of gravity 708 Existing electrode position 710 Potential Electrode Location 712E First circular area 714E Second circular area 800 Transducer 802 Electrode element 804 Relaxation area 805 PCB Layers / Connector 808 Existing electrode position 810 Potential electrode location 830 Line

Claims

1. 1. A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, comprising: an array of electrodes configured to be placed on the subject's body with one side of the array facing the subject's body, the array including electrode elements positioned at existing electrode locations arranged around a center of gravity of the array; at least one void space within the array capable of encompassing an area footprint equal to at least 40% of the area footprint of at least one existing electrode location and superimposable onto at least 40% of at least one existing electrode location by rotation of the array about the center of gravity; A transducer device comprising:

2. 2. The transducer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one void space in the array is capable of encompassing an area footprint equal to at least 95% of the area footprint of at least one existing electrode location and is superimposable onto at least 95% of the at least one existing electrode location by rotation of the array about the center of gravity.

3. 3. The transducer device of claim 1, wherein the sum of the areal footprints for all void spaces in the array is equal to at least 20% of the sum of the areal footprints for all void spaces and all existing electrode locations in the array.

4. 1. A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, comprising: an array of electrodes configured to be placed on the subject's body with one side of the array facing the subject's body, the array being positioned at existing electrode locations arranged around a center of gravity of the array and including electrode elements each tracing an existing electrode footprint; the array also includes one or more void spaces defining potential electrode locations, the potential electrode locations being arranged around the center of gravity of the array, each potential electrode location tracing a potential electrode footprint, each potential electrode footprint having the same shape, area, and distance from the center of gravity as one or more existing electrode footprints and rotationally conforming to the one or more existing electrode footprints about the center of gravity, such that rotational translation of the electrode array about the center of gravity can position at least one potential electrode location to coincide with an existing electrode location, thereby providing a resting state for an area of ​​skin under at least one electrode after the rotation.

5. The transducer device of claim 4 , wherein the total area occupied by potential electrode locations is no more than 50% of the sum of the total areas of the potential and existing electrode locations.

6. 6. The transducer device of claim 4 or 5, wherein the array includes one or more potential electrode locations in one or more void spaces, and the distribution of combinations of potential and existing electrode locations exhibits Cx symmetry with respect to rotation about the center of gravity, where x is an integer, and the potential electrode footprint is considered to be identical to the existing electrode footprint when determining the rotational symmetry of the combinations of potential and existing electrode locations.

7. The rotational symmetry of the existing electrode position with respect to the rotation about the center of gravity is either Cx' or there is no rotational symmetry; the rotational symmetry of the distribution of combinations of potential electrode positions and existing electrode positions with respect to rotation about the center of gravity is Cx symmetry; a non-productive rotation results in the same array pattern and the same area of ​​skin being covered for the existing electrode location, and a productive rotation results in the replacement of at least one existing electrode location with a potential electrode location; where x and x' are integers, the productive rotations are given by rotations of 360 / x and integer multiples thereof, excluding rotations of 360 / x' and integer multiples thereof, 6. A transducer device according to claim 4 or 5.

8. 6. The transducer device of claim 4 or 5, wherein the existing electrode footprint of at least one electrode element of the array has a different shape than the potential electrode footprint of at least one potential electrode location and the same distance from the center of gravity as the potential electrode footprint.

9. 6. The transducer apparatus of claim 4, wherein the one or more void spaces define a first potential electrode location located a first distance from the center of gravity and a second potential electrode location located a second distance from the center of gravity, the first distance and the second distance being different from one another.

10. 6. A transducer device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the existing electrode footprint of at least one electrode element of the array has a different shape or a different size than the existing electrode footprint of at least one other electrode element of the array.

11. 6. A transducer device as described in claim 4 or 5, wherein at least one rotation about the center of gravity results in all potential electrode positions moving to coincide with positions previously occupied by existing electrode positions, thereby providing a resting state for all areas of skin under all of the electrodes at the existing electrode positions.

12. 6. The transducer device of claim 4, wherein the array of electrodes has a non-circular shape.

13. 1. A method for placing a transducer on a subject's body, comprising: placing a first transducer in a first initial position at a first location on the subject's body, the first transducer including a plurality of electrodes at initial electrode positions arranged circumferentially about a center of gravity of the first transducer, with a space between at least one pair of adjacent electrodes; after more than a first period of time, rotating the first transducer about the center of gravity at the first location on the subject's body to a first rotational position, wherein at least one of the initial electrode positions in the first rotational position is occupied by a space that originally existed between two electrodes in the first initial position; A method comprising:

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein all of the initial electrode positions of the first transducer at the first rotational position are occupied by the spaces that originally existed between adjacent electrodes at the first initial position.

15. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, further comprising attaching the first transducer to the body of the subject via an adhesive layer having one or more cutouts therein, the one or more cutouts being positioned over the spaces between adjacent electrodes.

16. The transducer device of claim 7, wherein x is equal to 2x', 3x', 4x', or 5x'.

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