Geometrically Fitted Transducers for Tumor Treatment Fields

Abstract

A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, the transducer device including an array of electrode elements, the array configured to be positioned above the subject's body with a face of the array facing the subject's body, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, a periphery of the array that substantially traces the electrode elements has a shape that includes at least one convex edge protruding from a center of gravity of the array and at least one concave edge recessed toward the center of gravity of the array.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 124,307, filed March 21, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 322,530, filed March 22, 2022, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. [Background technology]

[0002] Tumor treatment fields (TT fields) are low intensity alternating electric fields in the mid-frequency range that can be used to treat tumors, as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,565,205. TT fields are non-invasively induced in the region of interest by transducers placed on the patient's body, with an alternating voltage applied across the transducers. Traditionally, transducers used to generate TT fields include multiple ceramic disks. One side of each ceramic disk is placed against the patient's skin, and the other side of each disk has a conductive backing. Electrical signals are applied to this conductive backing, and these signals are capacitively coupled through the ceramic disks into the patient's body. Traditional transducer designs include a rectangular array of ceramic disks aligned with each other in linear columns and rows, and attached to the subject's body via adhesive. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] One aspect of the invention relates to a transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, the transducer device including an array of electrode elements, the array configured to be positioned above the subject's body with a face of the array facing the subject's body, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, a periphery of the array that substantially traces the electrode elements has a shape that includes at least one convex edge protruding from a center of gravity of the array and at least one concave edge recessed toward the center of gravity of the array.

[0004] The above aspects of the invention are illustrative and further aspects and variations of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the embodiments that follow. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1A] 1 shows an example of a transducer placed on a subject's head. [Figure 1B] 1 shows an example of a transducer placed on a subject's head. [Figure 1C] 1 shows an example of a transducer placed on a subject's head. [Figure 2A] 1 shows an example of a transducer placed on the subject's torso. [Figure 2B] 1 shows an example of a transducer placed on the subject's torso. [Figure 2C] 1 shows an example of a transducer placed on the subject's torso. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a transducer. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a transducer. [Figure 4A] 1 shows an example layout of a complementary transducer array. [Figure 4B] 1 shows an example layout of a complementary transducer array. [Figure 4C] 1 shows an example layout of a complementary transducer array. [Figure 4D] 1 shows an example layout of a complementary transducer array. [Figure 5A] 13 illustrates another example layout of a complementary shaped transducer array. [Figure 5B] 13 illustrates another example layout of a complementary shaped transducer array. [Figure 5C] 13 illustrates another example layout of a complementary shaped transducer array. [Figure 5D] 13 illustrates another example layout of a complementary shaped transducer array. [Figure 6] 13 is a flow chart illustrating an example of applying a TT field to a subject's body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006] This application describes exemplary transducer devices and assemblies used to apply TT fields to a subject's body to treat one or more cancers. This application also describes exemplary methods of using the transducers to apply TT fields to a subject's body.

[0007] Transducers used to apply TT fields to a subject's body often include multiple electrode elements bonded on a substrate and attached to desired locations on the subject's body via an adhesive layer on the substrate or a separately applied adhesive. Conventional transducers include a large rectangular surface to maximize the number of electrode elements placed on the transducer to apply TT fields to the subject's body. However, the rectangular design may be too large to place on smaller subjects' bodies or smaller areas of the subject's body (e.g., the head) without overlapping with other transducers.

[0008] The inventors have recognized that there is a need for a transducer that is geometrically shaped to allow larger transducers containing more electrode elements to be placed on the subject's body without the transducers overlapping each other. In particular, a transducer shaped to fit geometrically between other transducers in a transducer assembly may allow more electrode elements to be placed on a smaller portion of the subject's body, such as the subject's head. As a result, the transducer may induce TT fields at higher power levels in ideal locations to target regions of interest (e.g., tumors) within the subject's body, improving patient outcomes.

[0009] The disclosed transducer devices are shaped such that adjacent transducer devices in an assembly have complementary convex and concave edges. In one example, a transducer device includes at least one convex edge that protrudes from the center of gravity of the array and at least one concave edge that is recessed toward the center of gravity of the array.

[0010] 1A-1C show transducers 100 (e.g., 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D) positioned on the subject's head. Such transducer 100 placement allows for application of a TT field to a tumor in a region of the subject's brain. Various other locations and / or orientations on the subject's head may be selected for transducer placement. Each transducer 100 may be positioned with an array of electrode elements 102. Each transducer 100 may be positioned on the subject's head such that the face of the array of electrode elements 102 faces the subject's head and fits the subject's head. As shown, the transducers 100 on the subject's head are positioned in an interlocking pattern with the concave / convex edges of adjacent transducers 100 interconnected.

[0011] 2A-2C show transducers 200 (e.g., 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D) attached to other parts of the subject's body (e.g., torso / abdomen). Various other positions and / or orientations on the subject's torso may be selected for transducer placement. Each transducer 200 may have an array of electrode elements 202 arranged thereon. Each transducer 200 may be arranged on the subject's body such that the face of the array of electrode elements 202 faces the subject's body and fits the subject's body. As shown, the transducers 200 on the subject's torso are arranged such that the concave / convex edges of adjacent transducers 200 are connected to each other and are arranged in a substantially straight line around the subject's torso. In one example, the transducers 100, 200 of FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2C may be fixed to the subject's body via a medically appropriate gel or adhesive. In another example, the transducers 100, 200 may be attached to one or more garments and pressed against the subject's body.

[0012] The structure of the transducer may take a variety of forms. In FIG. 3A, the transducer 300A has a number of electrode elements 302A disposed on a substrate 304A. The substrate 304A is configured for attaching 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 may be fixed to the subject's body via the substrate 304A (e.g., via an adhesive layer and / or conductive medical gel). 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 electrically and mechanically connected to each other without a substrate. In one example, the electrode elements 302B are connected to each other via conductive wires 306B.

[0013] The transducers 300A and 300B may each include an array of substantially planar electrode elements 302A and 302B. The array of electrode elements may be capacitively coupled. In one example, the electrode elements 302A and 302B are ceramic elements having a ceramic dielectric layer. In another example, the electrode elements 302A and 302B are non-ceramic dielectric materials disposed on a plurality of flat conductors, such as a polymer film disposed on pads on a printed circuit board or on a flat piece of metal.

[0014] Traditionally, a dielectric material (e.g., a ceramic disk or polymer film) faces the skin-contacting side of the transducer array, and contact with the skin is made via a conductive medical gel or conductive adhesive on the dielectric material. Each electrode has a conductive (metal) element on the other side of the dielectric material, and the electrodes are connected to an AC power source via conductive wires or PCB traces and through a connector. The PCB or traces are typically sandwiched in a layer between the electrode elements and the substrate 304A (e.g., an adhesive bandage or plaster), with an adhesive layer around the perimeter of the electrode array and optionally in the gaps between the rows or columns of electrode elements. The adhesive adheres to the subject's skin and helps to hold the transducer array in place on the subject's body. In some embodiments, a strip of foam or flexible material containing cutouts for the electrodes is used to keep the electrodes in place and to add a comfortable contour around the edges of the electrodes (e.g., a ceramic disk). In one embodiment, the foam strip can be extended to fill the gaps between the rows / columns of electrodes (or can be used as a complete layer with cutouts for the electrodes), thereby blocking the PCB traces or wiring from contacting the skin and improving comfort. However, the latter construction leaves a large area where the center portion of the transducer is not adhered to the skin, making the transducer less secure, and furthermore, the medical gel may not be able to maintain contact with the electrodes on the skin (resulting in a significant reduction in the electric field strength entering the body).

[0015] In some embodiments, a sheet of conductive anisotropic material, such as graphite, may be placed between the dielectric material and the skin. In some embodiments, the sheet of anisotropic material may be a sheet of pyrolytic graphite. In some embodiments, the anisotropic material may be a graphite foil made from compressed high purity exfoliated mineral graphite, or a graphitized polymer film. In some embodiments, the anisotropic material may be non-metallic.

[0016] The sheet of electrically conductive anisotropic material may be a sheet of graphite. An example of pyrolytic graphite is pyrolytic graphite sheet (PGS) available from Panasonic Industries, Kadoma, Osaka. An example of graphite foil made from compressed high purity exfoliated mineral graphite is MinGraph® 2010A Flexible Graphite available from Mineral Seal, Tucson, Arizona, USA. An example of a graphitized polymer film, such as a graphitized polyimide film, is supplied by Kaneka Corporation, Moka, Ibaraki, Japan. In alternative embodiments, an electrically conductive anisotropic material other than graphite may be used instead of graphite.

[0017] According to embodiments disclosed herein, the area of ​​the sheet of anisotropic material covers all electrode elements and may include additional areas corresponding to a concave or convex fit. When viewed perpendicular to the surface of the sheet, the area of ​​the sheet of anisotropic material may define the area of ​​the electrode array. The sheet of anisotropic material may be electrically connected to the electrode array (or, optionally, a dielectric layer) via a layer of hydrogel or conductive adhesive, and may be connected to the skin via a layer of hydrogel or conductive adhesive.

[0018] The sheet of anisotropic material may have a front surface (facing the skin) and a back surface. A skin contact layer including a conductive adhesive composite may be disposed on the front surface of the anisotropic sheet of material. A dielectric layer may be disposed on the back side of the anisotropic sheet of material, and the front surface of the dielectric layer may be disposed in electrical contact with the back surface of the sheet. In some embodiments, the anisotropic sheet of material may have a first resistance in a direction perpendicular to the front surface, and the resistance in a direction parallel to the front surface of the anisotropic sheet of material may be, for example, less than half the first resistance. Thus, the current may spread over the entire area of ​​the anisotropic sheet of material and flow into the skin over the entire area of ​​the anisotropic sheet of material (see, for example, U.S. Patent Application Nos. 17 / 880,937, filed Aug. 4, 2022, and 17 / 899,220, filed Aug. 30, 2022).

[0019] As discussed herein, the transducer array can be more securely attached to the body. A first adhesive substrate can be used in the layer between the electrode elements and the PCB traces or wiring, and can optionally include cutouts for the electrode elements to improve adhesion to the skin, including the central area of ​​the array, while protecting the skin from the sharp edges of the PCB traces or wiring. In a first embodiment, this first adhesive substrate can be an adhesive bandage or plaster, optionally including cutouts for the electrodes. Alternatively, in a second embodiment, the foam layer, optionally having cutouts for the electrode elements (or foam strips between the rows / columns of electrodes), can have an adhesive layer on the skin-facing side of the foam to improve adhesion to the body. In either case, the outside of the transducer array can be optionally covered with a second substrate layer (e.g., an adhesive bandage or plaster) to hold the PCB traces / wiring in place. Also, a peripheral adhesive layer or strip can be optionally provided on the second substrate layer around the array to hold the entire structure in place. This layer structure places the PCB traces / routes on the outside of the (first) substrate layer, providing good contact with the body over the majority of the transducer array and preventing skin irritation from sharp edges of the PCB traces / routes.

[0020] The shape of the electrode elements (e.g., ceramic or polymer dielectric layers) that contact the body can be any shape. For example, FIG. 4B shows electrode elements that are rectangular or elongated strips with rounded ends, and the length of the strips can vary depending on the preferred packing to meet the transducer shape. Also, FIGS. 4C and 4D show hexagonal electrode elements with rounded apexes. For simplicity, FIGS. 4A and 5A-5D show circular electrode shapes (disk shapes), but other electrode shapes can be used in other embodiments, such as a combination of different shaped electrode elements on a single transducer array. For example, each electrode element in the array may individually have a shape selected from: circular, disk-shaped or substantially disk-shaped; elliptical, oval, ovoid, or elliptical; square, rectangular, or hexagonal; substantially square, rectangular, or hexagonal with one or more rounded corners; triangular, substantially triangular with rounded corners or one or more rounded edges; truncated triangular; substantially truncated triangular with rounded corners or one or more rounded edges; wedge-shaped; substantially wedge-shaped with rounded corners; truncated wedge-shaped; or substantially truncated wedge-shaped with rounded corners or one or more rounded edges.

[0021] Transducers of various shapes may be used to maximize the number of electrode elements that can be placed on an area of ​​the subject's body, for example, as disclosed herein, a transducer is shaped to fit with one or more adjacent transducers placed on the subject's body.

[0022] 4A-4D and 5A-5D show transducer assemblies for applying magnetic fields to a subject's body for tumor treatment. The assemblies shown in FIGS. 4A-4D can be used to place transducers on the subject's head (e.g., FIGS. 1A-1C) or on other parts of the subject's body (e.g., torso). The assemblies shown in FIGS. 5A-5D are arranged in a row, and such an arrangement may be used to place transducers around the torso of the subject's body (e.g., FIGS. 2A-2C) or on other parts of the subject's body. Although each assembly in FIGS. 4A-4D and 5A-5D shows four transducers shaped to fit together, in other embodiments other numbers of transducers (e.g., two or three) may be shaped to fit together.

[0023] In each of Figures 4A-5D, the illustrated assembly includes a first transducer array (400A, 430A, 450A, 470A, 500A, 530A, 550A, 570A) ("first array") having a first surface for placement on a subject's body. The first array in each of Figures 4A-5D includes a plurality of electrode elements (402, 432, 452, 472, 502, 532, 552, 572). The assembly further includes a second transducer array (400B, 430B, 450B, 470B, 500B, 530B, 550B, 570B) ("second array") also including a plurality of electrode elements and having a second surface for placement on a subject's body. As shown, the first surface of the first array (400A, 430A, 450A, 470A, 500A, 530A, 550A, 570A) and the second surface of the second array (400B, 430B, 450B, 470B, 500B, 530B, 550B, 570B) have complementary shapes that enable them to fit adjacent to each other on the surface of the subject's body without overlapping each other.

[0024] In each of Figures 4A-5D, the assembly further includes a third transducer array (400C, 430C, 450C, 470C, 500C, 530C, 550C, 570C) ("third array") and a fourth transducer array (400D, 430D, 450D, 470D, 500D, 530D, 550D, 570D) ("fourth array"). The first array (400A, 430A, 450A, 470A, 500A, 530A, 550A, 570A) and the third array (400C, 430C, 450C, 470C, 500C, 530C, 550C, 570C) may form a first transducer array pair capable of generating a TT field therebetween. The second array (400B, 430B, 450B, 470B, 500B, 530B, 550B, 570B) and the fourth array (400D, 430D, 450D, 470D, 500D, 530D, 550D, 570D) may form a second transducer array pair capable of generating a second TT field therebetween. Similar to the first and second arrays, the third and fourth arrays each include a plurality of electrode elements and have a third and fourth surface, respectively, for placement on the subject's body. The first surface of the first array, the second surface of the second array, the third surface of the third array, and the fourth surface of the fourth array may each have a shape that allows them to fit with complementary shaped concave or convex edges of at least two other arrays in the group of four transducer arrays without overlapping each other.

[0025] In Figures 4A-5D, the first surface of the first array is indicated by reference numbers 404, 434, 454, 474, 504, 534, 554, and 574. In one example, the "surface" (e.g., first surface 404, 434, 454, 474, 504, 534, 554, 574) of each transducer array (e.g., first array 400A, 430A, 450A, 470A, 500A, 530A, 550A, 570A) may be a continuous surface in the form of a substrate (e.g., substrate 304A of Figure 3A). In another example, the "surface" of each transducer array may include one or more components (e.g., electrode elements, PCB, and / or conductive wires (i.e., 306B of Figure 3B)) that define the perimeter of the transducer array. In Figures 4A-4D, 5A, and 5B, the first surfaces (404, 434, 454, 474, 504, 534) of the first array (400A, 430A, 450A, 470A, 500A, 530A) may have substantially the same shape as the corresponding second surfaces of the second array (400B, 430B, 450B, 470B, 500B, 530B). In Figures 5C and 5D, the surfaces (554, 574) of the first array (550A, 570A) have a different shape than the surfaces (555, 575) of the second array (550B, 570B), and the first surfaces (554, 574) have a different perimeter (556, 576) than the perimeter (557, 577) of the second surfaces (555, 575).

[0026] In FIG. 4A, arrays 400A-D have surfaces 404 and perimeters 406 similar or the same as surfaces 434 and perimeters 436 of arrays 430A-D in FIG. 4B. In FIGS. 4A and 4B, one difference between the two assemblies of transducer arrays 400A-D and 430A-D is the shape and / or type of electrode elements 402 and 432, respectively. FIG. 4A shows circular or disk-shaped electrode elements 402, while FIG. 4B shows electrode elements 432 that are elongated and arranged parallel to one another. Any desired shape and / or type of electrode elements may be used in any of the transducer arrays and variations thereof described herein. FIGS. 4A and 4B also illustrate that the geometric fit need not be the "best" geometric fit (e.g., optimizing for symmetry in FIG. 4A versus slightly skewed in FIG. 4B).

[0027] 4A-5D, the perimeter (406, 436, 456, 476, 506, 536, 556, 576) of the first surface (404, 434, 454, 474, 504, 534, 554, 574) has one or more concave edges (410A, 440A, 460A, 480A, 510A, 540A, 560A, 580A). As shown in FIG. 4A, when viewed perpendicular to the plane of the first array 400A, the first perimeter 406, which substantially traces the electrode elements 402, may have a shape that includes at least one convex edge 408A protruding from the center of gravity 409A of the array and at least one concave edge 410A recessed toward the center of gravity 409A. In Figure 4A, at least one concave edge 410A can trace, abut, or surround at least a portion of a convex edge (e.g., 408B, 408D) having a line segment of substantially similar or identical shape to at least one concave edge 410A. Figures 4B-5D similarly show a first array (430A, 450A, 470A, 500A, 530A, 550A, 570A) including at least one convex edge (438A, 458A, 478A, 508A, 538A, 558A, 578A) and at least one concave edge (440A, 460A, 480A, 510A, 540A, 560A, 580A), respectively.

[0028] In Figures 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, the perimeter (406, 436, 506, 536) of the first array (400A, 430A, 500A, 530A) has a shape that includes two concave edges (410A, 440A, 510A, 540A) and at least two convex edges (408A, 438A, 508A, 538A). In Figures 4D, 5C, 5D, the perimeter (476, 556, 576) of the first array (470A, 550A, 570A) has a shape that includes four concave edges (480A / 484A, 560A / 564A, 580A / 584A). In FIG. 4C, the perimeter (456) of the first array (450A) has a shape that includes eight concave edges (460A / 464A). In other embodiments, other numbers of concave edges may be possible. In FIGs. 4C, 4D, 5C, and 5D, the perimeter (456, 476, 556, 576) of the first array includes at least one pair of concave edges (460A, 480A, 560A, 580A) located on opposite sides of the array and at least another pair of concave edges (464A, 484A, 564A, 584A) located on opposite sides of the array, where one pair of concave edges has a line segment of a different shape than the other pair of concave edges.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the concave edges (410A, 440A, 460A, 480A) may be defined in part by straight lines (412A, 442A, 462A, 482A). Similarly, the corresponding convex edges (408B, 438A, 458B, 478A) may be defined at least in part by straight lines. Additionally, the concave edges (410A, 440A, 460A, 480A) may be defined at least in part by a second straight line. In FIGS. 5A-5D, the concave edges (510A, 540A, 560A, 580A) are defined at least in part by curved lines. Similarly, the corresponding convex edges (508B, 538B, 558B, 578B) may be defined at least in part by curved lines. As shown in Figures 5A-5D, the curves of the concave edges (510A, 540A, 560A, 580A) and the corresponding convex edges (508B, 538B, 558B, 578B) may have the same or approximately the same radius of curvature. However, the curves of the concave edges need not have the same radius of curvature as the curves of the corresponding convex edges. For example, in Figure 5C, rotating arrays 550A and 550C by 90 degrees results in a geometric fit of the array of the present invention, in which the concave edges (564A, 564C) are adjacent to the convex edges (558B, 558D) and the radius of curvature of the concave edges (564A, 564C) is greater than the curve of the corresponding convex edges (558B, 558D).

[0030] As shown in Figures 4A-5D, the perimeter of the surface of the second array (400B, 430B, 450B, 470B, 500B, 530B, 550B, 570B) has one or more convex edges (408B, 438B, 458B, 478B, 508B, 538B, 558B, 578B) sized and shaped to fit within, abutting, or directly adjacent to at least one concave edge (410A, 440A, 460A, 480A, 510A, 540A, 560A, 580A) of the perimeter (406, 436, 456, 476, 506, 536, 556, 576) of the first array. For example, in Figures 4A and 4B, one convex edge (408B, 438B) of the second array (400B, 430B) resides in a space adjacent to a concave edge (410A, 440A) at the bottom of the first array (400A, 430A). The concave edges (410A, 440A, 460A, 480A, 510A, 540A, 560A, 580A) and the convex edges (408B, 438B, 458B, 478B, 508B, 538B, 558B, 578B) may fit together to be equidistant from one another along a portion of their lengths.

[0031] Similar to Figures 4A-5B, the perimeter of the surface of the second array (400B, 430B, 450B, 470B, 500B, 530B) may also include one or more concave edges (410B, 440B, 460B, 480B, 510B, 540B). Similar to Figures 5C and 5D, the perimeter (557, 577) of the surface of the second array (550B, 570B) may be fully convex. As shown in Figures 4A-5B, the perimeter (400B, 430B, 450B, 470B, 500B, 530B) of the second array may be equal to the first perimeter (406, 436, 456, 476, 506, 536).

[0032] In Figures 4A-4D, one or more convex edges (408A, 438A, 458A, 478A) of a first array (400A, 430A, 450A, 470A) are sized to fit within, abut, or directly adjacent to a concave edge(s) (410B, 440B or 440D, 460B, 480B) of a second array (400B, 430B or 430D, 450B, 470B). Additionally, one or more convex edges (408B, 438B or 438D, 458B, 478B) of the second array (400B, 430B or 430D, 450B, 470B) may be sized to fit within, abut against, or directly adjacent to the concave edge(s) (410A, 440A, 460A, 480A) of the first array (400A, 430A, 450A, 470A).

[0033] In Figures 4A-5D, the periphery of the surface of the third array (400C, 430C, 450C, 470C, 500C, 530C, 550C, 570C) includes one or more concave edges (410C, 440C, 460C, 480C, 510C, 540C, 560C, 580C) and one or more convex edges (408C, 438C, 458C, 478C, 508C, 538C, 558C, 578C). Additionally, the perimeter of the surface of the fourth array (400D, 430D, 450D, 470D, 500D, 530D, 550D, 570D) may include one or more convex edges (408D, 438D, 458D, 478D, 508D, 538D, 558D, 578D). In Figures 4A-5B, the perimeter of the surface of the fourth array (400D, 430D, 450D, 470D, 500D, 530D) may also include one or more concave edges (410D, 440D, 460D, 480D, 510D, 540D). In other embodiments, the perimeter of the surface of the fourth array (550D, 570D) may be completely convex, as shown, for example, in Figures 5C and 5D. As shown in FIGS. 4A to 5D, the outer perimeter of the surface of the third array (400C, 430C, 450C, 470C, 500C, 530C, 550C, 570C) may be equal to the outer perimeter (406, 436, 456, 476, 506, 536, 556, 576) of the first array (400A, 430A, 450A, 470A, 500A, 530A, 550A, 570A), and the outer perimeter of the surface of the fourth array (400D, 430D, 450D, 470D, 500D, 530D, 550D, 570D) may be equal to the outer perimeter of the surface of the second array (400B, 430B, 450B, 470B, 500B, 530B, 550B, 570B).

[0034] The "perimeter" of the transducer array may correspond to any of the following arrangements of the transducer with respect to the substrate (e.g., 304A in FIG. 3A): The perimeter of the array (406, 436, 456, 476, 506, 536, 556, 576) may substantially correspond to the perimeter of the substrate on which the electrode elements (e.g., electrode elements 402, 432, 452, 472, 502, 532, 552, 572 of the first array) are disposed. In one example, the perimeter (e.g., the perimeter of the first array 406, 436, 456, 476, 506, 536, 556, 576) completely matches the perimeter of the substrate. In another example, the perimeter (e.g., the perimeter of the first array 406, 436, 456, 476, 506, 536, 556, 576) substantially matches the perimeter of the substrate, except in areas where slits are formed along the contour of the substrate.

[0035] The perimeter of the array (406, 436, 456, 476, 506, 536, 556, 576) may take on a variety of shapes. For example, when viewed perpendicular to the plane of the array, the perimeter (e.g., the perimeter of the first array, 406, 436, 456, 476, 506, 536, 556, 576) may have a substantially bow-tie shape (e.g., Figures 4A / 4B), a substantially infinity symbol shape (e.g., Figure 5B), a substantially peanut shell shape (e.g., Figure 5A), or a substantially butterfly shape (e.g., Figures 4D / 5C / 5D). The perimeter may take on other possible shapes and variations of the shapes described herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] The transducer arrays may fit together in a variety of ways. As shown in Figures 5A-5D, a single concave edge (510A, 540A, 560A, 580A) of a first array (500A, 530A, 550A, 570A) is sized / shaped to fit around, abut, or directly adjacent to one convex edge (508B, 538B, 558B, 578B) of a second array (500B, 530B, 550B, 570B) or one convex edge (508D, 538D, 558D, 578D) of a fourth array (500D, 530D, 550D, 570D) at a time. Alternatively, a single concave edge of an array may be sized / shaped to fit around, against, or directly adjacent to two convex edges of two different adjacent arrays at the same time. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, a single concave edge (410A) of a first array (400A) may be sized / shaped to fit around, against, or directly adjacent to both a convex edge (408B) of a second array (400B) and a convex edge (408D) of a fourth array (400D). Additionally, a concave edge (410C) of a third array (400C) may fit around, against, or directly adjacent to a convex edge (408B) of a second array (400B) and a convex edge (408D) of a fourth array (400D).

[0037] FIG. 6 shows an example of a method 600 of applying a TT field to a subject's body according to the present technology. The method 600 starts at step S602, where a first transducer, a second transducer, a third transducer, and a fourth transducer are positioned at a first position, a second position, a third position, and a fourth position on the subject's body, respectively. The first transducer has a concave edge, and the second transducer has a convex edge. The convex edge of the second transducer at the second position may be positioned within a space defined by the concave edge of the first transducer at the first position so as not to overlap the concave edge. At step S604, the method 600 includes inducing a first electric field between the first transducer and the third transducer. At step S606, the method 600 includes inducing a second electric field between the second transducer and the fourth transducer. As shown in Figures 1A-C, 2A-C, and 4A-5D, each edge of the first, second, third, and fourth transducers in the first, second, third, and fourth positions, respectively, may interface with complementary shaped edges of two other transducers in the group of the first, second, third, and fourth transducers.

[0038] The fourth transducer may have a convex edge that is disposed within a space defined by another concave edge of the first transducer. As shown in Figures 2A-2C, this other concave edge of the first transducer may be opposite the concave edge on which the second transducer is disposed. Any of the transducer layouts described with reference to Figures 5A-5D above may be arranged in this manner (i.e., in a line that can connect one end to the other end, for example, when connected in an oval or circular fashion around the torso of the subject's body). With arrays arranged in this manner, as shown in Figures 2A-2C, step S604 of method 600 includes inducing a first electric field between the first transducer (200A) and the third transducer (200C), and step S606 of method 600 includes inducing a second electric field between the second transducer (200B) and the fourth transducer (200D), where the first and second electric fields are induced through the subject's body, with the first electric field being perpendicular (or nearly perpendicular) to the second electric field. In Figures 4A-4D, the arrays can be grouped together for application to a relatively flat body surface (close to two-dimensional) or a curved body surface such as the head (three-dimensional). In the first scenario (approaching two dimensions), the first and third locations corresponding to the locations of the first and third transducers are arranged on a first line relative to the surface of the subject's body, and the second and fourth locations corresponding to the locations of the second and fourth transducers are arranged on a second line relative to the surface of the subject's body. For example, in Figures 4A-C, the first and second lines may be perpendicular to each other (e.g., the first and third transducers are aligned vertically and the second and fourth transducers are aligned horizontally). In this first scenario, the electric fields applied as described above can be used to treat tumors near the surface, or the setup can be used to make impedance measurements near the surface.In a second scenario (three-dimensional), the arrays of Figures 4A and 4B can be applied to a subject's head, for example, in the manner shown in Figures 1A-1C (e.g., the second array 400B and the fourth array 400D can be positioned anteriorly and posteriorly, and the first array 400A and the third array 400C can be positioned on the left and right sides of the head such that the upper concave edge 410A and the lower concave edge 410C of Figure 4A are contoured over the subject's ears). In this second scenario, the electric field applied as described above can be used to treat a target region of the brain (e.g., a tumor in the brain or a resection cavity region in the brain), such that the first electric field is perpendicular (or nearly perpendicular) to the second electric field.

[0039] The method 600 of Figure 6 can be performed using any of the transducer array layouts described in detail above with reference to Figures 4A-5D, or any variations thereof. The first, second, third, and fourth locations may be in the head of the subject's body (e.g., Figures 1A-1C) or in the torso of the subject's body (e.g., Figures 2A-2C). In each assembly of complementary transducer arrays, each transducer array may be the same shape or different shapes.

[0040] The present invention includes other exemplary embodiments ("embodiments"), such as:

[0041] Embodiment 1: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, the transducer device comprising an array of electrode elements, the array configured to be positioned above the subject's body with a face of the array facing the subject's body, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, a periphery of the array that substantially traces the electrode elements has a shape that includes at least one convex edge protruding from a center of gravity of the array and at least one concave edge recessed toward the center of gravity of the array.

[0042] Embodiment 2: A transducer device as described in embodiment 1, wherein at least one concave edge can trace, abut, or surround at least a portion of a convex edge having a line segment of substantially similar or the same shape as the concave edge.

[0043] Embodiment 3: The transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein at least one concave edge is partially defined by a straight line.

[0044] Embodiment 4: The transducer device of embodiment 3, wherein the at least one concave edge is at least partially defined by a second straight line.

[0045] Embodiment 5: A transducer device as described in embodiment 1, wherein at least one convex edge is partially defined by a straight line.

[0046] Embodiment 6: The transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein at least one concave edge is at least partially defined by a curve.

[0047] Embodiment 7: The transducer device of embodiment 6, wherein at least one convex edge is defined at least in part by a second curve, the curve and the second curve having the same radius of curvature.

[0048] Embodiment 8: A transducer device as described in embodiment 6, wherein at least one convex edge is defined at least in part by a second curve, the curve having a larger radius of curvature than the second curve.

[0049] Embodiment 9: A transducer device as described in embodiment 1, wherein at least one convex edge is defined at least in part by a curve.

[0050] Embodiment 10: A transducer device as described in embodiment 1, further comprising a substrate, the array of electrode elements being disposed on the substrate, the periphery of the array substantially corresponding to the periphery of the substrate.

[0051] Embodiment 11: A transducer device as described in embodiment 10, wherein the periphery of the array perfectly coincides with the periphery of the substrate.

[0052] Embodiment 12: A transducer device as described in embodiment 10, wherein the periphery of the array substantially coincides with the periphery of the substrate, except in an area where a slit is formed along the contour of the substrate.

[0053] Embodiment 13: A transducer device as described in embodiment 1, further comprising a substrate, wherein the array of electrode elements is disposed on the substrate, the periphery of the array having substantially the same shape as the periphery of the substrate, and the periphery of the array being smaller than the periphery of the substrate.

[0054] Embodiment 14: A transducer device as described in embodiment 1, wherein when viewed perpendicular to the plane of the array, the periphery of the array has substantially the shape of a bow tie, an infinity symbol, a peanut shell, or a butterfly.

[0055] Embodiment 15: A transducer device as described in embodiment 1, wherein when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the periphery of the array has a shape including at least m concave edges and at least n convex edges, where m=2 or m=4 and n=2 or n=4.

[0056] Embodiment 16: A transducer device as described in embodiment 15, wherein m=4, and the at least four concave edges include a first pair of concave edges on opposite sides of the array and a second pair of concave edges on opposite sides of the array, and the first pair of concave edges have line segments of a different shape than the second pair of concave edges.

[0057] Embodiment 17: A transducer device as described in embodiment 1, wherein the electrode element includes a ceramic dielectric layer.

[0058] Embodiment 18: A transducer device as described in embodiment 1, wherein the electrode element comprises a polymer film.

[0059] Embodiment 19: A transducer device as described in embodiment 1, wherein when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the array surface, the periphery of the array, which substantially traces the electrode elements, has a shape including at least eight concave edges.

[0060] Embodiment 20: An assembly for applying a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, the assembly including: a first transducer array including one or more electrode elements, the first transducer array having a first surface for placement on the subject's body, the first outer periphery of the first surface being provided with one or more concave edges when viewed perpendicular to the first surface; and a second transducer array including one or more electrode elements, the second transducer array having a second surface for placement on the subject's body, the second outer periphery of the second surface being provided with one or more convex edges sized and shaped to be within, abutting, or directly adjacent to the one or more concave edges of the first outer periphery.

[0061] Embodiment 21: The assembly of embodiment 20, wherein when viewed perpendicular to the second surface, the second periphery has a completely convex shape.

[0062] Embodiment 22: The assembly of embodiment 20, wherein the second periphery further comprises one or more concave edges when viewed perpendicular to the second surface.

[0063] Embodiment 23: The assembly of embodiment 20, wherein the second circumference is equal to the first circumference when viewed perpendicular to the second surface.

[0064] Embodiment 24: The assembly of embodiment 20, further comprising: a third transducer array including one or more electrode elements, the third transducer array having a third surface for placement on the subject's body and a third outer periphery of the third surface; and a fourth transducer array including one or more electrode elements, the third transducer array having a fourth surface for placement on the subject's body and a fourth outer periphery of the fourth surface, wherein the first transducer array and the third transducer array form a first transducer array pair capable of generating a first tumor treatment field therebetween, and the second transducer array and the fourth transducer array form a second transducer array pair capable of generating a second tumor treatment field therebetween.

[0065] Embodiment 25: An assembly as described in embodiment 24, wherein the concave edge of the first periphery is sized and shaped to fit around, abut against, or directly adjacent to only one convex edge of the second or fourth periphery at a time.

[0066] Embodiment 26: An assembly as described in embodiment 24, wherein one or more concave edges of the first periphery are sized and shaped to fit around, abut against, or directly adjacent to both the convex edge of the second periphery and the convex edge of the fourth periphery.

[0067] Embodiment 27: An assembly as described in embodiment 26, wherein one or more concave edges of the third outer periphery are sized and shaped to fit around, abutting or directly adjacent to another convex edge of the second outer periphery and another convex edge of the fourth outer periphery, and wherein one or more concave edges of the first outer periphery fit around, abutting or directly adjacent to a convex edge of the second outer periphery and a convex edge of the fourth outer periphery.

[0068] Embodiment 28: An assembly as described in embodiment 24, wherein, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the third surface, the third circumference of the third surface is equal to the first circumference of the first surface, and, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the fourth surface, the fourth circumference of the fourth surface is equal to the second circumference of the second surface.

[0069] Embodiment 29: An assembly as described in embodiment 20, wherein when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, a first periphery of the first surface is provided with one or more convex edges, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the second surface, a second periphery of the second surface is further provided with one or more concave edges, the one or more convex edges of the first periphery being sized to fit within, abutting or directly adjacent to the one or more concave edges of the second periphery, and the one or more convex edges of the second periphery being sized to fit within, abutting or directly adjacent to the one or more concave edges of the first periphery.

[0070] Embodiment 30: An assembly as described in embodiment 20, wherein the concave edge of the first periphery and the convex edge of the second periphery are sized to fit together such that the concave edge and the convex edge are equidistant from each other along their lengths.

[0071] Embodiment 31: An assembly as described in embodiment 20, wherein the first transducer array further includes a layer of anisotropic material electrically connected to one or more electrode elements of the first transducer array and disposed on a side of the electrode elements facing the skin, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, the first surface corresponds to a region of the layer of anisotropic material of the first transducer array, and the second transducer array further includes a layer of anisotropic material electrically connected to one or more electrode elements of the second transducer array and disposed on a side of the electrode elements facing the skin, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the second surface, the second surface corresponds to a region of the layer of anisotropic material of the second transducer array.

[0072] Embodiment 32: The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the layer of anisotropic material is synthetic graphite.

[0073] Embodiment 33: The device of embodiment 31, wherein the layer of anisotropic material is a sheet of pyrolytic graphite, a graphite foil made from compressed high-purity exfoliated mineral graphite, or a graphitized polymer film.

[0074] Embodiment 34: The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the layer of anisotropic material is non-metallic.

[0075] Embodiment 35: An apparatus as described in embodiment 31, wherein the layer of anisotropic material has a first thermal conductivity in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the layer, and the thermal conductivity of the layer in a direction parallel to the plane of the layer is at least two times, or at least ten times, the first thermal conductivity.

[0076] Embodiment 36: A device as described in embodiment 31, wherein the layer of anisotropic material has a first resistance in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the layer, and the resistance of the layer in a direction parallel to the plane of the layer is less than half, or less than 10%, of the first resistance.

[0077] Embodiment 37: An assembly for applying a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, comprising: a first transducer array including a plurality of electrode elements, the first transducer array having a first surface for placement on the subject's body; and a second transducer array including a plurality of electrode elements, the second transducer array having a second surface for placement on the subject's body, wherein at least one of the first transducer array or the second transducer array has at least two concave edges, and the first surface of the first transducer array and the second surface of the second transducer array have complementary shapes that can fit adjacent to each other without overlapping each other on a surface of the subject's body.

[0078] Embodiment 38: The assembly described in embodiment 37, further comprising a third transducer array including a plurality of electrode elements, the third transducer array having a third surface for placement on the subject's body, and a fourth transducer array including a plurality of electrode elements, the fourth transducer array having a fourth surface for placement on the subject's body, wherein the first surface of the first transducer array, the second surface of the second transducer array, the third surface of the third transducer array, and the fourth surface of the fourth transducer array have shapes that can fit together on the surface of the subject's body without overlapping with complementary shaped concave or convex edges of at least two other transducers in the group of the first transducer array, the second transducer array, the third transducer array, and the fourth transducer array.

[0079] Embodiment 39: A method of applying a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, comprising the steps of: positioning a first transducer, a second transducer, a third transducer, and a fourth transducer at a first location, a second location, a third location, and a fourth location on the subject's body, respectively, wherein the first transducer has a concave edge and the second transducer has a convex edge, and the convex edge of the second transducer positioned at the second location is positioned within a space defined by the concave edge of the first transducer positioned at the first location so as not to overlap the concave edge; inducing a first electric field between the first transducer and the third transducer; and inducing a second electric field between the second transducer and the fourth transducer.

[0080] Embodiment 40: The method of embodiment 39, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth locations is on a head of the subject's body.

[0081] Embodiment 41: The method of embodiment 39, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth locations is on a torso of the subject's body.

[0082] Embodiment 42: A method as described in embodiment 39, wherein a convex or concave edge of each of the first, second, third, and fourth transducers disposed at the first, second, third, and fourth positions, respectively, interfaces with a complementary concave or convex edge of at least two other transducers in the group of the first, second, third, and fourth transducers.

[0083] Embodiment 43: A method as described in embodiment 39, wherein the first transducer has a second concave edge opposite the concave edge, and the fourth transducer has a convex edge, and the convex edge of the fourth transducer positioned at the fourth position is positioned within a space defined by the second concave edge of the first transducer positioned at the first position so as not to overlap the concave edge.

[0084] Embodiment 44: The method of embodiment 43, wherein the first position and the third position are positioned on a first line relative to a surface of the subject's body, and the second position and the fourth position are positioned on a second line relative to the subject's body.

[0085] Embodiment 45: The method of embodiment 44, wherein the first line and the second line are perpendicular.

[0086] Embodiment 46: The method of embodiment 39, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth locations are aligned in a line relative to a surface of the subject's body.

[0087] Embodiment 47: An assembly for applying a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, the assembly comprising: a first transducer array including one or more electrode elements and a layer of anisotropic material electrically connected to the one or more electrode elements, the first transducer array having a first surface for placement on the body of the subject, the first surface having a first periphery, when viewed perpendicular to the first surface, that has one or more concave edges and is defined by a periphery of the layer of anisotropic material of the first transducer array; and a second transducer array having a second surface for placement on a body of a subject, the second surface having a second periphery defined by a periphery of the layer of anisotropic material of the second transducer array, the second periphery having one or more convex edges sized and shaped to fit within, abutting, or directly adjacent to the one or more concave edges of the first periphery ....

[0088] Embodiment 48: The apparatus of embodiment 47, wherein the layer of anisotropic material is synthetic graphite.

[0089] Embodiment 49: The device of embodiment 47, wherein the layer of anisotropic material is a sheet of pyrolytic graphite, a graphite foil made from compressed high-purity exfoliated mineral graphite, or a graphitized polymer film.

[0090] Embodiment 50: The apparatus of embodiment 47, wherein the layer of anisotropic material is non-metallic.

[0091] Embodiment 51: An apparatus as described in embodiment 47, wherein the layer of anisotropic material has a first thermal conductivity in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the layer, and the thermal conductivity of the layer in a direction parallel to the plane of the layer is at least two times, or at least ten times, the first thermal conductivity.

[0092] Embodiment 52: A device as described in embodiment 47, wherein the layer of anisotropic material has a first resistance in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the layer, and the resistance of the layer in a direction parallel to the plane of the layer is less than half, or less than 10%, of the first resistance.

[0093] An embodiment described under any heading or in any part of this disclosure may be combined with an embodiment described under the same heading or in another part of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by context. For example, and not by way of limitation, an embodiment described in a dependent claim format with respect to a particular embodiment (e.g., a particular embodiment described in an independent claim format) may be combined with other embodiments (embodiments described in an independent or dependent claim format).

[0094] Numerous modifications, variations, and variations can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. It is intended that the present invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but rather have its full scope defined by the language of the following claims and equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D Transducers 102 Electrode Element 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D Transducers 202 Electrode Element 300A, 300B Transducers 302A, 302B electrode elements 304A Board 306B Conductive Wire 400A, 430A, 450A, 470A, 500A, 530A, 550A, 570A First transducer array (first array) 400B, 430B, 450B, 470B, 500B, 530B, 550B, 570B Second transducer array (second array) 400C, 430C, 450C, 470C, 500C, 530C, 550C, 570C Third Transducer Array (Third Array) 400D, 430D, 450D, 470D, 500D, 530D, 550D, 570D 4th transducer array (4th array) 402, 432, 452, 472, 502, 532, 552, 572 Electrode elements 404, 434, 454, 474, 504, 534, 554, 574 1st surface 406, 436, 456, 476, 506, 536, 556, 576 Outer circumference of first surface 408A, 438A, 458A, 478A, 508A, 538A, 558A, 578A Convex Edge 408B, 438B, 458B, 478B, 508B, 538B, 558B, 578B Convex Edge 408C, 438C, 458C, 478C, 508C, 538C, 558C, 578C Convex Edge 408D, 438D, 458D, 478D, 508D, 538D, 558D, 578D Convex edges 409A Center of gravity 410A, 440A, 460A, 464A, 480A, 484A, 510A, 540A, 560A, 564A, 580A, 584A Concave Edge 410B, 440B, 460B, 480B, 510B, 540B Concave Edge 410C, 440C, 460C, 480C, 510C, 540C, 560C, 564C, 580C Concave Edge 410D, 440D, 460D, 480D, 510D, 540D concave edges 412A, 442A, 462A, 482A Straight 555, 575 2nd surface 557, 577 Outer circumference of second surface 600 ways S602 Step S604 Step S606 Step

Claims

1. 1. A transducer apparatus for delivering a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, the transducer apparatus comprising: an array of electrode elements configured to be positioned above the subject's body with a face of the array facing the subject's body; When viewed perpendicular to the plane of the array, the periphery of the array, which essentially traces the electrode elements, is at least one convex edge extending from a center of gravity of the array; at least one concave edge recessed toward the center of gravity of the array.

2. 2. The transducer device of claim 1, wherein the at least one concave edge is capable of tracing, abutting, or surrounding at least a portion of a convex edge having line segments of substantially similar or identical shape to the at least one concave edge.

3. The transducer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein when viewed perpendicular to the plane of the array, the periphery of the array has substantially the shape of a bow tie, an infinity symbol, a peanut shell, or a butterfly.

4. When viewed perpendicular to the plane of the array, the perimeter of the array is: At least m concave edges; at least n convex edges; 2. The transducer device of claim 1, wherein m=2 or m=4, and n=2 or n=4.

5. 1. An assembly for applying a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, comprising: a first transducer array including one or more electrode elements, the first transducer array having a first surface for placement on a body of a subject; a first transducer array, the first surface having a first periphery with one or more recessed edges when viewed perpendicular to the first surface; a second transducer array including one or more electrode elements, the second transducer array having a second surface for placement on the subject's body; and a second transducer array, wherein when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the second surface, a second periphery of the second surface has one or more convex edges sized and shaped to fit within, abut or directly adjacent to one or more concave edges of the first periphery.

6. The assembly of claim 5 , wherein when viewed perpendicular to the second surface, the second perimeter has a completely convex shape.

7. The assembly of claim 5 , wherein the second perimeter further includes one or more recessed edges when viewed perpendicular to the second surface.

8. The assembly of claim 5 , wherein the second perimeter is equal to the first perimeter when viewed perpendicular to the second surface.

9. a third transducer array including one or more electrode elements, the third transducer array having a third surface for placement on a body of a subject and a third perimeter of the third surface; a fourth transducer array including one or more electrode elements, the fourth transducer array having a fourth surface for placement on a body of a subject and a fourth perimeter of the fourth surface; the first transducer array and the third transducer array form a first transducer array pair capable of generating a first tumor treatment field therebetween; 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the second transducer array and the fourth transducer array form a second transducer array pair capable of generating a second tumor treatment field therebetween.

10. 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein one or more concave edges of the first periphery are sized and shaped to fit around, abut against, or immediately adjacent to only one convex edge of the second periphery or the fourth periphery at a time.

11. 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein one or more concave edges of the first periphery are sized and shaped to fit around, abut, or immediately adjacent to both a convex edge of the second periphery and a convex edge of the fourth periphery.

12. 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein one or more concave edges of the third periphery are sized and shaped to fit around, against, or immediately adjacent to another convex edge of the second periphery and another convex edge of the fourth periphery, and one or more concave edges of the first periphery are sized and shaped to fit around, against, or immediately adjacent to a convex edge of the second periphery and a convex edge of the fourth periphery.

13. a first periphery of the first surface further includes one or more raised edges when viewed perpendicular to the first surface; a second periphery of the second surface further defines one or more recessed edges when viewed perpendicular to the second surface; 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein one or more convex edges of the first periphery are sized to fit, abut, or immediately adjacent to one or more concave edges of the second periphery, and one or more convex edges of the second periphery are sized to fit within, abut, or immediately adjacent to one or more concave edges of the first periphery.

14. the first transducer array further comprises a layer of anisotropic material electrically connected to the one or more electrode elements of the first transducer array and disposed on a skin-facing side of the electrode elements, the first surface corresponding to an area of ​​the layer of anisotropic material of the first transducer array when viewed perpendicular to the first surface; 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the second transducer array further comprises a layer of anisotropic material electrically connected to the one or more electrode elements of the second transducer array and disposed on a skin-facing side of the electrode elements, wherein when viewed perpendicular to the second surface, the second surface corresponds to an area of ​​the layer of anisotropic material of the second transducer array.

15. 1. An assembly for applying a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, comprising: a first transducer array including a plurality of electrode elements, the first transducer array having a first surface for placement on a body of a subject; a second transducer array including a plurality of electrode elements, the second transducer array having a second surface for placement on a body of a subject; At least one of the first transducer array or the second transducer array has at least two concave edges; an assembly, wherein a first surface of the first transducer array and a second surface of the second transducer array have complementary shapes that enable them to fit adjacent to one another on a surface of a subject's body without overlapping one another.

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