Method and apparatus for miniature array dose distribution of alternating electric fields.

Abstract

1. A computer-implemented method for determining a transducer position for applying a tumor treating electric field to a target tissue in a subject's body, the method comprising: obtaining a three-dimensional model of at least a portion of the subject's body; and identifying a first location on the three-dimensional model for placing a first transducer, the first transducer having a first surface to be placed facing the subject's body, the first transducer having at least one electrode element adapted to deliver the tumor treating electric field, the at least one electrode element of the first transducer having an area of ​​about 150 cm when viewed perpendicular to the first surface of the first transducer. 2 ~approx. 265cm 2 The range is.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 416,408, filed October 14, 2022, and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 379,256, filed October 12, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. [Background technology]

[0002] Tumor treating fields (TT fields) are low-intensity alternating current electric fields in the mid-frequency range (e.g., 50 kHz to 1 MHz) that can be used in the treatment of tumors, as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,565,205. TT fields are noninvasively induced in a region of interest by placing transducers on the patient's body and applying an alternating current (AC) voltage between the transducers. Conventionally, a first pair of transducers and a second pair of transducers are placed on the subject's body. An AC voltage is applied between the first pair of transducers for a first time interval, creating an electric field with field lines running generally in the anterior-posterior direction. Next, an AC voltage at the same frequency is applied between the second pair of transducers for a second time interval, creating an electric field with field lines running generally in the lateral direction. The system then repeats this two-step sequence throughout the treatment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0003] [Figure 1] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a computer-implemented method for determining transducer positions for applying a TT electric field to target tissue in a subject's body. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for applying a TT electric field to the body of a subject. [Figure 3] Figures A-I show examples of transducer layouts at various positions for applying the TT electric field to the subject's body. [Figure 4] A to I show examples of average electric field strength for various transducer layouts in FIG. [Figure 5] 1 shows the variation of different transducer layouts showing model resistance versus relative array area. [Figure 6] 1 shows an example of a device for applying an alternating electric field to a subject's body. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B show schematic diagrams of an example of a transducer design for applying an AC electric field. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an example of a computer device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This application describes exemplary methods, devices, and systems for determining the position of a transducer for applying an alternating electric field (e.g., a tumor treatment electric field (TT field)) to target tissue in a subject's body and for applying the alternating electric field to the subject's body.

[0005] When preparing to receive TT electric field therapy, a subject or caregiver may have difficulty placing a transducer on a subject at a desired location due to, for example, the subject's chemotherapy port, the subject's sensitive scarring, the subject's anatomical area (e.g., ear or nipple), and / or, in some cases, the desired clothing worn by the subject. When receiving TT electric field therapy, the subject may experience skin sensitivity at the transducer location. In considering these issues, the inventors have discovered that smaller transducers (i.e., transducers with a smaller contact area with the subject) may help alleviate at least some of these problems. For example, smaller transducers allow the transducer to be placed on the subject in a way that avoids the subject's chemotherapy port, the subject's sensitive scarring, and / or the subject's anatomical area (e.g., ear or nipple). Furthermore, smaller transducers allow the subject more clothing options to conceal the transducer from view. Additionally, smaller transducers may reduce the number of areas of the subject's skin that experience skin sensitivity at the transducer location. The inventors have further surprisingly found that the TT field effect can be enhanced by using smaller transducers, e.g., the size of the transducer can be reduced relative to the size of another transducer and / or the size of the organ (or similar tissue type) (e.g., lung) being treated with the TT field.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a computer-implemented method 100 for determining transducer positions for applying a TT electric field to target tissue in a subject's body. In method 100, the effects of administering a TT electric field using transducers of various sizes are determined through computer simulation. The computer may be any device including, for example, one or more processors and memory accessible by the one or more processors, where the memory stores instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computer to perform the relevant steps of method 100. Method 100 may be implemented by any suitable system or apparatus, such as the apparatus of FIG. 8. While FIG. 1 illustrates an order of operations for illustrative purposes, the timing and order of such operations may be altered, where appropriate, without negating the objectives and advantages of the embodiments described in detail herein.

[0007] Referring to FIG. 1 , at step 102, method 100 includes acquiring a three-dimensional (3D) model of at least a portion of a subject's body. The 3D model may be acquired from computer memory (or computer storage) locally or over a network. The 3D model may be generated based on one or more images of a region of the subject. In some embodiments, the one or more images are medical images. The medical images may include, for example, at least one of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image, a computed tomography (CT) image, an X-ray image, an ultrasound image, a nuclear medicine image, a positron emission tomography (PET) image, an arthrogram image, a myelogram image, or any image of the subject's body that provides an internal view of the subject's body. Each medical image may include an outline of a portion of the subject's body and a region of the subject's body that corresponds to a region of interest (e.g., a tumor). As an example, the medical images may be 3D MRI images.

[0008] At step 104, the method 100 includes identifying a first location on the three-dimensional model for placing a first transducer. The first location can be any location on the subject's body. For example, the first location can be on the subject's torso or on the subject's head.

[0009] In step 106, method 100 includes identifying a second location on the three-dimensional model for placing a second transducer. Like the first location, the second location can be anywhere on the subject's body. For example, the second location can be on the subject's torso or on the subject's head. However, to compare the effects of the first and second transducers on the application of the TT electric field, the second location can be approximately at, near, adjacent to, or around the first location. The second transducer and second location of step 106 can be considered a substitute for the first transducer and first location of step 104. In some embodiments, the first transducer can be smaller than the second transducer. In some embodiments, the second transducer can be larger than the first transducer.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first transducer or the second transducer may be adapted to be located at a particular location on the subject (eg, the subject's torso or head).

[0011] In some embodiments, the first and second transducers may have various shapes and / or sizes. For example, the first or second transducer may be triangular, rectangular, circular, oval, elliptical, oval, or elliptical in shape, or substantially triangular, substantially rectangular, substantially circular, substantially oval, substantially elliptical, substantially oval, or substantially elliptical in shape.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first and second transducers can each have at least one electrode element adapted to provide a TT electric field. As an example, at least one electrode element of the first or second transducer can include at least one ceramic disc (e.g., having a diameter ranging from about 2 cm to about 3 cm) adapted to generate an AC electric field. As an example, at least one electrode element of the first or second transducer can include a polymer film adapted to generate an AC electric field.

[0013] In step 108, the method 100 includes performing a simulation of administering a TT electric field to the subject using a first transducer at a first location and a simulation of administering a TT electric field to the subject using a second transducer at a second location, and determining, based on the results of the simulations, whether the first location with the first transducer or the second location with the second transducer provides a greater TT electric field to the target tissue. If the first transducer is smaller than the second transducer, a comparison of the simulation results may determine that the first location with the first transducer provides a greater TT electric field to the target tissue than the second location with the second transducer.

[0014] In some embodiments, the transducers may have different sizes, such that the size of the first transducer is smaller than the size of the second transducer. The sizes of the first and second transducers may be compared by viewing the transducers from a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the transducer, which is the surface of the transducer facing the subject and / or the surface for attaching the transducer to the subject. The sizes of the first and second transducers may be determined by viewing the transducers from a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the transducer and calculating the area of ​​the electrode elements of the transducer. The area of ​​the electrode elements of the transducer may be used as the area of ​​the transducer, since this is the active area of ​​the transducer adapted to deliver an electric field to the subject. As an example, if a transducer is 25 cm in size when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the transducer, the area of ​​the electrode elements may be calculated. 2 If the transducer has one electrode element with an area of ​​25 cm 2 As an example, if the transducers are each 25 cm apart when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the transducer, 2 If the transducer has four electrode elements with an area of ​​100 cm, the area of ​​the transducer is 100 cm. 2 Thus, the size of the transducer may be referred to as the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the transducer when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the transducer.

[0015] In one example, when viewed perpendicular to the first surface of the first transducer and when viewed perpendicular to the first surface of the second transducer, the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the first transducer is about 50% or less of the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the second transducer. In one example, when viewed perpendicular to the first surface of the second transducer, the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the second transducer is about 300 cm 2 Approximately 525cm from 2and the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the first transducer, when viewed perpendicular to the first surface of the first transducer, may be in the range of about 150 cm 2 Approximately 262.5cm 2 (or about 150cm 2 ~approx. 265cm 2 ) In one example, the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the second transducer may be in the range of about 300 cm 2 Approximately 400cm from 2 and the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the first transducer may be in the range of about 150 cm 2 Approximately 200cm from 2 As an example, the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the second transducer may be in the range of about 425 cm 2 Approximately 525cm from 2 and the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the first transducer may be in the range of about 212.5 cm 2 Approximately 262.5cm 2 As an example, the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the second transducer may be in the range of about 352 cm 2 and the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the first transducer may be about 176 cm 2 As an example, the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the second transducer may be about 475 cm 2 and the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the first transducer may be about 237.5 cm 2 It could be.

[0016] In one example, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the first transducer and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the second transducer, the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the first transducer is about 70% or less of the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the second transducer. In one example, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the second transducer, the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the second transducer is about 300 cm 2 Approximately 525cm from 2and the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the first transducer, when viewed perpendicular to the first surface of the first transducer, may be in the range of about 210 cm 2 Approximately 370cm from 2 As an example, the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the second transducer may be in the range of about 300 cm 2 Approximately 400cm from 2 and the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the first transducer may be in the range of about 210 cm 2 Approximately 280cm from 2 As an example, the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the second transducer may be in the range of about 425 cm 2 Approximately 525cm from 2 and the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the first transducer may be in the range of about 300 cm 2 Approximately 370cm from 2 As an example, the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the second transducer may be in the range of about 352 cm 2 and the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the first transducer may be about 246.2 cm 2 As an example, the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the second transducer may be about 475 cm 2 and the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the first transducer may be about 332.5 cm 2 It could be.

[0017] At step 110, since it was determined in step 108 that the first location with the first transducer delivers more TT electric field to the target tissue than the second location with the second transducer, method 100 includes outputting a representation of the first location with the first transducer on the subject's body. In some embodiments, one or more recommended transducer placement locations may be generated based on a region of interest on the subject's body corresponding to the target tissue (e.g., a tumor in one lung). As an example, the one or more recommended transducer placement locations may be intended to optimize a tumor treatment dose delivered to the region of interest on the subject's body. As an example, a display may be used to show a representation of the first transducer and / or the first location on the subject's body. As an example, a display may be used to show a representation of two pairs of transducers on the subject's body for delivering TT electric fields, where the first transducer is included as one transducer of the two pairs of transducers. As an example, a display may be used to show a representation of two pairs of positions on the subject's body for placing transducers for delivering the TT electric field, where the first position is included as one of the two pairs of positions. As an example, a document may be used to show a representation of the two pairs of transducers and / or the two pairs of positions on the subject's body.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 200 for applying a TF field to a subject's body. Method 200 may be used to administer a TF field to a subject using smaller transducers selected as discussed with respect to FIG. 1. Certain steps of method 200 are described as computer-implemented steps. The computer may be any device including, for example, one or more processors and memory accessible by the one or more processors, where the memory stores instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computer to perform the relevant steps of method 200. Method 200 may be performed by any suitable system or apparatus, such as the apparatus of FIG. 8. While an order of operations is shown in FIG. 2 for illustrative purposes, the timing and order of such operations may be altered, where appropriate, without negating the objects and advantages of the embodiments described in detail herein.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 2 at step 202, method 200 includes placing a first transducer at a first location on a subject's body. The first transducer and first location in step 202 may be the first transducer and first location selected in method 100. The first transducer may be a smaller transducer. As an example, the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the first transducer, when viewed perpendicular to a first surface of the first transducer, may be about 150 cm. 2 Approximately 262.5cm 2 range (or about 150cm 2 ~approx. 265cm 2 In some embodiments, the first transducer may have at least one electrode element adapted to be coupled to a voltage generator.

[0020] In step 204, method 200 includes placing a second transducer at a second location on the subject's body to pair with the first transducer at the first location of step 202 to administer the TT electric field to the subject. The second transducer at the second location of step 204 is not the same as the second transducer at the second location of step 106. The second transducer at step 204 may be a larger transducer and / or may be larger than the first transducer at step 202. As an example, the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the second transducer, when viewed perpendicular to the first surface of the second transducer, may be about 150 cm 2 Approximately 262.5cm 2 range (or about 150cm 2 ~approx. 265cm 2 ) As an example, the target tissue can be disposed between the first transducer and the second transducer. For example, the target tissue can be a lung tumor or cancer and can be located between the first and second locations. In some embodiments, the second transducer can have at least one electrode element adapted to be coupled to a voltage generator.

[0021] At step 206, method 200 includes placing a third transducer at a third location on the subject's body. At step 208, method 200 includes placing a fourth transducer at a fourth location on the subject's body to pair with the third transducer at the third location of step 206 to administer the TT electric field to the subject. In some embodiments, the target tissue of the subject may be located between the third and fourth transducers. In some embodiments, the location of the third or fourth transducer may overlap with the first or second location. In some embodiments, the location of the third or fourth transducer may not overlap with the first or second location. As an example, all of the transducers (e.g., the first, second, third, and fourth transducers) may target the same tissue to achieve additive or synergistic therapeutic effects of the AC electric field.

[0022] In step 210, method 200 includes inducing a first electric field between at least a portion of the first transducer and at least a portion of the second transducer by applying an AC voltage between the first pair of transducers. In step 212, method 200 includes inducing a second electric field between at least a portion of the third transducer and at least a portion of the fourth transducer by applying an AC voltage between the first pair of transducers. The flow cycles between steps 210 and 212 to generate the alternating electric field for a specific duration and at specific intervals depending on the determined TT electric field dose.

[0023] For example, an alternating current electric field (e.g., a TT electric field) may be applied to a target tissue (e.g., a lung tumor or cancer), cell, or portion of a subject. In some embodiments, the alternating current electric field may be applied with predetermined parameters. By way of example, the alternating current electric field may include a frequency within a frequency range of about 50 kHz to about 1 MHz. By way of example, the alternating current electric field may include a frequency within a frequency range of about 50 kHz to about 10,000 kHz. By way of example, the frequency of the alternating current electric field may be about 50 kHz to about 1000 kHz or about 100 kHz to about 300 kHz. By way of example, the frequency of the alternating current electric field may be about 100 kHz, about 150 kHz, about 200 kHz, about 250 kHz, or about 300 kHz.

[0024] By way of example, the AC electric field (e.g., a TT electric field) may have an intensity within a range of about 1 V / cm to about 10 V / cm. By way of example, the intensity of the AC electric field may be between about 1 V / cm and about 4 V / cm. Other possible exemplary parameters of the AC electric field may include, among other parameters, an active time, a dimming time, and a duty cycle (all of which may be measured, for example, in milliseconds). The parameters may be modified based on the condition of the subject (e.g., the size of the target tissue, the type of tumor, or the subject's age or gender) or the purpose of treatment. By way of example, the intensity of the AC electric field may be between about 1 V / cm and about 4 V / cm, and the frequency of the AC electric field may be between about 150 kHz and about 250 kHz to treat tumors / cancer cells. In some embodiments, the AC electric field may be applied using two pairs of transducer arrays positioned on the subject and directed toward the subject's target tissue (e.g., a tumor).

[0025] In some embodiments, the portion of the subject's body to be treated with the TT electric field includes a target tissue. The target tissue may include a cancer, a tumor, a lung, a brain, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the target tissue may be located in an organ within the subject's body. As an example, lung cancer or tumor tissue within the subject's body may be the target tissue. In some embodiments, the area of ​​the organ may be determined when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first position of the first transducer. As an example, the area of ​​the first transducer or the second transducer may be about 70% or less of the area of ​​the organ. In some embodiments, the area of ​​the first transducer may be about 50% or less of the area of ​​the organ. In some embodiments, the organ may include the lung, brain, heart, or any tissue in the subject's body. For example, the target tissue may be a cancer or a tumor, and the organ may be the subject's lung.

[0026] Various combinations of transducer pairs as discussed herein, or similar pairs of transducers, may be used together. Various locations of transducers as discussed herein, or other locations, may be used. Transducers may be used in a single pair of transducers or in two or more pairs of transducers. Transducers may be split to be used in a single pair of transducers or in two or more pairs of transducers. The transducers, transducer locations, transducer pairs, and two or more pairs of transducers discussed herein are not exhaustive. Experimental results

[0027] Figures 3A-I show examples of transducer layouts at various positions for applying TT electric fields to a subject's body. Transducer layouts of various sizes were placed at different heights relative to the lungs. In particular, different width and length sizes (e.g., 50%, 70%, and 105%) of a typical transducer used to deliver TT electric fields to the lungs were simulated. As shown in Figures 3A-3C, a transducer with a width and length that is 50% of the typical transducer was simulated. As shown in Figures 3D-3F, a transducer with a width and length that is 70% of the typical transducer was simulated. As shown in Figures 3D-3F, a transducer with a width and length that is 105% of the typical transducer was simulated. As an example, a typical transducer has at least one electrode element with an area of ​​approximately 300 cm. 2 Approximately 525cm from 2 The range may be up to.

[0028] Figures 3A, 3D, and 3G show an example transducer positioned up to the clavicle. Figures 3B, 3E, and 3H show an example transducer aligned with the center of the heart. Figures 3C, 3F, and 31 show the transducer position with the lower edge of the transducer coincident with the diaphragm.

[0029] Figures 4A-4I show examples of average electric field strengths for various transducer layouts in Figures 3A-3I, respectively. Using the transducer positions in Figures 3A-3I, the administration of TT electric fields was simulated by a computer system. As shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C, when a transducer layout 50% the size of a typical transducer was used, the maximum electric field strength was directly related to the transducer position. Similarly, as shown in Figures 4D, 4E, and 4F, when a transducer layout 75% the size of a typical transducer was used, the area where the transducer was located (e.g., the clavicle, heart, or diaphragm) exhibited the greatest average field strength. However, as shown in Figures 4G, 4H, and 4I, this effect diminishes as the transducer becomes larger. As the inventors found, the maximum electric field strength was significantly affected by the transducer size and position, but the average electric field strength throughout the lungs was similar regardless of the transducer size or position.

[0030] Figure 5 shows the variation of various transducer layouts, showing the model resistance versus relative array area. Figure 5 presents values ​​(i.e., model resistance versus relative array area) for three test locations on the thorax (i.e., top, middle, and bottom), such as those in Figures 3 and 4. It can be seen that, in general, the variation in resistance is more dependent on the size of the array than on the location of the array. For example, for transducers smaller than 70% of a typical transducer, the variation in resistance was greater than for transducers larger than 90% of a typical transducer. As the transducer size increases, the variation in resistance decreases. The smallest array resistance variation is approximately 5 Ω, which is roughly 10% of the measured resistance. Exemplary Apparatus

[0031] This application describes exemplary devices for determining the position of a transducer to apply an alternating electric field (e.g., a TT electric field) to a target tissue in a subject's body, and for applying an alternating electric field to a subject's body.

[0032] In some embodiments, a system for applying a TT electric field to target tissue in a subject's body may include a first transducer adapted to be placed at a first location on the subject's body, a second transducer adapted to be placed at a second location on the subject's body, a voltage generator adapted to supply a first voltage to the first transducer and a second voltage to the second transducer, and a controller coupled to the voltage generator.

[0033] 6 illustrates an exemplary device for applying an AC electric field (e.g., a TT electric field) to a subject's body. A first transducer array 601 includes thirteen electrode elements 603 disposed on a substrate 604, the electrode elements 603 being electrically and mechanically connected to one another by conductive traces 609. A second transducer array 602 includes thirteen electrode elements 605 disposed on a substrate 606, the electrode elements 605 being electrically and mechanically connected to one another by conductive traces 610. The first transducer array 601 and the second transducer array 602 are connected to an AC voltage generator 607 and a controller 608. The controller 608 may include one or more processors and memory accessible by the one or more processors. The memory may store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, control the AC voltage generator 607 to implement one or more embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the AC voltage generator 607 and the controller 608 may be integrated with the first transducer array 601 and the second transducer array 602 to form a first electric field generator and a second electric field generator.

[0034] The structure of the transducer can take many forms. The transducer may be fixed to the subject's body or attached to or incorporated into clothing covering the subject's body. The transducer may comprise any suitable material for attaching the transducer to the subject's body. For example, suitable materials may include fabric, foam, flexible plastic, and / or conductive medical gel. The transducer may be conductive or non-conductive.

[0035] The transducer may include any desired number of electrode elements. The electrode elements may be of various shapes, sizes, and materials. Any structure for implementing a transducer (or electric field generator) for use with embodiments of the present invention may be used as long as it (a) delivers a TT electric field to the subject's body and (b) is capable of being positioned as specified herein. In some embodiments, at least one electrode element of the first, second, third, or fourth transducer may include at least one ceramic disc adapted to generate an AC electric field. In a non-limiting embodiment, at least one electrode element of the first, second, third, or fourth transducer may include a polymer film adapted to generate an AC electric field. In some embodiments, the disclosed system may have four or more transducers.

[0036] 7A shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary design of a transducer for applying an AC electric field. The transducer array 701 includes 20 electrode elements 702 disposed on a substrate 703, with the electrode elements 702 electrically and mechanically connected to each other by conductive traces 704. In some embodiments, the electrode elements 702 may include ceramic discs.

[0037] FIG. 7B shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary design of a transducer for applying an alternating electric field. The transducer 705 can include substantially planar electrode elements 706. In some embodiments, the electrode elements 706 are non-ceramic dielectric materials disposed over planar conductors. Examples of non-ceramic dielectric materials disposed over planar conductors can include polymer films disposed over pads on a printed circuit board or over flat metal pieces. In some embodiments, such polymer films have a high dielectric constant, e.g., a dielectric constant greater than 10. In some embodiments, the electrode elements 706 can have various shapes. For example, the electrode elements can be triangular, rectangular, circular, oval, elliptical, oval, or elliptical in shape, or substantially triangular, substantially rectangular, substantially circular, substantially oval, substantially elliptical, substantially oval, or substantially elliptical in shape. In some embodiments, the electrode elements 706 can each have the same shape, similar shapes, and / or different shapes.

[0038] 8 illustrates an example of a computing device for use in embodiments herein. As an example, device 800 may be a computer for implementing certain inventive techniques disclosed herein. As an example, device 800 may be a controller device for applying an AC electric field (e.g., a TT electric field) in accordance with embodiments herein. Controller device 800 may be used as controller 608 in FIG. 6. Device 800 may include one or more processors 802, memory 803, one or more input devices, and one or more output devices 805.

[0039] In some embodiments, based on the input 801, the one or more processors 802 may generate control signals to control a voltage generator to implement one or more embodiments described herein. As an example, the input 801 is a user input. As an example, the input 801 may be an input from another computer in communication with the device 800. The input 801 may be received in conjunction with one or more input devices (not shown) of the device 800.

[0040] The memory 803 may be accessible by one or more processors 802 (e.g., via link 804) such that the one or more processors 802 can read information from and write information to the memory 803. The memory 803 may store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 802, implement one or more embodiments described herein. The memory 803 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium (or a non-transitory processor-readable medium) that stores a set of instructions for identifying and outputting a representation of a first position with a first transducer on a subject's body, the instructions, when executed by a processor (such as one or more processors 802), causing the processor to perform one or more methods disclosed herein.

[0041] One or more output devices 805 may provide status of the operation of the invention, such as transducer array selection, generated voltages, and other operating information. One or more output devices 805 may provide visualization data according to some embodiments described herein.

[0042] Apparatus 800 may be a device that includes one or more processors (such as one or more processors 802) and memory accessible by the one or more processors (such as memory 803), which store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform one or more methods described herein. Illustrative Embodiments

[0043] The present invention includes other exemplary embodiments as follows.

[0044] Exemplary Embodiment 1. A computer-implemented method for determining a transducer position for applying a tumor-treating electric field to a target tissue in a subject's body, the method comprising: obtaining a three-dimensional model of at least a portion of the subject's body; and identifying a first location on the three-dimensional model for placing a first transducer, the first transducer having a first surface to be placed facing the subject's body, the first transducer having at least one electrode element adapted to deliver the tumor-treating electric field, the at least one electrode element of the first transducer having an area of ​​about 150 cm when viewed perpendicular to the first surface of the first transducer. 2 Approximately 265cm from 2 The method is in the range of

[0045] Exemplary Embodiment 2. The method further includes acquiring a second transducer and identifying a second location on the three-dimensional model for placing the second transducer, the second transducer having a second surface to be placed facing the subject's body, the second transducer having at least one electrode element adapted to deliver a tumor-treating electric field, and wherein an area of ​​the at least one electrode element of the second transducer is greater than or equal to about 150 cm when viewed perpendicular to the second surface of the second transducer. 2 Approximately 265cm from 2 The computer-implemented method of Example Embodiment 1, which is in the range of

[0046] Exemplary Embodiment 3. The computer-implemented method of Exemplary Embodiment 1, wherein the target tissue is located in an organ of the subject's body, and an area of ​​the organ is determined when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a first position of the first transducer, and the area of ​​the first transducer is less than or equal to about 70% of the area of ​​the organ.

[0047] Exemplary Embodiment 4. The computer-implemented method of Exemplary Embodiment 1, wherein the area of ​​the first transducer is less than or equal to about 50% of the area of ​​the organ.

[0048] Exemplary Embodiment 5. The computer-implemented method of Exemplary Embodiment 1, wherein the at least one electrode element of the first transducer includes at least one ceramic disc adapted to generate an alternating electric field.

[0049] Exemplary Embodiment 6. The computer-implemented method of Exemplary Embodiment 1, wherein the first transducer is adapted to be located on the torso of the subject.

[0050] Exemplary Embodiment 7. A computer-implemented method for determining transducer positions for applying a tumor treatment electric field to target tissue in a subject's body, the method comprising: acquiring a three-dimensional model of at least a portion of the subject's body; identifying a first location on the three-dimensional model for placing a first transducer; identifying a second location on the three-dimensional model for placing a second transducer; and determining that the first location with the first transducer provides more of the tumor treatment electric field to the target tissue than the second location with the second transducer, wherein the first and second transducers each have a first surface to be placed facing the subject's body, and the first and second transducers each have at least one electrode element adapted to deliver the tumor treatment electric field, and wherein an area of ​​the at least one electrode element of the first transducer is less than or equal to about 50% of an area of ​​the at least one electrode element of the second transducer when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the first transducer.

[0051] Exemplary Embodiment 8. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the second transducer, the area of ​​at least one electrode element of the second transducer is about 300 cm 2 Approximately 525cm from 2 The computer-implemented method of Example Embodiment 7, which is in the range of

[0052] Exemplary Embodiment 9. The computer-implemented method of Exemplary Embodiment 7, wherein the target tissue is located in an organ of the subject's body, and an area of ​​the organ is determined when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a first position of the first transducer, and the area of ​​the first transducer is less than or equal to about 70% of the area of ​​the organ.

[0053] Exemplary Embodiment 10. The computer-implemented method of Exemplary Embodiment 7, wherein the area of ​​the first transducer is less than or equal to about 50% of the area of ​​the organ.

[0054] Exemplary Embodiment 11. The computer-implemented method of Exemplary Embodiment 7, wherein the first transducer and the second transducer are adapted to be placed on a torso of the subject.

[0055] Exemplary embodiment 12. A system for applying a tumor treating electric field to a target tissue in a body of a subject, the system comprising: a first transducer adapted to be placed at a first location on the body of the subject; a second transducer adapted to be placed at a second location on the body of the subject, the target tissue being disposed between the first and second transducers; a voltage generator adapted to supply a first voltage to the first transducer and a second voltage to the second transducer; and a controller coupled to the voltage generator, the controller adapted to instruct the voltage generator to induce a first alternating electric field between at least a portion of the first transducer and at least a portion of the second transducer, wherein the first transducer has a first surface to be placed facing the body of the subject, the first transducer having at least one electrode element adapted to be coupled to the voltage generator, wherein an area of ​​the at least one electrode element of the first transducer is about 150 cm when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the first transducer. 2 Approximately 265cm from 2 The range of the system.

[0056] Exemplary embodiment 13. A second transducer has a second surface to be placed facing the body of the subject, the second transducer having at least one electrode element adapted to be coupled to a voltage generator, and an area of ​​the at least one electrode element of the second transducer when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the second surface of the second transducer is about 150 cm 2 Approximately 265cm from 2 The system of exemplary embodiment 12, which is in the range of

[0057] Exemplary Embodiment 14. The system of Exemplary Embodiment 12, further including a third transducer adapted to be placed at a third location on the subject's body and a fourth transducer adapted to be placed at a fourth location on the subject's body, the target tissue being disposed between the third transducer and the fourth transducer, the voltage generator adapted to supply a third voltage to the third transducer and a fourth voltage to the fourth transducer, and the controller adapted to instruct the voltage generator to induce a second alternating electric field between at least a portion of the third transducer and at least a portion of the fourth transducer.

[0058] Exemplary Embodiment 15. The system of Exemplary Embodiment 12, wherein at least one electrode element of the first transducer or the second transducer includes at least one ceramic disc adapted to generate an alternating electric field.

[0059] Exemplary Embodiment 16. The system of Exemplary Embodiment 12, wherein at least one electrode element of the first or second transducer comprises a polymer film adapted to generate an alternating electric field.

[0060] Exemplary Embodiment 17. The system of Exemplary Embodiment 12, wherein the first transducer or the second transducer is triangular, rectangular, circular, oval, elliptical, oval, or elliptical in shape, or substantially triangular, substantially rectangular, substantially circular, substantially oval, substantially elliptical, substantially oval, or substantially elliptical in shape.

[0061] Exemplary Embodiment 18. A method of applying a tumor treating electric field to a target tissue in a body of a subject, the method comprising: placing a first transducer at a first location on the body of the subject; and placing a second transducer at a second location on the body of the subject, wherein the target tissue is located between the first and second transducers; and inducing a first electric field between at least a portion of the first transducer and at least a portion of the second transducer, wherein the first transducer has a first surface facing the body of the subject, the first transducer having at least one electrode element adapted to be coupled to a voltage generator, wherein an area of ​​the at least one electrode element of the first transducer is about 150 cm when viewed perpendicular to the first surface of the first transducer. 2 Approximately 265cm from 2 The method is in the range of

[0062] Exemplary embodiment 19. A second transducer has a second surface to be placed facing the body of the subject, the second transducer having at least one electrode element adapted to be coupled to a voltage generator, and an area of ​​the at least one electrode element of the second transducer is about 150 cm when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the second surface of the second transducer. 2 Approximately 265cm from 2 The system of exemplary embodiment 18, which is in the range of

[0063] Exemplary Embodiment 20. The system of Exemplary Embodiment 18, wherein the target tissue is located in an organ of the subject's body, an area of ​​the organ is determined when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first position of the first transducer, and an area of ​​the first transducer is less than or equal to about 70% of the area of ​​the organ.

[0064] Exemplary Embodiment 21. The apparatus, method, and / or system are substantially as shown and described.

[0065] Embodiments described under any heading or in any portion of this disclosure may be combined with embodiments described under the same or any other heading or in any other portion of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by context. For example, and not by way of limitation, embodiments described in dependent claim form with respect to a given embodiment (e.g., a given embodiment described in independent claim form) may be combined with other embodiments (written in independent or dependent claim form).

[0066] Numerous modifications, variations, and alterations can be made to the described embodiments 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 following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method for determining transducer positions for applying a tumor treating electric field to a target tissue in a subject's body, comprising: obtaining a three-dimensional model of at least a portion of the subject's body; identifying a first location on the three-dimensional model for placing a first transducer; the first transducer has a first surface to be placed facing the subject's body; the first transducer having at least one electrode element adapted to deliver a tumor-treating electric field; When viewed perpendicular to the first surface of the first transducer, the area of ​​the at least one electrode element of the first transducer is about 150 cm ２ Approximately 265 cm ２ [0010] A computer-implemented method is provided.

2. Furthermore, acquiring a second transducer; identifying a second location on the three-dimensional model for placing a second transducer; the second transducer has a second surface to be placed facing the subject's body; the second transducer having at least one electrode element adapted to provide a tumor-treating electric field; When viewed perpendicular to the second surface of the second transducer, the area of ​​the at least one electrode element of the second transducer is about 150 cm ２ Approximately 265 cm ２ The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the range is:

3. the target tissue is located in an organ of the subject's body; an area of ​​the organ is determined as viewed perpendicular to the first position of the first transducer; The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the area of ​​the first transducer is less than or equal to about 70% of the area of ​​the organ.

4. 1. A computer-implemented method for determining transducer positions for applying a tumor treating electric field to a target tissue in a subject's body, comprising: obtaining a three-dimensional model of at least a portion of the subject's body; identifying a first location on the three-dimensional model for placing the first transducer; identifying a second location on the three-dimensional model for placing a second transducer; determining that the first location having the first transducer provides a greater tumor-treating electric field to the target tissue than the second location having the second transducer; the first and second transducers each have a first surface to be placed facing the subject's body; the first and second transducers each having at least one electrode element adapted to provide a tumor-treating electric field; 10. A computer-implemented method, wherein an area of ​​the at least one electrode element of the first transducer is less than or equal to about 50% of an area of ​​the at least one electrode element of the second transducer when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the first transducer.

5. When viewed perpendicular to the first surface of the second transducer, the area of ​​the at least one electrode element of the second transducer is about 300 cm ２ Approximately 525 cm from ２ The computer-implemented method of claim 4 , wherein the range is:

6. the target tissue is located in an organ of the subject's body; an area of ​​the organ is determined as viewed perpendicular to the first position of the first transducer; The computer-implemented method of claim 4 , wherein the area of ​​the first transducer is less than or equal to about 70% of the area of ​​the organ.

7. 1. A system for applying a tumor treating electric field to a target tissue in a body of a subject, the system comprising: a first transducer adapted to be placed at a first location on the subject's body; a second transducer adapted to be placed at a second location on the subject's body, the target tissue being positioned between the first and second transducers; and a voltage generator adapted to supply a first voltage to the first transducer and a second voltage to the second transducer; a controller coupled to the voltage generator, the controller adapted to instruct the voltage generator to induce a first alternating electric field between at least a portion of the first transducer and at least a portion of the second transducer; the first transducer has a first surface to be placed facing the subject's body; the first transducer having at least one electrode element adapted to be coupled to the voltage generator; When viewed perpendicular to the first surface of the first transducer, the area of ​​the at least one electrode element of the first transducer is about 150 cm ２ Approximately 265 cm ２ The range of the system.

8. the second transducer has a second surface to be placed facing the subject's body; the second transducer having at least one electrode element adapted to be coupled to the voltage generator; When viewed perpendicular to the second surface of the second transducer, the area of ​​the at least one electrode element of the second transducer is about 150 cm ２ Approximately 265 cm ２ The system of claim 7, wherein the range is

9. Furthermore, a third transducer adapted to be placed at a third location on the subject's body; a fourth transducer adapted to be placed at a fourth location on the subject's body; the target tissue is located between the third transducer and the fourth transducer; the voltage generator is adapted to supply a third voltage to the third transducer and a fourth voltage to the fourth transducer; 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the controller is adapted to direct the voltage generator to induce a second alternating electric field between at least a portion of the third transducer and at least a portion of the fourth transducer.

10. The system of claim 7 , wherein the at least one electrode element of the first transducer or the second transducer includes at least one ceramic disc adapted to generate an alternating electric field.

11. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein at least one electrode element of the first or second transducer comprises a polymer film adapted to generate an alternating electric field.

12. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first transducer or the second transducer is triangular, rectangular, circular, oval, elliptical, oval, or elliptical in shape, or substantially triangular, substantially rectangular, substantially circular, substantially oval, substantially elliptical, substantially oval, or substantially elliptical in shape.

13. 1. A method of applying a tumor treating electric field to a target tissue in a body of a subject, the method comprising: placing a first transducer at a first location on the subject's body; placing a second transducer at a second location on the subject's body, the target tissue being located between the first and second transducers; inducing a first electric field between at least a portion of the first transducer and at least a portion of the second transducer; the first transducer has a first surface positioned facing the subject's body; the first transducer having at least one electrode element adapted to be coupled to the voltage generator; When viewed perpendicular to the first surface of the first transducer, the area of ​​the at least one electrode element of the first transducer is about 150 cm ２ Approximately 265 cm ２ The method is in the range of

14. the second transducer has a second surface to be placed facing the subject's body; the second transducer having at least one electrode element adapted to be coupled to the voltage generator; When viewed perpendicular to the second surface of the second transducer, the area of ​​the at least one electrode element of the second transducer is about 150 cm ２ Approximately 265 cm ２ The method of claim 13, wherein the range is

15. the target tissue is located in an organ of the subject's body; an area of ​​the organ is determined as viewed perpendicular to the first position of the first transducer; 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the area of ​​the first transducer is less than or equal to about 70% of the area of ​​the organ.

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