Adaptive TTFields Frequency Control for Tumor Cell Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cancer treatments using alternating electric fields, such as TTFields, often employ a single fixed frequency, which may not account for changes in tumor cell size over time, leading to suboptimal treatment efficacy.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive method and apparatus that adjust the frequency of alternating electric fields based on real-time impedance measurements and cell size estimates, using electrical impedance tomography and AC signal generators to optimize treatment frequency throughout the treatment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single fixed frequency is used for TTFields treatment, then the treatment system is simple and easy to operate, but the treatment efficacy decreases over time as tumor cell size changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment by continuously monitoring tumor cell size and modifying the TTFields frequency in real-time to match changing cellular dimensions. This transforms the static fixed-frequency system into a dynamic adaptive system that maintains optimal treatment efficacy throughout the treatment course as tumors evolve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of treatment frequency based on measured tumor cell size. By establishing a relationship between cell size and optimal frequency, the system adjusts the frequency parameter to correspond to the current cellular dimensions, ensuring continued effectiveness as the tumor progresses through treatment.
2Reliability
If the frequency is adjusted continuously based on cell size measurements, then treatment efficacy is maintained, but the device complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where tumor cell size is continuously measured and this information feeds back to adjust the treatment frequency. The system monitors cellular dimensions and automatically modifies the frequency parameter based on the measured values, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal treatment conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying the treatment frequency based on real-time tumor cell size measurements without requiring manual intervention. The automated feedback mechanism enables the treatment system to self-optimize, reducing the need for complex manual calibration and adjustment procedures.
3Reliability
If impedance measurements are taken frequently to track cell size changes, then the frequency can be optimized in real-time, but the measurement time and treatment interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic impedance measurements at strategically selected time points during treatment rather than continuous monitoring. By measuring cell size at regular intervals and adjusting frequency between measurements, the system maintains optimization accuracy while minimizing treatment interruptions and maximizing therapeutic delivery time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances cancer treatment efficacy by ensuring the frequency of the alternating electric fields remains clinically optimal for changing tumor cell sizes, potentially improving treatment outcomes by maintaining effective cell destruction.
Implementation Method 1
The basis of the method is the fact that the maximal exerted force on cell components by electric field forces including dielectrophoresis forces is both cell size and frequency dependent
Implementation Method 2
One way to determine the cell size (step 1120 in FIG. 11) is to first take impedance measurements, and then use those impedance measurements to compute the cell size
Implementation Method 3
The most common use is the generation of electric currents in a human or animal body by application of an electric field by means of a pair of conductive electrodes between which a potential difference is maintained
Implementation Method 4
These electric currents are used either to exert their specific effects, i.e., to stimulate excitable tissue, or to generate heat by flowing in the body since it acts as a resistor
Data Source
AI summary
Tumors can be treated with an alternating electric field. The size of cells in the tumor is determined prior to the start of treatment by, for example, biopsy or by inverse electric impedance tomography. A treatment frequency is chosen based on the determined cell size. The cell size can be determined during the course of treatment and the treatment frequency is adjusted to reflect changes in the cell size. A suitable apparatus for this purpose includes a device for measuring the tumor impedance, an AC signal generator with a controllable output frequency, a processor for estimating the size of tumor cells and setting the frequency of the AC signal generator based thereon, and at least one pair of electrodes operatively connected to the AC signal generator such that an alternating electric field is applied to the tumor.