Oscillating Electric Field Modulation for Cancer Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) devices are limited by a narrow range of electric field strengths and fixed frequencies, which are inadequate for effectively disrupting cancer cell division and adapting to changing cell sizes and ploidy over time.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that modulate the frequency and amplitude of oscillating electric fields over a range of frequencies and intensities, allowing for controllable delivery of electric fields up to 10 V/cm, enabling dynamic adjustment during treatment to target cancer cells more effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single fixed frequency is used for OEF delivery, then device simplicity is maintained, but treatment effectiveness decreases due to cell adaptation and heterogeneity in cell size and ploidy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency modulation capability in the OEF device, allowing the frequency to be varied over time during treatment. This enables the system to adapt to changing cell conditions and prevent adaptation, thereby improving treatment effectiveness while maintaining reasonable device complexity through controlled dynamic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modulating the frequency parameter of the oscillating electric field over time. This allows the treatment to address heterogeneity in cell populations and adapt to changing cell characteristics, improving reliability without requiring complete system redesign.
2Reliability
If electric field strength is limited to 2 V/cm for TTF, then safety is maintained, but treatment efficacy is insufficient for adapting to changing cell conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of electric field amplitude in addition to frequency modulation. This allows the system to optimize the electric field strength over time based on treatment response and cell adaptation, improving efficacy while maintaining safety through controlled variation rather than static high-field exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic modulation of both frequency and amplitude parameters. This periodic action allows the treatment to cycles through different parameter combinations, preventing cell adaptation while maintaining average field strengths within safe limits, thereby improving efficacy without increasing harmful exposure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If commercially available devices are used with fixed TTF parameters, then ease of operation is maintained, but research capability and treatment adaptability are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements programmable parameter changes in the OEF device, allowing frequency and amplitude to be adjusted according to treatment protocols. This provides research and clinical adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through automated control and pre-programmed treatment regimens.
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 cell death rates by adapting to changing cell conditions, increasing lethality and improving treatment efficacy, as demonstrated by significant cancer cell death with frequency modulation compared to constant frequency treatments.
Implementation Method 1
oscillating electric fields (OEF), which can disrupt a cell's ability to divide
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure deals with methodologies and systems for oscillating electric fields (OEF), which can disrupt a cell's ability to divide. Passing these electric fields through, for example, a person's brain (or other anatomical organ or region of the body) possesses the ability to stop cancer cells from growing in patients where disease is expected. These devices can be worn by patients going through treatment to inhibit metastatic disease and to even enhance the sensitivity of established cancer cells to other therapies. Presently disclosed methodologies relate to varying frequency and/or amplitude of the oscillating electric signal for improved treatment effectiveness.