TTFields Transducer Array Positioning for Neck Tumor Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transducer array layouts for treating tumors in the neck region often result in uncomfortable positioning and inadequate field intensities, limiting the effectiveness of TTFields therapy for cancers such as head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and esophageal SCCs, as many layouts fail to exceed the required threshold of 1 V/cm for therapeutic effect.
Innovation Solution
The described method involves positioning a first set of electrode elements on the head, typically with a centroid on the vertex or upper surface, and a second set on the chest, with the application of an alternating voltage between them to create an electric field that achieves field intensities exceeding 1 V/cm in the region of interest, using layouts such as those depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D and FIGS. 3A-3D, which provide mean and median intensities of 3.4 V/cm and 3.25 V/cm respectively, with 99.27% and 99.07% of the region having intensities above 1 V/cm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional transducer array layouts are used for treating neck tumors, then the treatment can be applied, but the field intensities are inadequate and do not exceed the required threshold of 1 V/cm for therapeutic effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions transducer arrays in three-dimensional space at specific locations (first array on the head with centroid at vertex or upper surface, second array on the chest) to create electric field lines that extend through the neck region. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions enables the field to achieve sufficient intensity (exceeding 1 V/cm) in the target neck tumor region, resolving the contradiction between therapeutic effectiveness and field strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the local field distribution by strategically positioning the first transducer array centroid at specific locations on the head (vertex or upper surface) and the second array on the chest, creating concentrated electric field lines through the neck region. This local optimization ensures that the field intensity exceeds the 1 V/cm threshold in the target tumor area while maintaining overall treatment effectiveness.
2Strength
If transducer arrays are positioned on the head and chest, then field intensities exceeding 1 V/cm are achieved in the neck region, but the positioning may be uncomfortable for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the positioning parameters of the transducer arrays by allowing the first array centroid to be located at either the vertex or upper surface of the head, and the second array on the chest. This parameter flexibility enables adjustment to achieve the required field intensity (exceeding 1 V/cm in the neck region) while accommodating patient comfort and anatomical variations.
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
The proposed method achieves therapeutically effective field intensities in the neck region, improving comfort and range of motion for patients by optimizing transducer array layouts, ensuring that at least 99% of the region of interest receives intensities above the 1 V/cm threshold necessary for TTFields therapy to be effective.
Implementation Method 1
An AC voltage generator applies an AC voltage (e.g., 200 kHz in the context of GBM or 150 kHz in the context of mesothelioma) between the first pair of transducer arrays for a first interval of time (e.g., one second), which generates an electric field with field lines that generally run in the front-back direction.
Implementation Method 2
Then, the AC voltage generator applies an AC voltage at the same frequency between the second pair of transducer arrays for a second interval of time (e.g., one second), which generates an electric field with field lines that generally run in the right-left direction.
Implementation Method 3
TTFields are induced non-invasively into the region of interest by transducer arrays (i.e., arrays of capacitively coupled electrode elements) placed directly on the patient's body
Data Source
AI summary
Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) can be used to treat tumors (and/or prevent metastases) in or near a person's neck by affixing a first transducer array (i.e., a set of electrode elements) to the person's head and affixing a second transducer array to the person's chest. Subsequently, an AC voltage at a desired frequency (e.g., 100-300 kHz) is applied between the first transducer array and the second transducer array. This induces an electric field that is strong enough to be effective (e.g., greater than 1 V/cm) in most of the person's neck. In some embodiments, the center of the first transducer array is positioned on the vertex of the head or on an upper surface of the person's head. In some embodiments, the second set of electrode elements is positioned immediately below the base of the neck.