Immune Modulation in Cancer: The Role of Tumor-Treating Fields (TTFields).
Menglan Liu, Maria El Hage, Jihui Zhao, Michael Linnebacher
Abstract
Open AccessTumor-treating fields (TTFields) represent an innovative approach to cancer treatment that leverages low-intensity (1-3 V/cm) alternating electric fields operating at intermediate frequencies (100-300 kHz). These electric fields are specifically designed to disrupt the mitotic process, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of malignant cells. Recent research has shown that TTFields not only induce direct cytotoxic effects but also modulate the immune system by triggering immunogenic cancer cell death, thereby enhancing immune cell infiltration into tumor sites. This dual mechanism opens up new possibilities for synergistic integration with immunotherapy, which has already revolutionized oncology through the advent of immune-checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapies, and cancer vaccines. Given the immune-modulatory properties of TTFields, there is growing interest in exploring their potential synergistic effect to enhance immunotherapeutic efficacy. Recognizing the complementary role of TTFields in cancer treatment paves the way for innovative combinatorial strategies that may further improve patient outcomes by enhancing the effectiveness of both TTFields and immunotherapy. © 2025 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.