Insights from Computer Modeling: Analysis of Physical Characteristics of Glioblastoma in Patients Treated with Tumor-Treating Fields

Abstract

The clinical efficacy of tumor-treating fields (TTFields) against glioblastoma has been established by randomized phase III clinical trials. TTFields work by disrupting intracellular macromolecules that have high dipole moments whose functions are critical for tumor cells progressing through mitosis. However, the distribution of electric fields and the deposition of energies within the brain are poorly understood. Using finite element computer modeling, the electric fields and specific absorption rate can be mapped and represented graphically in volume histograms. Factors that influence the electric field penetration into the gross tumor volume include the amount of cerebrospinal fluid on the convexity of the brain and the presence or absence of a necrotic core within the glioblastoma. The utilization of the electric field-volume histograms and specific absorption rate-volume histograms can help to quantify the adminstered TTFields to the tumor and potentially guide the development of personalized treatments for glioblastoma patients.