Development and Validation of a Comprehensive Tumor Treating Fields System for Glioblastoma Therapy: From Prototype Design to Preclinical Evaluation

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) therapy, which uses alternating electric fields to disrupt cancer cell division, has emerged as a promising non-invasive treatment. However, the development and optimization of TTF systems remain challenging, with limited studies detailing the design and practical application of such systems. In this study, we developed a novel TTF prototype, focusing on the design and fabrication of key components such as the electrical signal regulation, transmission and corresponding therapeutic effects. We evaluated the systems efficacy through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro, we demonstrated significant inhibition of GBM cell proliferation under varying electric field intensities, with stronger fields showing greater efficacy. In vivo studies using a rat glioblastoma model revealed reduced tumor growth, increased apoptosis, and enhanced immune infiltration in the TTF-treated group compared to controls. This comprehensive study provides a valuable reference for TTF system development, offering insights into both the technical design and biological application of TTF therapy, and highlighting its potential for improving GBM treatment outcomes.