Tumor treating fields for glioblastoma: opportunities and drawbacks

Introduction: Glioblastoma (GBM) stands as one of the most challenging malignancies to treat, with a prognosis that remains notably poor despite advancements in therapeutic strategies. Areas covered: TTFields therapy is a novel approach to targeting cancer cell proliferation through alternating electric fields. The mechanism of action, dielectrophoresis, selectively disrupts mitotic processes in replicating cells, offering a localized treatment option with minimal systemic side effects. Clinical trials have demonstrated promising results, with TTFields therapy significantly improving progression-free and overall survival rates when combined with standard adjuvant treatments. However, questions regarding its impact on neuropsychological functioning and management of postoperative motor deficits remain unanswered. Expert opinion: In conclusion, while TTFields therapy presents a valuable addition to GBM treatment modalities, further research is warranted to elucidate its full potential and address remaining challenges.