A Theoretical Study on the Biophysical Mechanisms by Which Tumor Treating Fields Affect Tumor Cells during Mitosis

Authors: Li X, Yang F, Rubinsky B

Year: 2020 Jan 13

Category: Biomedical Engineering

Journal: IEEE Trans Biomed Eng

Institution: IEEE

DOI: 10.1109/TBME.2020.2965883

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31940516

Abstract

Overview

This theoretical study explores the mechanisms through which Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) impact dividing tumor cells.

Methods

  • Analyses revisit two previously proposed mechanisms and introduce a third.
  • Investigation into: a) TTFields generating moments affecting microtubule assembly during early mitosis, and b) dielectrophoretic forces influencing particle movement towards the cleavage furrow during telophase.
  • New hypothesis suggesting TTFields modification of cell membrane potential.

Findings

  • Brownian energy vastly surpasses the moment induced by TTFields on tubulin dimers.
  • Motion due to DEP forces combined with Stokes drag is minimal (≈0.003 μm/s), indicating limited effects unless telophase duration is extended.
  • TTFields can cause a 10-17% change in tumor cell membrane potential as per the Schwan equation.

Conclusion

The study finds limited support for previous hypotheses regarding TTFields mechanisms but indicates that the effect on tumor cell membrane potential could significantly influence tumor cell death.

Significance

The identified potential of TTFields to alter cell membrane potential highlights a crucial area for further research, given other mechanisms' limitations.

Tumor Treating Fields TTFields Mitosis Biophysical Mechanisms Cell Membrane Potential Numerical Analysis
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