Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields)

Term: Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields)Definition: Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) is a cancer treatment that uses low-intensity, intermediate-frequency electric fields to disrupt the division of cancer cells. It is often used in conjunction with other treatments like chemotherapy.Phonetic Pronunciation: (TOO-mor TREE-ting FEELDS)Origin: The concept of TTFields was developed in the early 2000s by Dr. Yoram Palti and his colleagues. The term combines "tumor," referring to the cancerous growth, and "treating fields," which describes the method of using electric fields to treat the tumor. The technology is based on the principle of dielectric breakdown, which affects the division of cancer cells.Significance in Asbestos Context: TTFields is significant for asbestos-related diseases because it offers an additional treatment option for patients with mesothelioma, a cancer often linked to asbestos exposure. It can be used alongside traditional treatments to potentially improve outcomes for patients suffering from asbestos-induced cancers.Example Sentence: "After being diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, the patient decided to incorporate Tumor Treating Fields into their treatment regimen alongside chemotherapy."Related Terms: Mesothelioma, Chemotherapy, Asbestos Exposure, Cancer Treatment, Palliative CareNotes: - TTFields is not a cure but can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. - It requires the use of a portable device that patients wear for a significant portion of the day. - TTFields has been approved by the FDA for certain types of cancer, including mesothelioma.