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Systemic therapy
Tumour treating fields
Low-intensity alternating electric fields delivered through scalp or torso arrays.
Referral & opinion only
What it is
Arrays worn on the skin deliver alternating electric fields intended to disrupt cell division. The device is worn for most of the day, continuously, for months.
The burden is unusual: it is not a side-effect burden so much as a life burden, wearing arrays, shaving the scalp, carrying a battery, and being visibly under treatment all day.
When it is used
- In defined settings, principally certain brain tumours
- Usually alongside systemic treatment
- Where the wearing burden is realistically acceptable to the patient
How the decision is made
- Whether the required daily wearing time is achievable in your actual life. Reduced usage reduces whatever benefit there is.
- Cost, which is ongoing rather than one-off.
- Scalp care and the practical realities, discussed before you commit rather than after.
Device supplied and supported by the manufacturer's programme; worn at home.
Who does what
What we handle, and what happens elsewhere
KPCIRC handles
- Candidacy discussion at the board
- An honest conversation about the daily burden
- Skin and scalp care planning
- Ongoing cost review, this is a recurring expense
- Caregiver support
Performed and billed elsewhere
- The device, arrays and technical support
- All device costs
- Scalp irritation under the arrays is common and manageable, report it early rather than reducing wearing time on your own.
Questions to ask your own doctor
Take these with you. They work whether or not you are treated here.
- How many hours a day, and for how long?
- What is the monthly cost, indefinitely?
- What happens to the benefit if I wear it less?
- What does daily life actually look like on this?
Support that goes with it
Where this is used
Cancers this commonly forms part of
Not sure this is the right option for you?
That is exactly what a second opinion is for. Bring what you have, we will tell you what is missing and what the alternatives actually are, in writing.