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Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) Therapy for Mesothelioma
Researchers have found that exposing some types of cancer to alternating electric fields, also known as tumor treating fields, TTFields, or TTF, can interfere with its ability to grow and spread.
A wearable device known as Optune Lua is a TTFields treatment that creates such electric fields. It is an option to help treat some people with pleural mesothelioma.
When might TTFields therapy be used to treat mesothelioma?
TTFields therapy can be used along with chemotherapy to treat some people with advanced pleural mesothelioma that can't be removed with surgery.
How is TTFields therapy given?
For this treatment, sticky pads containing sets of electrodes are placed on the skin, usually 2 on the chest and 2 on the back.
The electrodes are attached to a battery pack kept in a backpack, which is worn for most of the day – typically at least 18 hours. They create mild electric currents that are thought to affect cancer cells more than normal cells.
Possible side effects
Side effects of the device are usually limited to the electrode sites. They can include:
- Skin irritation
- Allergic reactions
- L?ocal warmth and tingling sensations
- M?uscle twitching
- Infections
- Breakdown of the skin (ulcers)
- Written by
- References
Developed by the 黑料大湿Posts Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the 黑料大湿Posts Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Kindler HL, Ismaila N, Bazhenova L, et al. Treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma: ASCO Guideline Update. J Clin Oncol. 2025 Mar 10;43(8):1006-1038.
Tsao AS. Systemic treatment for unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma. UpToDate. 2025. Accessed at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/systemic-treatment-for-unresectable-malignant-pleural-mesothelioma on November 25, 2025.
Last Revised: February 3, 2026
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