Abstract 3942: Animal studies evaluating the safety of Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) in the torso

Abstract

Abstract TTFields therapy is an anti-neoplastic treatment modality targeting dividing cells by disrupting microtubules and septin filaments localization. TTFields therapy received FDA approval for the treatment of glioblastoma based on phase 3 studies demonstrating efficacy and high safety profile. TTFields are currently being tested as a treatment option for solid tumors in the torso. The aim of this work is to study whether TTFields’ safety profile is maintained in the torso, and specifically in tissues with high cellular proliferation rates. TTFields (2-3 V/cm) were applied for 2 weeks using the Novo-TTF 100 system to the rat torso at 150 and 200 kHz, intensities and frequencies known to be effective for the treatment of NSCLC, mesothelioma, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Throughout the treatment course, all animals underwent daily clinical examination by a certified experienced veterinarian. At the end of treatment, animal were euthanized and an experienced independent pathologist performed histological comparative evaluation of all major internal organs. No changes in the following parameters were observed: activity level, food intake, drinking, stools, motor neurological status and respiration. Further, no changes in weight were observed between the treated and control groups. No significant changes were observed in complete blood count and differential between the different groups. Histological analysis did not reveal any increase in pathological findings in the TTFields treated animals group. Taken together, these results demonstrate that safety of TTFields application at frequencies of 150-200 kHz to the rat torso and specifically to tissues with high cellular proliferation rates. Additional work is now underway to better understand the specificity of TTFields’ effects on rapidly dividing tumor cells. Citation Format: Shiri Davidi, Mijal Munster, Shay Cahal, Moshe Giladi, Eilon D. Kirson, Uri Weinberg, Yoram Palti. Animal studies evaluating the safety of Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) in the torso [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3942.