Mechanism of action
Optune delivers TTFields to selectively disrupt mitosis1,2
- TTFields are low-intensity (1-3 V/cm) electric fields tuned to a specific frequency (for example, 200 kHz for GBM) to disrupt tumor cell division1
- TTFields disrupt cell division through physical interaction with key molecules during multiple phases of mitosis2
TTFields target dividing cells, leading to apoptosis

- Disrupt alignment of highly polarized tubulin subunits2
- Disrupt microtubule spindle formation during mitosis and may ultimately lead to apoptosis2,3

- A change in cell shape during telophase causes a nonuniform electric field2,4
- Polar cell components move toward cleavage furrow2
- Cell cannot divide properly, which may ultimately lead to apoptosis2,3
Learn about TTFields mechanism of action
TTFields, Tumor Treating Fields.
- Optune. Instructions for Use for Glioblastoma Multiforme. Novocure; 2019.
- Kirson ED, Gurvich Z, Schneiderman R, et al. Disruption of cancer cell replication by alternating electric fields. Cancer Res. 2004;64(9):3288-3295.
- Giladi M, Schneiderman RS, Voloshin T, et al. Mitotic spindle disruption by alternating electric fields leads to improper chromosome segregation and mitotic catastrophe in cancer cells. Sci Rep. 2015;5(1):18046. doi:10.1038/srep18046.
- Gutin PH, Wong ET. Noninvasive application of alternating electric fields in glioblastoma: a fourth cancer treatment modality. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book. 2012:126-131.