Physical Therapy · Innovative Device
Tumor Treating Fields (Optune)
NMPA approved (2020) · introduced by Zai Lab
Typical Duration
Long-term daily wear (≥18 h/day)
Estimated Cost
Deposit + monthly fee; case-based
TTFields costs consist of a device deposit and monthly usage fees; exact amounts follow the provider’s written quote, and some commercial insurance plans offer coverage.
Why China
Tumor Treating Fields (Optune)
01A standard component for glioblastoma
Based on the EF-14 study, TTFields plus temozolomide extended median overall survival in newly diagnosed glioblastoma to about 20.9 months and is included in both NCCN and Chinese guidelines.
02Non-invasive, home-based, combinable
TTFields delivers alternating electric fields through scalp arrays that disrupt tumor-cell mitosis — no systemic chemotherapy toxicity, usable continuously at home, and combinable with chemoradiation and targeted therapy.
03Improving access in China
TTFields is approved in China for glioblastoma, and major neuro-oncology centers can prescribe and follow patients; we assist with device application, wear training and remote adherence management.
Care Journey
01
Case Review
Submit your records and imaging; receive a written expert assessment and preliminary plan within 48 hours.
02
Plan & Estimate
A multidisciplinary team (MDT) defines your individualized treatment plan with a transparent cost estimate.
03
Travel Preparation
We assist with medical visa, flights and accommodation, and assign a professional medical interpreter.
04
In-Hospital Care
A dedicated coordinator accompanies you through examinations and treatment, bridging all communication.
05
Recovery & Follow-up
Remote follow-up after you return home, with review schedules and medication guidance.
06
Long-term Management
Stay connected with your treating team, with fast-track return visits whenever needed.
Medical Team
Hospitals
Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center
Shanghai · Grade III Specialty · National Particle Therapy Flagship
West China Hospital, Sichuan University
Chengdu · Grade III-A · National Comprehensive Medical Center
Xiamen Humanity Hospital (BNCT Center)
Xiamen · Grade III · China’s first AB-BNCT center
Peking Union Medical College Hospital
Beijing · Directly under NHC · Consistently China’s top-ranked general hospital
Frequently Asked Questions
Which patients is TTFields for?+
Approved for newly diagnosed (with temozolomide) and recurrent glioblastoma. It requires a shaved scalp and wearing the arrays ≥18 hours daily; patients with scalp infection or severe skin disease are unsuitable. Suitability is assessed by the neuro-oncology MDT.
What are the side effects?+
The most common effect is skin irritation under the arrays (redness, itching, blisters), controlled by proper shaving, site rotation and topical care; there is no chemotherapy-like systemic toxicity. Rarely, headache or seizure-frequency changes occur and should be reported.
Can I take the device home?+
Yes — TTFields is designed for home use. Before departure, patients complete wear training and array-change instruction; after returning home, the provider remotely monitors adherence data (the device logs wear time), and we coordinate imaging follow-up with your local neuro-oncologist.
How long is treatment continued?+
Treatment typically continues until progression or intolerance; studies show greater benefit with longer daily wear (≥18 hours). MRI is repeated every 2–3 months to assess response.
Detailed Information
Mechanism of action
TTFields generates low-intensity (1–3 V/cm), intermediate-frequency (100–300 kHz) alternating electric fields across the tumor region via scalp transducer arrays, disrupting charge distributions in mitotic spindles and cytokinesis, causing aberrant division and cell death. Quiescent normal cells are minimally affected, hence the very low systemic toxicity.
Indications and key evidence
The EF-14 phase III trial: in newly diagnosed glioblastoma after chemoradiation, TTFields plus temozolomide versus temozolomide alone improved median progression-free survival (6.7 vs 4.0 months) and median overall survival (20.9 vs 16.0 months), with 5-year survival of 13% vs 5%. Adherence analysis shows greater benefit with ≥18 hours of daily wear. Registry evidence also supports the recurrent setting.
Usage, skin care and follow-up
Arrays are changed every 3–4 days with site rotation, keeping the scalp shaved and clean; skin reactions prompt a pause with topical care, usually resolving within days. The device logs wear time for adherence management; MRI is repeated every 2–3 months. After returning home, the provider follows up remotely while we coordinate imaging and symptom review with local physicians.
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