Meeting Banner
Abstract #4334

Modeling the Electric Field Distribution Within the Brain for the Treatment of Glioblastomas

Pedro C. Miranda1, Abeye Mekonnen1, Ricardo Salvador1, Peter J. Basser2

1IBEB, Faculty of Science, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal; 2STBB, Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States

Electric fields are being investigated as an adjunct or an alternative to chemotherapy in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). We used a realistic head model constructed from MRI data to calculate the electric field distribution in the brain during the application of tumor treating fields (TTF). The calculations indicate that the electric field magnitude predicted in the brain is sufficient to arrest cell proliferation based upon in vitro experiments. However, the electric field is not uniform as it is affected by tissue heterogeneity. Patient specific models could be used in treatment planning, and for understanding outcomes of TTF therapy.

Abstract PDF Presentation Video

Keywords

activated adjunct affected affects alternative amplitude anisotropy anterior application array arrays arrest assumed brain calculations cancer capacitively cell chemotherapy clearly concentration conductivity configurations consisted constructed coupled created delivery determinants dielectric distribution efficacy electric electrical electrode electrodes element even exceeded expected faculty field fields finite five fluid frequency future generated gray head heterogeneity impedance important impressed inclusion indicate individual interconnected interfaces investigated isotropic literature location magnitude mesh model modeling models natl nearby nine optimize orientation oscillating outcomes pairs parts patient peter placed planning posterior predicted proliferation properties realistic realistically resultant scalp science segmented shaped shriver shunting skull spatial subject sufficiently system taken therapy tissue tissues tool treating treatment tumor type types understanding uniform uniformity upon ventricles visible vitro volume white