Directionally non-rotating electric field therapy delivered through implanted electrodes as a glioblastoma treatment platform: A proof-of-principle study

Background: While directionally rotating tumor-treating fields (TTF) therapy has garnered considerable clinical interest in recent years, there has been comparatively less focus on directionally non-rotating electric field therapy (dnEFT).

Methods: We explored dnEFT generated through customized electrodes as a glioblastoma therapy in in vitro and in vivo preclinical models. The effects of dnEFT on tumor apoptosis and microglia/macrophages in the tumor microenvironment were tested using flow-cytometric and qPCR assays.

Results: In vitro, dnEFT generated using a clinical-grade spinal cord stimulator showed antineoplastic activity against independent glioblastoma cell lines. In support of the results obtained using the clinical-grade electrode, dnEFT delivered through a customized, 2-electrode array induced glioblastoma apoptosis. To characterize this effect in vivo, a custom-designed 4-electrode array was fabricated such that tumor cells can be implanted into murine cerebrum through a center channel equidistant from the electrodes. After implantation with this array and luciferase-expressing murine GL261 glioblastoma cells, mice were randomized to dnEFT or placebo. Relative to placebo-treated mice, dnEFT reduced tumor growth (measured by bioluminescence) and prolonged survival (median survival gain of 6.5 days). Analysis of brain sections following dnEFT showed a notable increase in the accumulation of peritumoral macrophage/microglia with increased expression of M1 genes (IFNγ, TNFα, and IL-6) and decreased expression of M2 genes (CD206, Arg, and IL-10) relative to placebo-treated tumors.

Conclusions: Our results suggest therapeutic potential in glioblastoma for dnEFT delivered through implanted electrodes, supporting the development of a proof-of-principle clinical trial using commercially available deep brain stimulator electrodes.