Tumor-treating fields (TTFields) are gaining traction as evidence expands beyond early enthusiasm, Medscape reports. Once considered experimental, TTFields are now supported by multiple randomized trials and are being tested across a growing list of solid tumors, positioning the therapy as a potential addition to standard cancer care in selected patients.

Here’s a look at how it works, the body of evidence, and the limitations.

Tumor treating fields use low intensity, alternating electric fields to disrupt cancer cell division.

The electric fields are generated by a wearable device — Optune Gio for glioblastoma and Optune Lua for pleural mesothelioma and NSCLC — developed and marketed by Switzerland-based oncology company Novocure.