Optimization of Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) Frequency and Treatment Duration in Colorectal Cancer Cells.

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields), a novel anticancer therapy using intermediate frequency and low-intensity alternating electric fields, has demonstrated efficacy in various cancers, but its application in CRC remains underexplored.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the optimal frequency and treatment duration of TTFields therapy for CRC through in vitro experiments.

METHODS

Four human CRC cell lines (2 MSI: HROC110 T1 M7, HROC285 T0 M2; 2 MSS: HROC450, HROC463) were treated using the inovitro TTFields system. Frequencies (100, 200, 300 kHz) and daily exposure durations (16, 20, 24 h/day) were varied. Cell viability was assessed after 72 h using crystal violet staining and spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using t-tests or ANOVA, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

TTFields significantly reduced cell viability at all tested frequencies. The 100 kHz frequency yielded the most pronounced effects, especially in MSI cell lines (p < 0.001). Treatment duration of 24 h/day led to the greatest viability reduction across all cell lines (p < 0.01), while 16 h/day and 20 h/day showed comparatively weaker effects.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that TTFields effectively reduce CRC cell viability, supporting their therapeutic potential. Further studies are needed to understand their mechanisms and synergy with existing treatments.