Testing the effects of topical skin care products on Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) adhesiveness of arrays and delivery of electric currents

Abstract Purpose Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy is an approved cancer treatment, delivered to patients continuously via arrays applied to the skin surrounding the tumor region. The delivery of treatment by skin-adherent arrays creates an inherent risk of skin irritation. Implementing proactive measures for skin care with appropriate agents is necessary to maintain patient quality-of-life and increase device usage for better treatment effectiveness. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of commercially available skin care products on array adhesiveness and electric current delivery, to determine which may be used to alleviate device-related skin irritation without compromising treatment effectiveness. Methods We tested skin care products that are customary for the treatment of skin adverse events (AEs), including skin barriers, topical corticosteroids, anti-itching products, wound healing agents, and topical antimicrobials. We also tested moisturizers, recommended for preserving good skin health. We performed a wide screen on 34 compounds in animal models, and then validated the results in humans for 8 of the compounds. Results The preclinical tests identified 24 compounds that did not interfere with TTFields delivery, coming from the various medical use groups. Those that significantly reduced array adhesiveness and electrical conduction contained an electrical insulator/lipid component as the major ingredient. The results from the human study were in concordance with the preclinical results. Conclusions This study identified, under controlled conditions, a selection of commercially available skin care products that do not compromise TTFields delivery and hence may serve as candidates for managing skin AEs in TTFields-treated patients.