Investigating the Connection Between Tumor-Treating Fields Distribution in the Brain and Glioblastoma Patient Outcomes. A Simulation-Based Study Utilizing a Novel Model Creation Technique

Excerpt

Here we describe preliminary results of a simulation-based study investigating the connection between tumor-treating fields (TTFields) distribution in the brain and glioblastoma patient outcomes. In order to perform this study, we developed a semiautomatic method for creating realistic head models from glioblastoma patient MRI using a deformable template and atlas-based registration. This method, which is described in detail in this chapter, is robust and fast, making it suitable for rapid creation of multiple realistic head models. Using this method, we created 119 head models of newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients that were treated with tumor-treating fields. Finite element simulations were used to simulate delivery of TTFields to these patients, and the connection between field intensity distribution at the tumor bed and patient outcome was analyzed. The result of this analysis support the hypothesis that increasing field intensity at the tumor bed improves patient outcome.