Effect of a new method for operating electric field patches on scalp reactions in glioblastoma patients receiving tumor treating fields

BackgroundThe study aimed to assess the effects of a modified electric field patch operation method on scalp adverse reactions in glioblastoma patients undergoing tumor treating fields (TTFields).MethodsA total of 73 glioblastoma patients who received TTFields between May 2019 and July 2022 were included in the study. The control group consisted of 36 patients treated with the conventional electric field patch operation method before April 2021, while the modified group included 37 patients treated after May 2021 using an improved technique for adhesion and removal of the electric field patch. The study conducted a comparison between two groups regarding the incidence of adverse scalp reactions and compliance with TTFields.ResultsThe modified group exhibited significantly lower rates of scalp pruritus (P=0.0246), contact dermatitis (P=0.0253), and skin ulceration (P=0.0299) compared to the control group. Additionally, compliance with TTFields was notably higher in the modified group (81.1%) than in the control group (52.8%) with a statistically significant difference (P=0.0101). Furthermore, the incidence of adverse scalp reactions displayed seasonal variability, with the highest rates observed in summer (56.16%) and the lowest in winter (8.22%). Following the implementation of the adjusted electric field patch operation technique, a notable decrease in the incidence of adverse scalp reactions during the summer (P=0.0002), autumn (P=0.0411), and spring (P=0.0342) seasons was observed.ConclusionsThe utilization of this modified method has demonstrated efficacy in mitigating scalp adverse reactions, minimizing treatment disruptions, and enhancing adherence to TTFields therapy among patients.Legal entity responsible for the studyThe authors.FundingHas not received any funding.DisclosureAll authors have declared no conflicts of interest.