How to Build Daily Wear Time
One large study review found that people with glioblastoma who wore TTFields more than 75 percent of the day had higher one-year survival rates than those who wore the device less than this goal.
And the more time the therapy is on, the more opportunity it has to do its job, explains David Peereboom, MD, a neuro-oncologist at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. “While 75 percent is an important benchmark, even higher use may provide additional benefit when possible,” he says. “Aim for over 90 percent wear time when feasible, while recognizing that occasional interruptions are unavoidable.”
Start Slow and Adjust as Needed
You don’t have to start with 18 hours a day, says Dr. Peereboom. “If wearing the device for long stretches feels difficult at first, it can be easier to build up gradually rather than focusing only on the final target,” he notes. “Setting small, realistic goals can make the process more manageable.”
You can reach your 75 percent goal a few different ways, says Dr. Chirag Patel, who has conducted research on TTFields. “For example, one patient may consistently have the device turned on for 18 hours a day, every day of the week,” he says. Or you may have the device turned on 24 hours a day for three days straight, then take the fourth day off to shave your scalp and have a built-in day off from the device, and then repeat the cycle again, he says.
You can also wear TTFields while you sleep, getting several hours of easy wear time overnight, says Nitesh Patel. “Sleep is your best ally.”
Track Your Wear Time
Nitesh Patel recommends using logs to track how much wear time you get each day. You can use the logs on your device or the notes app on your phone to record your progress.
Your TTFields device tracks how much time you use it (“on” time) and creates a report at the end of every month, says Chirag Patel. You can get this report through a connected app or from your provider, he says.
“[This information] can be used to identify trends that may be preventing the patient from achieving the recommended 75 percent ‘on’ time,” says Chirag Patel. It can also show when you wore it most, which can help you adjust your wear schedule so you can use it more, he says.
Stay Prepared
Keep extra charged batteries with you, so your therapy doesn’t get interrupted during the day. Bring a battery with you if you plan to be out more than two hours.
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