Patent Description:
Tumor-Treating Fields (TTFs) can be used to treat various types of cancer. For example, TTFs can be applied to a portion of a body of a subject via one or more transducer arrays. Typically, the transducer arrays couple to a signal generator that generates the TTFs through the transducer arrays. The signal generator is typically carried in a handbag that resembles luggage, and one or more cables run between the transducer arrays and the signal generator.

The subject is, therefore, tethered to the signal generator by cables. If the subject inadvertently moves too far from the signal generator, the signal generator can be decoupled from the transducer arrays, thereby activating an alarm and drawing unwanted attention to the subject, or the transducer arrays can be pulled from a desired position on the body of the subject. Further, movement between the subject and the signal generator and the cables can cause strain on the cables (e.g., at joints or coupling locations of the cables) that can lead to general wear or breaking of the cables. Thus, a system that enables the subject to freely move around (e.g., stand, sit, walk, and exercise) without causing significant wear of or strain on the cables or requiring the subject to lift and carry the signal generator is desirable.

Still further, the handbag that resembles luggage is meant to be seen and noticed in order to minimize others passing by from tripping on or inadvertently knocking over the handbag. Accordingly, the handbag can draw unwanted attention and can be aesthetically unpleasing. A more discrete system is desirable.

<CIT> discloses an apparatus for selectively destroying or inhibiting the growth of bacteria located within a target region of a patient including a generator which can be disposed within a carrying bag or the like (e.g., a bag that extends around the patient's waist) which is worn by the patient or can be strapped to an extremity or around the torso of the patient.

<CIT> discloses a magnetic field system which is configured to provide a magnetic field in a first direction to tissue of a subject and includes at least one magnetic field source to produce the magnetic field.

Described herein, in various aspects, is a system for applying Tumor-Treating Fields to a portion of a body of a subject according to claim <NUM>.

Embodiments of the invention are disclosed in die dependent claims.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of die invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in die appended claims.

These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become more apparent in the detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:.

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology and protocols described, as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

As used herein the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, use of the term "a transducer array" or "a strap" can refer to one or more of such transducer arrays or straps, and so forth.

All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise.

Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of the antecedent "about," it is contemplated that values within up to <NUM>%, up to <NUM>%, up to <NUM>%, or up to <NUM>% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects. Similarly, in some optional aspects, when values are approximated by use of the terms "substantially" or "generally," it is contemplated that values within up to <NUM> %, up to <NUM>%, up to <NUM>%, or up to <NUM>% (above or below) of the particular value can be included within the scope of those aspects. When used with respect to an identified property or circumstance, "substantially" or "generally" can refer to a degree of deviation that is sufficiently small so as to not measurably detract from the identified property or circumstance, and the exact degree of deviation allowable may in some cases depend on the specific context.

As used herein, the term "at least one of" is intended to be synonymous with "one or more of. " For example, "at least one of A, B and C" explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, and combinations of each.

The word "or" as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list.

It is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the apparatus, system, and associated methods of using the apparatus can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the apparatus, system, and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus, system, and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry.

Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) therapy is a proven approach for treating tumors using alternating electric fields at frequencies between <NUM> - <NUM>. The alternating electric fields can be induced by transducer arrays (e.g., arrays of capacitively coupled electrodes) placed on opposite sides of the subject's body. When an AC voltage is applied between opposing transducer arrays, an AC current is coupled through the transducer arrays and into the subject's body. In some embodiments, the frequency of the alternating voltage can be between <NUM> and <NUM>, or between <NUM> and <NUM>.

Disclosed herein, in various aspects and with reference to <FIG> is a system for applying TTFs to a portion of a body <NUM> of a subject <NUM>. As described herein, the body <NUM> of the subject <NUM> can include any portion of the subject, including, for example, a head <NUM>, a torso <NUM>, or limbs (e.g., upper arms <NUM>, thighs <NUM>) of the subject. The system <NUM> can comprise a carrier <NUM> having a carrier body <NUM> that defines a receiving space <NUM>.

An electric-signal generator <NUM> can be at least partially received within the receiving space <NUM> of the carrier body <NUM>. Optionally, the electric-signal generator <NUM> can be entirely received within the receiving space <NUM> of die carrier body <NUM>. In further aspects, the electric-signal generator <NUM> can be only partially received within the receiving space <NUM> of the carrier body <NUM>. The receiving space <NUM> can be configured to snugly receive the electric-signal generator <NUM> to inhibit movement thereof. For example, the electric-signal generator <NUM> can be elongate (e.g., optionally, generally cylindrical and elongate along the height of the cylinder), and the receiving space <NUM> can be elongate relative to a longitudinal axis to receive the electric-signal generator <NUM>. In further optional aspects, the receiving space <NUM> can have therein a retaining strap that secures (optionally, fixedly secures) the electric-signal generator <NUM> within the receiving space.

The carrier <NUM> can further comprise a coupling apparatus <NUM> that is configured to fixedly couple the earner body <NUM> to a first location on the body <NUM> of the subject <NUM>. In various aspects, the first location can be a thigh <NUM>, a portion of the torso <NUM> (e.g., a waist <NUM> or a chest <NUM> or an annpit <NUM>), or an upper arm <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the subject <NUM>. In some optional aspects, the coupling apparatus can be configured to snugly retain the carrier body <NUM> against the body of the subject. Thus, in some optional aspects, the carrier body <NUM> cannot move (e.g., can move by no more than <NUM> in any direction) relative to the body of the subject without the subject intentionally moving the carrier body. In this way, the position of the carrier body <NUM> can stay substantially fixed on the body during daily activities. This is in contrast to conventional carriers that are meant to be carried by hand or worn loosely on the body and set down or removed during normal activities such as sitting in a chair or otherwise transitioning between seated and standing positions.

In various aspects, the coupling apparatus <NUM> can comprise a belt <NUM>, a strap <NUM>, and/or a sleeve <NUM>. In some optional aspects, the coupling apparatus <NUM> can comprise a clip, buckle, hook and loop, or other fastener <NUM>. The clip, buckle, hook and loop material, or other fastener <NUM> can be configured to enable the coupling apparatus <NUM> to be selectively secured in a looped configuration or in an open configuration. In further optional aspects, the coupling apparatus <NUM> can comprise a strap adjuster that is configured to adjust an operative length of the coupling apparatus (e.g., the circumference of the belt, strap, or sleeve). Optionally, the clip, buckle, hook and loop material, or other fastener <NUM> can serve as the strap adjuster.

It is contemplated that the coupling apparatus <NUM> can optionally be elastic (e.g., to allow elongation). In further aspects, the coupling apparatus <NUM> can be inelastic.

In one aspect, the coupling apparatus <NUM> can comprise a belt <NUM> that is configured to extend around the torso <NUM> of the subject. For example, the belt <NUM> can be configured to extend around the waist <NUM> of the subject (e.g., below the ribs of the subject and at or above the hips of the subject). Thus, in some aspects, the carrier <NUM> can be positioned at or above the waist <NUM> of the subject <NUM>. For example, in some optional aspects, the carrier body <NUM> can be positioned at the lower back, at one of the hips, or in front of the pelvis of the subject. In further aspects, the belt <NUM> can extend around the chest <NUM> of the subject (e.g., around or across the ribs of the subject), In use, it is contemplated that the carrier <NUM> can be positioned sufficiently high enough (relative to the waist) to ensure that the carrier (and the device) do not contact the legs of the subject when the subject transitions from a standing position to a seated position.

Referring to <FIG>, in further aspects, the coupling apparatus <NUM> can comprise a strap <NUM> that is configured to extend around a thigh <NUM> of the subject. Thus, the carrier body <NUM> can optionally be positioned on the side or front of the thigh <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in further aspects, the coupling apparatus <NUM> can comprise a strap <NUM> that is configured to extend over a shoulder of the subject and underneath an armpit on a side of the subject opposite the shoulder in order to position the carrier body <NUM> at the chest or within the armpit (and above the waist) of the subject. Referring also to <FIG>, the carrier body <NUM> can be positioned underneath and/or at least partially within the armpit of the subject. For example, in some aspects, the coupling apparatus <NUM> can comprise a torso strap 32a that extends around the torso (above the waist) of the subject and retains the carrier body <NUM> against the torso of the subject. The coupling apparatus <NUM> can further comprise at least one shoulder strap 32b that extends over at least one shoulder of the subject and distributes at least a portion of the weight of the carrier body <NUM> to the shoulder. In some optional aspects, the shoulder strap(s) 32b can couple to the torso strap 32a at first and second attachment points to the front and rear, respectively, of the carrier body <NUM>. In further aspects, the shoulder strap 32b can couple to the carrier body <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some optional aspects, the carrier body <NUM> can be positioned on the chest of the subject. For example, the coupling apparatus <NUM> can comprise a torso strap 32a that extends around the torso (above tire waist) of the subject and retains the carrier body <NUM> against the torso of the subject. The coupling apparatus <NUM> can further comprise a first shoulder strap 32b that extends over a first shoulder of the subject and distributes at least a portion of the weight of the carrier body <NUM> to the first shoulder. The coupling apparatus <NUM> can further comprise a second shoulder strap 32b that extends over a second shoulder of the subject and distributes at least a portion of the weight of the carrier body <NUM> to the second shoulder. Respective first ends of the first and second shoulder straps 32b can couple to the torso strap 32a, and respective second ends of the first and second shoulder straps can optionally couple to either the carrier body <NUM> or the torso strap 32a.

Optionally, in use, the carrier body <NUM> can be configured to be held entirely above the lowest rib of the subject when worn by the subject. Optionally, in use, the carrier body can be configured to be held entirely below the neck of the subject when worn by the subject.

Referring to <FIG>, in further aspects, the coupling apparatus <NUM> can comprise a sleeve <NUM>. Optionally, the sleeve <NUM> can be configured to extend around the thigh <NUM> of the subject. In further aspects, the sleeve <NUM> can be configured to extend around the upper arm <NUM> of the subject.

In some aspects, and as shown in <FIG>, the carrier <NUM> can comprise a belt <NUM> that is configured to extend around the waist of the body of the subject. Optionally, the carrier housing <NUM> can hang from the belt <NUM> via a suspension strap <NUM> (<FIG>). Optionally, the length of the suspension strap <NUM> can be adjustable. The carrier can further comprise a strap <NUM> that is configured to extend around the thigh of the body of the subject. For example, at least one strap <NUM> (e.g., an upper strap and a lower strap, as shown) can couple the carrier body to the thigh. In this way, it is contemplated that the majority of the weight of the carrier can be supported by the waist of the subject, and the strap around the thigh can retain the carrier body against the thigh.

It is further contemplated that the belt <NUM>, strap <NUM>, or sleeve <NUM> can surround a body part (e.g., the leg, torso, or arm of the subject), and the carrier body <NUM> can be shifted about said body part (without decoupling the coupling apparatus from the subject) in order to adjust the position of the carrier body for different circumstances and environments. For example, as described, the carrier <NUM> can be worn about the waist of the subject. In some circumstances (e.g., when walking), it can be advantageous for the carrier body <NUM> to be in a first position (e.g., positioned at the lower back of the subject), and, in further circumstances (e.g., when sitting), the carrier body can advantageously be in a second position (e.g., at a hip or in front of the pelvis of the subject). Thus, the carrier <NUM> can enable the subject to reposition the carrier body <NUM> between the first position and the second position. Similarly, in various aspects, the carrier body <NUM> can be positioned on the front, side, rear, or inside of the thigh of the subject. For example, referring to <FIG>, in some aspects, the carrier body <NUM> can be worn on in a first position <NUM> on an outside of the thigh of the subject. In some aspects, this position (on the outside of the thigh to avoid contact with the other thigh) can be advantageous for walking, etc. In some aspects, the carrier body <NUM> can be shifted from the first position <NUM> to a second position <NUM> that is on a front of the thigh of the subject. In some aspects, it is contemplated that this position (on the front of the thigh) can be advantageous for sitting in a chair with armrests, which could potentially contact the carrier body <NUM> in the first position on the outside of the thigh. Optionally, to shift the carrier body <NUM> about and between the first and second positions <NUM>, <NUM>, both the carrier body <NUM> and the coupling apparatus <NUM> (e.g., the belt <NUM> and the strap <NUM>) can shift together (e.g., rotate together relative to the subject). In further aspects, the carrier body <NUM> can shift (e.g., slide) relative to at least a portion of the coupling apparatus <NUM>. For example, in some aspects, the suspension strap <NUM> can couple to the belt <NUM> via a loop <NUM> so that the loop is slidable along the length of the belt. Optionally, the carrier body can be movable along the length of the strap <NUM> around the thigh. In further aspects, the carrier body and strap <NUM> around the thigh can shift concurrently.

In various optional aspects, the carrier body <NUM> can be positioned at one of the chest, armpit, the upper arm, or the thigh. For example, optionally, the carrier body <NUM> can be positioned on the chest so that the carrier body is entirely above the rib cage and entirely below the neck (see <FIG>, for example). In further aspects, the carrier body <NUM> can be positioned on the chest so that the carrier body is positioned above the thighs of the body of the subject when the subject is seated. Optionally, the carrier body can be positioned at the armpit sufficiently low so that the carrier body does not interfere with arm movement (see <FIG>, for example). For example, the carrier body <NUM>, when worn, can be configured to be positioned below the pectoralis major of the subject.

One or more transducer arrays <NUM> can be positioned on the body <NUM> of the subject <NUM>. For example, the one or more transducer arrays <NUM> can be positioned on or within the head <NUM> of the subject. In further aspects, the transducer arrays can be positioned on the torso <NUM> of the subject <NUM> (e.g., for treating lung cancer) or other portions of the body of the subject. The one or more transducer arrays <NUM> can be in communication with the electric-signal generator <NUM> via at least one electrical cable <NUM>. Each of the transducer arrays <NUM> can comprise one or more transducers that are configured to emit TTFs in response to signals provided by the electric-signal generator <NUM>. The one or more transducer arrays <NUM> can be positioned on the body <NUM> of the subject <NUM> at a second location that is different from the first location.

The second location can be proximate to a treatment site. For example, and without limitation, the second location can be on the head <NUM> of the subject <NUM>. In exemplary aspects, the second location can be a top of the head, a front of the head, a rear of the head, a side of the head, or an area that includes portions thereof. For example, a transducer array can cover at least a portion of a top, front, rear, and sides of the head of the subject as illustrated in <FIG>. In further aspects, the second location can be on the torso of the subject. For example, the second location can be on a front, a back, or a side of the torso. In still further aspects, the transducer arrays <NUM> can be position anywhere on the body of the subject.

In further aspects, each transducer array <NUM> can be at a respective second location, wherein each respective second location is different from the first location. For example, die respective second locations on the body can be opposed sides of the head (e.g., left and right sides or front and back sides of the head). In further aspects, the respective second locations on the body can be on the torso (e.g., on front and rear sides of the torso). In still further aspects, the second location of at least one transducer array <NUM> can be on the torso of the body of the subject, and the second location of at least one additional transducer array <NUM> can be on a head of the body of the subject.

Optionally, in some aspects and with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the system <NUM> can comprise an electrical connection box <NUM>. The electrical connection box <NUM> can provide electrical communication (and a physical coupling) between the one or more transducer arrays <NUM> and the electric-signal generator <NUM>. For example, in some aspects, the at least one electrical cable <NUM> can comprise a first electrical cable <NUM> that extends between and couples to the electric-signal generator <NUM> and the electrical connection box. A respective second electrical cable (e.g., electrical cables 44a, 44b, 44c) can extend between and couple to each transducer array <NUM> (e.g., transducer array 22a, 22b, 22c). In this way, the electrical connection box <NUM> can serve as a junction box that can enable the electric-signal generator <NUM> to deliver different electric signals to the different transducer arrays <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some aspects, the electrical connection box <NUM> can have a first side <NUM> and an opposing second side <NUM>. The first side <NUM> can define a first port <NUM> that couples to the first electrical cable <NUM>, and the second side <NUM> can define at least one second port <NUM> that couples to the second electrical cable (e.g., the electrical cables 44a, 44b, 44c). In some aspects, at least one electrical cable can be integral to the electrical connection box <NUM>. For example, the first electrical cable <NUM> can be integral or permanently physically coupled to the electrical connection box <NUM> through the first port <NUM>. In further aspects, both the first port <NUM> and the second port(s) <NUM> can be on the same first side <NUM> of the electrical connection box. In this way, all of the electrical cables can extend from the electrical connection box in the same direction so that the electrical connection box <NUM> can be inserted into a receiving space with all the electrical cables exiting out a single opening of the carrier body <NUM> without significant bends (e.g., <NUM> degrees or more) in any of the electrical cables. In yet further aspects, the electrical connection box <NUM> can be omitted, and the electrical cable(s) <NUM> can extend directly from the electric-signal generator <NUM> to the transducer array(s) <NUM>.

In some optional aspects, the electrical connection box <NUM> can couple to the carrier <NUM>. For example, the system <NUM> can comprise a clip <NUM> that couples the electrical connection box to the carrier <NUM>. In some optional aspects, the clip <NUM> can couple the electrical connection box <NUM> to the belt <NUM> or other coupling apparatus <NUM>. Optionally, the clip <NUM> can comprise a member that is rotationally biased against a surface (e.g., of the electrical connection box <NUM>) by a torsion spring <NUM>. In some aspects, die coupling apparatus <NUM> can define a loop <NUM> (<FIG>) that can receive the clip <NUM>.

In various further aspects, the electrical connection box <NUM> can be received within the carrier <NUM>. For example, optionally, the electrical connection box <NUM> can be received within the receiving space <NUM>. In further optional aspects, the receiving space <NUM> can be a first receiving space, and the carrier <NUM> can define a second receiving space <NUM>. In some aspects, the carrier <NUM> can comprise at least a first carrier body 14a and a second carrier body 14b, wherein the first carrier body defines the first receiving space <NUM>, and the second carrier body defines the second receiving space <NUM>. In further aspects, the carrier body <NUM> can define both the first and second receiving spaces <NUM>, <NUM>. Optionally, the electrical connection box <NUM> can be received within the second receiving space <NUM>. In further aspects, the carrier can define at least one pocket <NUM> (<FIG>). Optionally, the pocket(s) <NUM> can be separate from the receiving space(s).

Referring to <FIG>, in some aspects, the carrier body <NUM> can have an inner surface <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> of the carrier body <NUM> can define the receiving space <NUM>. In some optional aspects, the carrier body <NUM> can further define at least one opening <NUM> that extends between the inner surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM>. The opening(s) <NUM> can be in communication with the receiving space of the carrier body and can be configured to permit dissipation of heat from the electric-signal generator <NUM>. In some aspects, the carrier body can define a single opening <NUM>. In further aspects, the carrier body can define <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more openings <NUM>. In various optional aspects, the opening(s) <NUM> can be, for example, on the side(s) of the carrier body <NUM> and/or on the bottom of the carrier body. Optionally, a penneable cover, such as a grate, screen, or perforated material, can cover the one or more openings <NUM> while permitting air to pass therethrough.

Referring to <FIG>, in further aspects, the carrier <NUM> can comprise a cover <NUM> that couples to the carrier body <NUM> and extends over at least a portion of the receiving space <NUM> of the carrier body. The cover <NUM> can inhibit liquid or other undesirable elements (e.g., food crumbs, dust, etc.) from entering the receiving space. For example, in some aspects, the carrier body can define a top opening <NUM> to permit the electric-signal generator to be inserted into and removed from the carrier, and the cover <NUM> can extend across the top opening when in a closed position <NUM>. Optionally, the cover <NUM> can pivotably couple to the carrier body <NUM> (e.g., via a hinge or flexible coupling). In further aspects, the cover can couple to the carrier body via any suitable fastener(s) <NUM> (e.g., a zipper or one or more buttons, clips, etc.) to retain the cover <NUM> in the closed position <NUM>. In some optional aspects, the cover <NUM> can be retained in an open position <NUM>. For example, the carrier <NUM> can comprise a fastener <NUM> (e.g., hook and loop material, a snap, or one or more magnets) that retains the cover <NUM> in the open position <NUM>. In further optional aspects, the cover <NUM> can be spring biased toward the open position <NUM> or locked in the open position via a releasable mechanical catch. Optionally, the cover <NUM> can comprise a lip <NUM> that extends below the top opening <NUM> relative to a vertical axis when the cover <NUM> is in the closed position <NUM>.

In various aspects, the carrier body <NUM> can define at least one coupling element that enables different coupling apparatuses to be attached thereto and removed therefrom. The coupling element can complise, for example, a loop through which the strap <NUM> or the belt <NUM> can be inserted. In further optional aspects, the coupling element can comprise a carabineer, a clip (e.g., a double side release buckle), and/or one ofa hook or loop fastener that is configured to engage the other of the hook or loop fastener of the coupling apparatus <NUM>.

Conventional electric-signal generator carriers resemble luggage and are meant to be removed from the person during typical daily activities. Unlike such conventional electric-signal generator carriers, the carrier <NUM> disclosed herein is configured to remain on the person during daily activities such as sitting, standing, walking, exercising, etc. Thus, the length of the electrical cable(s) can be reduced to the length necessary to allow unrestricted movement of the subject, without having excess length that can serve as a tripping hazard or get caught on a snag. For example, the length of the longest electrical cable of the electrical cable(s) <NUM> can be no more than <NUM> longer than the distance from the carrier to the farthest electrode array from the carrier as measured along a path against the body of the subject. In embodiments comprising an electrical connection box <NUM>, the length of the electrical cable <NUM> can be the sum of the lengths of the first electrical cable <NUM>, the (longest) second electrical cable(s), and the distance between the first and second ports <NUM>, <NUM>. The reduced length of the electrical cables as compared to conventional systems can further reduce the weight of the electrical cables. In further aspects, excess cable length can be received within the carrier <NUM>. For example, in some aspects, the excess length of the cables can be received within the first receiving space <NUM>. In further aspects, the excess length of cables can be received within the second receiving space <NUM>. In yet further aspects, the system can comprise at least one retention strap (or band or wire tie) that is configured to secure the excess cable length in a rolled, folded, or bunched configuration. For example, the excess length of cable can be folded against itself one or more times to define a plurality of adjacent cable segments, and the retention strap can be wrapped around the plurality of adjacent cable segments. In some aspects, die retention strap can comprise a fastener (e.g., hook and loop material, a snap fastener, or a clip that retains the retention strap in a looped configuration. In further aspects, the retention strap can comprise a semi-rigid member (e.g., as in a twist tie) that enables the retention strap to stay wrapped around the excess length of cable. The retention strap can optionally be coupled to the carrier <NUM>. In further aspects, the retention strap can be separate from, and not coupled to, the carrier <NUM>.

In some aspects, a kit can comprise a carrier body <NUM> as disclosed herein and a plurality of coupling apparatuses <NUM>. In some aspects, each of the coupling apparatuses <NUM> can be selectively attached to, or decoupled from, the carrier body <NUM>. In this way, the subject can select between the different coupling apparatuses depending on the coupling apparatus and desired position of the carrier body.

It is contemplated that the electric-signal generator <NUM> can comprise a portable power source, such as a battery. A spare battery <NUM> can be positioned within one pocket <NUM> of the carrier. The spare battery <NUM> can be used to replace a depleted battery of the electric-signal generator <NUM>.

Embodiments disclosed herein can enable subjects receiving TTF therapy to be mobile and active during treatment. For example, unlike the conventional luggage-resembling carrier, the carrier <NUM> does not have to be picked up and held. Thus, the subject does not have to constantly pay attention to the location of the carrier. Additionally, embodiments disclosed herein can be more discrete as compared to the conventional luggage-resembling carrier. For example, the carrier <NUM> can have a much more subtle profile that draws less attention than the conventional carrier. Moreover, in some optional aspects, the carrier <NUM> can be worn underneath clothes, and the electrical cables can similarly be run underneath the clothes so that little or none of the system <NUM> is visible to an onlooker.

A carrier <NUM> as described herein can be fixedly coupled to the body of the subject <NUM> at a first location. For example, a strap can be positioned across at least a portion of the torso of the body of the subject or at least an upper arm of the body of the subject or around a thigh of the body of the subject. In further aspects, a belt can be positioned around the torso of the body of the subject. In further aspects, a sleeve can be positioned around the upper arm or thigh of the subject. The electric-signal generator <NUM> can be positioned within the receiving space <NUM> of the carrier body <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>.

Each transducer array <NUM> can be securely placed at a respective second location on the body of the subject, wherein the first location is different from the second location.

Optionally, each transducer array of the plurality of transducer arrays can be positioned at the respective second location before the carrier is fixedly coupled to the first location of the body. In some optional aspects, the second location(s) can be determined by a computing device <NUM>. For example, the computing device <NUM> can instruct a subject or clinician as to the proper positioning for each transducer array. The computing device, can receive (e.g., via clinician input) information regarding the region to be treated, such as, for example, a location of a tumor within the body. Based on the position and the anatomy of the patient, the computing device can determine the proper positioning for each transducer array and provide an output indicative of the proper positioning for each transducer array.

In further optional aspects, the computing device <NUM> can determine at least one placement location on the body of the subject where the carrier can be fixedly coupled to avoid overlapping any portion of the plurality of transducer arrays. In some aspects, based on placement locations of the transducer arrays, the computing device can provide locations for positioning the carrier body <NUM> in which the carrier body is spaced from the transducer arrays (e.g., so that the transducer array is not between the carrier body and the subject). In this way, excess heat in one location on the body of the subject can be minimized. Thus, for example, in aspects in which the placement locations of the transducer arrays are on the chest of the subject, the computing device can provide recommendations of the armpit, the upper arms, or the thighs of the body of the subject as locations for placement of the carrier body <NUM>. The computing device can be in communication with a display, and the computing device can cause the display to provide an output indicative of the placement location(s) on the body where the carrier can be fixedly coupled to avoid overlapping any portion of the plurality of transducer arrays. For example, the display can output a list of locations or a graphic. The computing device can further provide an output indicative of which coupling apparatus or coupling apparatuses can be used to fixedly couple die carrier to the body in said placement location(s).

Optionally, the computing device <NUM> can user the determined proper positioning for each transducer array in order to determine the at least one placement location on the body of the subject where the carrier can be fixedly coupled to avoid overlapping any portion of the plurality of transducer arrays. In further aspects, the computing device can be configured to receive a user input of the location of each transducer array in order to determine the at least one placement location on the body of the subject where the carrier can be fixedly coupled to avoid overlapping any portion of the plurality of transducer arrays. For example, die computing device can provide a prompt (e.g., on a display) for a user to input the location of each transducer array, and user (e.g., a clinician) can input, via an input device of the computing device, the location of each transducer array.

The transducer arrays <NUM> can be coupled to the electric-signal transducer <NUM>. For example, in some optional aspects, the second electrical cables (e.g., electrical cables 44a, 44b, 44c) of the respective transducer arrays can be coupled to the electrical connection box, and the electric-signal generator <NUM> can be coupled to the electrical connection box <NUM> via the first electrical cable <NUM>, thereby providing electrical communication between the electric-signal generator and the transducer array(s). In various aspects, the electrical connection box <NUM> can be clipped to the carrier (e.g., to the belt <NUM>) or positioned within the carrier (e.g., within the receiving space <NUM>).

The electric-signal generator <NUM> can be used to deliver electrical signals to the transducer array(s) <NUM>, and the transducer array(s) can generate TTFs. <CIT>, describes further details for generating and using TTFs to treat cancer.

In some aspects, delivery of the electrical signals to the transducer array(s) <NUM> can be ceased. Optionally, after delivery of electrical signals while a carrier is coupled to the subject with a first coupling apparatus, the carrier can be coupled to the subject with a different coupling apparatus. For example, the coupling apparatus can be decoupled from the body of the subject. The coupling apparatus can initially be coupled to the body of the subject with a first coupling apparatus, and a second coupling apparatus that is different from the first coupling apparatus can also be used to couple the carrier to the body of the subject. Optionally, the first coupling apparatus can be decoupled from the carrier body prior to coupling the second coupling apparatus to the carrier body (such that the first coupling apparatus and the second coupling apparatus sequentially couple to the carrier body). Optionally, using die second coupling apparatus, the carrier can be positioned in a third position that is different from the first position and the second position. In exemplary aspects, the second coupling apparatus can differ from the first coupling apparatus in fastener type, coupling location, and/or size.

<FIG> shows a system <NUM> including an exemplary configuration of a computing device <NUM> for use with the system <NUM> disclosed herein. In some aspects, the computing device <NUM> can be integral to the system <NUM>. In further aspects, it is contemplated that the computing device <NUM> can be a separate computing device, such as, for example, a tablet, smartphone, laptop, or desktop computer can communicate with the system <NUM> and can enable the subject to interface with the system <NUM>.

The computing device <NUM> may comprise one or more processors <NUM>, a system memory <NUM>, and a bus <NUM> that couples various components of the computing device <NUM> including the one or more processors <NUM> to the system memory <NUM>. In the case of multiple processors <NUM>, the computing device <NUM> may utilize parallel computing.

The bus <NUM> may comprise one or more of several possible types of bus structures, such as a memory bus, memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.

The computing device <NUM> may operate on and/or comprise a variety of computer readable media (e.g., non-transitory). Computer readable media may be any available media that is accessible by the computing device <NUM> and comprises, non-transitory, volatile and/or non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. The system memory <NUM> has computer readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM). The system memory <NUM> may store data such as transducer location data <NUM> (i.e., data from signals received by the electrodes) and/or program modules such as operating system <NUM> and location determination software <NUM> that are accessible to and/or are operated on by the one or more processors <NUM>.

The computing device <NUM> may also comprise other removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage media. The mass storage device <NUM> may provide non-volatile storage of computer code, computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the computing device <NUM>. The mass storage device <NUM> may be a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a removable optical disk, magnetic cassettes or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, random access memories (RAM), read only memories (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and the like.

Any number of program modules may be stored on the mass storage device <NUM>. An operating system <NUM> and location determination software <NUM> may be stored on the mass storage device <NUM>. One or more of the operating system <NUM> and location determination software <NUM> (or some combination thereof) may comprise program modules and the location determination software <NUM>. Transducer location data <NUM> may also be stored on the mass storage device <NUM>. Transducer location data <NUM> may be stored in any of one or more databases known in the art. The databases may be centralized or distributed across multiple locations within the network <NUM>.

A user may enter commands and information into the computing device <NUM> using an input device (not shown). Such input devices comprise, but are not limited to, a keyboard, touchscreen display, pointing device (e.g., a computer mouse, remote control), a microphone, a joystick, a scanner, tactile input devices such as gloves, and other body coverings, motion sensor, speech recognition, and the like. These and other input devices may be connected to the one or more processors <NUM> using a human machine interface <NUM> that is coupled to the bus <NUM>, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game port, an IEEE <NUM> Port (also known as a Firewire port), a serial port, network adapter <NUM>, and/or a universal serial bus (USB).

A display device <NUM> may also be connected to the bus <NUM> using an interface, such as a display adapter <NUM>. It is contemplated that the computing device <NUM> may have more than one display adapter <NUM> and the computing device <NUM> may have more than one display device <NUM>. A display device <NUM> may be a monitor, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), light emitting diode (LED) display, television, smart lens, smart glass, and/ or a projector. In addition to the display device <NUM>, other output peripheral devices may comprise components such as speakers (not shown) and a printer (not shown) which may be connected to the computing device <NUM> using Input/Output Interface <NUM>. Any step and/or result of the methods may be output (or caused to be output) in any form to an output device. Such output may be any form of visual representation, including, but not limited to, textual, graphical, animation, audio, tactile, and the like. The display <NUM> and computing device <NUM> may be part of one device, or separate devices.

The computing device <NUM> may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computing devices 1014a,b,c. A remote computing device 1014a,b,c may be a personal computer, computing station (e.g., workstation), portable computer (e.g., laptop, mobile phone, tablet device), smart device (e.g., smartphone, smart watch, activity tracker, smart apparel, smart accessory), security and/or monitoring device, a server, a router, a network computer, a peer device, edge device or other common network node, and so on. Logical connections between the computing device <NUM> and a remote computing device 1014a,b,c may be made using a network <NUM>, such as a local area network (LAN) and/or a general wide area network (WAN) , or a Cloud-based network. Such network connections may be through a network adapter <NUM>. A network adapter <NUM> may be implemented in both wired and wireless environments. Such networking environments arc conventional and commonplace in dwellings, offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet. It is contemplated that the remote computing devices 1014a,b,c can optionally have some or all of the components disclosed as being part of computing device <NUM>. In various further aspects, it is contemplated that some or all aspects of data processing described herein can be performed via cloud computing on one or more servers or other remote computing devices. Accordingly, at least a portion of the system <NUM> can be configured with internet connectivity.

Claim 1:
A system for applying tumor-treating fields to a portion of a body of a subject, the system comprising:
a carrier (<NUM>) comprising a carrier body (<NUM>) that defines a receiving space (<NUM>), and a coupling apparatus (<NUM>) that is configured to fixedly couple the carrier body (<NUM>) to a first location on the body of the subject;
an electric-signal generator (<NUM>) at least partially received within the receiving space (<NUM>) of the carrier body (<NUM>); and
at least one transducer array (<NUM>) in electrical communication with the electric-signal generator (<NUM>);
characterized in that the first location is one of a thigh, a chest, an upper arm or an armpit of the body of the subject, and each transducer array (<NUM>) is configured for secure placement at a respective second location on the body of the subject, different than the first location.