Method and apparatus for treating tumors using low strength electric fields

Abstract

A method of treating tumor tissue of an individual is provided. The method is effected by applying to cells of the tumor tissue electrical field pulses having a strength, a repetition frequency and a pulse width selected capable of inducing endocytosis mediated cell death thereby treating the tumor tissue.

1 - 62 . (canceled) 
   
   
       63 . An apparatus for exposing cells of a tissue of an individual to electrical field pulses, comprising:
 (a) an electrode system configured for placement in contact with a tissue of the individual, said electrode system consisting of at least one cathode electrode and at least two anode electrodes, the number of anode electrodes being larger than the number of cathode electrodes;   (b) a power source being in circuit communication with said electrode system and being for generating an electrical potential difference across said electrode system; and   (c) a controller for setting the duration, frequency and strength of said electrical potential in a manner enabling said electrode system placed within said tissue to expose cells of said tissue to electrical field pulses,   
     and configured for exposing cells of said tissue to electrical field having strength of 2-150 V/cm, a repetition frequency of 1 Hz -100 kHz and a pulse width of 1 μs-200 μs. 
   
   
       64 . An apparatus according to  claim 63 , wherein the number of anode electrodes is three, and the number of cathode electrodes is one. 
   
   
       65 . An apparatus according to  claim 63 , wherein said anode electrodes surround said cathode electrode. 
   
   
       66 . An apparatus according to  claim 63 , comprising a support for holding said electrode system and for simultaneously contacting the electrodes of said electrode system with the tissue. 
   
   
       67 . An apparatus according to  claim 66 , wherein said support is configured for placement of said cathode electrode in a center of said tissue and said anode electrodes in a periphery of said tissue. 
   
   
       68 . An apparatus according to  claim 63 , comprising an injector mechanism for injecting a cytotoxic agent into said tissue. 
   
   
       69 . An apparatus according to  claim 68 , wherein said injector mechanism forms a part of said electrode system. 
   
   
       70 . An apparatus according to  claim 68 , wherein said injector mechanism is at least partially integrated within said cathode electrode. 
   
   
       71 . An apparatus according to  claim 63 , comprising only one electrode system.