NovoTTF-100A: a new treatment modality for recurrent glioblastoma

Expert Rev Neurother. 2012 Aug;12(8):895-9. doi: 10.1586/ern.12.80. Epub 2012 Jun 19.

Abstract

NovoTTF-100A (Novocure Inc., Haifa, Israel) is a first-of-a-kind device approved by the US FDA for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma. It works by emitting a low-intensity, intermediate-frequency (200 kHz), alternating electric field administered via insulated transducer arrays applied onto the scalp. The electric field penetrates the brain and inhibits the growth and proliferation of glioblastoma by interfering with tumor cell mitosis at anaphase. Results from a Phase III clinical trial indicate that the efficacy of NovoTTF-100A is equivalent to standard-of-care chemotherapy. The side effect profile favors device-treated patients, obviating typical toxicities associated with chemotherapy or targeted drugs, and results in improvements in their quality of life. NovoTTF-100A is a new modality of cancer treatment that offers equivalent efficacy, but less toxicity, to recurrent glioblastoma patients when compared with existing treatments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anaphase
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / adverse effects
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / instrumentation*
  • Glioblastoma / pathology
  • Glioblastoma / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / therapy*
  • Quality of Life
  • Scalp
  • Therapeutic Equivalency

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents