Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) for Mesothelioma Treatment

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) for Mesothelioma Treatment
By Nidhi Gera – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4444126/, CC BY 4.0

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) is an emerging therapy for mesothelioma, administered using a compact, portable device. This therapy employs mild electric fields aimed at decelerating tumor growth and has received conditional approval for treating inoperable pleural mesothelioma in conjunction with chemotherapy, potentially enhancing patient survival.

What Are TTFields?

TTFields therapy involves a portable device, Optune Lua™, that delivers gentle electric fields through the skin to impede the growth of cancer cells. This therapy stands out as it allows patients to undergo treatment at home, adhering to a recommended 18-hour daily regimen.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the Optune Lua™ device under a humanitarian use designation, specifically for inoperable pleural mesothelioma treatment in combination with chemotherapy.

Understanding Humanitarian Use Devices

A humanitarian use device (HUD) is designated for treating or diagnosing rare medical conditions like mesothelioma. These devices are granted FDA approval without necessarily demonstrating efficacy in their intended application. For instance, Optune Lua™ is approved as a HUD for certain pleural mesothelioma cases, but its effectiveness in this specific use remains under evaluation.

Benefits of TTFields Therapy for Mesothelioma

TTFields therapy offers multiple potential advantages for mesothelioma patients:

  • Mobility: The portable nature of the Optune Lua™ device allows patients to receive treatment during everyday activities.
  • Minimal Side Effects: The therapy is non-invasive, typically causing only mild side effects such as skin irritation.
  • Survival Extension: Clinical studies suggest that TTFields combined with chemotherapy may improve survival rates compared to chemotherapy alone.
  • Reduced Treatment Burden: Home-based treatment can lessen travel and related costs, offering more convenience than hospital-based therapies.

Administering TTFields Treatment

TTFields operates by utilizing low-intensity electricity to disrupt cancer cell division, potentially leading to the destruction of tumor cells. This method could positively impact mesothelioma prognosis.

TTFields therapy for mesothelioma is generally paired with standard chemotherapy treatments. The Optune Lua™ device, once known as the NovoTTF-100L™ System, is designed for patient-friendly use and includes components for transferring electric fields, an electric field generator, and a power source. Patients are encouraged to utilize the device for an optimal 18 hours daily.

Eligibility for TTFields Therapy

TTFields therapy is primarily targeted at patients with inoperable pleural mesothelioma. Eligibility may be influenced by factors like existing electrical medical devices, sensitivity to conductive gels, or pregnancy status.

Effectiveness and Side Effects

According to the National Library of Medicine, from February 2015 to March 2017, a study with 80 patients showed a median follow-up of 12.5 months and a median overall survival of 18.2 months. Common grade 3 or worse adverse events included anaemia (11%), neutropenia (9%), and thrombocytopenia (5%). Skin reactions, primarily grades 1-2 (66%) and grade 3 (5%), were associated with TTFields. No treatment-related deaths occurred. Clinical trials indicate that TTFields may extend the median survival time in mesothelioma patients. Skin irritation is the most commonly reported side effect, while other potential side effects might stem from concurrent chemotherapy.

Cost and Financial Assistance

The cost of TTFields therapy can vary, and Novocure provides financial assistance based on individual income and insurance situations. Patients are encouraged to discuss financial concerns with their care teams to navigate payment options and explore other effective treatments.