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Tumor Treating Fields (Optune)

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Optune is a new treatment for glioblastomas (GBM), resulting in minimal side effects and better quality of life.

Recent medical advancements in oncology care are enhancing outcomes for cancer patients. Optune®, a new, leading-edge treatment for glioblastomas (GBM) and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), is helping to pave the way, resulting in minimal side effects and better quality of life for those who receive it.

A group of Cancer Care Northwest (CCNW) physicians, Radiation Oncologists Dr. Bryan Ager, Dr. Robert Fairbanks, Dr. Corbin Jacobs, Dr. Wayne Lamoreaux, Dr. Christopher Lee, Dr. O. Kenneth Macdonald, Dr. Stephen Thatcher, and Dr. Aaron Wagner are certified providers. Offering this cutting-edge technology will enhance the quality of local medical care and add another component to the cancer-fighting treatment array CCNW provides. Cancer Care Northwest is the first to offer this leading-edge treatment in all of Eastern Washington, as well as Idaho State.

Optune is a wearable, portable, FDA-approved device that delivers continuous treatment through ceramic discs within adhesive patches called “transducer arrays.” These noninvasive discs are placed directly on the skin, allowing the arrays to directly target an area of your body where the cancer is located.

For more information on Optune, please visit www.optune.com. 

 

 

Once the transducer arrays are applied to the skin near where your cancer is located and the Optune device is powered on, Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are omitted to specifically target and disrupt the division of cancer cells. TTFields are low intensity (1-3 V/cm) alternating electrical fields tuned to a specific frequency (150 kHz) to disrupt solid tumor cancer cell division. This inhibits tumor growth and can possibly cause cancer cells to die, while sparing healthy cells.

  • Depending on your type of cancer, transducer arrays are applied to the skin near where your cancer is located. Transducer arrays are customized for patients, depending on their gender, body type, and tumor location. Skin must be shaved and arrays replaced every 3-4 days to help minimize the risk of skin infection. You and your caregiver will receive training to show you where and how to place the arrays.
  • Transducer arrays are connected to the battery-powered Optune device, which is conveniently stored in a carrying bag or backpack, making it portable for use during normal daily activities. Avoid activities where the Optune device or the transducer arrays become wet, as this can cause damage.
  • It is recommended that Optune is turned on 18 hours a day in order to obtain optimal results. The Optune treatment kit comes with 4 batteries and a portable battery charger, for easy care on the go. You can wear it while you sleep and can customize your treatment plan by taking breaks, when needed, during the day.
  • Patients should be aware of special skin care guidelines, as array placement may irritate skin.

Optune, a non-invasive antimitotic cancer treatment for GBM, has been proven to extend survival and maintain quality of life in patients with newly diagnosed GBM.

Indication:
Optune is an FDA-approved device indicated to treat a type of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in adult patients 22 years of age or older.

Newly diagnosed GBM: If you have newly diagnosed GBM, Optune is used together with a chemotherapy called temozolomide (TMZ) if:

  • Your cancer is confirmed by your healthcare professional AND
  • You have had surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible

Recurrent GBM: If your tumor has come back, Optune can be used alone as an alternative to standard medical therapy if:

  • You have tried surgery and radiation and they did not work or are no longer working AND
  • You have tried chemotherapy and your GBM has been confirmed by your healthcare professional

Optune Lua is a non-invasive antimitotic cancer treatment for MPM that delivers TTFields via transducer arrays that are placed on the torso.

Indication:
Optune Lua® is an FDA-approved device indicated for the treatment of adult patients, with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic, malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) to be used together with standard chemotherapy (pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy).

Learn More:
To learn more about this advanced treatment, please visit OptuneLua.com.

To learn more about whether Optune is the right treatment for you, please discuss this with your oncology provider, and/or call (509) 228-1000 to speak with a specialized physician.