Researchers Pinpoint Optimal Frequency Using TTFields for Mesothelioma Treatment

Researchers Pinpoint Optimal Frequency Using TTFields for Mesothelioma Treatment

ByAlex Strauss

The makers of TTFields for mesothelioma treatment have released a new report that sheds light on how the therapy can be most effective.  TTFields stands for “Tumor Treating Fields”. It is a device that emits intermediate frequency alternating electrical fields. These fields are designed to disrupt cancer DNA and shrink tumors.  The FDA approved TTFields for mesothelioma treatment in 2019. At the time, it was the first new treatment for this intractable cancer since 2004. It is still the only non-invasive treatment for pleural mesothelioma.  The new report from researchers at Novocure may help doctors use TTFields more effectively for their patients with inoperable mesothelioma. TTFields for Mesothelioma Treatment The Tumor Treating Fields approach was first used to treat glioblastoma….

Study Reveals How TTFields and Chemotherapy Fight Mesothelioma
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Study Reveals How TTFields and Chemotherapy Fight Mesothelioma

ByAlex Strauss

TTFields and chemotherapy offer one of the most potent combinations against malignant mesothelioma tumors. Now a new study reveals why they work so well together.  Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are low intensity, intermediate frequency, alternating electric fields. They are delivered into the chest of mesothelioma patients with a vest-like device marketed under the brand name Optune Lua.  In 2019, a combination of TTFields and chemotherapy became the first new FDA-approved treatment for mesothelioma in 15 years.  Now, a new report in the journal Lung Cancer sheds light on the synergy between the two modes of mesothelioma treatment.  Combating Cancer with Electrical Currents The Tumor Treating Fields approach was created by Jersey-based Novocure. The technology uses electrical fields to destabilize critical…

Skin Side Effects of TTFields Mesothelioma Treatment

Skin Side Effects of TTFields Mesothelioma Treatment

ByAlex Strauss

A new report has some advice for dealing with the possible skin side effects of the newest FDA-approved mesothelioma treatment, Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields). TTFields, or Optune Lua, is an antimitotic treatment for asbestos cancer. It generates alternating electrical fields that disrupt the cancer cells’ ability to divide. TTFields is also approved for a type of brain cancer called glioblastoma.   The new report says skin side effects like itching, sweating, and dry skin, can cause people to stop the treatment. Dealing with those problems effectively could improve survival for mesothelioma patients.  How TTF Works Pleural mesothelioma tumors grow on the membrane around the lungs. Alimta is the only FDA-approved medicine for mesothelioma. It received approval in 2004.  The Optune Lua…

Tumor Treating Fields for Mesothelioma Still on Track Amidst COVID-19
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Tumor Treating Fields for Mesothelioma Still on Track Amidst COVID-19

ByAlex Strauss

The company that developed tumor treating fields for mesothelioma says it is still making, supporting, and studying the device in spite of the global pandemic.  Last month, Novocure even announced a new name for the electricity-based mesothelioma therapy. Tumor treating fields or the NovoTTF-100L System will now go by the brand name Optune Lua.  “Optune Lua is easy to pronounce and remember, and should help patients, caregivers and providers ask for the treatment by name,” says Pritesh Shah, Novocure’s Chief Commercial Officer.  Novocure says they are following all WHO and CDC recommendations to keep producing tumor treating fields for mesothelioma patients who need it.  What is Optune Lua? Tumor treating fields for mesothelioma uses specific frequencies of electric fields to…