how long is optune used for treatment

How much time should I spend on Optune™?

Aug 21, 2016 · Great question on Optune! The true answer is we do not know. In trials, it generally took at least 3 months to show any progress against an established GBM. It have very limited side effects, for the vast majority of people the worst side effect is skin irritation from wearing the head stickers. It has worked for many people though.

What is Optune®approved to treat?

When beginning Optune™ your health care team will discuss with you how much time they would like you to spend on treatment. However, a large clinical trial has shown that using Optune™ for at least 18 hours a day provides the best response to treatment. Less than 18 hours of treatment a day lowers the chances that you will respond to treatment.

How often should Optune be used with temozolomide?

How long am I going to need to use Optune? A large clinical study showed that Optune should be worn for at least 75% of the time (18 hours per day) to get the best response from treatment. • People who used Optune for more hours per day achieved the best survival benefit • When you start Optune, work with your doctor to make your

What is the prognosis of Optune?

For patients who choose Optune, they must wear the Optune cap for a minimum of 18 hours per day, while connected to a portable battery pack and generator. The length of treatment depends on a number of factors. Your OHC doctor will determine how long you should wear Optune.

How long is optune worn?

A large clinical study showed that Optune should be worn for at least 75% of the time (18 hours per day) to get the best response from treatment. When you begin treatment with Optune, work with your doctor to decide how long you should stay on Optune based on your needs.

When should I stop optune?

Do not stop using Optune before you finish at least four full weeks of therapy to get the best response to treatment. Stopping treatment before four weeks lowers the chances that you will respond to treatment. Notice! Do not stop using Optune even if you have used it less than the recommended 18 hours per day.

Does optune prolong life?

In a large clinical study, people who added Optune to chemotherapy* had a greater opportunity to live longer than those who used chemotherapy* alone. Nearly half of people using Optune + chemotherapy* were alive at 2 years compared with 31% of people on chemotherapy* alone.

What is the success rate of optune?

Patients who used Optune more than 90 percent of the time had the greatest chance of survival: a median survival of 24.9 months from randomization and a five-year survival of 29.3 percent (>90 percent compliance: n= 43, PFS HR 0.54, 95 percent CI 0.37–0.79; OS HR 0.52, 95 percent CI 0.35–0.79).Nov 17, 2017

Does optune make you tired?

What are the possible side effects of Optune? Most common side effects of Optune when used together with chemotherapy (temozolomide, or TMZ) were low blood platelet count, nausea, constipation, vomiting, tiredness, scalp irritation from the device, headache, seizure, and depression.

What is the survival rate for Stage 4 glioblastoma?

Survival statistics for gliomasType of tumourAge5-year relative survivalanaplastic astrocytoma (grade 3)55–645%glioblastoma multiforme (grade 4)20–4414%45–544%55–641%6 more rows

What does an optune cap do?

Optune is a wearable, portable, FDA-approved treatment for glioblastoma (GBM) that works by creating Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields), which are electric fields that disrupt cancer cell division.

Is the optune device worth it?

Ian Robins, a UW Carbone oncologist who specializes in brain cancers, says that research is showing improved survival by patients who wear the Optune device, and have it actively working, at least 18 hours a day, along with the standard treatment of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.Jul 1, 2019

Is optune chemotherapy?

Optune is an option for the following types of patients: Those with newly diagnosed GBM. It is used together with a chemotherapy called temozolomide if: Your cancer is confirmed by your healthcare professional AND.

How long does optune take to work?

As TTFields are a slow antimitotic therapy, we do not expect to see a response quickly with therapy. Using a model developed to simulate the growth kinetics of a malignant tumor, the minimal treatment duration for Optune has been determined to be approximately 4 weeks to reach tumor stabilization.

Is optune covered by insurance?

There is work on similiar types of devices to use tumor treating fields but they are not yet FDA approved. Will my insurance cover it? Possibly. Optune™ is FDA approved, so there is no reason for the insurance companies to deny it.Aug 28, 2020

What are the side effects of temozolomide?

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, mouth sores, changes in taste, constipation, tiredness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or headache may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.

What is Optune used for?

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.

How to contact ncompass?

Once you have discussed with your doctor, contact nCompass toll-free at 1-855-281-9301, at least 1 week before your flight.

Can you use Optune alone?

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.

Can you use an optune battery in a car charger?

Optune is portable and battery operated, but it is not designed to be plugged into a car charger. Remember, if you plan to be out for more than 2 hours, carry an extra battery or the power supply with you, in case the current battery runs out.

Can you wear a wig over an array?

Loose-knit wigs, hats, and other head cover ings may be worn over the arrays. Visit Daily life with Optune where you can find a number of head coverings and cooling pillows offered by various suppliers. Please note that Novocure does not recommend or endorse the use of any specific product from any supplier.

Can you get pregnant with Optune?

Optune was not tested in pregnant women. Do not use Optune if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are trying to get pregnant. Women who are able to get pregnant must use birth control when using the device. It is unknown what side effects the device may cause to a pregnant woman.

Should MRIs be left outside?

For all x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs the device should always be turned off and the arrays should be disconnected from the connection cable box just as you would do when taking a shower. The device should then be left outside of the procedure room.

What are the side effects of Optune?

The most common side effects when using Optune alone were scalp irritation (redness and itchiness) and . headache. Other side effects were malaise, muscle twitching, fall and skin ulcers. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these side effects or questions.

Can Optune be used with chemotherapy?

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.

Is Optune for everyone?

Optune is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor if you have: • An implanted medical device (programmable shunt), skull defect (missing bone with no replacement), . or bullet fragment. Optune has not been tested in people with implanted electronic devices, which may .

Can you use Optune alone?

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.

Can you use Optune without a training?

Optune should only be used after receiving training from qualified personnel, such as your doctor, a nurse, or . other medical staff who have completed a training course given by Novocure®, the maker of Optune. • Do not use any parts that did not come with the Optune Treatment Kit sent to you by Novocure or given .

What is the Optune device used for?

Uses. As noted above, the Optune device is indicated to treat glioblastoma. This brain cancer is aggressive, and it has been shown to develop either from adult neural stem cells or oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. GBM symptoms arise once tumor growth has started impacting other parts of the brain and include headache, nausea, vomiting, ...

What is the effect of optune?

Optune is a newer treatment approach for taking on glioblastoma (GBM), the most common form of brain cancer. Optune is a device that delivers low-intensity electrical fields to stop cancer spread. 1  Worn on the head and indicated for adult patients, this device emits what are called tumor treating fields ...

What are the symptoms of GBM?

GBM symptoms arise once tumor growth has started impacting other parts of the brain and include headache, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, with other symptoms arising based on the specific location of the cancer. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Optune is indicated for adult patients who have: 3 .

How strong is Optune?

This TTF will vary in strength between 100 and 300 kilohertz (kHz) depending on the specific type of cancer cells that are being targeted. 5 .

What age can you take optune?

Age below 22: The safety of Optune therapy has not been established for those 21 and under. Pregnancy: This therapy may also produce adverse side-effects in pregnant women and/or their fetuses, and its safety for this population has not been established.

What are the side effects of a syringe?

The side effects of this therapy include: 3 . Allergic reaction: Some patients report rashes or skin discomfort due to the gel used for conduction of the device. Overheating: Due to malfunction, cases have been reported where one or more transducers become very hot, leading to pain and/or burns on the skin.

What is the first step in a brain cancer diagnosis?

The first step of diagnosis involves physical assessment as well as a review of medical history. This allows the doctor to assess reported symptoms as well as the likelihood of cancer developing in the brain.

How long do you have to wear an optune cap?

For patients who choose Optune, they must wear the Optune cap for a minimum of 18 hours per day, while connected to a portable battery pack and generator. The length of treatment depends on a number of factors. Your OHC doctor will determine how long you should wear Optune.

What is the treatment for glioblastoma?

Optune. OHC offers a treatment called Optune for patients who are 22 years of age or older and diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM). Optune has been shown to slow progression of the cancer and reduce the symptoms associated with the disease. Optune is made of strips of electrodes that cover a patient’s shaved head.

How to contact OHC doctor?

If you’d like more information, please call us at 1-800-710-4674 or read this story from an OHC cancer patient who benefitted from Optune.

Is Optune used for GBM?

And, they say removal feels similar to removing a band-aid. Optune is an option for the following types of patients: Those with newly diagnosed GBM. It is used together with a chemotherapy called temozolomide if: Your cancer is confirmed by your healthcare professional AND.

Does Optune help with cancer?

The electrodes create low-intensity, alternating electrical fields that are designed to slow the growth of cancer cells. Optune can also shrink the tumor, which reduces pressure on areas of the brain where the tumor is located, thus alleviating symptom such as headaches, nausea, memory loss, and changes in personality.

What is TTfields therapy?

Using 4 adhesive patches called transducer arrays, TTFields therapy is delivered right into the area of your body where the cancer is located. TTFields may destroy some cancer cells completely and have not been shown to affect healthy cells.

Does Optune slow down GBM?

This opens in a new window. Optune works differently from surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. The TTFields created by Optune can slow or even stop GBM tumor cells from growing and dividing. TTFields may also cause some cancer cells to die.

Can TTfields cause cancer?

TTFields may also cause some cancer cells to die. For people with newly diagnosed GBM, Optune is used with the chemotherapy temozolomide. For people with recurrent GBM, for whom continued treatment with radiation or chemothereapy is not an option, Optune is used alone. For more information about GBM and Optune,

What is TTfields?

TTFields are able to treat glioblastoma (GBM) tumors within the supratentorial region of the brain. TTFields do not attenuate over distance and can reach deep tissues. The transducer array layout is planned to maximize the intensity delivered to the tumor (s) while still covering the entire supratentorial region. 1,6.

Is optune safe for caregivers?

There is no known risk to caregivers exposed to a patient receiving Optune. Optune has been tested for electromagnetic compatibility (active and passive) according to EN ISO 60601-1 standards. This means that no significant electric or magnetic fields are found in the vicinity of the device when it is active. 15.

Is Optune a passive or active device?

Optune has been tested for electromagnetic compatibility (active and passive) according to EN ISO 60601-1 standards and Novocure is not aware of any limitations with the use of cell phones or microwaves while patients are being treated with Optune.

Does Optune suppress the immune system?

Is Optune known to suppress the immune system? Optune is not known to be an immunosuppressant. 1. In patients with newly diagnosed GBM, the addition of Optune to TMZ did not increase the incidence of blood and lymphatic system disorders (grades 1-4) compared with TMZ alone (34% for both groups). 1. The most common (≥10%) adverse events (AEs) ...

Is Optune covered by insurance?

Optune is covered by many insurance plans and Novocure ensures that both you and your patient know in advance what, if any, financial obligation your patient has prior to the patient starting therapy. References: 1. Optune. Instructions for Use for Glioblastoma Multiforme.

What are the adverse reactions to optune?

The most common (≥10%) adverse events seen when using Optune alone were scalp irritation from device use and headache. The following adverse reactions were considered related to Optune when using the device alone: scalp irritation from device use, headache, malaise, muscle twitching, fall and skin ulcer.

Can you use Optune for GBM?

The device is intended to be used as a monotherapy, and is intended as an alternative to standard medical therapy for GBM after surgical and radiation options have been exhausted. Patients should only use Optune under the supervision of a physician properly trained in use of the device.

Can you use Optune with a skull defect?

Contraindications: Do not use Optune if you have an active implanted medical device, a skull defect (such as, missing bone with no replacement), or bullet fragments. Use of Optune together with implanted electronic devices has not been tested and may theoretically lead to malfunctioning of the implanted device. Use of Optune together with skull defects or bullet fragments has not been tested and may possibly lead to tissue damage or render Optune ineffective.

What is the most common adverse event associated with Optune?

The most common adverse event associated with Optune® in clinical trials was skin irritation beneath the transducer arrays.1 For this reason, it is important to monitor not only the patient’s clinical status but also his or her scalp health.

Can you use Optune with a skull defect?

ContraindicationsDo not use Optune in patients with an active implanted medical device, a skull defect (such as, missing bone with no replacement), or bullet fragments. Use of Optune together with implanted electronic devices has not been tested and may theoretically lead to malfunctioning of the implanted device. Use of Optune together with skull defects or bullet fragments has not been tested and may possibly lead to tissue damage or render Optune ineffective.

Uses

• As noted above, the Optune device is indicated to treat glioblastoma. This brain cancer is aggressive, and it has been shown to develop either from adult neural stem cells or oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. GBM symptoms arise once tumor growth has started impacting other parts of the brain and include headache, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, with...

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