In May of 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the NovoTTF-100L System for the treatment of unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma. Just over one year later, Novocure, the device’s manufacturer, has announced that over 100 physicians from more than 50 different cancer centers across the United States are now certified to prescribe use of the device in combination with pemetrexed plus platinum-based chemotherapy.
Mesothelioma Treatment Now Known as Optune Lua
Originally called the Novocure TTF-100L the device for treatment of mesothelioma patients whose tumors are beyond the reach of surgery was renamed Optune Lua. Physicians treating patients diagnosed with the rare and fatal form of cancer have expressed great hope for its effectiveness and ability to extend and improve patients’ lives.
Mesothelioma is a condition that has proven particularly challenging to treat, explained Mathew T. Ballo, M.D., FACR, Professor and Chair, Department of Radiation Oncology, West Cancer Center & Research Institute in Germantown, Tennessee. The FDA’s approval of this new technology has been met with significant enthusiasm from specialists in the disease. “This is a disease with a poor prognosis, so being able to offer patients a therapy that results in excellent response rates with minimal toxicity is exciting,” he said. “We as clinicians can have a big impact on our patients’ lives by making them aware of this important new technology.”
Technology Delivers Disruptive Electrical Frequencies to Mesothelioma Tumors
Novocure’s innovative technology development uses electric fields to interrupt cell division, thus stopping tumors from growing and eventually leading to their death. Its approval in the treatment of malignant mesothelioma represents the first treatment to garner approval from the FDA since the combination of pemetrexed and cisplatin in 2004.
In addition to treating malignant mesothelioma, the device has also been approved for treatment of glioblastoma, and its effectiveness is also being explored for the treatment of other solid tumors, including brain metastases, non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer and gastric cancer.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and you need information about innovative treatments, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
