Skip to content
Mesothelioma.net
phone iconCall1-800-692-8608 chat icon Chat 24/7 Live Chat
Menu
  • Malignant Mesothelioma
    • About Mesothelioma
      • How to Survive Mesothelioma
      • 100 Questions & Answers about Mesothelioma (Free Book)
      • Symptoms
      • Diagnosis
      • Prognosis
      • Life Expectancy
    • Types
      • Pleural
      • Peritoneal
      • Epithelioid
      • Sarcomatoid
      • Biphasic
    • Stages
      • Stage 1
      • Stage 2
      • Stage 3
      • Stage 4
    • Additional Information
      • Causes
      • Asbestos and Its Dangers
      • Facts
      • Support
      • Financial Compensation
      • FREE Mesothelioma Packet
  • Treatment
    • Treatment Options
      • Surgery
      • Chemotherapy
      • Radiation Therapy
      • Multimodal Therapy
      • Medications
      • Palliative Treatment
    • Find Top Doctors
      • Doctors
      • Treatment Centers
      • Treatment & Doctors Near You
      • New Treatments
      • Care Providers
      • Clinical Trials
      • Costs
  • Asbestos Trusts
  • Compensation
  • Veteran Assistance
    • Mesothelioma and Veterans
      • VA Claims for Mesothelioma
      • Vietnam Veterans
    • Military Branches and Asbestos
      • Navy Veterans
      • Navy Ships
      • Marine Corps Veterans
      • Army Veterans
      • Air Force Veterans
      • U.S. Coast Guard
  • Surviving Mesothelioma
  • About Us / Contact

Pittsburgh Mesothelioma Patient Describes Life with Optune Luna

Published on November 09, 2020

It’s been more than a year since Optune, formerly known as Tumor Treating Fields, received FDA approval for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma, and its use is reportedly slowing the disease’s progression while improving patients’ quality of life. A Pittsburgh news station recently highlighted how it is helping a Navy veteran diagnosed with the rare, asbestos-related disease.

https://mesothelioma.net/tumor-treating-fields-for-mesothelioma/

Mesothelioma Diagnosed While on Vacation

The story covered on Pittsburgh’s CBS station, KDKA, profiles Terry O’Keefe, a Navy veteran who was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma while on a cross-country RV trip. Suddenly beset with symptoms, O’Keefe went to a hospital and was diagnosed with the disease, and upon his return home his diagnosis was confirmed.

Though he began being treated with the multi-modality protocol most frequently used for malignant mesothelioma patients, the combination failed to relieve his symptoms. His physician suggested Optune, the wearable device manufactured by Novocure and originally known as Tumor Treating Fields. He has been using it ever since.

Physician Explains How Optune Slows Mesothelioma Growth

The Optune is a device that targets mesothelioma tumors with electrical currents that stop it from progressing. Allegheny Health Network radiation oncologist Dr. Zachary Horne told KDKA that it stops the cancer cells from dividing. “There are four electrode pads, two on the front and two on the back. It’s hooked up to a generator, a battery pack, and the electrical field goes in this direction. So it crosses in an X type pattern across the patient’s chest. Because they are attuned, very specifically to a cell size, they impact the mesothelioma cells, and they leave everything else essentially alone.”

According to O’Keefe, the device creates discomfort, but has provided him with improved quality of life and more time. “Right now, I can still walk. I’m cutting down trees. We’re kayaking, hiking. I’m still doing things and I’m not ready to give up.” He reports some skin irritation, and says that neither his insurance company nor Medicare will cover the costs. He is waiting on an answer from the VA, but says the company offers a support program that appeals denials and may also eventually cover the costs.

If you or someone you love has mesothelioma and would like more information on the Optune or any other treatment, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.

FREE Mesothelioma Packet

Written by Terri Oppenheimer

Terri Heimann Oppenheimer
Terri Heimann Oppenheimer is the head writer of our Mesothelioma.net news blog. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in English. Terri believes that knowledge is power and she is committed to sharing news about the impact of mesothelioma, the latest research and medical breakthroughs, and victims’ stories.

Learn more about and contact Terri
  • Malignant Mesothelioma
    • Treatment
    • Asbestos Trusts
  • Compensation
    • Veteran Assistance
    • Surviving Mesothelioma
  • FREE Mesothelioma Packet
    • Mesothelioma News
    • About Us / Contact
  • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Editorial Guidelines and Standards
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
The information provided by Mesothelioma.net is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Mesothelioma.net

5430 LBJ Freeway Suite 1200
Dallas, Texas 75240

Serving mesothelioma victims nationwide

1-800-692-8608

  • facebook
  • twitter
© 2022 Mesothelioma.net