When Oliver was diagnosed with a glioblastoma at the end of 2021, it was a life-changing moment. His treatment journey began with surgery in early 2022, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In June 2022, after learning about Optune from his brother in law – a research scientist at Glasgow University –  Oliver decided to explore it as an option.  After further research and advice from his oncologist, Oliver was able to start using the device.

Adjusting to Optune: Oliver’s perspective

“Initially, I was anxious about how restrictive Optune might be on my quality of life. It’s a huge adjustment, and at first, it felt overwhelming. But you quickly learn the best ways to manage it.”

One of the biggest changes was shaving his head. “There’s the psychological challenge at the start and being prepared to go out and about with the pads on your head and the backpack on your back.”

Oliver follows a routine of keeping the arrays on for a couple of days, then taking a few hours off before reapplying. “It’s nice to do something in that time off, enjoying the freedom of no backpack or wires.”

There have been some physical challenges, such as skin irritation and battery life. “The batteries don’t always last as long as you’d like, and there’s the odd alarm going off in the night. But the benefits outweigh the hassle.”

A key part of his journey has been the support he’s received. “Musa Zorba from Novocure has been very helpful and responsive, and I couldn’t do this without my wife – she helps with applying the arrays and getting it all set up.”

Tips for others using Optune

Through trial and error, Oliver has found several tips that might help others:

✅ Wear a hat – “It’s useful for covering the pads and arrays”
✅ Keep a spare battery handy – “You never know exactly how long they’ll last”
✅ Be prepared for alarms – “They can sound louder than expected, especially at night”
✅ Give yourself time to adjust – “It feels like a big change at first, but you soon get used to it”

Support from family, friends and the Optune community

Oliver’s wife has played a crucial role in his journey, helping with the practicalities of using Optune. He has also found great value in connecting with others who understand what he is going through.

“The support group has been great – Dr Williams, Shivani, and Lillie, along with the other patients, are all very friendly and helpful. It’s good to talk with people who are facing similar challenges.”

Final thoughts

When asked what he would say to someone feeling unsure about starting Optune, Oliver’s response is simple:

“Go for it. Don’t overestimate the hassle. For example, I thought I’d struggle to sleep with it on, but that hasn’t really been a problem.”

Oliver’s MRI scans have remained fairly stable, which he sees as a positive outcome. While there are challenges, he encourages others to embrace the opportunity.

Thank you to Oliver for sharing his story.