ME
NU

Optune is an innovative, non-invasive therapy that uses Tumour Treating Fields (TTF) to disrupt the division of cancer cells.

There is now evidence for the use of Optune in Lung Cancer, for patients with both Mesothelioma and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. There are also ongoing clinical trials

EVIDENCE in Lung Cancer

For patients with lung cancer and mesothelioma, there are two main pieces of evidence:

For patients with mesothelioma, the STELLAR trial looked at the use of combined chemotherapy and Optune, and suggested better results than we had seen in previous trials,

For patients with non-small cell lung cancer, the LUNAR trial explored the impact of adding Optune to patients who had progressed on platinum-based chemotherapy and were having second-line chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

For these patients, the addition of Optune improved Overall Survival from 9.9 to 13.2 months. The impact appeared to be much more significant in those patients having immunotherapy with Pembrolizumab. Side-effects appeared to be limited to skin irritation.

Compelling clinical evidence:

Following the LUNAR trial, there are ongoing going clinical trial of Optune in lung cancer. The LUNAR-2 trial will explore the use of Optune in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

At present, we only know of one centre in the UK that will open the LUNAR-2 trial (Charing Cross Hospital), but we hope that number will increase over time.

Ongoing clinical trials

There are completed trials in patients with brain metastases from lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer, and ongoing trials in brain and lung cancers.

We expect these trials to develop over time, and results to emerge over the next 2 - 3 years. Because of that, the evidence may change over time, and it may be worth dropping us a line to check on the current situation using our contact form

Expanding beyond Lung:

Both of the lung cancer trials have limitations.

The STELLAR trial was a non-randomised clinical trial - this means that all the patients received the new treatment. Because of this, we do not know if the results seen in the trial are truly due to the treatment, or just due to patient selection. However, median survival in mesothelioma patients in previous clinical trials treated with chemotherapy had a median survival of 12 months. The 18 month results seen in the STELLAR trial therefore looks like a "real" increase in survival.

The LUNAR trial was randomised, and so the results are more easily ascribed to the impact of TTF. However, the patients numbers were limited, and so some of the more detailed questions remain in the "possible but not proven" group. 

Limitations:

Optune represents a significant advancement in treatment for two different types of lung cancer, supported by data from two different clinical trials. TTF is now licensed and CE-marked for the treatment of both mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer, and is available in the UK with ongoing trials.

Conclusion:

Looking for brain cancer evidence?

- Nigel

The Support Group is really helpful-it’s great to share experiences with other users and ask questions and get practical tips such as on scalp care and travel insurance.You also know that you are not on your own in dealing with this.

WHAT PATIENTS SAY ABOUT OPTUNE AND THE SUPPORT GROUPS

- Oliver

The other patients, Dr Williams, Shivani and Lillie are all very friendly and helpful and it’s good to talk with people going through similar health problems.

WHAT PATIENTS SAY ABOUT OPTUNE AND THE SUPPORT GROUPS

- Rick

Getting a GBM diagnosis, for me, felt - for a time - like I was on borrowed time. I could feel my life slipping through my fingers like sand. Putting Optune on stopped that instantly. It changed the way I felt about life and my future

WHAT PATIENTS SAY ABOUT OPTUNE AND THE SUPPORT GROUPS

- Samuel

The Optune Support Group has been an incredible resource. We’ve learned so much from others' experiences and found comfort and hope in the stories shared. It’s heartening to hear good things happening within this community.

WHAT PATIENTS SAY ABOUT OPTUNE AND THE SUPPORT GROUPS