We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions about Optune to help patients, caregivers, and clinicians better understand the therapy and how it works.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Support Groups
Yes, this is a peer support session for all UK Optune Users regardless of when you started using the device, which part of the body you are using it for, and whether you have accessed it through insurance, clinical trial, self-pay or some other route.
Yes, this group is open to all Optune users in the UK and/or their caregiver/family members for peer support and guidance. This includes patients accessing Optune through a trial, or as part of routine care, and irrespective of which part of the body they are having treated!
The sessions vary in the number of attendees. Normally, the session has between 3-10 users.
No, this group is for patients and/or caregivers who are currently using Optune or have a booked start date for Optune. However, we offer an "Open" session where patients and caregivers volunteer to share their experience with potential users, healthcare professionals, etc. For details of the Open group please see here: XXXXXX
These sessions are free to join. The only requirement is for you to pre-register for the session.
No, we offer monthly sessions. We try and host the sessions on the last week of the month but change the day of the week to try and make it more accessible. Our live calendar shows dates of the next group: UKOSG Calendar.
These sessions are hosted and joined by Dr. Matt Williams (Consultant Clinical Oncologist), Ms. Shivani Soni (Clinical Nurse Specialist), and Ms. Lillie Pakzad-Shahabi (Clinical Research Practitioner).
As we want to provide support and access to all users of Optune within the UK, we only host the UKOSG online via Zoom.
Yes, we hosted an education day in December 2023 and November 2024. The recordings from this session can be found on our website: Education Day Recordings.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9FE6LVj9zvAkJUtw2H-wCwSNuO25HWSL
Yes, we offer monthly drop-in sessions after the support groups where patients and carers volunteer to share their experience. Please register in advance for this using the link for the Open Session: Drop-in Registration.
Frequently Asked Questions: Optune
The current version of the machine weighs 1.2 kg, including the battery. If you are going out for longer, you may need to take an additional battery with you.
The initial reaction is often that Optune stops people from doing their usual activities. While it is true that Optune requires a change in behaviour, we find that most of our patients manage their activities as normal. For example, patients have used Optune while hiking, skiing, cycling and even going on a rollercoaster. The most obvious challenge is swimming, but even that is possible (see the "tips and tricks" page). Since Optune needs regular array changes, many of our patients will incorporate this into their routine and go to the gym when they are due to change their arrays.
