NovoTTF-100A system (Optune)

General information

Class/mechanism: External portable device which delivers electric tumor treating fields (TTFields) via insulated transducer arrays placed on the patient's skin close to glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumors. TTFields affect dividing cells by two main mechanisms. First, they disrupt microtubule spindle formation during anaphase, in which tubulin, a highly electrically polar molecule, normally forms polymers. Exposure to TTFields prevents tubulin from being able to align properly and promotes depolymerization of mitotic spindles. Second, the TTFields disrupt the cleavage plane between the two daughter cells during late telophase. These actions halt cell division, cause abnormal spindle formation, disrupt regular chromosome separation, and result in apoptosis.
Route: external portable device
Extravasation: n/a

Diseases for which it is used

• Glioblastoma
• Malignant pleural mesothelioma

Patient drug information

• NovoTTF-100A device (Optune) instructions for use
• NovoTTF-100A FDA neurological device information PDF pages 208-259

History of changes in FDA indication

• 2011-04-08: FDA approved "to treat adults with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) that recurs or progresses after receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy."
• 2015-10-05: FDA approved expanded indication "as a treatment for adult patients (22 years of age or older) with histologically-confirmed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)...for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed, supratentorial glioblastoma following maximal debulking surgery and completion of radiation therapy together with concomitant standard of care chemotherapy."

Also known as

• Code name: PMA P100034/S013
• Brand name: Optune