Pediatric Cancer Trial of Optune Device at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health

Phase 1 Clinical Trial Tests TTFields Device When Combined with Chemotherapy for Pediatric Patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme

Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center is the lead site of a Phase 1 clinical trial testing the efficacy of a device called Optune when combined with chemotherapy for pediatric patients with glioblastoma multiforme.

Worn on the head, Optune sends electric Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) to the cancerous area of the brain. The TTFields destroy cancer cells, but not healthy cells. Optune is FDA-approved for the treatment of glioblastoma in adults 22 and older, but studies in children so far have been limited.

Patients enrolled in the trial wear the powered-on Optune device on their head for 18 hours a day, including during sleep. They receive intravenous chemotherapy every two weeks, as well as oral chemotherapy (Temozolomide and Bevacizumab).

This safety evaluation trial is the first pediatric study combining Optune with standard chemotherapy treatment. Through trial participation, this promising treatment is available to Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health patients years before it would be available to the public if deemed successful.

Learn More about pediatric oncology developments at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health.