Daniel O'Connell, MD, University of California at Los Angeles, discusses a phase II trial testing the benefits of tumor treating fields with Optune for bevacizumab-naive patients with grade III malignant glioma.

Optune was initially approved by the FDA for patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in 2011. Additionally, in October 2015, the FDA approved Optune in combination with temozolomide for use in patients with newly diagnosed GBM following surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. This approval was based on a significant improvement in overall survival. 

There are many trials that have tested the efficacy of Optune in GBM, notes O'Connell; however, research about this modality in other grades of tumors is lacking. To explore Optune in grade III glioma, O'Connell and colleagues initiated a phase II trial, which he hopes to begin conducting soon, pending the FDA approval of tumor treating fields for grade III brain tumors.

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Daniel O'Connell, MD

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Dr. O'Connell on a Phase II Trial to Evaluate Optune in Grade III Brain Cancer