Tumor-Treating Therapy for Glioblastoma Cancer

Nationally recognized experts for glioblastoma (GBM) offer Optune® device with tumor-treating fields.

We understand that most patients feel anxiety when they receive a diagnosis for glioblastoma brain cancer. At Henry Ford, our goal is to help patients maintain a good quality of life and prolong survival by offering the newest technology and best medical approaches.

As a leader in brain cancer research, Henry Ford was part of the initial clinical trial that led to the development of a wearable device called Optune® that creates tumor-treating fields. We are one of the few hospitals in Southeast Michigan to offer this a personalized treatment option to our glioblastoma patients.

When the wearable device is used with the chemotherapy drug Temodar (also known as Temozolomide), it has been shown to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. In some cases, the device may even kill cancer cells. A recent clinical trial showed that after two years, approximately 43 percent of the people who used tumor treating fields and Temozolomide were alive compared to 29 percent who only used chemotherapy. While chemotherapy gave patients approximately five extra months to live, and the addition of tumor-treating fields provided another five months of life.

After a patient has a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, some aggressive and fast-growing cancer cells still may be hiding in the brain. To slow or stop the growth of hidden cancer cells, the wearable device releases electrical energy. The electrical energy travels in alternating directions to the tumor and top of the brain. As a cancer cell starts to duplicate itself, the alternating electrical impulses disrupt the tiny fibers that normally divide the cell. Then the cancer cell can die. To help kill cancer cells, patients also take a chemotherapy drug, Temozolomide.

Patients wear the device for at least 18 hours or more each day. The electrodes in the device are attached to adhesive patches on the scalp, and the patient’s head must be shaved every two or three days. The device is attached to a three-pound battery pack carried over the shoulder, or plugged into an electrical outlet. To determine if the patient is cancer free, an MRI is regularly done under the discretion of the neuro-oncologist and current treatment schedule.

By using this personalized and precision approach, doctors at the Henry Ford Hermelin Brain Tumor Center are optimistic that they can help patients maintain their mental, emotional, and physical well-being longer than those who only use chemotherapy in their battle against glioblastoma.