FDA approves brain cancer treatment device, the NovoTTF-100A

Brain cancer treatment device approved by the FDA

For the approximately 13000 Americans diagnosed with brain cancer every year, brain cancer is probably the most feared type of cancer, as brain cancer patients have a very low survival rate.

Including brain cancer as a discussion related to Brain Injury is pertinent inasmuch it has been shown that brain cancer can be caused by radiation, and also that persons who have recovered from a prior bout with cancer in other bodily regions are more susceptible to brain cancer. Radiation may have been as a result of medical treatment, or a workplace hazard Until now, standard treatment for brain cancer was surgical removal of as much of the affected area as possible, followed by chemotherapy. The 5 year survival rates were, depending on the age of the patient, between 5% and 20%, although few patients lived beyond 12 to 14 months.

Researchers have found that low level electric pulses retard cell division. The NovoTTF-100A uses technology to create a suitable permanent low level electric field. Although normal cells also divide, they do not divide as quickly, or as uncontrollably as do cancerous cells.

The NovoTTF-100A consists of a portable 6lb pack, connected to a skull cap by wires. The cap is fitted with strategically positioned electrodes that emit the low frequency electric field. Using the brain cancer treatment device does require that the patient have a shaved scalp.

The brain treatment, for cancer research, using the NovoTTF-100A, with a control group of patients undergoing standard treatment showed a marginal reduction of 6% in cancer recurrence after 6 months. The NovoTTF-100A is non-invasive and particularly exciting for doctors and patients is that this brain cancer treatment can be done on an out-patient basis, and has shown no side effects, other than an irritated scalp in the vicinity of the electrodes. The trial patient comparison showed that the Control group receiving chemotherapy were often bed ridden and ill, in contrast to the Test Group, who were able to carry on with their normal day to day lives.

Although the Trial results were not conclusively advantageous in terms of increased life expectancy, the single vote that carried the FDA Approval was based on the improved quality of life this device to treat brain cancer offers patients.

The purpose of this web article is not to make comment about an individual's personal choices, but is intended to educate you about FDA approved brain cancer treatment devices.

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