Glioblastoma is the most common cancer of the nervous system. While no scientific advances concerning this disease had been reported for 10 years, a hopeful treatment was presented at the last neuro-oncology congress in Miami, reports Le Figaro.
This cancer, whose average patient survival is around one year, affects nearly 3,000 people in France each year. Thanks to the Tumor Treating Field (TTF) technique, based on the application of electric current to the brain of patients, combined with chemotherapy after surgery and radiotherapy, increases the overall survival time of 43% of patients at two years. Indeed, the electric current slows the progression of cancer.
A study conducted by the company Novocure in 12 countries, including France, and concerning 700 patients was launched in 2010. The American Agency for Health Products (FDA) requested a publication of the results at mid-term to have an idea of the effectiveness of the treatment. Data from the first 315 patients demonstrate encouraging tolerance and efficacy.
While some patients were frightened by the device to be put in place, namely electrodes fixed to the skull, to be changed every three days, and connected to a 3 kg generator to be worn non-stop, others appreciated the non-drug side of this technique. However, doctors remain cautious because only patients without cognitive or motor disorders can benefit from TTF. More information will be available when the final results are published, at the end of 2016 or during 2017.
