NovoCure (NSDQ:NVCR) said today it is launching 2 pilot trials exploring the use of tumor treating fields to treat pediatric patients with high grade gliomas.
The St. Helier, N.J.-based company produces the Optune, a mobile device that delivers low-intensity, intermediate frequency, alternating electric fields, referred to as “tumor treating fields” to inhibit cancer cell replication and cause cancer cell death.
The 1st trial is being sponsored by the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute and will study the feasibility of using TTFields on children with recurrent or progressive sptratentorial high-grade glioma and ependymoma. The 25-patient study will aim to assess patient compliance and treatment-related toxicities, as well as event-free survival.
The 2nd study looks to enroll 12 patients and will examine the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of TTFields in treating pediatric patients with high-grade gliomas. The trial will have 2 cohorts, with 1 arm of children with recurrent high-grade gliomas treated with TTFields alone while the 2nd will receive combined treatment with temozolomide and bevacizumab for children with both newly diagnosed and recurrent gliomas.
“Although solid tumor cancers are generally rare in children, brain and spinal cord tumors are the third most common type of childhood cancer. In order to make a meaningful impact in the lives of these children, we need ongoing research to test the safety and feasibility of potential treatments. We are pleased to see trials testing TTFields in this underserved population,” Dr. Stewart Goldman of Chicago’s Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children Hospital said in a press release.
Last month, NovoCure saw shares rise after the medical device maker beat losses per share expectations on Wall Street with its 1st quarter earnings results.
