Optune / Optune Pax (TTFields)
Optune is a wearable device delivering electric fields that disrupt cell division. It is approved for glioblastoma and, in 2026, pancreatic cancer.
Optune Gio in glioblastoma (EF-14, 2015) and mesothelioma; Optune Lua in NSCLC after platinum (LUNAR, 2024); Optune Pax approved Q1 2026 with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel in unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (PANOVA-3, OS 16.2 vs 14.2 months). Novocure.
1.Arrays on the skin deliver alternating electric fields at 150-200 kHz
- Route
- Wearable transducer arrays on the skin
- Schedule
- Continuous, at least 18 hours per day; arrays changed 2-3 times weekly
- Dose modifications
- Reduce wear time for skin toxicity; topical steroids
- Monitoring
- Skin under arrays; compliance (usage reports)
Source: www.optune.com. Doses are for orientation; the current label governs.
- Medicare
- Part B (clinician-administered)
Tumour treating fields is durable medical equipment under Part B: covered under the DME MAC local coverage determination for tumour treatment field therapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma after chemoradiation with temozolomide, and for recurrent glioblastoma. Rental is monthly; the patient owes 20% coinsurance.
- Commercial insurance
- variable
Many commercial plans cover Optune for newly diagnosed glioblastoma with prior authorisation; some still exclude it as investigational, and pleural mesothelioma (Optune Lua) coverage is patchier. Novocure's nCompass programme handles appeals.
- Assistance programmes
Monthly DME rental with 20% coinsurance in Original Medicare; Medigap covers it. Novocure has a financial assistance programme for eligible patients.
Sources: Medicare.gov: Chemotherapy · Medicare.gov: Prescription drugs (outpatient, Part B) · Medicare.gov: Durable medical equipment · CMS Medicare Coverage Database (NCDs and LCDs). Not medical or financial advice; verify with your plan.
- Notes
- NICE published a Medtech innovation briefing (MIB) rather than a TA; tumour treating fields are not routinely commissioned by NHS England for glioblastoma. Available privately or via trials.
- NHS England
- Not routinely funded
Sources: NICE search: Optune (tumour treating fields). Funding decisions are indication-specific and change monthly; verify with NICE and your treating team.
Compare all products across the US, EU, UK, Japan, China and Australia →
- 8 Apr 2011ApprovalUS
PMA approval, recurrent glioblastoma source
- 5 Oct 2015ApprovalUS
Newly diagnosed glioblastoma with temozolomide (EF-14) source
- 23 May 2019ApprovalUS
Humanitarian device exemption, malignant pleural mesothelioma source
- 15 Oct 2024ApprovalUS
Optune Lua, metastatic NSCLC after platinum (LUNAR) source
- Q1 2026ApprovalUS
Optune Pax, locally advanced pancreatic cancer with chemotherapy (PANOVA-3) source
Approvals
| Region | Year | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| US | 2011 | Recurrent glioblastoma (newly diagnosed 2015) |
| US | 2024 | Metastatic NSCLC after platinum with PD-1 or docetaxel |
| US | 2026 | Locally advanced pancreatic cancer with chemotherapy |
| Adverse event |
|---|
| Skin irritation under arrays |
| Headache |
| Malaise |
| Muscle twitching |
EF-14: ~52% any grade, 2% grade 3. Events listed without rates were not read from a primary source; see the label. Blank cells mean the figure was not sourced, not that it is zero.
| Country | Reimbursement | List price | Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Medicare covers Optune Gio for newly diagnosed glioblastoma (LCD); Optune Lua and Pax coverage evolving | ~$21,000 per month rental (Novocure disclosed pricing, US) | — |
| United Kingdom | NICE: not recommended for glioblastoma (2018 assessment); reassessment pending | not disclosed | — |
List prices are manufacturer or Medicare figures where publicly disclosed; net prices after rebates are usually lower. Reimbursement changes; check the payer.
Trials
topRecruiting now (live from ClinicalTrials.gov)
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Latest papers
topQuery for this drug: (TITLE:"Optune / Optune Pax" OR ABSTRACT:"Optune / Optune Pax" OR TITLE:"TTFields" OR ABSTRACT:"TTFields" OR TITLE:"Optune" OR ABSTRACT:"Optune") AND (cancer OR tumor OR tumour OR oncology OR carcinoma OR lymphoma OR leukemia OR leukaemia OR myeloma OR sarcoma OR melanoma OR glioma). Results are unfiltered search hits about Optune / Optune Pax (TTFields), not a curated reading list.
Pages like this
not linked directly; found by shared links- Key paperStupp 2005: temozolomide added to radiotherapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma
Shares Roger Stupp, Tumour treating fields (TTFields), The brain: barrier and sanctuary, Glioma & glioblastoma.
- TrialEORTC 26981 / NCIC CE.3 (Stupp trial)
Shares Roger Stupp, The brain: barrier and sanctuary, Glioma & glioblastoma.
- ProductTemozolomide
Shares EF-14, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Roger Stupp, The brain: barrier and sanctuary.
- ProductGemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel
Shares PANOVA-3, Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
- IdeaRobot-placed catheters and live imaging for drug infusion into brain tumours
Shares Roger Stupp, The brain: barrier and sanctuary, Glioma & glioblastoma.
- ProductPemetrexed
Shares STELLAR, Mesothelioma, Non-small-cell lung cancer.
- IdeaPartial lottery funding for good proposals in under-funded cancers
Shares Mesothelioma, Glioma & glioblastoma, Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
- IdeaMake bespoke mouse cancer models in weeks with in vivo gene editing
Shares Glioma & glioblastoma, Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, Non-small-cell lung cancer.