West Cancer Center introduces promising new treatment method for brain cancer patients

Feb 11 2016

Brain Cancer patients in the Mid-South now have a promising new treatment method at West Cancer Center. Optune™, a portable device using low intensity electric fields to inhibit cancer cell replication causing death of cancer cells, is the first FDA-approved therapy in more than a decade to show a significant extension in overall survival rates for newly diagnosed adult Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) patients. Currently, West Cancer Center is the only medical center in Tennessee and the Mid-South to offer both the prescribing and planning of Optune™ as standard of care for GBM.

With this new treatment also comes the announcement that West Cancer Center will collaborate with Semmes Murphey Clinic, PC to launch West Cancer Center's Comprehensive Neuro-Oncology Program. The program will be led by West Cancer Center's Director of Radiation Oncology Matthew Ballo, MD, Medical Oncologist Manjari Pandey, MD, and Semmes Murphey Neurosurgeons Jeff Sorenson, MD and Madison Michael, MD.

"Optune™ is reflective of West Cancer Center's multidisciplinary approach and is indicative of our commitment to build a world-class Comprehensive Neuro-Oncology Program," said Dr. Ballo. "We truly believe in the basic science behind this and are seeking opportunities for expanding its use through Phase I through III clinical trials and neurocognitive studies."

A primary focus for the Comprehensive Neuro-Oncology Program will be investigative research and improvement of care for GBM through Optune™ therapy. FDA approval was based on results of a randomized Phase III study indicating overall survival rates for newly diagnosed GBM patients treated with Optune™ were nearly 50% higher than those treated with standard chemotherapy alone. The Optune™ cap is intended to be worn at least 18 hours per day and has shown improved cognitive function and quality of life. Optune™ was previously approved for use in 2011 as a monotherapy for recurrent GBMs.

The launch of the Optune™ program at West Cancer Center is one of the first steps in a long- term plan to develop a robust Comprehensive Neuro-Oncology Program. "The treatment planning collaboration between Semmes Murphey and West Cancer Center is a true demonstration of the success of multidisciplinary care within our Mid-South community," said Erich Mounce, CEO of West Cancer Center.

SOURCE West Cancer Center