Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS) is pioneering the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) with NovoTTF, a brand-new, noninvasive treatment. Affecting nearly 10,000 Americans annually, GBM is the one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-control forms of primary brain tumors in the United States.
Dr.Yaron A. Moshel, co-director of the ANS Brain Tumor Center, describes the NovoTTF system as “a cell division taser device.”
“Using a simple set of portable stick-on electrodes in a portable, wearable helmet, the device delivers low-intensity, alternating electrical fields to the scalp,” Moshel describes.“These low-power fields destroy the proteins that enable cell division, prohibiting the brain tumor’s cells from multiplying and eventually leading to the death of the cancer cells.”
The helmet offers a completely safe, noninvasive treatment option for patients, so there are no side effects. Standard treatments for GBM — including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and radiosurgery (such as Gamma Knife or CyberKnife) — typically control tumors for one to two years and often cause complications. Just recently, the FDA approved the NovoTTF system for upfront treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastomas — thanks to a recently completed clinical trial that demonstrated extended survival rates. Previously, the system was approved only for recurrent tumors that failed standard therapy.The latest studies indicate that electrical field treatment is as effective as chemotherapy in prolonging the lives of patients.
“But, perhaps more impressive,” says Dr. Moshel,“is that the quality of life was significantly better in the NovoTTF group compared to patients who underwent more standard chemotherapy. By avoiding chemotherapy, patients live better lives -— which is what we are in the business of trying to achieve.”
Dr. Moshel is one of the few neurosurgeons certified to offer the NovoTTF system, and the ANS Brain Tumor Center is one of the few centers in the country whose clinical staff has been trained in its use.
To learn more about NovoTTF and the ANS Brain Tumor Center, visit ansdocs.com or call 973-285-7800.