Tumor treating fields (Optune)
MechanismESTABLISHEDOutcomeA (glioblastoma)
Claimed
Alternating electric fields at a specific frequency, delivered through scalp electrodes, disrupt cell division in tumors.
What holds up
What a 'frequency' therapy looks like when real.
What it does not show
Phase 3 EF-14 RCT showed survival benefit; FDA approved since 2015. Not shown for other gliomas.
Evidence for
Stupp et al., JAMA 2017, EF-14 trial, Real-world meta-analysis, ASCO Daily News summary, Tumor-Treating Fields in Glioblastomas: Past, Present, and Future, PMC 2022
Sources
PENDING Stupp et al., JAMA 2017, EF-14 trial. PENDING Real-world meta-analysis, ASCO Daily News summary. PENDING Tumor-Treating Fields in Glioblastomas: Past, Present, and Future, PMC 2022.