Novocure (NSDQ:NVCR) today touted the results of a retrospective sub-group analysis of its EF-14 Phase III pivotal trial in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma.
The analysis, which was published in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology, demonstrated that more time on Novocure’s Optune device predicted increased survival in people who received Optune plus temozolomide compared to those who received just temozolomide.
The St. Helier, N.J.-based company’s Optune device uses electric fields, called Tumor Treating Fields, to disrupt cell division, inhibit tumor growth and trigger cell death in tumors.
According to the sub-group analysis, people who used Optune more than 90% of the time experienced a median overall survival of 24.9 months and a predicted 5-year survival rate of 29.3% compared to a median overall survival of 16 months and a predicted 5-year survival rate of 4.5% for those who used just temozolomide.
“The total amount of time the device is worn, also known as monthly Optune usage – or treatment compliance – matters greatly for patients with GBM, one of the most aggressive forms of cancer,” lead author Dr. Steven Toms said in prepared remarks. “Optune plus temozolomide has proven to provide long-term quality survival to patients with newly diagnosed GBM. Therefore, the importance of monthly Optune usage should be reinforced with patients by their health care providers.”
