Rationale and background on tumor-treating fields for glioblastoma

Abstract

Background: More than 150 years after the first description of glioma cells, patients with glioblastoma (GBM) continue to have a poor prognosis despite standard-of-care therapy. With the introduction of tumor-treating fields (TTFields) therapy for the treatment of recurrent GBM in 2011 and for newly diagnosed GBM in 2015, the opportunity to increase progression-free survival and overall survival while improving quality of life provides a welcome option. Objectives: This article describes how TTFields therapy may be used in the treatment of patients with recurrent GBM. Methods: This article provides oncology nurses with two case studies that examine how TTFields therapy can be integrated into the overall treatment paradigm. Findings: These two patient case studies demonstrate the autonomy and lack of adverse effects that TTFields therapy offers to patients with GBM.