Frequently asked questions

Optune Lua delivers Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) to selectively disrupt cancer cell division.^1,2

TTFields therapy is a regional, noninvasive antimitotic treatment that selectively disrupts the division of rapidly dividing cells by delivering low-intensity, intermediate-frequency (150 kHz) alternating electric fields via transducer arrays applied to the upper body.¹

Preclinical studies found that optimal frequencies differed between cancer cell types and that frequency was inversely related to cell size.³

Higher frequencies are required to inhibit proliferation of cells that are smaller in size.¹

As determined by simulation modeling, using arrays placed on the torso, TTFields can be delivered at therapeutic intensity
(>1 V/cm) to over 99% of the volume of both lungs.¹

Optune Lua can be prescribed by health care professionals with prescribing privileges only after completing an FDA-mandated certification training course given by the device manufacturer (Novocure^®).

Additionally, because Optune Lua was approved through a Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) pathway, only prescribers at facilities with an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or appropriate local committee (LC), which have granted approval to use Optune Lua, will be allowed to prescribe Optune Lua.^1,4

The device frequency is “specifically tuned” to MPM cell size (150 kHz)—larger or smaller cells within the pleural cavity would not be affected at this frequency. Tumor Treating Fields selectively disrupt mitosis in rapidly dividing cells. Preclinical studies found a correlation between treatment effect and cell doubling time.^1-3

Since MPM cells have a much shorter doubling time, these would be affected by Optune Lua, while normal adult cells (with a longer doubling time) in the pleural cavity would not. Only dividing cells (and not quiescent cells) are affected by TTFields.²

Patients should be encouraged to use TTFields continuously, averaging at least 18 hours per day.^1,4

Patients can choose which parts of the day to use Optune Lua, including at night when they are sleeping. Remind patients that they should not stop treatment with Optune Lua unless you have instructed them to do so.

No additional chemotherapy-related side effects were reported when Optune Lua was added to chemotherapy.¹

The only adverse event (AE) attributed to the use of Optune Lua was the known skin irritation seen in a total of 71% of patients in this study (66% mild-to-moderate and 5% severe). No serious adverse events (SAEs) were considered related to device use.^1,4

No SAEs were considered related to device use.¹

Grade 3 skin reactions considered to be severe were seen in 4 (5%) of the patients in the STELLAR study. Anemia was the most common SAE, leading to hospital admission of 2 (3%) of the patients. None of the SAEs leading to hospital admission were related to Optune Lua treatment. Proper skin care throughout treatment with Optune Lua may help patients avoid skin irritation, which is the only AE attributed to the use of Optune Lua.^1,4

Novocure will provide a customized map for array placement based on patient-specific measurements and tumor location (determined via CT scans).

An nCompass^® Device Support Specialist (DSS) will then arrange for in-person training in-office, at the patient’s home, or virtually. The DSS will instruct patients and caregivers on how to use Optune Lua, how to prepare their upper body (shaving and skin care), and how to properly place the arrays.

If a patient complains about a heat or electric sensation, it may be the result of suboptimal contact between the transducer arrays and the skin.

In such instances, the patient should change the arrays. Complaints should be reported to the Novocure Customer Care Team at
1-855-281-9301.

There is no known risk to those exposed to a patient receiving Optune Lua.

Optune Lua has been tested for electromagnetic compatibility (active and passive) according to all required electromagnetic tests, including EN ISO 60601-1. This means that no significant electric or magnetic fields are found in the vicinity of the device when it is active.

Optune Lua has been tested for electromagnetic compatibility (active and passive) according to all required electromagnetic tests, including EN ISO 60601-1. Novocure is not aware of any limitations with the use of cell phones or microwaves while patients are being treated with Optune Lua.

Novocure assists in all aspects of billing and reimbursement for Optune Lua to help achieve the best possible coverage available from your patients' insurance.

Novocure may also offer financial support to patients who qualify.

With your permission, travel may be possible.

To help prevent unnecessary stress and treatment disruption, nCompass support is available before, during, and after traveling. nCompass can help ensure that your patients will have the supplies and any travel documentation related to Optune Lua that they may need. Encourage patients to contact nCompass for travel support before flying with Optune Lua.

Patients can shower at the time of transducer array changes, before applying the new arrays.⁵

Sponge baths can be taken on days that arrays are not being changed. It is recommended that the device be left outside of the bathroom and that arrays are protected to avoid getting them wet.