Tumor treating fields in pediatric high-grade glioma

Childs Nerv Syst. 2017 Jul;33(7):1043-1045. doi: 10.1007/s00381-017-3431-0. Epub 2017 May 3.

Abstract

Purpose: Tumor treating fields (TTF) are alternating electric fields applied continuously to the scalp. The treatment is approved for both primary and recurrent supratentorial adult glioblastoma but unstudied in children.

Methods: We report a feasibility case series of five pediatric high-grade glioma patients (ages 10-20 years) treated at our institution with TTF along with chemotherapy and/or radiation.

Results: Two patients began therapy at second recurrence and showed progressive disease. Two others were treated upfront after radiation therapy, and both showed partial responses. A fifth patient was treated at first recurrence and also showed a partial response. All five tolerated TTF well without treatment-limiting toxicities.

Conclusions: The tolerability of TTF, combined with the adult data, justify a pediatric clinical trial.

Keywords: Case series; Glioblastoma; Novocure; Optune.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Child
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Glioma / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Radiotherapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents