Rare-24. the use of a programmable shunt in a patient, treated with optune(r): feasibility report

In this report we focused on safety of using Optune in a patient with a programmable shunt (Codman®Hakim® Programmable Valve System). We performed an X-ray of the shunt valve prior to the treatment start, one day after the start and 14 days after the start of Optune to ensure that TTFields didn’t change the valve position. We also performed a CT Scan prior to the start and an MRI after the "14 days valve control" without observing any changes. Due to safety reasons we didn’t select a patient with a hydrocephalus for this first case feasibility report. This GBM patient received the shunt after a CSF fistula, which was also not influenced by TTFields. In this proof-of-concept report, we were able to demonstrate that TTFields did not lead to any programmable shunt dysfunction in a patient with glioblastoma. Further studies are needed elaborate on the safety and efficacy of Optune in patients with programmable shunts as well as in patients with a hydrocephalus.
Source: Neuro-Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: RARE TUMORS Source Type: research