Tumor Treating Fields: An Innovative Therapy for Glioblastoma and Other Solid Tumors

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy specifically disrupts cellular processes necessary for cancer cell viability and tumor progression through the delivery of electric fields from a portable medical device. Patients with solid tumors such as glioblastoma experience significantly improved overall survival when receiving TTFields therapy concomitant with other standard-of-care therapies. TTFields therapy is also well tolerated and allows patients to maintain their quality of life. It is currently approved for the treatment of newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma, pleural mesothelioma, and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Advanced practice providers (APPs), such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and other advanced oncology professionals, play key roles in the multidisciplinary team when implementing TTFields therapy. Advanced practice providers with prescribing authority can prescribe TTFields therapy after completing a one-time certification training. During the treatment decision-making process, APPs are poised to have in-depth conversations with patients and caregivers about TTFields therapy to help them grasp key concepts regarding efficacy and safety, how to properly use and integrate the device into their daily lives, cost of therapy, and how to get help using the various patient assistance programs. In addition, APPs play important roles in supporting optimal patient adherence and managing adverse events to ensure improved survival outcomes.