Abstract
Abstract BACKGROUND Tumor Treating Fields therapy (TTFields; 200 kHz) is a noninvasive, locoregional, antimitotic treatment approved for newly diagnosed glioblastoma (ndGBM), recurrent GBM, and malignant pleural mesothelioma, and is being investigated in a range of solid tumors. METHODS Healthcare professionals (HCPs) specializing in radiation oncology, neuro-oncology, and medical oncology as well as patients with GBM and caregivers were asked to complete online surveys between October–December 2021 (HCPs) and July–September 2021 (patients/caregivers). RESULTS Overall, n=130 HCPs and n=50 patients/caregivers responded to the surveys. The majority (68%) of HCPs considered TTFields therapy + temozolomide a standard of care for ndGBM, yet only 35% of HCPs report strongly recommending it as a treatment option. Barriers to recommendation of TTFields therapy included the need for additional patient services and practice support with training, prescription process etc., and guidance on insurance coverage (31% for each), the need to increase patient awareness (20%), and lack of patient testimonials (20%). HCP perceptions of patient barriers were often higher than reported by patients themselves; time wearing device (46% vs 35%); treatment visibility (37% vs 24%), concerns with shaving head (37% vs 18%), and concerns with carrying device (34% vs 18%). Awareness of resources provided by the device manufacturer was relatively low (HCP: peer-peer knowledge exchange program [25%], TTFields therapy product brochures [16%–30%]; patient: webcasts [15%], patient website [23%], educational videos [25%–26%], educational brochures [26%–27%], buddy program [29%], and dedicated support service information [32%]), despite the desire for support. CONCLUSION Increasing awareness of existing HCP and patient support programs and resources continues to be critical in overcoming barriers to TTFields therapy initiation to optimize patient outcomes.
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