A recent study led by researchers at Keck Medicine of USC has identified a potential new treatment approach for glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor with limited treatment options. The study combines Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy with immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) and chemotherapy (temozolomide), showing promise in extending survival rates for affected patients.
Glioblastoma typically has a poor prognosis, with an average survival of around eight months. TTFields therapy employs low-intensity electric fields to disrupt tumor cell growth and enhance the immune response against cancer cells. Delivered through mesh electrodes placed on the scalp for approximately 18 hours a day, TTFields are designed to attract more tumor-fighting T cells to the tumor site. This enhanced immune response is theorized to be particularly effective when followed by immunotherapy, which further activates these T cells.
In clinical trials, patients receiving the combination of TTFields, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy experienced a 70% increase in overall survival compared to those who received chemotherapy alone. Notably, those with larger, unresected tumors exhibited a more robust immune response and lived longer than their surgically treated counterparts.
The study was conducted as part of the 2-THE-TOP Phase 2 clinical trial, which included 31 newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients. Results indicate that the combination therapy may offer hope, especially for patients who are not candidates for surgical intervention. Ongoing Phase 3 clinical trials are set to further examine the efficacy of this treatment approach across more than 740 patients in various countries.
This research highlights a significant advancement in the treatment landscape for glioblastoma, aiming to unlock the potential of immunotherapy in conjunction with other therapies.