Kennewick, WA Optune Gio Treatment for Brain Tumors
Receiving a brain tumor diagnosis can be overwhelming. For several types of tumors, prognosis is fairly positive—meningiomas, for example, have survival rates that are typically upward of 70%. For other brain tumors, however, the outlook can be bleak. Glioblastomas are the most aggressive type of brain tumor with a low life expectancy and survival rate. However, new advances in technology have increased survival rates.
At Northwest Cancer Clinic, we strive to always be at the forefront of technology to give our patients the care they need. That’s why we’re excited to offer the most advanced technology available for treatment, Optune Gio for brain tumors.
What is Optune Gio?
Optune Gio for brain tumors is a wearable, portable, FDA-approved device that delivers pulses of mild electric fields through the skin of the scalp. The device weighs less than 3 pounds, and by making it wearable, patients are able to continuously receive treatment while going about their lives. Northwest Cancer Clinic is proud to be one of the only radiation clinics to offer Optune Gio treatment in Kennewick and the larger Tri-Cities, Washington area so we can improve our patients’ lives.
How Does it Work?
The mild electric fields, otherwise known as Tumor Treating Fields or TTFields, essentially interrupt cancer cells’ ability to divide and multiply. By interrupting cancer cell processes, the Optune Gio helps slow down tumor growth and can prevent cancerous cells from spreading.
The TTFields are created through four sterile, adhesive single-use arrays that are placed on the scalp and connected to the portable electric field generator. The Optune Gio comes with portable batteries and a battery charger for people on the go, a messenger bag or backpack to carry everything in, as well as a wall power supply so patients can continue receiving treatment even when they need to change the batteries. For the most effective treatment, it’s recommended patients wear the Optune Gio 75% of the time, or around 18 hours a day.
The Optune Gio is designed to be simple to use, so patients don’t need to come in every time they need new adhesive arrays or change their batteries. Color-coded sockets show where arrays need to be plugged in, and the backpack or messenger bag is designed so patients can easily access controls without having to remove their generator. However, it’s critical that patients receive training on how to use the Optune Gio for brain tumors from qualified personnel, like Dr. Juno Choe at the Northwest Cancer Clinic.
Results of Optune Gio Treatment
It is important to offer Optune Gio treatment in Kennewick, WA because of the drastically improved survival rates. When used in tandem with chemotherapy, at two years, 43% of patients receiving Optune Gio for brain tumors were alive, versus 31% of patients being treated with chemotherapy alone. At five years, 13% of patients using the Optune Gio were alive opposed to 5% who used chemotherapy alone.
Optune Gio for brain tumors, like any kind of cancer treatment, does come with side effects. Some patients may experience skin irritation where the patches are applied and headaches. Wearing the device of course requires an adjustment. But on average, the Optune Gio improves survival rates and quality of life for patients.
If you’ve been searching for Optune Gio treatment in Kennewick, WA, you’ve come to the right place. Our caring and compassionate staff at the Northwest Cancer Clinic, led by Dr. Choe, are here to support patients every step of the way by providing support and the best treatment possible with Optune Gio for brain tumors.
