What's Happening?
Novocure has announced the final results of its Phase 3 METIS trial, which evaluated the efficacy of Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy in treating brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The trial, presented at the 2025 ASTRO Annual Meeting, demonstrated that TTFields therapy, when combined with best supportive care (BSC) following stereotactic radiosurgery, significantly delayed intracranial progression compared to BSC alone. The therapy did not negatively impact patients' quality of life or neurocognition, offering a new treatment option for lung cancer patients with brain metastases.
Why It's Important?
The METIS trial addresses a critical need for effective and well-tolerated treatments for brain metastases, a common complication in lung cancer patients. The results suggest that TTFields therapy can provide durable control of brain metastases without the systemic toxicity associated with other treatments. This advancement could improve survival rates and quality of life for patients, representing a significant step forward in cancer treatment.
What's Next?
Novocure plans to submit a premarket approval application to the FDA for the use of TTFields therapy in treating brain metastases from NSCLC. If approved, this therapy could become a standard treatment option, potentially changing the landscape of cancer care. Further studies may explore the combination of TTFields with other cancer therapies to enhance its effectiveness.
Beyond the Headlines
The success of TTFields therapy highlights the potential of non-invasive treatments in oncology. By targeting the physical properties of cancer cells, TTFields offers a novel approach that could be applied to other types of solid tumors. This innovation underscores the importance of continued research and development in cancer therapies.
