Novocure has developed an innovative platform that uses alternating electric fields, known as Tumor Treating Fields (TTF), to disrupt the proliferation of cancer cells. These low-intensity electric fields interfere with critical cellular processes required for rapid cancer cell division. As a result, the therapy targets tumors while largely sparing healthy tissue.
In 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved NovoTTF-100A to treat glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Expanding Indications Beyond Glioblastoma
Following the initial approval, regulators expanded the eligible GBM population and authorised updated versions of the technology. Subsequently, Novocure moved into additional cancer indications.
Notably, the company expanded into locally advanced pancreatic cancer by evaluating Tumor Treating Fields in combination with chemotherapy agents gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. Through this strategy, Novocure aimed to enhance treatment efficacy while maintaining manageable safety profiles.
How the Technology Is Delivered
Although the underlying mechanism remains consistent across indications, the method of delivery differs by tumor location.
In GBM, clinicians administer therapy by applying adhesive arrays containing insulated ceramic discs directly to the patient’s shaved scalp. These arrays deliver electric fields through the skull to the tumor site.
In contrast, for pancreatic cancer, clinicians apply adhesive patches to the torso. These patches generate electric fields that penetrate abdominal tissues to reach the tumor.
Clinical Trial Results in Pancreatic Cancer
In a study involving 571 patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer, researchSet featured imageers compared standard chemotherapy alone with chemotherapy plus Tumor Treating Fields therapy.
As reported by Medtech Dive, the combination arm achieved a median overall survival of 16.2 months, compared with 14.2 months in patients who received chemotherapy alone. Importantly, this difference met the trial’s primary endpoint and reached statistical significance.
However, the device did not improve progression-free survival or overall response rate. Nevertheless, patients receiving Tumor Treating Fields experienced significantly longer pain-free survival—15.2 months versus 9.1 months in the control group.
At the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, company leadership emphasised that pain-free survival represents one of the most meaningful clinical endpoints for patients, particularly in pancreatic cancer, where symptom burden is substantial.
Diversifying Beyond GBM
Although GBM remains Novocure’s primary indication, the company has steadily broadened its oncology portfolio. In 2019, regulators approved its therapy for mesothelioma. More recently, in 2024, the company secured approval for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
However, sales outside GBM remain modest. Optune Lua, the device used for mesothelioma and NSCLC, generated $3.5 million out of the company’s reported $174.4 million in preliminary fourth-quarter revenue.
Strategic Expansion in Pancreatic Cancer
Securing approval for locally advanced pancreatic cancer—affecting approximately 15,000 patients annually in the United States—marks a significant milestone. Moreover, it represents the first phase of a broader expansion strategy within this tumor type.
Looking ahead, Novocure plans to release top-line data in the first quarter of 2026 from a trial evaluating Tumor Treating Fields in first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer. If successful, these results could further strengthen the company’s position in solid tumor oncology and diversify revenue streams beyond GBM.