May 23, 2019, is one of the most noteworthy dates in the history of mesothelioma.
On that date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new treatment for pleural mesothelioma. The NovoTTF-100L System received humanitarian use device designation from the government agency.
Thus, it became the first new mesothelioma treatment for this rare cancer in more than 15 years.
Dr. Uri Weinberg is the vice president of clinical development for Novocure, the creator of the NovoTTF-100L. He spoke with Mesothelioma Guide on a podcast about the device and its FDA approval, a process which he had a significant role in.
Dr. Weinberg’s interview is the second episode of Mesothelioma Guide’s new podcast, with the first being an interview with peritoneal mesothelioma specialist Dr. Shanel Bhagwandin.
“NovoCure has been working on Tumor Treating Fields for close to the past 20 years now,” said Dr. Weinberg, who oversees the development and research activities at Novocure. He added it is “heartbreaking” how many mesothelioma studies and clinical trials do not get approval.
Other topics covered during the podcast interview with Dr. Weinberg include:
- The history of Novocure’s Tumor Treating Fields
- When and how American mesothelioma patients can get the device
- Whether the NovoTTF-100L could in the future help peritoneal mesothelioma patients
- Insurance questions related to the treatment
- How the NovoTTF-100L works
“Patients are using the NovoTTF-100L System … for at least 18 hours per day,” Dr. Weinberg said. “Patients are actually using the System during the day and night. … They can sleep, and the device operates.”
If you or your loved one is looking for mesothelioma treatment, then we can help. Karen Ritter is a patient advocate and registered nurse who works tirelessly to connect patients with specialists. She can also help you enroll in new mesothelioma clinical trials. Email her at karen@mesotheliomaguide.com for help finding treatment.
Sources & Author
