Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The NovoTTF-100A System (NovoTTF™ Therapy, Optune®, Novocure Inc.) is approved for use as a combination therapy with adjuvant temozolomide after postoperative chemo-radiation for newly diagnosed supratentorial glioblastoma (GBM). In our experience, dermatologic adverse events (dAEs) due to the continuous contact between the array and the scalp is not infrequently occurred, and we believe that the addition of skincare strategy is vital to maximize adherence to the NovoTTF™ Therapy. In Wakayama Medical University Hospital (WMUH), “WOC nurses,” certified Nurses in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing, cooperate with neurosurgeons for the skincare of the patients.In this presentation, we review our dAE experience and introduce our skincare strategy by WOC nurse. METHODS: We collected and analyzed clinical information of GBM patients treated with NovoTTF™ Therapy in WHUH and focused on the dAEs of the patients. RESULTS: Total 7 patients (Male, 6; Female, 1). Median age, 64.4 (38-78). dAEs occurred in 6/7 cases (86%). dAEs includes contact dermatitis 5 (71%), erosion 3 (43%), ulcers 0, foliiculitis 3 (43%). CTCAE grading of dAEs, 1 or 2. Two cases (29%) abandoned NovoTTF™ Therapy due to dAEs. Based on our skincare strategy, which consists of three essential rules of scalp care (cleansing, moisturization, protection), WOC nurses have close contact with the patients and their caregivers from the beginning of the therapy. CONCLUSION: The addition of skincare strategies to the NovoTTF-100A System would be vital for the adherence to NovoTTF therapy, which contribute to the therapeutic benefit of the Therapy. Not only neurosurgeons and patients but also nurses and caregivers must cooperate in scalp care and dAE treatment.