Abstract LB-255: Impact of innovative educational approaches to enhance patient and caregiver understanding of Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) for glioblastoma implications for outcomes
Authors: Peggy M. Frongillo, Melissa Shackelford, Jeanine Certo
Journal: Cancer Research (2020)

Abstract Introduction: The most common, aggressive malignant brain tumor is glioblastoma (GBM) with a median survival of 15-21 months. GBM patients/caregivers often face hardship of seeking accurate information regarding treatment options. Evolving technology-enhanced methods of learning continue to challenge traditional cancer patients education. It is imperative for healthcare providers (HCPs) to be aware of emerging educational platforms that provide patients with needed treatment information, and an opportunity to maintain health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Novocure (device/system manufacturer; Optune®; Tumor Treating Fields, TTFields) has developed innovative supplementary educational platforms to compliment HCP education of patients with GBM/caregivers. The aim of this report is to evaluate supplementary educational platforms and their potential to enhance patient understanding and utilization of TTFields. The educational platforms included incorporation of Optune.com, Buddy Program, Optune Open-House Program (live and webinar), Chalk-Talk Video, and Facebook. Methods: Emerging technology assessment was employed to address patient/caregiver frequently-asked-questions, including treatment overview, mechanism of action, treatment initiation, and therapy management. Literature reveals peer-groups are becoming increasingly aware of innovative ways to learn about treatments. Emerging data has reported on the important impact of TTFields on the HRQoL of patients with GBM. The effect of HRQoL on compliance was a predefined secondary endpoint in the EF-14 trial, which was measured through questionnaires at baseline and every 3 months. Results: With innovative educational platform application, patient/caregiver surveys revealed that 100% (n=91) of respondents would recommend the program to others; 98% (n=90) were satisfied with the call experience; 76% (n=82) felt the most valuable takeaway was speaking to someone who understands their situation. Of ambassadors, 98% (n=150) felt they helped address registrants' concerns. Patients were able to maintain mental, emotional, and physical well-being longer (measured up to 1 year). When TTFields/temozolomide combination compliance usage was increased QoL was not diminished. Conclusions: In this rapidly advancing information age, it is important that HCPs become aware of innovative ways of providing patient/caregiver education and the potential impact of increasing TTFields usage, while maintaining HRQoL. Additional studies are needed to examine the correlation of enhanced innovative patient/caregiver education and impact on treatment duration. Citation Format: Peggy M. Frongillo, Melissa Shackelford, Jeanine Certo. Impact of innovative educational approaches to enhance patient and caregiver understanding of Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) for glioblastoma implications for outcomes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-255.