Tumor treating fields in pediatric high-grade glioma.

PURPOSE: Tumor treating fields (TTF) are alternating electric fields applied continuously to the scalp. The treatment is approved for both primary and recurrent supratentorial adult glioblastoma but unstudied in children.

METHODS

We report a feasibility case series of five pediatric high-grade glioma patients (ages 10-20 years) treated at our institution with TTF along with chemotherapy and/or radiation.

RESULTS

Two patients began therapy at second recurrence and showed progressive disease. Two others were treated upfront after radiation therapy, and both showed partial responses. A fifth patient was treated at first recurrence and also showed a partial response. All five tolerated TTF well without treatment-limiting toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

The tolerability of TTF, combined with the adult data, justify a pediatric clinical trial.