title: Stability of Programmable Shunt Valve Settings with Simultaneous Use of the Optune Transducer Array: A Case Report.
abstract: The Optune® transducer array (Novocure Ltd., Haifa, Israel) is an FDA-approved noninvasive regional therapy that aims to inhibit the growth of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells via utilization of alternating electric fields. Some patients with GBM may develop hydrocephalus and benefit from subsequent shunt placement, but special attention must be paid to patients in whom programmable valves are utilized, given the potential effect of the magnetic fields on valve settings. We present the first case report illustrating the stability of programmable shunt valve settings in a neurosurgical patient undergoing therapy with the Optune device. In this study, shunt valve settings were stable over a period of five days despite Optune therapy. This is reassuring for patients with GBM who require simultaneous treatment with both the Optune device and a programmable shunt system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco.
authors.forename: Andrew K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco ; Research Fellow, Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
authors.forename: Harjus S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Birk
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco.
authors.forename: Ethan A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Winkler
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco.
authors.forename: Jennifer A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Viner
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuro-oncology, University of California, San Francisco.
authors.forename: Jennie W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco.
authors.forename: Michael W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: McDermott
keywords: glioblastoma multiforme; hydrocephalus; optune transducer array; shunt valve