Person wearing Optune for glioblastoma Person wearing Optune for glioblastoma
Optune FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Craig, an Optune® user and Patient Ambassador

Getting Started

Who will help me get started with Optune?

After your doctor has written a prescription and you’re ready to start Optune, nCompass® is ready to help get you started on treatment. nCompass team members will help with insurance, providing resources to answer questions and educating you and your caregivers on how to use Optune in your daily life. Learn about the steps to getting started.

What happens during my Optune start appointment?

During the start appointment, your Device Support Specialist (DSS) will provide in-person support to help you get started on Optune.* On the day of your appointment, your DSS will deliver Optune and the supplies you need, as well as demonstrate how to use the following:

  • Batteries and charger
  • Wall power supply
  • Connection cable and box
  • Transducer arrays
  • Optune carrying case(s)

Explore the device and learn about the supplies and accessories.

Your DSS will also provide you with a MyLink device, which allows you to track your Optune usage. See how MyLink works.

*Your DSS cannot provide you with medical advice. Consult with your doctor for any medical questions.

Can I talk to someone who has used Optune?

If you or a loved one has recently started Optune, it helps to talk to someone who knows what Optune is like. The Optune Buddy Program connects you with users and/or caregivers who want to share what they’ve learned with you. Please note that an Optune user or caregiver cannot provide you with medical advice because each person is different. Ask your doctor about any medical questions. Schedule a chat with a Buddy.

How many hours per day do I have to wear Optune?

A large clinical study showed that Optune should be turned on for at least 75% of the time (18 hours per day) to get the best response from treatment. You can decide which times of the day are best for you. You can wear it while you sleep and can customize your treatment plan by taking breaks during the day. Learn more about staying on track with Optune.

Daily Life

Can I wear a head covering with Optune?

Loose-knit wigs, hats, and other head coverings may be worn over the arrays. See some of our ambassadors’ favorite head coverings. Please note that Novocure does not recommend or endorse the use of any specific product from any supplier.

Is it normal for my head to feel warm while the device is on?

Some warming sensation can be expected while using Optune. Most people get used to this quickly. If you are especially uncomfortable or experience a rash, sores, or skin ulcers on your scalp, contact your doctor. As with any treatment, if you notice any change in your health, please contact your doctor immediately. Learn about the possible side effects of Optune.

Can I use my own carrying case?

Optune has an internal fan that helps keep it from overheating. The carrying bag that comes with the device has been designed to allow for proper airflow. We recommend that you use one of the bags provided by Novocure. See the different ways to carry the bag.

Can I travel while using Optune?

Yes. With your doctor’s permission, travel may be possible with Optune.

To help prevent unnecessary stress and treatment disruption, nCompass is available to support you before and during your travel.

Once you have discussed traveling with your doctor, contact nCompass toll-free at 1-855-281-9301, at least 1 week before your domestic flight or 4 weeks before your international flight. They can help you coordinate your travel and make sure you have the supplies and travel documentation related to Optune that you may need.

  • Travel support is not available in all international countries and depends on Optune approval status in your destination country. Call nCompass for a complete list of countries where Optune is currently supported
  • For trips to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, contact nCompass at least 2 weeks before

Be aware that the device and arrays will set off airport screening devices, and there are restrictions for transporting lithium-ion batteries (like the ones used with Optune) in checked luggage.

You can also call the Transportation Security Administration’s TSA Cares help line toll-free at 1-855-787-2227 to ask about procedures.

Learn more about traveling while using Optune.

Arrays

What should I do if I get my arrays wet?

Getting the arrays wet can cause the patches to come loose and interfere with contact to the scalp. If this happens, an alarm may sound and the device may turn off. Any time the arrays become wet or loosen, they should be changed.

To prevent the arrays from getting wet, cover them with a shower cap when bathing or showering and leave the device outside of the bathroom. In rainy weather you can wear a hat or use an umbrella. Get tips on showering with Optune.

How do I know when it’s time to change the arrays?

Arrays should be changed at least 2 times per week (one set of arrays should not be worn for more than 4 days at a time), depending upon factors like how quickly your hair grows or how much you sweat. As your hair grows, it keeps the arrays from making good contact with your scalp. Get information on how to apply and change arrays.

Do I need to remove the arrays for an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI?

For all x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, the device should always be turned off and the arrays should be disconnected from the connection cable box just as you would do when taking a shower. The device should then be left outside of the procedure room.

Whether or not you also need to remove the arrays depends on what type of test is being performed and on what part of your body. You should speak with your doctor if you are not sure. If your doctor has questions, they can call nCompass at 1-855-281-9301.

What is the array layout map and what happens if I don’t follow it correctly?

The array layout map shows you and your caregiver how to place the arrays based on your treatment needs. When applying the arrays, do your best to follow the array layout map. While the map provides the best placement for treatment, it’s not an exact science. If you follow the map as closely as possible, you will receive treatment.

Device

What should I do if my Optune device gets damaged?

If your Optune device gets damaged, do not try to fix the device on your own. If you try to fix it yourself, you could damage the device or receive an electric shock. All technical service must be performed by qualified, trained personnel. If your device gets damaged or if you need technical support, call nCompass toll-free at 1-855-281-9301. Learn more about support from nCompass.

Can I talk on my mobile phone or use a microwave while using Optune?

Yes. Optune is designed to not interfere with other electronic devices according to international standards. In testing and in real-world use, there have been no problems reported with the use of mobile devices while on treatment. Learn about daily life with Optune.

Can Optune be charged in a car charger?

Using a car adapter is not recommended. Please only use the items provided to you by Novocure. Optune is portable and battery-operated, but it is not designed to be plugged into a car charger.

Remember, if you plan to be out for more than 2 hours, carry an extra battery or the power supply with you, in case the current battery runs out. Explore the Optune system.

Can I drive a car while using Optune?

While Optune should not interfere with a person’s ability to drive, talk with your doctor before driving. If you’ve been given permission to drive, do not place your device on the floor of the driver’s seat by your feet. Get tips for being out and about with Optune.

Troubleshooting and Tech Support

Why isn’t the power indicator lighting up after I turn on my device?

Possible reasons:

  • Battery is drained
  • Battery isn’t working
  • Charger isn’t working
  • Device isn’t working

What to try:

  1. Replace drained battery with a fully charged battery
  2. If the device still doesn't come on, turn the power off and call technical support at 1-855-281-9301 (toll-free)

Get more information on managing alarms.

What do I do if a cable becomes detached from the array, connection cable, or device?

Possible reasons:

  • Too much force applied to cables
  • Device isn’t working

What to try:

  1. Reconnect the cable to its corresponding socket
  2. If the problem is not fixed, press the Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) button to stop therapy and turn power off
  3. Call technical support at 1-855-281-9301 (toll-free)

Get more information on managing alarms.

What do I do if I drop my device?

What to do:

  1. Press TTFields button to stop therapy
  2. Turn power off
  3. Call technical support at 1-855-281-9301 (toll-free) for further instructions

Get more information on managing alarms.

What do I do if my device gets wet?

What to do:

  1. Press TTFields button to stop therapy
  2. Turn power off
  3. Call technical support at 1-855-281-9301 (toll-free) for further instructions

Get more information on managing alarms.

Why is the alarm sounding?

Possible reasons:

  • Low battery
  • Loose or disconnected cable
  • Blocked vents on the sides of the device
  • Local trapping of heat under a transducer array (from lying on a pillow, for example)
  • Poor transducer array contact, possibly due to hair growth or sweating
  • Device isn’t working
  • Device power turned on but the TTFields therapy has not been activated

What to try if the low battery light is on:

  1. Replace the battery as described in the Patient Information and Operation Manual
  2. Turn on treatment

What to try if the error light is on but the low battery light is not:

  1. Press the TTFields button to stop the alarm
  2. Turn off the power
  3. Check all plugs to make sure nothing is loose
  4. Check vents on device to make sure they are not blocked
  5. If lying down, move your head
  6. Make sure transducer arrays are well adhered, adding tape if needed
  7. If a few days have passed since you last replaced your transducer arrays, replace the arrays according to the instructions in the Patient Information and Operation Manual
  8. Restart treatment
  9. If alarm keeps going, turn off the device and call technical support at 1-855-281-9301 (toll-free)

Get more information on managing alarms.

What do I do if the low battery indicator remains on after the battery has been replaced?

Possible reasons:

  1. Charger isn’t working
  2. Battery isn’t working
  3. Device isn’t working

What to try:

  1. Replace battery with another fully charged battery
  2. If the problem is not fixed, call technical support at 1-855-281-9301 (toll-free)

Get more information on managing alarms.

Do you have questions about Optune or need help troubleshooting? nCompass can help. Call 1-855-281-9301 (toll-free) to speak with someone from the nCompass team, or email support@novocure.com. Get more information on managing alarms.

Caring for your skin

Get skin care tips

Staying on track

Tips for tracking treatment

Applying the arrays

See the steps

Important Safety Information

What is Optune® approved to treat?

Optune is a wearable, portable, FDA-approved device indicated to treat a type of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in adult patients 22 years of age or older.

Newly diagnosed GBM

If you have newly diagnosed GBM, Optune is used together with a chemotherapy called temozolomide (TMZ) if:

  • Your cancer is confirmed by your healthcare professional AND
  • You have had surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible

Recurrent GBM

If your tumor has come back, Optune can be used alone as an alternative to standard medical therapy if:

  • You have tried surgery and radiation and they did not work or are no longer working AND
  • You have tried chemotherapy and your GBM has been confirmed by your healthcare professional

Who should not use Optune?

Optune is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor if you have:

  • An implanted medical device (programmable shunt), skull defect (missing bone with no replacement), or bullet fragment. Optune has not been tested in people with implanted electronic devices, which may cause the devices not to work properly, and Optune has not been tested in people with skull defects or bullet fragments, which may cause Optune not to work properly
  • A known sensitivity to conductive hydrogels (the gel on the arrays placed on the scalp like the ones used on EKGs). When Optune comes into contact with the skin, it may cause more redness and itching or may rarely cause a life-threatening allergic reaction

Do not use Optune if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Optune is safe or effective during pregnancy.

What should I know before using Optune?

Optune should only be used after receiving training from qualified personnel, such as your doctor, a nurse, or other medical staff who have completed a training course given by Novocure®, the maker of Optune.

  • Do not use any parts that did not come with the Optune Treatment Kit sent to you by Novocure or given to you by your doctor
  • Do not get the device or transducer arrays wet
  • If you have an underlying serious skin condition on the scalp, discuss with your doctor whether this may prevent or temporarily interfere with Optune treatment

What are the possible side effects of Optune?

The most common side effects of Optune when used together with chemotherapy (temozolomide, or TMZ) were low blood platelet count, nausea, constipation, vomiting, tiredness, scalp irritation from the device, headache, seizure, and depression. The most common side effects when using Optune alone were scalp irritation (redness and itchiness) and headache. Other side effects were malaise, muscle twitching, fall and skin ulcers. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these side effects or questions.

Please click here for the Optune Instructions for Use (IFU) for complete information regarding the device’s indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions.

On this site, patient and healthcare professional videos as well as all images labeled as Optune users, caregivers, or healthcare professionals depict actual patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. All other depictions of patients and caregivers are actor portrayals. Patient images reflect the health status of the patients at the time each photo was taken.

Read more

Important Safety Information

What is Optune® approved to treat?

Optune is a wearable, portable, FDA-approved device indicated to treat a type of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in adult patients 22 years of age or older.

Newly diagnosed GBM

If you have newly diagnosed GBM, Optune is used together with a chemotherapy called temozolomide (TMZ) if:

  • Your cancer is confirmed by your healthcare professional AND
  • You have had surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible

Recurrent GBM

If your tumor has come back, Optune can be used alone as an alternative to standard medical therapy if:

  • You have tried surgery and radiation and they did not work or are no longer working AND
  • You have tried chemotherapy and your GBM has been confirmed by your healthcare professional

Who should not use Optune?

Optune is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor if you have:

  • An implanted medical device (programmable shunt), skull defect (missing bone with no replacement), or bullet fragment. Optune has not been tested in people with implanted electronic devices, which may cause the devices not to work properly, and Optune has not been tested in people with skull defects or bullet fragments, which may cause Optune not to work properly
  • A known sensitivity to conductive hydrogels (the gel on the arrays placed on the scalp like the ones used on EKGs). When Optune comes into contact with the skin, it may cause more redness and itching or may rarely cause a life-threatening allergic reaction

Do not use Optune if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Optune is safe or effective during pregnancy.

What should I know before using Optune?

Optune should only be used after receiving training from qualified personnel, such as your doctor, a nurse, or other medical staff who have completed a training course given by Novocure®, the maker of Optune.

  • Do not use any parts that did not come with the Optune Treatment Kit sent to you by Novocure or given to you by your doctor
  • Do not get the device or transducer arrays wet
  • If you have an underlying serious skin condition on the scalp, discuss with your doctor whether this may prevent or temporarily interfere with Optune treatment

What are the possible side effects of Optune?

The most common side effects of Optune when used together with chemotherapy (temozolomide, or TMZ) were low blood platelet count, nausea, constipation, vomiting, tiredness, scalp irritation from the device, headache, seizure, and depression. The most common side effects when using Optune alone were scalp irritation (redness and itchiness) and headache. Other side effects were malaise, muscle twitching, fall and skin ulcers. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these side effects or questions.

Please click here for the Optune Instructions for Use (IFU) for complete information regarding the device’s indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions.

On this site, patient and healthcare professional videos as well as all images labeled as Optune users, caregivers, or healthcare professionals depict actual patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. All other depictions of patients and caregivers are actor portrayals. Patient images reflect the health status of the patients at the time each photo was taken.