New treatment for inoperable pancreatic cancer form offers hope. Here's what Optune Pax does.
CBS News • • business
Key Points:
- The FDA has approved Optune Pax, a wearable at-home device that uses electric fields to kill cancer cells, marking the first new treatment for inoperable pancreatic cancer in 30 years.
- The device, previously used for brain and lung cancers, is worn up to 18 hours daily and has shown to extend patient survival by about two months while significantly delaying pain.
- Pancreatic cancer is often detected late, making many cases inoperable; this new treatment offers hope for those with locally advanced disease who cannot undergo surgery.
- Experts highlight the significance of this advancement despite modest benefits and note potential challenges for patients regarding insurance coverage and treatment costs.
- Early detection, as in the case of patient Mark Infranco
