"The FDA has approved a new noninvasive portable device for the treatment of a deadly type of brain tumor https The device uses electrical fields to slow and possibly reverse tumor growth. The device manufactured by Novocure is called the NovoTTFA System and is meant for adults with glioblastoma multiforme https that recurs or progresses after chemotherapy https and radiation https treatment. Glioblastoma multiforme is a common type of brain cancer https and the tumor is highly resistant to standard treatments such as surgery radiation and chemotherapy the FDA says in a statement. Electrodes Placed on Scalp The new system involves placing electrodes on the patients scalp to deliver lowintensity electrical fields to the tumor site. The FDA says the unique shape and electrical characteristics of dividing tumor cells make them susceptible to damage when exposed to the machines electrical fields and temporarily stop tumor growth. The device is portable and can be powered with batteries or plugged into an electrical outlet the FDA says allowing patients to use it at home and continue normal daily activities. Recurrent glioblastoma multiforme is a devastating form of brain cancer that often eludes standard treatments Jeffrey Shuren MD JD of the FDA says in a news release. Shuren director of the FDAs Center for Devices and Radiological Health says the agencys approval of the device shows its commitment to innovative new devices that provide patients with other treatment options. Device Approved After Single Clinical Trial The device was approved based on results of a single international clinical study of  patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme who were randomly assigned to either treatment with the new device or chemotherapy. The FDA says the study showed comparable overall survival rates in patients in both groups. The agency says patients treated with the new system experienced a slightly higher incidence of neurological side effects including convulsions and headaches https than patients receiving chemotherapy. But patients treated with the NovoTTFA System did not experience significant side effects seen with chemotherapy such as nausea https anemia https fatigue https and serious infections. Patients in both groups were surveyed and those who used the new device indicated an improved quality of life compared to those on chemotherapy. The FDA says the device should be used only after other treatments have failed. Novocure chief medical officer Eilon Kirson MD PhD says in a company news release that the device allows for continuous treatment without the debilitating side effects that chemotherapies inflict on recurrent glioblastoma multiforme patients and indirectly on their families. Glioblastoma Multiforme Is Most Common Form of Brain Tumor in U.S. Glioblastoma multiforme affects about  Americans annually Novocures statement says. It says the median overall survival time from diagnosis is  months with optimal therapy. Median survival from the time of tumor recurrence is three to four months without additional treatment Novocure says in its statement. The device weighs about  pounds and is intended to be worn over the head and its design allows the patient to be mobile the company states."