Novocure recently disclosed favorable initial results from its Phase 3 investigation of Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy for pancreatic cancer. The PANOVA-3 study revealed a notable enhancement in overall survival for patients with non-resectable, locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma treated with TTFields therapy in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel.
The company confirmed that the trial satisfied its primary objective, achieving a median overall survival (mOS) of 16.2 months for patients undergoing TTFields therapy, compared to 14.16 months for those receiving only chemotherapy. Furthermore, it led to a 13% improvement in survival at one year and a 33% increase at the two-year mark, with safety data aligning with previous findings.
“From my perspective as a researcher and clinician, developing treatments for pancreatic cancer presents numerous challenges. Therefore, witnessing the PANOVA-3 trial’s success in reaching the primary endpoint of overall survival is thrilling,” explained Dr. Vincent Picozzi, medical oncologist and PANOVA-3 trial investigator. “These findings about Tumor Treating Fields are very exciting, particularly considering the challenging nature of this patient group.”
The PANOVA-3 trial involved 571 patients in a randomized, controlled setting to assess TTFields therapy alongside chemotherapy as an initial treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Secondary goals included monitoring for progression-free survival, quality of life, and resectability rates.
Novocure intends to seek regulatory approval in the United States, Europe, and Japan, with detailed trial outcomes to be shared at a future conference.
“PANOVA-3 is uniquely the first Phase 3 study to showcase statistically significant improvements in overall survival, specifically for unresectable, locally advanced pancreatic cancer. It marks Novocure’s third successful Phase 3 trial within two years,” stated Dr. Nicolas Leupin, Novocure’s chief medical officer. “We deeply appreciate the commitment from patients and researchers involved in the trial and anticipate presenting the complete data shortly.”
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal forms of cancer, with a five-year survival rate of only 12% and about 60,000 new instances annually. The majority of cases are diagnosed at stages that preclude surgical intervention, leaving chemotherapy or radiation as the main therapeutic options.
TTFields constitute low-intensity alternating electric fields that Novocure designed to interrupt cancer cell division and tumor development by targeting certain unique physical traits of cellular structures. Given their rapid division and distinct electrical characteristics, cancer cells are vulnerable to the physical impacts inflicted by TTFields, the company explained.
This therapy functions through numerous mechanisms to destroy cancerous cells and augment the effectiveness of conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. As a non-invasive method, TTFields therapy is administered using wearable devices.
Moreover, Novocure is investigating the application of TTFields therapy in metastatic pancreatic cancer through the progressing Phase 2 PANOVA-4 trial, with results anticipated in 2026.