Tumor treating fields in pediatric high-grade glioma.

PURPOSE: Tumor treating fields (TTF) are alternating electric fields applied continuously to the scalp. The treatment is approved for both primary and recurrent supratentorial adult glioblastoma but unstudied in children.

METHODS: We report a feasibility case series of five pediatric high-grade glioma patients (ages 10-20 years) treated at our institution with TTF along with chemotherapy and/or radiation.

RESULTS: Two patients began therapy at second recurrence and showed progressive disease. Two others were treated upfront after radiation therapy, and both showed partial responses. A fifth patient was treated at first recurrence and also showed a partial response. All five tolerated TTF well without treatment-limiting toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS: The tolerability of TTF, combined with the adult data, justify a pediatric clinical trial.