The PANOVA-3 study led to the February 2026 FDA approval of Optune Pax, a new noninvasive device for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. It is used together with standard chemotherapy, including gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. The device works by using tumor-treating fields to disrupt cancer cell division.
The study showed clear benefits. Median overall survival improved to 16.2 months compared to 14.2 months with chemotherapy alone. Patients also experienced better pain control, with time to pain progression extended to 15.2 months—about 6 months longer than the control group. In addition, patients reported improved overall quality of life, including fewer digestive symptoms, without added systemic side effects.
The device works not only by interfering with cancer cell division but may also trigger an immune response that helps slow disease progression. It is generally well tolerated, with the main side effect being mild to moderate skin irritation. Importantly, it does not increase the side effects of chemotherapy.
Optune Pax is portable and designed for home use. Patients are advised to wear it for at least 16 hours a day to achieve the best results.
Researchers consider these findings an important step forward. Ongoing studies, including PANOVA-4, are evaluating its use in metastatic pancreatic cancer and in combination with newer treatments such as immunotherapy and KRAS inhibitors.