The phase 3 TRIDENT trial found that starting Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) during chemoradiation did not improve overall survival for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma compared with the current standard of starting treatment during the maintenance phase.
The global study enrolled 981 patients. Median overall survival was 17.7 months in the early-start group and 17.5 months in the maintenance-start group. Survival rates at one, two, and three years were also very similar between the two groups.
Researchers reported that beginning TTFields during chemoradiation was feasible and did not raise any new safety concerns. Device-related side effects were consistent with those seen in previous studies.
The findings support continuing the current standard of starting TTFields during the maintenance phase. Additional analyses will examine whether certain patient subgroups, such as those with specific genetic markers, may benefit from an earlier start.