For people facing a brain cancer diagnosis, time is of the essence and so is access to treatment. That’s why Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada works alongside partners like Novocure, whose mission is rooted in innovation and compassion for patients.

An international oncology company, Novocure supports patients beyond clinical settings. Through sponsorship of our Hats for Hope campaign in 2024, which highlights brain cancer awareness, and our Brain Tumour Walk, which saw Novocure employees take part, the company shows up for the communities it serves.

A patient-forward approach

Novocure is working to bring its Optune® device, a wearable, non-invasive treatment for glioblastoma (GBM), to patients in Canada. Optune® produces electric fields, known as Tumour Treating Fields (TTFields), that can/may disrupt and ultimately destroy cancer cells.

In 2022, Health Canada approved Optune® as a treatment for supratentorial glioblastoma (GBM located in the supratentorial part of the brain, meaning the cerebral hemispheres) in adult patients. In 2025, TTFields were announced as part of the, TTFields were announced as part of the updated glioblastoma treatment guidelines within Canada.

The next step is ensuring patients can actually access this therapy. With assistance from partners like BTFC, Novocure lobbied Canada’s Drug Agency to recommend reimbursement for Optune®. The recommendation passed, but traditional avenues for reimbursement were denied as Optune® isn’t a traditional treatment.

Still, Novocure has pushed forward, province by province, working to bring access to patients. BTFC has been proud to stand alongside Novocure in this effort, providing critical patient perspectives that strengthen the case for access.

“We rely on partners like BTFC to elevate the sense of urgency for patients,” says Lamia Kalfane, Novocure’s country manager for Canada. “We wake up every day with a sense of urgency because we have patients reaching out to us daily trying to get access to this therapy. We are incredibly committed to finding a sustainable solution for patients.”

Novocure’s patient-forward approach drives the work they do.

“It is so important to start with the patient and to make sure you’re bringing value to the community you serve,” says Lamia. “At Novocure, everything is grounded in the patient.”

Support that extends beyond the clinic

As part of the patient experience, the Optune® device is delivered directly to their homes. A dedicated support specialist helps each patient and family integrate the therapy into daily life, offering training, troubleshooting and encouragement during the first critical months.

This at-home care reduces the burden on the health-care system and, more importantly, empowers patients to take an active role in their own treatment.

“It is a commitment to wear this device,” says Lamia. “It’s not for everyone, but it is something that should be an option for everyone if they choose that it is the right thing for them.”

Lamia notes that the most common side effect caused by Optune® is mild to moderate skin irritation where it touches the scalp. In patients with newly diagnosed GBM, Optune® is used after surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, alongside the medication temozolomide.

Looking ahead

Negotiations are already underway in several provinces, with hopes that once one agreement is finalized, others will follow. Beyond GBM, Novocure continues to study TTFields therapy in other hard-to-treat cancers such as pancreatic, lung, and brain metastases.

“It’s such a glimmer of hope for patients,” says Lamia. “The human impact is enormous.”