Exercise with Optune Gio™

By: Dennis, Optune Gio patient

Working out the details

When I first started using Optune Gio, I was concerned about whether I would be able to continue my daily exercise activities. I’ve always loved working out and staying in shape. But when I started on Optune Gio, it seemed like working out would be difficult…and maybe, even impossible. 

And sure, it took a little bit of digging, but after doing some research and getting the okay from my doctor, I determined that I actually could continue to exercise—though it may look and feel a little different than it used to. 

 

Getting in the zone

Now, to get my heart rate up, I use my treadmill and set it to the incline setting at a high rate of speed. That seems to work well. I also use my exercise bike to help with my workout. While doing these workouts, I usually wear a shirt and light pants that are flexible and don’t cause me to sweat as much. 

While walking on the treadmill and using the exercise bike, I keep Optune Gio on. If I feel like my head is getting too warm, I just take a short break and cool down. 

I also do different types of crunches and push-ups. Both activities help with my core and strength. 

Sometimes I try to plan certain workouts on a day when I am going to change the arrays. This is typically for when I plan to do exercises outside (like swimming), especially in the sun. 

I like to stay as active as possible for maintaining my health because I believe that being healthy overall will help me with GBM. 

 

Dennis

©2023 Novocure GmbH. All rights reserved. Optune Gio and Novocure are trademarks of Novocure GmbH. US-OPG-00114 v1.0 November 2023

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Important Safety Information
 

What is Optune Gio® approved to treat?

Optune Gio is a wearable, portable, FDA-approved device indicated to treat a type of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in adult patients 22 years of age or older.

Newly diagnosed GBM

If you have newly diagnosed GBM, Optune Gio is used together with a chemotherapy called temozolomide (TMZ) if:

  • Your cancer is confirmed by your healthcare professional AND
  • You have had surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible

Recurrent GBM

If your tumor has come back, Optune Gio can be used alone as an alternative to standard medical therapy if:

  • You have tried surgery and radiation and they did not work or are no longer working AND
  • You have tried chemotherapy and your GBM has been confirmed by your healthcare professional

Who should not use Optune Gio?

Optune Gio is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor if you have:

  • An implanted medical device (programmable shunt), skull defect (missing bone with no replacement), or bullet fragment. Optune Gio has not been tested in people with implanted electronic devices, which may cause the devices not to work properly, and Optune Gio has not been tested in people with skull defects or bullet fragments, which may cause Optune Gio not to work properly 
  • A known sensitivity to conductive hydrogels (the gel on the arrays placed on the scalp like the ones used on EKGs). When Optune Gio comes into contact with the skin, it may cause more redness and itching or may rarely cause a life-threatening allergic reaction

Do not use Optune Gio if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Optune Gio is safe or effective during pregnancy.

What should I know before using Optune Gio?

Optune Gio should only be used after receiving training from qualified personnel, such as your doctor, a nurse, or other medical staff who have completed a training course given by Novocure®, the maker of Optune Gio.

  • Do not use any parts that did not come with the Optune Gio Treatment Kit sent to you by Novocure or given to you by your doctor
  • Do not get the device or transducer arrays wet
  • If you have an underlying serious skin condition on the scalp, discuss with your doctor whether this may prevent or temporarily interfere with Optune Gio treatment

What are the possible side effects of Optune Gio?

Most common side effects of Optune Gio when used together with chemotherapy (temozolomide, or TMZ) were low blood platelet count, nausea, constipation, vomiting, tiredness, scalp irritation from the device, headache, seizure, and depression. The most common side effects when using Optune Gio alone were scalp irritation (redness and itchiness) and headache. Other side effects were malaise, muscle twitching, fall and skin ulcers. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these side effects or questions.

 

Please click here for the Optune Gio Instructions For Use (IFU) for complete information regarding the device’s indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions.

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All other depictions of patients and caregivers are actor portrayals. Patient images reflect the health status of the patients at the time each photo was taken.

 




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US-OPG-00063 v4.0 March 2025