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Electromagnetic field therapy improve survival in brain cancer patients


January 6, 2016

Dr. Garth Nicholas was interviewed by the Ottawa Citizen and CTV National News regarding a clinical trial in brain cancer patients that is generating attention around the world.

The randomized trial showed that a wearable device that transmits low-intensity electrical fields into the brain can prolong survival in people with a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. The trial included nearly 700 patients around the world and showed that those who received the electrical field therapy in addition to chemotherapy survived for 20.5 months compared to 15.6 months for those who received the chemotherapy alone.

Dr. Nicholas, who led the Canadian arm of the trial, told CTV: “This is a field where there are infrequent advances in treatment, and where it is rare to have a new development that improves the survival of patients… It is far from being a cure, but it is another step in the right direction and some patients truly benefit.”

Media also interviewed a local teacher who participated in the trial, which was published in JAMA.

About The Ottawa Hospital


The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals with over 1,100 beds, approximately 12,000 staff and an annual budget of over $1.2 billion. Our focus on research and learning helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care.

For further information, please contact


Jennifer Ganton
Director, Communications and Public Relations
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Office: 613-798-5555 x 73325
Cell: 613-614-5253
jganton@ohri.ca