Novocure’s first clinical trial patient receives therapy.

In December 2003, Novocure began its first clinical trial of Tumor Treating Fields in multiple solid tumor types in Switzerland.

Novocure’s Chief Executive Officer Asaf Danziger recalled how he and Eilon Kirson, Novocure’s former Chief Science Officer and Head of Research and Development, traveled to Ormalingen, a village near Basel, to begin conducting the trial. Eilon booked a hotel nearby the patient’s house for three weeks.

“I still remember the name of the patient,” Asaf said.

The patient had cancer and underwent resective surgery. She had reached the dose limit of radiation and had a lesion remaining after surgery when she started Tumor Treating Fields therapy.

Asaf and Eilon brought Novocure’s original Tumor Treating Fields delivery system to her house, set it up and showed her how to administer the therapy. They monitored her condition and progress daily. After a couple of weeks of treatment, the lesion began to shrink.

“You could see the lesion on the skin, getting smaller,” Asaf said. “It was very exciting, and it was a big achievement. I was very proud.”

“It was very exciting, and it was a big achievement. I was very proud.”

         —Asaf Danziger,
            CEO