After reviewing interim results from 210 patients participating in a phase 3 study, an independent monitoring committee is recommending changes to Novocure's (NASDAQ: NVCR) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) trial. Specifically, the committee is suggesting that the number of patients enrolled in the study be reduced to 278 patients from 534 patients and the patient follow-up period be shortened to 12 months from 18 months. The committee said it's "likely unnecessary and possibly unethical for patients randomized to the control arm to continue accrual" to the prior enrollment target and timeline. IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES. The trial is evaluating the impact of Novocure's tumor-treating fields, or TTFs, on overall survival rates. TTFs are specially tuned frequencies that can disrupt cancer cell division and multiplication in patients via a specially designed vest and external device. The primary endpoint of the study is determining if adding TTFs to checkpoint inhibitors or docetaxel -- two commonly used NSCLC treatments -- improves outcomes. Although Novocure remains blind to the interim results from this trial, the independent-monitors' guidance suggests the data is compelling. If so, then TTFs could eventually reshape patient treatment. There are nearly 200,000 new cases of NSCLC diagnosed in the U.S. annually and unfortunately, the five-year survival rate across all lung cancers is only 20.5%, according to the National Cancer Institute. 10 stocks we like better than NovocureWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Novocure wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of February 24, 2021 Todd Campbell owns shares of Novocure. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Novocure. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.Source