Spiliopoulos S, Reppas L, Filippiadis D, Delvecchio A, Conticchio M, Memeo R, Inchingolo R. Irreversible electroporation for the management of pancreatic cancer: Current data and future directions.
World J Gastroenterol 2023;
29:223-231. [PMID:
36687122 PMCID:
PMC9846938 DOI:
10.3748/wjg.v29.i2.223]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is currently the seventh leading cause of cancer death (4.5% of all cancer deaths) while 80%-90% of the patients suffer from unresectable disease at the time of diagnosis. Prognosis remains poor, with a mean survival up to 15 mo following systemic chemotherapy. Loco-regional thermal ablative techniques are rarely implemented due to the increased risk of thermal injury to the adjacent structures, which can lead to severe adverse events. Irreversible electroporation, a promising novel non-thermal ablative modality, has been recently introduced in clinical practice for the management of inoperable pancreatic cancer as a safer and more effective loco-regional treatment option. Experimental and initial clinical data are optimistic. This review will focus on the basic principles of IRE technology, currently available data, and future directions.
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