Percutaneous irreversible electroporation for treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer following chemotherapy or radiochemotherapy

Abstract

Background: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a non-thermal based tumor ablation method used close to vessels and ducts and has the potential of treating locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IRE in patients with LAPC after chemo- and/or radio-chemotherapy.

Method: Twenty-four patients with biopsy proven LAPC and who had received chemo- and/or radio-chemotherapy with no signs of metastases were included and treated with ultrasound guided percutaneous IRE under general anesthesia.

Results: The median overall survival from diagnosis of LAPC was 17.9 months; this included 7.0 months after IRE. Median time from IRE was 6.1 months to local progression and 2.7 months to observation of metastases. Local control was observed in nine patients. IRE related complications were observed in 11 patients, three of which were serious complications. There was no IRE related mortality.

Conclusion: Percutaneous IRE is reasonably safe in LAPC after chemo-/radio-chemotherapy and with promising results regarding efficacy.

Keywords: Electroporation; Interventional ultrasonography; Pancreatic neoplasms.