Use of irreversible electroporation in unresectable pancreatic cancer

Irreversible electroporation is a non-thermal injury ablative modality that has been in clinical use since 2008 in the treatment of locally advanced soft tissue tumors. It has been reported to be utilized intraoperatively, laparoscopically or percutaneously. The method of action of IRE relies on a high voltage (maximum 3,000 volts) small microsecond pulse lengths (70 to 90 microseconds) to induce cell membrane porosity which leads to slow/protracted cell death over time. One of the largest unmet needs in oncology that IRE has been utilized is in locally advanced (stage III) pancreatic cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated the safety and palliation with encouraging improvement in overall survival. Its inherent limitation still remains tissue heterogeneity and the unique settings based on tumor histology and prior induction therapy. There remains a high technical demand of the end-user and the more extensive knowledge transfer which makes the learning curve longer in order to achieve appropriate and safe utilization.