Irreversible electroporation for the management of pancreatic cancer: Current data and future directions
Stavros Spiliopoulos, Lazaros Reppas, Dimitrios Filippiadis, Antonella Delvecchio, Maria Conticchio, Riccardo Memeo, Riccardo Inchingolo
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.