Role of Irreversible Electroporation in Solid Abdominal Tumors Management

Background: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a new non thermal ablation
modality with promise for revolutionizing the treatment for solid local tumors
specially to overcome the disadvantages of other ablation maneuvers in
nonsurgical cases. The study aimed to evaluate the role of irreversible
electroporation as a new promising minimally invasive technique for ablation of
solid abdominal tumors.
Methods: 25 patients were included with unrespectable solid abdominal tumors
(15 pancreatic, 7 hepatic and 3 LNs), the masses size measures about 4 cm,
which are applicable for percutaneous needle insertion and associated with oligo
or no metastatic lesion however patients with cardiac arrhythmias or pacemaker,
patients unfit for general anesthesia, multiple metastatic lesions, patients with
renal impairment and patient with metallic stent were excluded. Full
radiological follow up was done as well.
Results: There was significant reduction in level of tumor markers in pancreatic
tumors after IRE in comparison to baseline level o as well as tumor size during
different periods of follow up. The same was detected for hepatic focal lesions
regard its size however metastasis was reported. While variable response was
detected in LN ablation.
Conclusion: The Irreversible electroporation is a promising less invasive
technique for ablation of local solid tumors especially in pancreatic tumors.