CT-guided irreversible electroporation safe in unresectable pancreatic carcinoma

A small group of patients with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic carcinoma suffered no major ill effects—pancreatitis or fistula formation—after undergoing percutaneous CT-guided irreversible electroporation (IRE)—a nonthermal ablation technology that is safe near vascular and ductal structures—as a therapy.

"Our findings exceeded our expectations," said Maria Paola Belfiore, a researcher at the Institute of Radiology, Second University of Naples. "In fact, three patients were downstaged, and so had a greater life expectancy. This is a great new promise for inoperable pancreatic tumors."

The ablation procedure was successful in 100 percent of the patients. These early results represent a good alternative to intraoperative IRE ablation, and offer a safe and feasible primary local treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer.