A novel treatment using high-voltage electrical pulses to destroy cancer cells has shown promising results for patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer. (Image courtesy of Severance Hospital)
SEOUL, March 12 (Korea Bizwire) — A novel treatment using high-voltage electrical pulses to destroy cancer cells has shown promising results for patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer, according to research from Severance Hospital in Seoul.
The study, led by Kim Man-deuk and Kwon Joon-ho from the hospital’s radiology department, demonstrated improved survival rates using an advanced form of irreversible electroporation (IRE) in 13 patients with pancreatic cancer deemed unsuitable for surgery.
Only about 20% of pancreatic cancer cases are operable, and patients with inoperable tumors that have invaded surrounding blood vessels or organs typically survive just 6 to 11 months after diagnosis, even with chemotherapy.
The research team utilized a modified IRE device featuring multiple electrodes to deliver treatment. The procedure involves inserting three to six electrodes around the tumor tissue and applying approximately 3,000 volts of electricity. Unlike heat-based treatments, IRE causes minimal damage to surrounding blood vessels and tissues.
The high-voltage current creates microscopic holes in cancer cell membranes, disrupting cellular equilibrium and triggering cell death. The team improved upon traditional IRE by developing a multi-electrode system that combines three or four smaller electrodes into a single unit, streamlining the insertion process.
Patients treated with this enhanced IRE method survived an average of 20.7 months after the procedure, up to 9 months longer than the 11-14 months typically seen with conventional IRE. The average survival time from initial diagnosis increased to 43.9 months, an extension of up to 26 months compared to traditional IRE’s 17-27 months.
“While further research with a larger patient group is needed, this treatment could provide an alternative for patients who cannot undergo surgery and have limited options due to ineffective chemotherapy or severe side effects,” said Kim.
The findings will be presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology conference in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 30.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
