Irreversible electroporation for stage III locally advanced pancreatic cancer: Single-center experience

Abstract

Introduction: Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) is a non-thermal ablation technique with promising results for treating locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). This study was conducted to evaluate safety and efficacy of IRE in the management of LAPC. Methods: This was e retrospective single center study of ten patients with radiographic and biopsy proven stage III pancreatic head or body cancer that received open IRE with intraoperative ultrasound imaging. Perioperative complications at 90 days, tumor volume measurements, local recurrence and survival were recorded. Results: 20 patients, with a median age of 62, underwent IRE for locally advanced pancreatic head cancer (n=11) and body cancer (n=9). All patients were treated successfully with an open IRE approach. Nine patients experiences grade II (Clavien-Dindo) procedure related complications. There were no grade 3 to 5 complications. Median follow up was 30 monts. Tumor volume decrease at 6 months imaging follow up was found in 70% of patients (n=14). Local disease progression was observed in two patients, and there was evidence of metastatic disease in 7 patients. 8 patients died with a mean of 15, 2 months and 12 patients are still alive with a mean of 17,3 months. Median overall survival was 16,5 months. Conclusion: Our initial experience with IRE showed encouraging results regarding safety, feasibility and efficacy in patients with locally advanced pancreatic head or body cancer. Further investigation is needed.