Irreversible electroporation (IRE) with the NanoKnife® System is a surgical technique that uses very short but strong electric pulses to destroy cancerous cells using high-voltage direct current that does not injure surrounding non-cancerous cells, blood vessels and other vital structures. It has been in patients since 2008 in the treatment of some types of cancers. One of the largest unmet needs in cancer that IRE has been used is in locally advanced (Stage III) pancreatic cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated its safety with encouraging improvement in overall survival. There are limitations to the treatment, as well. UofL Physicians – Surgical Oncology is trying to determine if the Nanoknife can be used to safely and effectively treat locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
For more information or to learn more about if you are a candidate, call UofL Physicians – Surgical Oncology at 502-583-8303.
To make a referral, call 502-583-8303.
Publications about IRE
Pre-Clinical Papers
- Efficacy of irreversible electroporation in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma: advanced murine model (American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy)
- Irreversible electroporation of the liver and liver hilum in swine (International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association)
- Irreversible Electroporation of the Pancreas Definitive Local Therapy Without Systemic Effects (Journal of Surgical Oncology)
Clinical Papers
- Irreversible electroporation in locally advanced pancreatic cancer: A call for standardization of energy delivery (Journal of Surgical Oncology)
- Ultrasound validation of mathematically modeled irreversible electroporation ablation areas (Surgery)
- CT findings of patients treated with irreversible electroporation for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (Journal of Oncology)
- Treatment of 200 locally advanced (stage III) pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients with irreversible electroporation (Annals of Surgery)
- Intra-operative anesthesia management in patients undergoing surgical irreversible electroporation of the pancreas, liver, kidney, and retroperitoneal tumors (Iranian Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine)
- Borderline and locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma margin accentuation with intraoperative irreversible electroporation (Surgery)
- Evaluation of Resistance as a Measure of Successful Tumor Ablation During Irreversible Electroporation of the Pancreas (American College of Surgeons)
- Evaluation of thermal injury to liver, pancreas and kidney during irreversible electroporation in an in vivo experimental model (BJS)
- Irreversible Electroporation a Novel Option for Treatment of Hepatic Metastases (Curr Colorectal Cancer Rep)
- Irreversible Electroporation Ablation (IRE) of Unresectable Soft Tissue Tumors Learning Curve Evaluation in the First 150 Patients Treated (Plos One)
- Irreversible Electroporation in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Potential Improved Overall Survival (Annals of Surgical Oncology)
- Irreversible electroporation of locally advanced pancreatic head adenocarcinoma (Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery)
- Irreversible electroporation of locally advanced pancreatic neck/body adenomcarcinoma (Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology)
- Irreversible electroporation of unresectable soft tissue tumors with vascular invasion effective palliation (BMC Cancer)
- Irreversible Electroporation Therapy in the Management of Locally Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (American College of Surgeons)
- Safety and Early Efficacy of Irreversible Electroporation for Hepatic Tumors in Proximity to Vital Structures (Journal of Surgical Oncology)
- Early nontumorous CT findings after irreversible electroporation of locally advanced pancreatic cancer (Abdominal Radiology)
- Evaluation of tolerability and efficacy of irreversible electroporation (IRE) in treatment of Child-Pugh B (78) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (HPB)
