Irreversible Electroporation of Pancreatic Tumors

Over 95% of pancreatic cancers are exocrine tumors that bare a dismal prognosis. Although oncological outcome is best for patients presenting with nonmetastatic resectable disease, cure is rarely achieved [1]. Up to 40% of patients present with nonmetastatic disease that is considered unresectable due to vascular encasement (locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma or LAPC) [1, 2]. These patients are nowadays routinely offered systemic chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) represents a promising new method for focal destruction of pancreatic tumors. Evidence to support its effectiveness is gradually surfacing.