Irreversible electroporation as an alternative treatment method in oncology: clinical application, current capabilities of the method, and future prospects (literature review)
Movchan V.I., Stakhovskyi E.O., Voylenko O.A., Vitruk Y.V., Stakhovskyi O.E. , Kononenko O.A. , Vasylonok Y.V.
Summary. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel ablation technique that involves the application of a pulsed electric field to locally affect tumor cells and destroy them without damaging the extracellular matrix. The main mechanism of action is the formation of nanopores in the outer bilipid layer of cells and the prevention of the restoration of its normal structure, which in turn triggers a cascade of reactions and ultimately leads to cell death. To date, there have been numerous studies on the use of IRE both as monotherapy and in combination with other promising techniques. All of them are aimed at achieving the best possible oncological and functional results and ensuring an adequate quality of life for patients. This work is a continuation of the article «Irreversible electroporation as an alternative treatment method in oncology: biophysical and molecular mechanisms, technical aspects and current capabilities of the method» [1], which highlights the basis of the IRE method. Based on a review of the literature, this article provides examples of the practical use of IRE for the treatment of malignancies, analyzes and presents the results of several fundamental clinical studies. The focus is on the treatment of patients mainly with tumors of the kidneys, prostate gland and liver. Particular attention is paid to promising areas of treatment, such as electrochemotherapy and electrolytic IRE.
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