Technology evaluation: electroporation therapy, Genetronics Inc

Genetronics Inc has developed a MedPulser and a needle array applicator that delivers electric pulses to tumors and induces a transient permeabilization. Used in conjunction with intratumoral injections of anticancer drugs, this form of therapy, termed electroporation therapy, allows for intracellular accumulation of cytotoxic drugs without the toxic side effects associated with systemic administration. Accrual of preclinical data of electroporation therapy with bleomycin has led to clinical studies in patients with cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors. In 1999, objective responses were reported in a phase II study involving 30 patients with head and neck cancer with minimal side effects [328332]. Other indications for this form of treatment include liver and pancreatic cancers, Kaposi's sarcoma and melanoma [273388,290144]. Genetronics Inc and Ethicon Endo-Surgery (Johnson & Johnson Development Corp) are reviewing all clinical data from phase II studies prior to the initiation of a pivotal clinical trial in head and neck cancer.