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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
03:57
Electrochemotherapy of Tumours
Published on: December 15, 2008
Management of cutaneous metastases using electrochemotherapy
Louise Wichmann Matthiessen1, Richard Ling Chalmers, David Christopher George Sainsbury
1Center for Experimental Drug and Gene Electrotransfer, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Denmark.
Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden)
|May 18, 2011
Summary
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) effectively treats cutaneous metastases, offering significant palliative relief. This safe and well-tolerated treatment is suitable for all patients, including the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Cutaneous metastases can cause significant patient discomfort due to ulceration, bleeding, and pain.
- Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a promising treatment for cutaneous metastases, enhancing chemotherapy drug efficacy.
- The mechanism involves electrical pulses increasing cell membrane permeability, notably boosting bleomycin's effect for potential single-treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of electrochemotherapy as a palliative treatment for cutaneous metastases.
- To assess the safety and tolerability of ECT in a diverse patient population.
Main Methods:
- A phase II, two-center study (Denmark and UK) included patients with cutaneous metastases of any histology.
- Bleomycin was administered either intratumourally or intravenously.
- Electric pulses were applied to the tumor site following drug administration.
Main Results:
- Fifty-two patients were enrolled in the study.
- Complete and partial response rates were 68% and 18% for lesions <3 cm, and 8% and 23% for lesions >3 cm, respectively.
- Treatment was well-tolerated across all age groups, with no serious adverse events reported.
Conclusions:
- Electrochemotherapy is an efficient and safe treatment option for cutaneous metastases.
- Clinicians are encouraged to utilize ECT, even in elderly patients.
- The study supports ECT as a valuable palliative care modality.
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