Use of Irreversible Electroporation in Pancreatic Cancer Patients: A Multi-Center Experience

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of 10%. Irreversible electroporation (IRE), a non-thermal ablative technique, may improve outcomes in locally advanced (LAPC) and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC). This multi-center retrospective study aims to evaluate postoperative complications, 90-day mortality, and survival following IRE.

35 pancreatic cancer patients were treated with IRE between 2015 and 2023 across three Belgian hospitals. IRE was performed for tumor destruction in unresectable LAPC (n = 13) (IRE-LAPC) and for margin accentuation during resection in BRPC (n = 22) (IRE-MA). Primary endpoints were 90-day mortality, complications, and survival (only 33 patients included); secondary endpoints included metastases, local recurrence, and R0-resection rates.

Postoperative complications occurred in 23.1% (IRE-LAPC) and 68.2% (IRE-MA) of patients. Overall survival at 24 months was 27.3% (IRE-LAPC) and 27.3% (IRE-MA). Median survival time was 12.7 months (IRE-LAPC) and 13.3 months (IRE-MA). Six patients (17.1%) died within 90 days. Metastasis occurred in 51.5% of patients after a median time of 9.8 months. Local recurrence was seen in 24.2% of patients after a median time of 7.5 months. R0 resection was achieved in 63.6% (IRE-MA).

IRE for margin accentuation in BRPC is associated with relatively high morbidity and mortality rates and cannot be considered beneficial. In unresectable LAPC, IRE appears relatively safe for local disease control. Further research should clarify patient selection and optimize its therapeutic role.