Establishing a Salvage Endoscopic Electroporation (SEE) Service for Colorectal Cancer: The King's Protocol for...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Endoscopic Electroporation (EE) utilizes electrical pulses and chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) tumor cell death.
• EE shows promise in salvage therapy, local control, and palliation for patients unsuitable for surgery.
• This therapy is adapted from electrochemotherapy protocols for skin cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the first comprehensive and standardized protocol for Salvage Endoscopic Electroporation (SEE) services in CRC.
• The protocol covers patient selection, procedural steps, equipment, and follow-up care.
• The aim is to guide clinical practice for SEE in colorectal cancer.

Main Methods:

• Protocol development based on European Standard Operating Procedures of Electrochemotherapy (ESOPE) and clinical evidence.
• Utilized CE-approved ePORE® electroporation generator and EndoVE® probe.
• Detailed infrastructure, treatment delivery, safety, and patient management strategies.

Main Results:

• Tumor assessment includes clinical, endoscopic, and radiological evaluation.
• EE was safely performed under sedation, achieving effective local tumor response.
• Patients experienced symptomatic relief and improved quality of life.

Conclusions:

• The novel protocol provides a practical framework for implementing SEE services in CRC.
• It promotes consistency, safety, and improved patient outcomes.
• Future studies will refine indications and integrate SEE into CRC management pathways.