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Updated: Apr 24, 2026

Electrochemotherapy of Tumours
03:57

Electrochemotherapy of Tumours

Published on: December 15, 2008

28.5K

Electrochemotherapy in pediatrics: a systematic review

M A Formstone1, J J Neville2,3, A N Smith4

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK. mf1n21@soton.ac.uk.

European Radiology
|April 22, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) shows promise for treating pediatric tumors and vascular anomalies (VAs), with high response rates observed. Further research is needed to standardize treatment protocols and optimize safety for wider clinical use.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Interventional Radiology
  • Medical Technology

Background:

  • Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an emerging treatment modality.
  • Evidence regarding its use in pediatric patients is limited.
  • Current data on indications, efficacy, safety, and treatment parameters in children are scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review existing evidence on electrochemotherapy (ECT) in pediatric patients.
  • To analyze indications, treatment parameters, efficacy, and safety profiles.
  • To identify gaps in knowledge and areas for future research.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
  • Searches conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library.
  • Inclusion of studies involving patients aged 18 years or younger.
  • Data extraction on demographics, pathologies, electroporation parameters, agents, and outcomes.
  • Risk of bias assessment using ROBINS-I.

Main Results:

  • Fifteen studies involving at least 127 pediatric patients were included.
  • ECT demonstrated high complete response rates (97-100%) for pediatric tumors.
  • Significant volume reductions (52-100%) were observed in pediatric vascular anomalies (VAs).
  • Most complications were minor, but serious adverse events were reported.
  • Methodological quality was generally low due to small sample sizes and inconsistent reporting.

Conclusions:

  • Electrochemotherapy (ECT) exhibits promising efficacy for pediatric tumors and VAs.
  • Current evidence suggests favorable responses in children, though direct adult comparisons are limited.
  • Standardized treatment guidelines and further prospective studies are crucial for clinical adoption.
  • ECT may become a valuable minimally invasive option in pediatric oncology and interventional radiology.
Abstract

Keywords:
ElectrochemotherapyInterventionalOncologyPediatricsVascular

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