Leesburg, VA, May 6, 2014—A small group of patients with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic carcinoma suffered no major ill effects—pancreatitis or fistula formation—after undergoing percutaneous CT-guided irreversible electroporation (IRE)—a nonthermal ablation technology that is safe near vascular and ductal structures—as a therapy.
"Our findings exceeded our expectations," said Maria Paola Belfiore, a researcher at the Institute of Radiology, Second University of Naples. "In fact, three patients were downstaged, and so had a greater life expectancy. This is a great new promise for inoperable pancreatic tumors."
The ablation procedure was successful in 100 percent of the patients. These early results represent a good alternative to intraoperative IRE ablation, and offer a safe and feasible primary local treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Belfiore presented the study on May 6 at the 2014 ARRS Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA.
Founded in 1900, ARRS is the first and oldest radiology society in the United States, and is an international forum for progress in radiology. The Society's mission is to improve health through a community committed to advancing knowledge and skills in radiology. ARRS achieves its mission through an annual scientific and educational meeting, publication of the American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR) and InPractice magazine, topical symposia and webinars, and print and online educational materials. ARRS is located in Leesburg, VA.