May 14, 2014 — A small group of patients with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic carcinoma suffered no major ill effects — pancreatitis or fistula formation — after undergoing percutaneous computed tomography (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 Dr. Maria Paola Belfiore, a researcher at the Institute of Radiology, Second University of Naples. "In fact, three patients were down-staged, 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.
Belfiore presented the study at the 2014 annual meeting of the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) in San Diego.
For more information: www.arrs.org
July 23, 2025 
