Irreversible electroporation (IRE) – pro
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel technique to treat localized prostate cancer with the aim of achieving oncological control while reducing related side effects. Focal therapy was developed as an alternative to minimize adverse effects while maintaining a good oncological outcome for the treatment of prostate cancer. In the past decades, different energy sources in focal therapy have been studied [10]. IRE might have potential advantages over other focal therapy modalities as it is a non-thermal energy source and has an advantage of sparing surrounding vital structures such as blood vessels and nerve bundles. Several studies indicate good tolerability and results.
NICE has issued a guidance on IRE. It says: Irreversible electroporation for treating prostate cancer should only be used with special arrangements for clinical governance, consent, and audit or research. “.
As such, it should still be considered E/I.
Zhang, K., Stricker, P., Löhr, M. et al. A multi-center international study to evaluate the safety, functional and oncological outcomes of irreversible electroporation for the ablation of prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 27, 525–530 (2024).
Faiella E, Santucci D, Vertulli D, Vergantino E, Vaccarino F, Perillo G, Beomonte Zobel B, Grasso RF. Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) for Prostate Cancer (PCa) Treatment: The State of the Art. J Pers Med. 2024 Jan 25;14(2):137. doi: 10.3390/jpm14020137. PMID: 38392571; PMCID: PMC10890194.
NICE: Irreversible electroporation for treating prostate cancer
Interventional procedures guidance
Reference number: IPG768
Published: 05 July 2023