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ECT effective in treatment of neoplastic lesions

Electrochemotherapy offers an effective method of treatment for both primary and metastatic neoplastic lesions, regardless of neoplasm histology or previous treatments, according to a review published in Future Oncology.

Electroporation (EP), which occurs when electric field pulses are applied to cells or biological tissue, increases cell membrane permeability, allowing certain agents to pass through the membrane that would otherwise be unable to do so. Use of EP in combination with the administration of chemotherapeutic drugs is known as electrochemotherapy (ECT).

Reviewers looked at a series of prospective, randomized studies that involved 1,894 metastatic tumor nodules; ECT demonstrated a response rate of 84%, showing that the combined treatment was more effective than either of the two components used separately.

ECT also elicited limited side effects and was well-accepted by patients, according to the reviewers.

Because of the success seen with ECT, EP has also been considered to be the foundation for other treatment options, including gene therapy and DNA vaccination, the researchers wrote.

Disclosures: See the study for a full list of all authors’ relevant financial disclosures.