Electroporation utilizes extrinsic pulsed electric fields to create transient aqueous pores via induced transmembrane voltage. This technology ranges from reversible electroporation for drug and gene delivery to non-thermal irreversible electroporation (NTIRE) for targeted tissue ablation. NTIRE is particularly effective for pancreatic, renal, hepatic, and prostate cancers because it preserves the tissue scaffold and vital structures like nerves and blood vessels. Beyond ablation, electroporation facilitates gene electrotransfer (GET) and intracellular chemotherapy, while triggering a robust immune response via the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Advanced techniques like high-frequency IRE (H-FIRE) are currently being developed to enhance safety by reducing muscle contractions and the need for cardiac synchronization.
Patra et al. (Fri,) studied this question.