Abstract
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a new therapeutic modality for cancers of soft tissue. IRE provokes cell death in target regions by creating high voltage electrical fields, up to 3,000 V, between several inserted probes. IRE is categorized as a non-thermal ablation technique because it uses very short electrical pulses, up to 100 micro-seconds, and therefore does not cause an increase of temperature. Locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is one of the most suitable candidates for IRE cancer therapy. This is because IRE can bring total cell kill without damage to the vascular and luminal structures such as arteries, portal veins, biliary and pancreatic ducts, which are composed of collagen and elastic fibers. Principles and practices of IRE therapy for pancreatic cancer are described in this chapter.
