Electroporation therapy

Electroporation therapy (EPT) is a non-thermal treatment method that uses electrical pulses to increase the permeability of cell membranes. This allows for the delivery of drugs, DNA, or other molecules directly into cells. Electroporation therapy is primarily used in cancer treatment and gene therapy.

Mechanism of Action

During EPT, short, high-voltage electric pulses are applied to targeted tissues. These pulses create temporary pores in the cell membrane, allowing therapeutic agents to penetrate the cells. Once inside, the therapeutic agent can perform its intended function, such as killing cancer cells or introducing genetic material for gene therapy.

Applications

Electroporation therapy is primarily applied in cancer treatments. It has been used for the delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs, such as bleomycin, into tumor cells in a process known as electrochemotherapy. Additionally, EPT is being explored for gene therapy and vaccine delivery, where DNA can be introduced into target cells.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of electroporation therapy in treating various cancers, including melanoma and liver cancer. Ongoing studies are exploring its use in combination with immunotherapies and other treatments to enhance its efficacy.

Advantages and Limitations

EPT offers several advantages over traditional therapies, such as minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue and fewer side effects. However, it has limitations, including the requirement for precise delivery of electrical pulses and limited efficacy in some deep-seated tumors.