Electrochemotherapy

Electrochemotherapy is a cancer treatment that combines chemotherapy with electroporation to enhance the uptake of anticancer drugs by tumor cells. The approach uses short, intense electrical pulses to transiently permeabilize cell membranes, increasing intracellular concentrations of certain cytotoxic drugs, most commonly bleomycin or cisplatin.

The procedure typically involves administering the chosen drug either systemically or directly into the tumor, followed by delivery of electric pulses to the target lesion. Pulses are applied through needle or plate electrodes and are designed to be short and high in voltage to induce reversible permeabilization of the tumor cells. The treatment is usually performed under local or regional anesthesia and may be given in an outpatient setting for accessible skin and subcutaneous tumors; sessions can be repeated as needed.

Electrochemotherapy is primarily used for superficial and subcutaneous tumors and metastases, including cutaneous melanoma metastases, breast cancer recurrences, head and neck cancers, and other accessible lesions. It is valued for palliative local control, symptom relief, and potential improvements in quality of life, and may be combined with surgery, radiotherapy, or systemic therapy as part of an integrated treatment plan.

Safety and limitations are generally favorable, with most adverse effects being transient and related to the treatment site, such as pain, swelling, or erythema. More serious complications are uncommon when performed by experienced teams and appropriate patient selection is followed. Research continues to refine protocols, expand indications, and assess long-term outcomes, with standardized procedures published by professional groups to guide practice. Availability varies by country and treatment center.