Electroporation is an innovative cancer treatment that helps chemotherapy drugs work more effectively by making it easier for them to enter cancer cells. This is achieved by applying quick, controlled electrical pulses directly to the tumor using a small device called an electrode.
How It Works
During the procedure, a commonly used chemotherapy drug—such as Bleomycin or Cisplatin—is given based on your pet’s weight. Then, brief electrical pulses are delivered to the tumor. These pulses temporarily open up the membranes of cancer cells, allowing the chemotherapy to penetrate much more effectively—up to 1,000 times more than it normally could.
Each session is done under anesthesia, so your pet feels no discomfort. Treatments are relatively short, often completed as an outpatient procedure, and may be repeated as needed depending on how the tumor responds. One of the key advantages of electroporation is that it allows for multiple treatments in cases where a tumor returns locally.
Immune System Benefits
Recent studies suggest that electroporation may do more than just destroy cancer cells—it may also help stimulate the body’s immune response, giving your pet’s natural defenses a boost in fighting the disease.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects are generally limited to the treatment area and may include:
- Redness
- Swelling (edema)
- Tissue irritation or breakdown (necrosis)
These effects are typically temporary. Follow-up visits are important to monitor healing. Over time, healthy scar tissue will replace any damaged areas, which may take several weeks.
Electroporation vs. Radiation Therapy
When a tumor cannot be fully removed with surgery—either because of its location or aggressive growth—additional treatment is often needed to prevent regrowth. Radiation therapy is a common option, but it has limitations:
- It may be costly
- It often requires multiple anesthesia sessions
- Treatment can span several weeks
- It is not available in all areas
Electroporation offers an effective alternative. It enhances the action of chemotherapy using localized electrical pulses and can help shrink tumors, making future surgery easier or more successful if needed. It also provides a solution for families seeking advanced care without the extended time or costs of radiation.