World J Mens Health.  2025 Apr;43(2):321-332. 10.5534/wjmh.240012.

Irreversible Electroporation for the Focal Treatment of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review

• Zhang K
• Teoh J
• Zhu G
• Ng CF
• Suberville M
• Laguna P
• Rosette Jdl

• KMID: 2565973
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.240012

Abstract

Purpose
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a promising alternative treatment for low-intermediate-risk localized prostate cancer. In this systematic review we aim to evaluate the safety profile and functional and oncological outcomes of this new technique.
Materials and Methods
A systematic review of the literature was performed on PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus up to 24 August 2023. Nineteen studies were analyzed, including 12 prospective studies and 7 retrospective studies. A total of 1,452 patients underwent IRE as the sole primary treatment modality.
Results
The in-field clinically significant prostate cancer rate was reported between 0%–15.6% in the repeat biopsy. The retreatment rate was reported from 8% to 36.6%. The 3 years failure-free survival was presented between 90%–96.8%. The post-operative pad-free rate ranged between 96.7%–100%. Greater heterogeneity exists considering the change in erectile function. The most common reported complications were urinary tract infection and hematuria. Major complications were rare.
Conclusions
These results underline that IRE achieves favorable oncological control with an excellent safety profile, in the meantime preserving patients’ urinary and erectile function

Keyword

Electroporation; Prostatic neoplasms; Quality of life; Safety; Therapeutics