Innovation Needed: Ablative Techniques in Cancer Therapy

The future of cancer treatment demands innovation—especially in ablative techniques that activate the immune system.

Today, let’s rank some of the key ablative techniques from best to least effective for immune activation:

👉 Top Ablative Techniques for Immune Activation:

1. Nanopulsed Electric Field Therapy (PEF): 💥 Non-thermal, innovative, and used here at Williams Cancer Institute. PEF creates new dead cell antigens, effectively turning cancer into its own worst enemy by rallying the immune system.

2. Cryoablation: ❄️ Rapid freezing and thawing of the tumor, preserving new antigens for immune activation while keeping it non-thermal.

3. Irreversible Electroporation (IRE): ⚡ A milder version of nanopulsed PEF, poking holes in cell membranes to expose cancer antigens.

4. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): 🔆 Uses specific light wavelengths to destroy tumor cells, preserving antigens for immune activation.

5. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) / Histotripsy: 🎯 Though effective, these techniques introduce thermal activity, reducing antigen availability.

6. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) & Microwave Ablation: 🔥 More thermal activity, which means fewer antigens preserved for immune system activation.

7. Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT): ⚡ Laser-based and thermal—effective but results in fewer antigens for immune response.

8. Electrochemotherapy: 💊 Hyperactivates chemotherapy without an immune activation component.

Innovation isn’t just a buzzword here at Williams Cancer Institute—it’s our mission. By leveraging these advanced ablative techniques, we aim to maximize immune activation while minimizing collateral damage.

Supporting Evidence:
* Van den Bijgaart RJ, Eikelenboom DC, Hoogenboom M, et al. Thermal and mechanical high-intensity focused ultrasound: perspectives on tumor ablation, immune effects, and combination strategies. Cancer Immunol Immunother.2017;66(2):247-258. doi:10.1007/s00262-016-1891-9. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00262-016-1891-9

* Guo RQ, Guo XX, Li YM, et al. Cryoablation, high-intensity focused ultrasound, irreversible electroporation, and vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy for prostate cancer: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Int J Clin Oncol.2021;26(3):461-484. doi:10.1007/s10147-020-01847-y. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10147-020-01847-y

* Ahmed M, Kumar G, Moussa M, et al. Image-guided tumor ablation: standardization of terminology and reporting criteria—a 10-year update. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2014;25(11):1691-1705. doi:10.1016/j.jvir.2014.08.027. Available at: https://www.jvir.org/article/S1051-0443(14)00821-4/fulltext

* Dromi SA, Walsh MP, Herby S, et al. Radiofrequency ablation induces antigen-presenting cell infiltration and amplification of weak tumor-induced immunity. Radiology. 2009;251(1):58-66. doi:10.1148/radiol.2511081103. Availableat: https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/full/10.1148/radiol.2511081103

* Chu KF, Dupuy DE. Thermal ablation of tumours: biological mechanisms and advances in therapy. Nat Rev Cancer.2014;14(3):199-208. doi:10.1038/nrc3672. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/nrc3672

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