High Frequency Electroporation for Cancer Therapy

Electroporation is a non-linear biophysical mechanism in which the application of an external pulsed electric field leads to an increase in the permeability of cellular membranes. The extent of electroporation is attributed to the induced buildup of charge across the membrane, and consequently, transmembrane potential (TMP). Increasing the TMP has been described to produce various permeabilizing effects, wherein the formation of hydrophilic, aqueous pores becomes energetically favorable [1]. If the pulse parameters are tuned such that the membrane defects are only temporary, and the cell remains viable, the process is termed reversible electroporation. As a cancer therapy, reversible electroporation has been employed to increase the cellular uptake of chemotherapeutic drugs. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) results when membrane defects are permanent, leading to cell death. Recently, IRE has been recognized as an independent means to destroy tumors without the use of adjuvant drugs and prior to the onset of thermal injury [2].