BackTable / Industry / Podcast / Episode #91
Winding Down Neuwave: Impact on Interventional Radiology
with Dr. Joshua Kuban
It’s official — NeuWave is exiting the market. In this episode, Dr. Christopher Beck hosts a conversation with Dr. Josh Kuban, an interventional radiologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, to discuss the impact that NeuWave's microwave tumor ablation technology has had on the field of interventional oncology and the recent announcement of its discontinuation, scheduled for March 2026.
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BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2025, May 30). Ep. 91 – Winding Down Neuwave: Impact on Interventional Radiology [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com
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Podcast Contributors
Dr. Josh Kuban
Dr. Josh Kuban is an interventional radiologoist and associate professor with MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas.
Dr. Christopher Beck
Dr. Chris Beck is a practicing interventional radiologist with Regional Radiology Group in New Orleans.
Synopsis
Dr. Kuban reflects on NeuWave’s innovative beginnings in microwave ablation, which expanded to include four distinct systems and advanced ablation confirmation software. At its peak, the company held over 50% of the microwave ablation market and played a pivotal role in reshaping interventional radiology's view of the safety and effectiveness of this treatment approach.
He also shares how NeuWave’s departure will affect his practice and outlines the steps he’s taking to prepare his team for the transition to alternative devices. The discussion broadens to the current landscape of microwave ablation, spotlighting emerging players in ablation confirmation software and robotic technologies.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
2:14 - Overview of Neuwave’s Rise
7:01 - Decision to Discontinue
14:56 - Navigating the Switch Different Technologies
21:54 - Buyback Program
24:33 - Forecasting New Developments
Resources
BackTable IND Ep. 23- Approach the Problem with Vision: Part I of the Neuwave Story : https://www.backtable.com/shows/industry/podcasts/23/approach-the-problem-with-vision-part-i-of-the-neuwave-story
BackTable IND Ep. 24- Trials and Tribulations: Part II of the Neuwave Story: https://www.backtable.com/shows/industry/podcasts/24/trials-tribulations-part-ii-of-the-neuwave-story
BackTable IND Ep. 25- Next Level Stuff, the Exit: Part III of the Neuwave Story:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/industry/podcasts/25/next-level-stuff-the-exit-part-iii-of-the-neuwave-story
Johnson & Johnson Press Release Regarding Discontinuation of NeuWave:
https://www.medline.com/media/assets/pdf/vendor-list/Disco_notice.pdf
MedTronic Emprint Ablation: https://www.medtronic.com/covidien/en-gb/products/ablation-systems/emprint-ablation-system.html
Varian MicroThermX Ablation:
https://www.varian.com/products/interventional-oncology/microthermx
Safety and Effectiveness of Microwave Ablation of Liver Tumors: Initial Real-World Results from the Multinational NeuWave Observational Liver Ablation (NOLA) Registry (Odisio, 2025):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39848330/
Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.