Episode # 46 • 03 Feb 2026
Pulse Electrical Field Ablation: Lung Cancer Applications & Benefits
Pulsed electric field (PEF) therapy is an emerging cancer treatment that utilizes short electrical pulses to disrupt tumor cell membranes, leading to cell death—all without the risk of thermal damage seen in traditional ablation. How does this novel approach compare to gold-standard treatments like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in primary and metastatic lung cancer? Find out in this episode of the BackTable Podcast featuring NYU radiation oncologist Dr. Benjamin Cooper, radiology professor Dr. William Moore, and cardiothoracic surgery professor Dr. Daniel Sterman.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
01:38 - Understanding Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) Ablation
05:36 - Comparing Ablation Techniques: Cryoablation vs Microwave Ablation vs PEF Ablation
10:08 - Potential Immunological Responses, Safety, and Efficacy of PEF
23:40 - The Imprint Lung Trial: Exploring Immune System Stimulation in Cancer Treatment
29:18 - Patient Case Studies and Treatment Outcomes
32:41 - Challenges in Post-Treatment Imaging
36:41 - Procedure Times and Techniques for Ablation
41:51 - Comparing Pneumothorax Rates in Different Ablative Technologies
43:56 - Future Directions and Collaborative Efforts in Cancer Treatment
Resources
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More about this episode
The doctors break down the unique mechanism of PEF and its potential immunological benefits over other ablation techniques like cryoablation and microwave ablation. They also discuss PEF’s evolving role in both primary and metastatic cancer, its integration with therapies like SBRT, procedural efficiency and safety considerations, and why multidisciplinary collaboration and clinical trials are critical to defining its future in lung cancer care.
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