不可逆电穿孔（IRE）：一种精准靶向肿瘤的微创肝癌治疗方法
28 May 2026
Liver, pancreatic, and bile duct cancers are among the most challenging cancers to treat and remain leading causes of cancer-related mortality. While treatment depends on the stage of the disease, surgical oncology is shifting toward greater precision, especially for complex cases where tumours are located near critical blood vessels.
One such breakthrough is NanoKnife Irreversible Electroporation (IRE), an advanced, minimally invasive treatment option for liver, pancreatic, and bile duct cancers, now available at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City.
How Does Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) Work for Liver Cancer?
Unlike traditional ablation methods that rely on extreme heat or cold, irreversible electroporation uses ultra-short, high-voltage electrical pulses to destroy cancer cells. This makes it a vital tool for treating liver tumours previously considered inoperable due to their challenging locations.
During the procedure, thin, needle-like electrodes are placed around the tumour under real-time imaging guidance. These electrodes deliver a series of controlled electrical pulses that create microscopic holes, or nanopores, in the cancer cell membranes. This process triggers natural cell death, allowing the body’s immune system to clear away the debris while leaving critical surrounding structures, such as nerves and major blood vessels, completely intact.
Image courtesy of AngioDynamics, Inc, and its affiliates
Irreversible electroporation uses controlled electrical pulses to create tiny holes in the cancer cell membrane, leading to natural cell death. This targeted approach destroys the tumour while leaving surrounding healthy tissue and vital structures intact.
The Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) Patient Journey
From preparation to follow-up, each stage of the irreversible electroporation procedure is meticulously planned and guided by imaging technology to ensure the safest and most precise outcome for the patient.
Key Advantages of Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) for Liver Cancer Treatment
- Protection of Vital Structures: Because the effect is targeted specifically at cell membranes, nearby vital structures are spared. This significantly reduces the risk of complications compared to traditional thermal (heat or cold) treatments.
- Unmatched Precision: The electrical field creates a sharp, distinct boundary between treated and untreated tissue (often only one to two cells thick), ensuring minimal damage to healthy liver parenchyma.
- No “Heat Sink” Effect: Traditional thermal treatments can be "cooled" by nearby blood flow, leaving cancer cells alive. Since irreversible electroporation does not rely on heat, flowing blood cannot act as a coolant. This ensures complete tumour destruction even when the cancer is directly adjacent to major blood vessels.
- Faster Recovery: As a minimally invasive procedure performed through the skin, patients benefit from reduced pain, quicker recovery times, and shorter hospital stays compared to open surgery.
Liver tumour pre-IRE
Liver tumour 4 months post-IRE
Who Is Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) Suitable For?
Irreversible electroporation is particularly suitable for patients with liver tumours located near major blood vessels or bile ducts, which are often cases where surgery or conventional thermal ablation carries high risk. Beyond the liver, irreversible electroporation is also a highly effective option for selected pancreatic, bile duct, prostate, and kidney cancers.
Precision Liver Cancer Care, Delivered by Our Dedicated Team
At Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, liver cancer treatment with irreversible electroporation is delivered through a comprehensive multidisciplinary team approach. Our Consultant General & Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgeon, Dr Hairol Azrin Bin Othman, works in close collaboration with interventional radiologists and anaesthesiologists, bringing together specialised expertise in precision-based cancer care to achieve the best possible outcomes for each patient.
As one of the private healthcare centres with the largest experienced interventional radiology and HPB surgery teams in Malaysia, we are proud to be at the forefront of interventional oncology, providing our patients with advanced cancer care and hope.
Considering irreversible electroporation for your liver cancer treatment or seeking a second opinion? Click below to schedule a consultation with our Consultant General & Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgeon today.
