Using electric pulses to destroy pancreatic tumors and boost the immune response

Optimization of High Frequency Irreversible Electroporation (H-FIRE) for tumor ablation and immune system activation in pancreatic cancer applications

['FUNDING_R01'] · VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV · NIH-11053337

This study is exploring a new way to treat pancreatic cancer by using electric pulses to help kill cancer cells and boost the immune system, with the hope of improving treatment outcomes for patients like you.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11053337 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel treatment for pancreatic cancer using High-Frequency Irreversible Electroporation (H-FIRE), which involves delivering electric pulses directly into tumors to induce cancer cell death. The study aims to understand how different pulse parameters affect the cancer cells and to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this technique in preclinical models. By focusing on both tumor ablation and the activation of the immune system, the research seeks to improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer. Ultimately, the goal is to gather essential data that will support future clinical trials in humans.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who may benefit from innovative treatment approaches.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose pancreatic cancer is at an advanced stage with no viable treatment options may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates and reducing recurrence.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using electroporation for tumor ablation is emerging, this specific application in pancreatic cancer is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.

Where this research is happening

BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.