Optimization of transpedicular electrode insertion for electroporation-based treatments of vertebral tumors Journal Article


Authors: Cindrič, H.; Miklavčič, D.; Cornelis, F. H.; Kos, B.
Article Title: Optimization of transpedicular electrode insertion for electroporation-based treatments of vertebral tumors
Abstract: Electroporation-based treatments such as electrochemotherapy and irreversible electroporation ablation have sparked interest with respect to their use in medicine. Treatment planning involves determining the best possible electrode positions and voltage amplitudes to ensure treatment of the entire clinical target volume (CTV). This process is mainly performed manually or with computationally intensive genetic algorithms. In this study, an algorithm was developed to optimize electrode positions for the electrochemotherapy of vertebral tumors without using computationally intensive methods. The algorithm considers the electric field distribution in the CTV, identifies undertreated areas, and uses this information to iteratively shift the electrodes from their initial positions to cover the entire CTV. The algorithm performs successfully for different spinal segments, tumor sizes, and positions within the vertebra. The average optimization time was 71 s with an average of 4.9 iterations performed. The algorithm significantly reduces the time and expertise required to create a treatment plan for vertebral tumors. This study serves as a proof of concept that electrode positions can be determined (semi-)automatically based on the spatial information of the electric field distribution in the target tissue. The algorithm is currently designed for the electrochemotherapy of vertebral tumors via a transpedicular approach but could be adapted for other anatomic sites in the future. © 2022 by the authors.
Keywords: clinical article; controlled study; bone tumor; treatment planning; antineoplastic agent; tumor localization; tumor volume; electroporation; spine metastasis; spine tumor; clinical target volume; minimally invasive procedure; spatial analysis; bone tumors; electric field; proof of concept; minimally invasive treatment; finite element analysis; human; article; electrochemotherapy; tumor treatment; numerical modeling; comsol multiphysics; electrode implantation; transpedicular electrode insertion
Journal Title: Cancers
Volume: 14
Issue: 21
ISSN: 2072-6694
Publisher: MDPI  
Date Published: 2022-11-01
Start Page: 5412
Language: English
DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215412
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC9657605
PUBMED: 36358829
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 1 December 2022 -- Source: Scopus
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