Pulse Electric Field Therapy: Cold Tumor Cancer Treatment & Ablations | Dr. Goodyear & Dr. Williams

Explore the forefront of cancer treatment with Pulse Electric Field (PEF) Therapy, a powerful approach combining precision and immunotherapy to target cancer cells. In this episode of the Prescribed Podcast, Dr. Nathan Goodyear and Dr. Jason Williams—a global leader in ablative oncology—dive into the science, potential, and real-world applications of PEF Therapy.

What is Pulse Electric Field Therapy?
At its core, PEF Therapy works by using carefully timed electrical pulses to permeate cancer cells and stimulate the body’s immune response. This electric pulse, powered by a specialized voltage device and electrode, creates small, temporary openings in cancer cell membranes. These “microsecond pulses” enable targeted drug delivery while enhancing immune activation—a crucial combination that could shape the future of integrative oncology.

Episode Highlights:

Understanding PEF vs. PEMF – Many confuse Pulse Electric Field Therapy (PEF) with Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF), but they’re fundamentally different. PEF works through precise electric fields that directly interact with cellular membranes, making it especially effective in disrupting cancer cells and boosting immune responses.

ElectroChemoTherapy (ECT) and Immune Activation – Originating in the 1980s, ElectroChemoTherapy (ECT) was the foundation for many electroporation techniques we see today. ECT can stimulate danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that draw in dendritic cells to process and present cancer cell markers to the immune system. While widely used in Europe, ECT is not yet approved in the U.S., but it exemplifies how PEF-based treatments can naturally stimulate immune responses.

Microsecond vs. Nanosecond Pulses – By discussing the mechanics behind microsecond-domain pulses, the doctors explain how these pulses create pores in cancer cells to improve drug delivery. Nanosecond-domain pulses, however, bring another layer of precision, penetrating deep into cell structures and targeting even organelles within cancer cells. This dual-level approach can support a robust anti-cancer response, particularly when battling challenging, treatment-resistant tumors.

Tertiary Lymphoid Structures and Adaptive Immunity – Unique to PEF Therapy, the stimulation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) within tumor sites creates an ideal environment for immune cells to recognize and combat cancer. TLS work as localized “immune hubs,” empowering immune cells to respond effectively and prevent further spread. Dr. Williams explains how TLS activation through PEF Therapy could potentially change how we approach cancer treatment altogether.

Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) – Since its inception in 2005, IRE has become an invaluable tool in the oncology toolkit. Unlike thermal treatments that can damage surrounding tissue, IRE achieves non-thermal, irreversible cellular disruption without risking major side effects. Though highly effective in tumor ablation, IRE alone lacks the immunogenic response, which limits its long-term efficacy. By integrating PEF’s immune-stimulating benefits, doctors may enhance the effectiveness of IRE, creating more durable outcomes for patients.

Overcoming Immunotherapy Resistance – One of PEF’s most exciting applications is its potential to resensitize tumors that no longer respond to conventional immunotherapies. For patients with limited options, PEF Therapy could open doors to renewed treatment success by making previously resistant tumors susceptible to immune system attacks.

Challenges in Accessibility and Coverage – As groundbreaking as PEF Therapy is, barriers like financial costs and limited insurance coverage can hinder patient access. Dr. Goodyear and Dr. Williams discuss the pressing need for better insurance policies and the importance of advocacy, encouraging patients to seek innovative therapies and push for PEF as an option in cancer treatment.

Why PEF Therapy Matters: The Future of Integrative Cancer Treatment
PEF Therapy exemplifies the next wave of patient-centered, precision oncology, moving beyond conventional cancer treatments to embrace methods that harness the body’s own defense mechanisms. By targeting cancer cells without harming healthy tissue, PEF minimizes side effects while maximizing the potential for immune engagement. For patients with treatment-resistant cancers, PEF offers a tailored, non-invasive approach that could redefine cancer care.

For more in-depth information on PEF Therapy, as well as other leading-edge cancer treatments, visit WilliamsCancerInstitute.com. Dr. Williams and his team are at the forefront of integrative oncology, researching and applying therapies that prioritize patient outcomes and build on the power of the immune system.

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Website: WilliamsCancerInstitute.com & pre-scribed.com