{"id":16471,"date":"2026-10-05T13:25:03","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T10:25:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/?p=16471"},"modified":"2026-10-13T19:27:02","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T16:27:02","slug":"electrochemotherapy-ect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/electrochemotherapy-ect\/","title":{"rendered":"Electrochemotherapy (ECT): Procedure, Benefits and Side Effects"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a local oncological treatment that opens temporary channels in cancer cell membranes by applying low-intensity electrical currents, allowing chemotherapy drugs to enter directly into the tumor much more effectively.<\/p>\n<p>This innovative method is an effective option that stands out in controlling challenging tumors. It offers a reliable alternative in cases that are resistant to standard approaches or where surgical intervention is very risky.<\/p>\n<p>While the electrical current increases the ability of drugs to penetrate cells, the surrounding healthy tissues are largely preserved. Thus, the aim is to prevent the body from being burdened by severe side effects that reduce quality of life.<\/p>\n<p>This precise, targeted intervention is one of the sophisticated technologies offered by modern medicine. By suppressing the disease only in the affected area, it makes it possible to manage the recovery process comfortably without being separated from daily life.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Content<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/electrochemotherapy-ect\/#What_Changes_Does_Electrochemotherapy_ECT_Cause_in_the_Cell_Membrane\" >What Changes Does Electrochemotherapy (ECT) Cause in the Cell Membrane?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/electrochemotherapy-ect\/#What_Are_the_Main_Drugs_Used_in_Electrochemotherapy\" >What Are the Main Drugs Used in Electrochemotherapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/electrochemotherapy-ect\/#How_Does_Electrochemotherapy_Affect_Blood_Flow_Within_the_Tumor\" >How Does Electrochemotherapy Affect Blood Flow Within the Tumor?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/electrochemotherapy-ect\/#How_Do_Interventional_Radiologists_Perform_Electrochemotherapy\" >How Do Interventional Radiologists Perform Electrochemotherapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/electrochemotherapy-ect\/#What_Imaging_Preparations_Are_Performed_Before_Electrochemotherapy\" >What Imaging Preparations Are Performed Before Electrochemotherapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/electrochemotherapy-ect\/#How_Are_Electrochemotherapy_Drugs_Administered_to_the_Body\" >How Are Electrochemotherapy Drugs Administered to the Body?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/electrochemotherapy-ect\/#What_Are_the_Differences_Between_Electrochemotherapy_and_Heat-Based_Treatments\" >What Are the Differences Between Electrochemotherapy and Heat-Based Treatments?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/electrochemotherapy-ect\/#Why_Is_Electrochemotherapy_Preferred_Around_Critical_Blood_Vessels_and_Nerves\" >Why Is Electrochemotherapy Preferred Around Critical Blood Vessels and Nerves?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/electrochemotherapy-ect\/#For_Which_Skin_and_Subcutaneous_Diseases_Can_Electrochemotherapy_Be_Used\" >For Which Skin and Subcutaneous Diseases Can Electrochemotherapy Be Used?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/electrochemotherapy-ect\/#What_Benefits_Can_Electrochemotherapy_Provide_in_the_Head_and_Neck_Region\" >What Benefits Can Electrochemotherapy Provide in the Head and Neck Region?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/electrochemotherapy-ect\/#What_Role_Does_Electrochemotherapy_Play_in_Reaching_Masses_in_Internal_Organs\" >What Role Does Electrochemotherapy Play in Reaching Masses in Internal Organs?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/electrochemotherapy-ect\/#What_Recovery_Process_Is_Expected_in_the_Tumor_After_Electrochemotherapy\" >What Recovery Process Is Expected in the Tumor After Electrochemotherapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/electrochemotherapy-ect\/#What_Preparations_Are_Required_Before_Electrochemotherapy_ECT\" >What Preparations Are Required Before Electrochemotherapy (ECT)?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/electrochemotherapy-ect\/#How_Does_the_Anesthesia_Process_Work_During_Electrochemotherapy_ECT\" >How Does the Anesthesia Process Work During Electrochemotherapy (ECT)?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/electrochemotherapy-ect\/#Does_Electrochemotherapy_ECT_Have_the_Side_Effects_of_Conventional_Chemotherapy\" >Does Electrochemotherapy (ECT) Have the Side Effects of Conventional Chemotherapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/electrochemotherapy-ect\/#How_Does_the_Follow-Up_Process_Work_After_Electrochemotherapy_ECT\" >How Does the Follow-Up Process Work After Electrochemotherapy (ECT)?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Changes_Does_Electrochemotherapy_ECT_Cause_in_the_Cell_Membrane\"><\/span>What Changes Does Electrochemotherapy (ECT) Cause in the Cell Membrane?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Every cell that makes up the human body is surrounded by a highly selective membrane layer consisting of a double layer of lipid molecules. This membrane strictly controls the entry of external substances into the cell. When it comes to cancer cells, this protective barrier makes it quite difficult for certain drugs to penetrate. During electrochemotherapy, electrical currents at a specific voltage are applied to the tumor area for extremely short periods, lasting only millionths of a second. These currents are not applied to directly burn or destroy the cell. Instead, they momentarily disrupt the electrical balance of the cell membrane, causing tiny microscopic channels that allow water to pass through to open in the membrane. These channels are called pores.<\/p>\n<p>The most important consideration at this stage is to keep the intensity of the applied current within the limits of the cell&#8217;s ability to repair itself. In other words, as soon as the current is stopped, the cell membrane tends to recover rapidly, and these small openings generally close. The cell is not physically destroyed; it simply becomes largely defenseless against external drugs for a very short period. This temporary increase in membrane permeability forms the backbone of the treatment.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Main_Drugs_Used_in_Electrochemotherapy\"><\/span>What Are the Main Drugs Used in Electrochemotherapy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although the main purpose of electrochemotherapy is to open the cell&#8217;s doors, this procedure has little meaning without an effective agent to enter through them. Therefore, certain specific drugs must accompany the treatment.<\/p>\n<p>The main chemotherapy agents frequently preferred in treatment are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bleomycin<\/li>\n<li>Cisplatin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Bleomycin is structurally a large and heavy molecule. Because of its large structure, it has considerable difficulty passing through the cell membrane on its own. When administered externally, it cannot fit through the cell&#8217;s openings and generally remains in the extracellular fluid before being eliminated from the body without exerting its effect. However, when electrical currents open those small channels in the cell membrane, the bleomycin molecules waiting outside rapidly enter the cell. Once inside, this drug moves toward the nucleus, the control center of the cancer cell, and attempts to prevent cell division by damaging its DNA structure. Thanks to the electrical current, the amount of drug entering the cell increases so dramatically that the inhibitory effect of bleomycin on the tumor can become hundreds of times stronger. Cisplatin works according to a similar principle, and its effectiveness may increase significantly when its entry into the cell is facilitated by electrical currents.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_Electrochemotherapy_Affect_Blood_Flow_Within_the_Tumor\"><\/span>How Does Electrochemotherapy Affect Blood Flow Within the Tumor?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This treatment has an interesting effect not only on the cell membrane but also on the vascular network within the tumor. This effect, medically known as vascular lock, refers to a temporary interruption of blood circulation within the tumor. As soon as an electrical current is applied to cancerous tissue, the small muscles at the entrances of the fine capillaries in that region contract, and the inner surfaces of the blood vessels begin to narrow.<\/p>\n<p>This narrowing continues for several minutes and aims to provide two main benefits. First, because the blood vessels narrow, the anticancer drug administered into the tumor cannot easily be washed away through the bloodstream and distributed to other parts of the body. The aim is to retain the drug exactly where it is needed, within the tumor tissue. Second, because the supply of fresh blood and oxygen to the tumor is suddenly interrupted, cancer cells experience severe oxygen deprivation. When cells whose DNA has already been damaged by the drug entering them are also deprived of oxygen, the process of cellular destruction may be triggered much more rapidly.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_Interventional_Radiologists_Perform_Electrochemotherapy\"><\/span>How Do Interventional Radiologists Perform Electrochemotherapy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In modern medical practice, electrochemotherapy is generally a less demanding method performed without making an open surgical incision. Specially developed needle-shaped electrodes are used to reach the diseased tissue. Correct placement of these needles is vitally important because the aim is for the electrical field to cover as much of the tumor as possible.<\/p>\n<p>At this stage, the needles are positioned not randomly but through careful calculations under the guidance of advanced imaging devices. The location and size of the tumor within the body, as well as its distance from surrounding blood vessels or nerves, are monitored in real time on the screen. Depending on the structure of the tumor, the needles are sometimes aligned side by side in a straight line and sometimes in a hexagonal arrangement before being advanced toward the center of the tumor. This may create an opportunity to intervene in masses that appear inaccessible or that could harm the patient if open surgery were performed.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Imaging_Preparations_Are_Performed_Before_Electrochemotherapy\"><\/span>What Imaging Preparations Are Performed Before Electrochemotherapy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To increase the potential success of the procedure, a detailed map of the patient and the tumor must be created before the intervention. The electrical field is expected to be planned to cover the tumor and a very small safety margin around it. Otherwise, cells that the electrical current does not reach may remain alive and cause the disease to become active again in that area in the future.<\/p>\n<p>The main imaging methods used for this planning are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ultrasonography<\/li>\n<li>Computed tomography<\/li>\n<li>Magnetic resonance imaging<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These imaging devices allow the three-dimensional structure of the tumor to be examined. Based on the diameter and location of the mass, the lengths of the needles to be used and the distances between them are calculated. Since the distance between the electrodes determines the overall resistance of the tissue, it helps adjust the voltage values entered into the machine more accurately.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Are_Electrochemotherapy_Drugs_Administered_to_the_Body\"><\/span>How Are Electrochemotherapy Drugs Administered to the Body?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The method of administering the chemotherapy drugs used in treatment varies according to the extent of the disease in the body and the depth at which the tumors are located. Personalizing the treatment according to the patient&#8217;s current condition is of great importance at this stage.<\/p>\n<p>The main routes that may be preferred for drug administration are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Intravenous injection<\/li>\n<li>Intratumoral injection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If the patient has numerous scattered masses on or beneath the skin, administering the drug through an intravenous infusion in the arm is a more common approach. However, if the problem is an isolated mass in a single deep organ, such as the liver, it may not always be necessary for the drug to circulate throughout the entire body. In this case, the medication can be administered directly into the center of the tumor using a needle. Timing is extremely sensitive in cases involving intravenous administration; there is a limited time window during which the drug reaches its highest concentration within the tumor, and the aim is to apply the electrical currents precisely during this period.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Differences_Between_Electrochemotherapy_and_Heat-Based_Treatments\"><\/span>What Are the Differences Between Electrochemotherapy and Heat-Based Treatments?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When attempting to eliminate cancer cells using nonsurgical methods, medicine frequently employs heat-based techniques. For example, radiofrequency and microwave methods attempt to destroy tumors by burning them with high temperatures, while cryotherapy attempts to kill cells by freezing the tissue. These heat-based treatments are generally effective, but they tend to damage surrounding tissues in the treated area without distinguishing between temperature effects. Along with the tumor, connective tissue, blood vessel walls, and nerve fibers in the region may also be damaged by these extreme temperatures.<\/p>\n<p>Electrochemotherapy, on the other hand, is structurally a nonthermal method. It does not burn or freeze the tumor; instead, it supports the entry of the drug by opening membranes at the cellular level. This contributes to the preservation of collagen fibers that form the basic framework of the tissue and the structures of surrounding organs. After the tumor cells are suppressed by the drug, this intact tissue framework may provide a foundation for the area to repair itself more effectively.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Is_Electrochemotherapy_Preferred_Around_Critical_Blood_Vessels_and_Nerves\"><\/span>Why Is Electrochemotherapy Preferred Around Critical Blood Vessels and Nerves?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>One of the greatest challenges faced by methods that treat tumors through burning occurs when the tumor is located very close to major blood vessels in the body. There is a physical phenomenon known in medicine as the heat sink effect. Blood flowing continuously and rapidly through a large vessel prevents the surrounding tissues from overheating, much like the water-cooling system in an engine. As a result, tumor cells attached to the vessel may not become sufficiently heated, increasing their chances of escaping treatment. At the same time, high temperatures can damage the vessel wall and cause dangerous bleeding.<\/p>\n<p>Because electrochemotherapy does not generate heat, it does not cause this heat sink problem. When the current is applied, the blood vessels temporarily constrict in an attempt to retain the drug inside, while avoiding heat-related damage to surrounding tissues. Thanks to this feature, it may offer an opportunity to treat tumors located immediately next to the carotid artery, major veins, or sensitive nerve networks relatively more safely.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_Which_Skin_and_Subcutaneous_Diseases_Can_Electrochemotherapy_Be_Used\"><\/span>For Which Skin and Subcutaneous Diseases Can Electrochemotherapy Be Used?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Certain types of cancer may spread to the skin or subcutaneous tissue, forming numerous masses of varying sizes in superficial areas. Repeatedly removing these areas through surgery can cause significant tissue loss and aesthetically distressing appearances on the patient&#8217;s body.<\/p>\n<p>The main conditions for which treatment is frequently considered are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Malignant melanoma masses<\/li>\n<li>Chest wall recurrences<\/li>\n<li>Kaposi lesions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In such superficial and multifocal conditions, electrochemotherapy aims to avoid extensive surgical incisions by attempting to preserve the integrity of the skin. Applied through very small points over cancerous tissues, this treatment may help minimize both aesthetic and functional losses while supporting the regression and shrinkage of diseased areas.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Benefits_Can_Electrochemotherapy_Provide_in_the_Head_and_Neck_Region\"><\/span>What Benefits Can Electrochemotherapy Provide in the Head and Neck Region?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The head and neck region is among the most anatomically complex and sensitive areas of the human body. Masses developing in areas such as the tongue, oral cavity, larynx, or pharynx can directly affect vital activities such as swallowing, speaking, and breathing. Attempting to extensively remove a tumor from this region through surgery may sometimes carry the risk of losing these important functions.<\/p>\n<p>In these challenging situations, this method, which affects cells using only a combination of electrical currents and low-dose medication, may stand out as a valuable option because it operates on the principle of tissue preservation. Thin needles placed at precise locations under imaging guidance help suppress the tumor while avoiding major damage to surrounding muscles and nerves. Allowing patients to retain their speaking and eating abilities for longer is a valuable step toward maintaining a high quality of life.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Role_Does_Electrochemotherapy_Play_in_Reaching_Masses_in_Internal_Organs\"><\/span>What Role Does Electrochemotherapy Play in Reaching Masses in Internal Organs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For many years, this treatment was considered practical only for masses located on the skin surface. However, thanks to advances in modern medical technologies and more precise needle guidance systems, organs located much deeper within the body can now be reached.<\/p>\n<p>Some internal structures that may be accessible through interventional procedures are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Liver tumors<\/li>\n<li>Tissues surrounding the kidneys<\/li>\n<li>Bone metastases<\/li>\n<li>Areas adjacent to the bile ducts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Particularly in complex tumors located at the entrance of the liver or surrounding the main bile ducts, ablative procedures generally cannot be performed because they may destroy the bile ducts. However, because electrochemotherapy does not cause heat-related tissue destruction, it may allow treatment planning even in close proximity to these potentially dangerous anatomical pathways.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Recovery_Process_Is_Expected_in_the_Tumor_After_Electrochemotherapy\"><\/span>What Recovery Process Is Expected in the Tumor After Electrochemotherapy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It is not medically accurate to expect the tumor to suddenly disappear completely the day after treatment. This is a biological process that demonstrates its effects gradually over time. During the first few days after the procedure, mild swelling and redness may occur in the tumor due to the temporary interruption of blood circulation in the area and the arrival of the body&#8217;s immune cells. This is generally an expected process indicating that the body is attempting to repair the region.<\/p>\n<p>In the following weeks, as intracellular damage increases, cancer cells gradually begin to lose their structural integrity. As the immune system removes damaged cells from the area, the mass may gradually shrink. Imaging performed months later may show that the previously active tumor area has been replaced by a small, inactive scar with reduced blood flow or an area of nonviable tissue. The adaptation of surrounding tissues to this gradual shrinking process may provide a much more balanced recovery compared with sudden surgical tissue loss.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Preparations_Are_Required_Before_Electrochemotherapy_ECT\"><\/span>What Preparations Are Required Before Electrochemotherapy (ECT)?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As with any medical procedure, the patient&#8217;s overall health condition is carefully reviewed before this treatment. To ensure that the procedure benefits the patient without causing unexpected harm, the organs must have a certain level of functional capacity.<\/p>\n<p>Some details carefully checked before the procedure are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lung capacity assessment<\/li>\n<li>Kidney function tests<\/li>\n<li>Blood coagulation levels<\/li>\n<li>Electrocardiogram<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Bleomycin, a drug frequently used in treatment, is known to cause hardening of lung tissue when administered in high amounts. Therefore, the total amount of bleomycin the patient has received in the past is carefully calculated. If lung capacity is borderline, alternative medications may be considered instead of bleomycin. It is also important that the kidneys function properly so that the administered drugs can be eliminated from the body and that coagulation values remain within normal limits to prevent bleeding at the needle insertion sites during the procedure.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_the_Anesthesia_Process_Work_During_Electrochemotherapy_ECT\"><\/span>How Does the Anesthesia Process Work During Electrochemotherapy (ECT)?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Choosing the appropriate anesthesia is very important to ensure that the patient does not experience pain during the procedure and that the treatment can be performed comfortably. If the masses to be treated are small, few in number, and located immediately beneath the skin surface, the procedure can be performed by numbing only that area. However, if the tumors are located deep within organs or several areas of the body need to be treated simultaneously, general anesthesia is more commonly preferred.<\/p>\n<p>There is an important reason for this: The brief but intense electrical currents delivered during the procedure can cause sudden contractions in surrounding muscles. These contractions may cause the carefully positioned needles to move out of place. Muscle relaxant medications administered under general anesthesia keep the patient&#8217;s body still, largely preventing this risk. In addition, when working in areas near the heart, the devices are connected directly to the patient&#8217;s cardiac rhythm monitor, and the electrical current is triggered only during the safe resting phases of the heartbeat.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_Electrochemotherapy_ECT_Have_the_Side_Effects_of_Conventional_Chemotherapy\"><\/span>Does Electrochemotherapy (ECT) Have the Side Effects of Conventional Chemotherapy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For cancer patients, the word chemotherapy often brings to mind difficult experiences involving hair loss and exhausting treatment processes. However, the way medication is used in electrochemotherapy is quite different. Because the drug becomes active and exerts its effects predominantly in the tumor area, the total dose administered to the patient is lower compared with standard long-term intravenous chemotherapy treatments.<\/p>\n<p>Because of this approach, certain complaints frequently observed with systemic chemotherapy are generally not expected with this method. The conventional side effects that are largely avoided are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hair loss<\/li>\n<li>Severe and persistent nausea<\/li>\n<li>Weakening of the immune system<\/li>\n<li>Severe anemia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Since the amount of medication is kept low, the aim is to largely protect the rest of the body from these side effects. Complaints that may occur are mostly related to the areas where the electrode needles are inserted. Mild redness, swelling, or temporary muscle pain similar to that experienced after exercise may occur in these areas. Such localized discomfort generally subsides within a few days with simple painkillers.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_the_Follow-Up_Process_Work_After_Electrochemotherapy_ECT\"><\/span>How Does the Follow-Up Process Work After Electrochemotherapy (ECT)?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Once the procedure is completed, the patient is not simply left on their own; they enter a planned follow-up process. Initial checkups are generally performed in the weeks following the intervention, followed by detailed radiological imaging at monthly intervals to assess tumor shrinkage and blood supply. The aim is to observe weakening of the tumor&#8217;s vascular network and signs that the disease has begun to regress on imaging screens.<\/p>\n<p>Cancer is a disease that can be persistent by nature. Sometimes, months later, new small areas of activity may appear immediately at the edges of the treated area. With conventional radiation therapies, structural changes gradually occur in the tissues within the treated region, making it difficult to irradiate the same area again. However, because electrochemotherapy attempts to preserve the tissue&#8217;s natural structural framework, it tends not to cause cumulative damage in the same area. As a result, if the disease becomes active again, this treatment method may offer the flexibility of being applied repeatedly to the same region as long as the patient&#8217;s condition allows.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a local oncological treatment that opens temporary channels in cancer cell membranes by applying low-intensity electrical currents, allowing chemotherapy drugs to enter directly into the tumor much more effectively. This innovative method is an effective option that stands out in controlling challenging tumors. It offers a reliable alternative in cases that are [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16470,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[320],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16471","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-treatments"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16471","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16471"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16471\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16559,"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16471\/revisions\/16559"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16471"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16471"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16471"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}