Electricity-Based Locoregional Cancer Therapies and Their Associated Drug Delivery Technologies: From Principles of Action to Clinical Implications

초록

Electric field-based therapies are rapidly emerging as innovative modalities in the fight against cancer, offering targeted, minimally invasive, and often immunomodulatory alternatives to conventional treatments. This review comprehensively examines the current landscape and prospects of electricity-based locoregional cancer therapies and their associated drug delivery technologies. Key modalities, including irreversible electroporation, tumor-treating fields, radiofrequency ablation, electrochemotherapy, and iontophoresis, are discussed regarding their mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and integration with immunotherapy. In addition, emerging strategies such as smart electro-responsive drug carriers and integrative therapeutic systems are highlighted as promising approaches for achieving electrically controlled, site-specific, and precision-guided drug delivery. Although electricity-based locoregional cancer therapies show promise, challenges such as variable tissue responses, device optimization, and long-term safety remain. Current research aims to address these issues and enhance outcomes through combinations with immunotherapy. By drawing on advances in bioelectricity, nanotechnology, and immunology, these therapies have the potential to substantially improve the precision and personalization of cancer treatment.

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