Pulse Biosciences, MD Anderson, launch study of novel ablation technology for thyroid cancer

Pulse Biosciences Inc. announced a new research collaboration with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to investigate the company’s nPulse Vybrance Percutaneous Electrode System for treating thyroid cancers.

The first-in-human clinical feasibility study will evaluate the use of the company’s Nanosecond Pulsed Field Ablation (nsPFA) energy to treat papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Investigational Device Exemption for the study, Pulse Biosciences said.

Under the agreement, MD Anderson researchers led by Victoria Banuchi, associate professor of head and neck surgery, will examine the safety and effectiveness of the technology. The study is expected to begin in early 2026, enrolling 30 patients across two sites.

Preclinical studies are also underway under an existing material transfer agreement to study the technique’s potential for treating anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, among the most lethal cancers with a five-year survival rate below 5%.

“We believe the nonthermal mechanism of action of nsPFA, which limits scarring, fibrosis, and damage to critical surrounding structures, positions our nPulse technology as potentially the ideal treatment for benign and malignant thyroid tumors,” Paul LaViolette, Pulse Biosciences’ co-chairman and CEO, said in the announcement. “We look forward to carrying this collaborative work forward to evaluate how our game-changing technology may benefit these patients.”

The company’s nPulse Vybrance Percutaneous Electrode System includes a percutaneous needle electrode paired with a proprietary console. The device delivers nsPFA energy to remove cellular tissue without damaging noncellular structures or causing thermal necrosis. The system holds 510(k) clearance for soft-tissue ablation in percutaneous and intraoperative surgical procedures and is intended for non-cardiac use.

Advances in thyroid cancer treatment and ablative technologies

Research and innovation in thyroid cancer care have accelerated in recent years, driven by rising incidence rates and the need for less invasive, organ-preserving alternatives to surgery. While most papillary thyroid cancers have excellent prognoses, the traditional standard of care—thyroidectomy—can involve lifelong hormone replacement therapy, risk to vocal cord function, and notable recovery time. As a result, clinicians and researchers are increasingly evaluating minimally invasive ablation techniques as frontline or adjunctive options.

Thermal ablation approaches such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), and laser ablation have gained traction globally, particularly in Asia and Europe. These methods allow physicians to target small tumors through percutaneous probes that destroy tissue using heat. Over the past decade, clinical studies have shown that such techniques can effectively treat select low-risk thyroid cancers and benign nodules with fewer complications and faster recovery compared with surgery. U.S. adoption has grown as awareness and training have expanded.

More recently, nonthermal ablation has emerged as an area of intense interest. Pulsed field ablation (PFA), which uses electrical energy to create permanent nanopores in cell membranes, avoids heat-related risks such as scarring and collateral damage to critical structures like nerves, vessels, and the trachea. While cardiac electrophysiology has driven much of the early development of PFA, its potential in oncology—including thyroid, liver, pancreatic, and breast tumors—is increasingly recognized.

For aggressive thyroid cancers such as anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, where effective treatments remain limited, researchers are exploring combination strategies that pair novel ablation techniques with immunotherapy or targeted agents. Preclinical findings suggest that PFA may stimulate immune responses, creating possible synergies with next-generation cancer drugs.

As clinical trials expand and regulatory frameworks evolve, the next several years are likely to shape how these emerging technologies integrate into routine practice. If early feasibility studies—including the upcoming MD Anderson trial—demonstrate strong safety and efficacy, nonthermal ablation could become a meaningful addition to the treatment landscape, offering patients less invasive options while preserving thyroid function.