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Anyone have Aliya (PEF) treatment for lung cancer? How did it go?

Posted by kakalena @kakalena, Apr 18 2:04pm

I am scheduled to have the Aliya PEF (pulsed electricc field) image guided ablation on 4/23/26. It has just been approved for non small cell adenocarcinoma of the lungs. I am having it done in conjuction with a biopsy of lung nodules that have doubled in size in 4 months per CT sccan, and light up as probably cancerous from PET scan. I have been dealing with the lung cancer since January 2023 and pancreatic cancer since December 2024. I had the Whipple for the pancreas in December 2025. None of my cancers have been metastases. The biopsy won't have results for at least 7 days, but rather than putting me under twice, they ar going to do the Aliya at the same time. I am 78 years old. I have faith in my doctors, but since this such a new treatment, was wondering if anyone has had the Aliya, how successful it was, and were there any side effects.

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kakalena | @kakalena | Sep 18 3:02pm

Wishing you the best results for October 8th scan.

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peeps69 | @peeps69 | Sep 19 9:54am
In reply to @kakalena "@kakalena My appointment with the pulmonologist was moved up to this morning. I just finished my..." + (show)
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@kakalena
My appointment with the pulmonologist was moved up to this morning. I just finished my video visit and the latest numbers from March 2026 to September 2026 of the two nodules in my lower left lobe were: treated nodule went from 10mm to 6 mm, and the adjacent nodule went from 8 mm to 4 mm. So, that's a 40 % decrease in one and a 50 % decrease in the other.
I am continuing with the Nivolumab immunotherapy every 4 weeks which is now available subQ instead of i.v.
I am feeling well and keeping active. I thank God every day.

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@kakalena Not familiar with that treatment but so happy for you and the success you are having. Blessings for continued success.

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kakalena | @kakalena | Sep 19 12:47pm

The treatment is called Aliya. Approved by FDA last year. Medicare covers it. It's used for lung nodules. I believe they have to be under 20 mm in size and the dying cancer cells wake up your white blood cells to fight that specific cancer in other areas, hence the reduction in size of the adjacent nodule. It's done as an outpatient procedure. Google Aliya for more info.

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babs1956 | @babs1956 | Sep 20 4:44am
In reply to @kakalena "The treatment is called Aliya. Approved by FDA last year. Medicare covers it. It's used for..." + (show)
Profile picture for kakalena @kakalena

The treatment is called Aliya. Approved by FDA last year. Medicare covers it. It's used for lung nodules. I believe they have to be under 20 mm in size and the dying cancer cells wake up your white blood cells to fight that specific cancer in other areas, hence the reduction in size of the adjacent nodule. It's done as an outpatient procedure. Google Aliya for more info.

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@kakalena I have two nodules that are growing slowly. I don’t remember the size. But do you think that would benefit me? Thank you so much

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ladylennie | @ladylennie | Sep 20 7:30am

I also had aliya in late June. I think it's absolutely worth looking in to. It preserves lung capacity and is one s8mple procedure. Basically it's a bronchoscopy. If the nodule is malignant they use pulsed electrical field to ablate it. 3 months later you have a ct to see if the nodule died. And it also provides some field immunity. The hard part is finding a pulmonologist who is trained in it.

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kakalena | @kakalena | Sep 20 2:39pm
In reply to @babs1956 "@kakalena I have two nodules that are growing slowly. I don’t remember the size. But do..." + (show)
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@kakalena I have two nodules that are growing slowly. I don’t remember the size. But do you think that would benefit me? Thank you so much

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I would look for a hospital that has done a few of these however, I was the
first patient at CPMC, San Francisco. There were other surgeons present who
had done several of them. Yes, I think from what I know, that this would be
a good treatment for nodules.

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babs1956 | @babs1956 | Sep 20 3:30pm
In reply to @kakalena "I would look for a hospital that has done a few of these however, I was..." + (show)
Profile picture for kakalena @kakalena

I would look for a hospital that has done a few of these however, I was the
first patient at CPMC, San Francisco. There were other surgeons present who
had done several of them. Yes, I think from what I know, that this would be
a good treatment for nodules.

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@kakalena thank you

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ladylennie | @ladylennie | 6 days ago

I just had my follow up scans. The pulmonologist is pleased. It's stable which he says is good at this point. But now we're following another possible nodule. I have a pet scheduled 11/2. It's a bit scary because it's possibly new (and possibly not). If new it became 1.3 cm in 4 months. That's frightening. My other 3 primaries were very slow growing. This isn't but it also may have been there for a while. Radiology isnt sure. So the pet will tell.

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mamajite | @mamajite | 6 days ago
In reply to @ladylennie "I just had my follow up scans. The pulmonologist is pleased. It's stable which he says..." + (show)
Profile picture for ladylennie @ladylennie

I just had my follow up scans. The pulmonologist is pleased. It's stable which he says is good at this point. But now we're following another possible nodule. I have a pet scheduled 11/2. It's a bit scary because it's possibly new (and possibly not). If new it became 1.3 cm in 4 months. That's frightening. My other 3 primaries were very slow growing. This isn't but it also may have been there for a while. Radiology isnt sure. So the pet will tell.

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@ladylennie I'm glad your regular surveillance caught the nodule that increased in size. try not to worry too much. the important thing is that it was found and can be treated, if needed. remember that things other than cancer can cause nodules, too. hugs!

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daisydays | @daisydays | 6 days ago
In reply to @ladylennie "I just had my follow up scans. The pulmonologist is pleased. It's stable which he says..." + (show)
Profile picture for ladylennie @ladylennie

I just had my follow up scans. The pulmonologist is pleased. It's stable which he says is good at this point. But now we're following another possible nodule. I have a pet scheduled 11/2. It's a bit scary because it's possibly new (and possibly not). If new it became 1.3 cm in 4 months. That's frightening. My other 3 primaries were very slow growing. This isn't but it also may have been there for a while. Radiology isnt sure. So the pet will tell.

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Hi @ladylennie
I’m sorry, yes, it’s scary … and your Pet scan will give you answers. I’m sure November 2nd can’t come soon enough. Meanwhile try not to worry too much just as @mamajite said, and she’s got that good point of view too that if it’s an issue, it’s found early and nodules are not always cancer.
Positive thoughts, prayers your way.
Hugs 🤗 Daisy

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