About UsNews ItemsDr. George Chaux, Pulmonologist, Expert Contributor for Living Brentwood Magazine
Saint John’s Health Experts, Proud to be Part of Our Community
Changing Lung Cancer Treatment – Living Brentwood MagazineDr. George Chaux, Interventional Pulmonologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, was recently featured as an Expert Contributor for a community magazine, highlighting a new treatment for early-stage lung cancer. Providence Saint John’s Health Center is advancing the future of lung cancer care with the introduction of Pulse Electric Field (PEF) Ablation—a groundbreaking, non-thermal technology that offers patients a gentler and highly targeted treatment option. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, underscoring the need for continued innovation and safer, more effective therapies. PEF represents a major step forward, offering a promising new pathway for individuals with tumors in the lungs or cancers that have spread to the lungs from elsewhere.
In the November 2025 article, Dr. Chaux discusses how PEF ablation has historically required inserting needles through the chest wall, a process that carries a higher risk of complications such as pneumothorax. Thanks to an innovation by Galvanize, interventional pulmonologists can now deliver PEF therapy through a patient’s natural airways using a robotic bronchoscopy platform. This enables physicians—guided by a high-resolution CT map—to navigate directly to the tumor with greater precision and safety. Under general anesthesia, the entire outpatient procedure takes roughly 45–60 minutes and does not require an overnight stay, reducing stress and recovery time for patients.
What are the Benefits of PEF Ablation for Lung Tumors?
George Chaux, MD, FCCP – CTOC Pulmonary – Saint John’s Health CenterDr. Chaux further explains that, unlike heat- or cold-based ablative therapies, PEF ablation for lung tumors is non-thermal, minimizing collateral damage to surrounding healthy tissue—an especially important advantage when tumors lie close to vital structures in the chest. Early evidence suggests that PEF not only destroys targeted tumors but may also stimulate the immune system by releasing antigens, potentially helping the body fight cancer elsewhere. Though considered a palliative therapy rather than a cure, PEF is showing encouraging results in both short- and long-term survival outcomes for patients with lung cancer.
Extending Care to More Patients
Dr. George Chaux emphasizes the significance of making this therapy available to patients who may otherwise have limited options. The Saint John’s team continues to explore the full potential of PEF through ongoing research, clinical evaluation, and innovation. By integrating advanced technology with compassionate, patient-centered care, Providence Saint John’s Health Center and the Saint John’s Cancer Institute remain at the forefront of transforming lung cancer treatment for the community and beyond.
