Ep. 548 Winding Down Neuwave: Impact on Interventional Radiology with Dr. Joshua Kuban

It’s official — NeuWave is exiting the market. In this episode, Dr. Christopher Beck hosts a conversation with Dr. Josh Kuban, an interventional radiologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, to discuss the impact that NeuWave's microwave tumor ablation technology has had on the field of interventional oncology and the recent announcement of its discontinuation, scheduled for March 2026. --- This podcast is supported by: Medtronic Emprint --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Kuban reflects on NeuWave’s innovative beginnings in microwave ablation, which expanded to include four distinct systems and advanced ablation confirmation software. At its peak, the company held over 50% of the microwave ablation market and played a pivotal role in reshaping interventional radiology's view of the safety and effectiveness of this treatment approach. He also shares how NeuWave’s departure will affect his practice and outlines the steps he’s taking to prepare his team for the transition to alternative devices. The discussion broadens to the current landscape of microwave ablation, spotlighting emerging players in ablation confirmation software and robotic technologies. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction2:14 - Overview of Neuwave’s Rise7:01 - Decision to Discontinue 14:56 - Navigating the Switch Different Technologies 21:54 - Buyback Program24:33 - Forecasting New Developments --- RESOURCES BackTable IND Ep. 23- Approach the Problem with Vision: Part I of the Neuwave Story : https://www.backtable.com/shows/industry/podcasts/23/approach-the-problem-with-vision-part-i-of-the-neuwave-story BackTable IND Ep. 24- Trials and Tribulations: Part II of the Neuwave Story: https://www.backtable.com/shows/industry/podcasts/24/trials-tribulations-part-ii-of-the-neuwave-story BackTable IND Ep. 25- Next Level Stuff, the Exit: Part III of the Neuwave Story:https://www.backtable.com/shows/industry/podcasts/25/next-level-stuff-the-exit-part-iii-of-the-neuwave-story Johnson & Johnson Press Release Regarding Discontinuation of NeuWave:https://www.medline.com/media/assets/pdf/vendor-list/Disco_notice.pdfMedTronic Emprint Ablation: https://www.medtronic.com/covidien/en-gb/products/ablation-systems/emprint-ablation-system.html Varian MicroThermX Ablation: https://www.varian.com/products/interventional-oncology/microthermx Safety and Effectiveness of Microwave Ablation of Liver Tumors: Initial Real-World Results from the Multinational NeuWave Observational Liver Ablation (NOLA) Registry (Odisio, 2025):https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39848330/