Irreversible Electroporation Focal Therapy (NanoKnife) now shown to be a safe and effective treatment in selected patients.

A recent publication by Prof Stricker’s and Prof Emberton’s group in the journal Prostate Cancer and Prostate Diseases confirmed the safety of NanoKnife focal therapy in prostate cancer.

Prof Stricker feels that this is a major advance in focal therapy as irreversible electroporation has significant potential advantages over all the other energy sources currently used for prostate cancer. The paper recently published in the journal Prostate Cancer and Prostate Diseases confirmed its safety and now the evidence is that there is excellent consistency with ablation of the lesion within the prostate. There have been no major side effects at all and Prof Stricker is now offering it to selected patients. He has been very impressed with the lack of erection issues and lack of urinary control issues which has plagued some of the whole-gland therapy options such as surgery and radiotherapy.

Prof Stricker has noted excellent feedback from his patients and the MRI’s and biopsies of the area treated have been consistently showing clearance of tumour. Prof Stricker emphasises that it is fairly early data in terms of the cancer control rate and ongoing monitoring will be essential but for those selected patients where the cancer occupies less than a quarter of the prostate and preferably less than one-eighth of the prostate, it is an excellent option to be discussed.

Initial assessment of safety and clinical feasibility of irreversible electroporation in the focal treatment of prostate cancer..