NanoKnife: IRE focal therapy treatment
Fast recovery
Outpatient procedure with quick recovery time (2-3 days)
Little to no side effects
Low risk of incontinence and impotence
Minimally invasive
No hormones, radiation or incisions
NanoKnife is a successful minimally-invasive treatment that uses needles to deliver electrical energy to target and destroy cancerous prostate tissue with precision, sparing nearby healthy structures. It has been used clinically since 2008, and was approved by the NHS for use with prostate cancer in 2022.
At The Focal Therapy Clinic, we use state-of-the-art MRI software to precisely target cancerous tissues with NanoKnife. We have lowered the risk of you losing erectile function or bladder control whilst precisely destroying your tumour, to help you get back to normal life.
Want to know more? Get in touch to talk to an expert
“If you’re deemed suitable for [NanoKnife], it really is a no brainer. I think to go down this line first is the only way if you want to minimise your possible after effects.”
Brian Bishop
The Focal Therapy Clinic patient
How it works
NanoKnife uses electrical pulses to create tiny holes in the cancer cells, causing them to die. This process is called irreversible electroporation (IRE). It targets only the cancer cells, leaving healthy tissues unharmed. Because it uses needles to direct the electrical pulses, we can target your cancer very effectively. It can also destroy tumours that can’t be reached with HIFU.
The whole NanoKnife procedure is guided by 3D MRI imaging and a live ultrasound for the most accurate treatment. This reduces recovery time, so you’ll usually be home the next day, and helps you get back to day-to-day life as soon as possible.
Is NanoKnife right for me?
NanoKnife is a minimally-invasive treatment for men with localised prostate cancer in parts of the prostate that are too hard for HIFU to reach. NanoKnife could be right for you if your prostate cancer is:
Early or intermediate stage
In the anterior or lateral parts of the prostate
Localised
Recurrent
It could also be the right choice if you are keen to avoid long-time side effects from prostate cancer treatment.
Check your suitability
Success rates
NanoKnife has been shown to be extremely effective for controlling cancer, potency and fertility.
Cancer control
74% needed no further treatment after NanoKnife
Sexual potency
95%+ had normal sexual function after NanoKnife
Urinary continence
98% had no problems with urinary continence after NanoKnife
Side effects
The side effects most commonly reported with NanoKnife are mild and infrequent. At The Focal Therapy Clinic, the whole team is here to you prepare for any side effects and reduce their likelihood.
On the day
Your consultant will be on hand to answer any questions you have when you arrive at the hospital or clinic where you’re having your treatment. They can also explain the procedure again and help you understand what to expect afterwards. Before the procedure, you might get an enema to empty your bowels. This helps us see your prostate better.
During the procedure
During NanoKnife, you’ll be asleep under anaesthesia, so you won’t feel anything. We’ll insert very fine needles, similar to acupuncture, through your skin into your prostate gland. The needles, usually around 4 or 5, surround your tumour, then electricity is passed between them.
The electrical energy treats a small area at a time, so we can target the cancer cells and leaving the healthy tissues alone. It will take around 30-60 minutes, plus about 30 minutes for you to wake up after the anaesthesia.
Recovery
Your age and your overall health will affect how quickly you are able to recover from a NanoKnife procedure. We’ve found that most people we treat are well enough to go home on the same day as you have your treatment. If it’s later in the day, you might prefer to stay in a nearby hotel before doing any traveling as you may feel disoriented and tired for around 24 hours as you recover from the anaesthesia.
You will have to wear a catheter for 4 to 7 days after your procedure but you should have good bladder control as soon as it’s removed. You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about a week, and refrain from sexual intercourse until the catheter is removed.
Learn more about what to expect during your recovery from focal therapy.
Hear from some of our previous patients about their experience with NanoKnife.
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Any questions?
If you’ve got any questions about your prostate cancer diagnosis or want to know more about HIFU or NanoKnife, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team.
