NanoKnife Focal Therapy For Prostate Cancer

Who are Suitable Candidates for NanoKnife Therapy?

NanoKnife Therapy is not suitable for all types of prostate cancer. Following MRI and prostate mapping biopsies, men suitable for NanoKnife treatment are carefully selected.

Your surgeon will discuss your suitability for this type of Prostate Cancer treatment. Where NanoKnife surgery is offered as an option, you will be made aware that no long-term data is available.

What are the NanoKnife’s Benefits?

The NanoKnife is a focal therapy technique that treats part of the prostate with cancer while leaving the rest of the prostate gland intact and unaffected. It has higher rates of preservation of urinary and sexual function, often affected by traditional treatments such as surgery and radiation. 

NanoKnife technology compares favourably to other ablation technologies because it does not use heat to destroy tumour cells. Too much heat can be risky if the tumour is near vital structures such as the urethra, rectum and nerve bundles. 

The NanoKnife solves this problem by using short-duration, focused electric pulses to destroy the tumour. This leaves surrounding healthy cells untouched and preserves surrounding healthy tissue. This means effective treatment of prostate cancer cells with minimal side effects.

NanoKnife Procedure For Prostate Cancer

Nanoknife is especially useful in treating prostate cancer as it can help maintain the prostate’s important functions whilst attacking the cancerous cells.

During the NanoKnife surgery, electrodes are placed within the cancerous tissue, and a series of high voltage, direct current electrical pulses are passed between them. 

This current generates an electric field that causes the formation of pores or defects in the cell membranes leading to cell death.

Preparation for NanoKnife Therapy

Your surgeon will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. 

Preparation will include information on:

• How long should you avoid eating and drinking beforehand,
• MRI scans are required to determine the size, shape and location of your tumour,
• What medications would need to stop before the procedure, and
• Any other postoperative planning information that is required.

Like all procedures, there are risks or side effects involved. Your surgeon will explain these to you.

During A NanoKnife Procedure

A NanoKnife procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. 

• After making an incision, four to six thin needles are inserted into the tumour 
• Under ultrasound guidance, the short electrical pulses can be administered to exactly the right area
• An electric current is then passed through the needles 
• The entire procedure may be completed within 45 minutes
• A catheter will be left to for urine drainage for a few days post-procedure

As the NanoKnife is minimally invasive, it offers a shorter post-operative recuperation period and can usually be discharged home on the same day. 

Post-op Recovery of the NanoKnife Procedure

Because the NanoKnife procedure is not invasive, recovery time is generally short and limited to a few days. Post-operatively, patients can require a catheter for a few days.

Post NanoKnife Follow-Ups

Post Operative follow-up appointments are required. Post-Operative tests would also be required and include:

• MRI scan to confirm that your tumour is shrinking,
• Ongoing PSA pathology testing.

Your surgeon will let you know if further treatment is required. 

They'll also let you know when you can return to your normal routine, including work.

Risks and Complications with NanoKnife Procedure

Based on the published data, the NanoKnife procedure is very safe and has a very low complication rate. Patients can expect low rates of urinary and sexual side effects. Serious complications such as fistula are rare. 



No long-term data are available on side effects and outcomes.