NanoKnife
NanoKnife - Non-surgical treatment of Prostate Cancer with minimal side effects.
Being diagnosed with cancer is life changing. Treatments for prostate cancer have not significantly changed over the last 30 years. Standard of care is surgery or radiation. They are effective treatment options, but leave men with significant life changing side effects such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
But there are other options. Dr. Garbens with North Toronto Prostate Centre Inc. offers Nanoknife, a same day, minimally invasive procedure that treats prostate cancer and maintains quality of life. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Dr. Garbens at 416-777-0404 to book an appointment today. Please note that Nanoknife is not covered by OHIP and private pay.
What is NanoKnife?
The NanoKnife is a minimally invasive treatment used for certain types of prostate cancer, particularly in cases where the cancer is localized (confined to the prostate). It is part of a category of therapies known as irreversible electroporation (IRE), which uses an electrical current to target and destroy cancer cells.
How it works and what makes it unique
Electrical Pulses: The NanoKnife delivers short, high-voltage electrical pulses to the prostate tissue. These pulses create microscopic pores in the cell membranes (a process called "irreversible electroporation"), which causes the cancer cells to die.
Targeting Tumors: The procedure is used to precisely target the tumor within the prostate while sparing surrounding healthy tissues, including critical structures like nerves, blood vessels, and the rectum. This precision helps minimize side effects, particularly erectile dysfunction and incontinence, which are common with more invasive treatments like surgery or radiation.
Guided by Imaging: The procedure is typically performed general anesthesia with real-time imaging guidance (We use MRI and US) to ensure the tumor is accurately targeted.
Advantages of NanoKnife for Prostate Cancer:
Unlike surgery, NanoKnife does not require incisions or cutting, making it less traumatic and reducing recovery time.
Because it uses electrical pulses rather than heat or radiation, there tends to be less damage to healthy surrounding tissues, which can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and other common side effects associated with traditional prostate cancer treatments.
The procedure takes about 1 hour and patients go home the same day. Patients typically experience less pain and can resume normal activities within a week.
Considerations:
Not for All Cases: NanoKnife is primarily used for localized prostate cancer that has not spread. It's most effective for patients with early-stage cancer or those who may not be candidates for surgery or radiation.
Limited Long-Term Data: While promising, the long-term effectiveness of NanoKnife is still being studied. More data is needed to fully understand its long-term impact on prostate cancer outcomes and survival rates
Who might benefit?
Patients with localized prostate cancer who are looking for an alternative to surgery or radiation.
Men who want to preserve quality of life, particularly in terms of erectile function and urinary continence.
Patients who are seeking a less invasive treatment with a shorter recovery time.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Dr. Garbens at 416-777-0404 to book an appointment today.