NanoKnife® prostate cancer treatment
Prostate cancer is one of the most common oncological diseases worldwide, affecting millions of men each year. According to global cancer statistics, prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer among men and ranks as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite these alarming numbers, prostate cancer is treatable, especially when detected early. In recent years, NanoKnife prostate surgery has been increasingly adopted in leading hospitals worldwide, including those in Germany, where it has demonstrated success in treating localized prostate cancer. Clinical studies have shown that this approach effectively eliminates cancer cells. It also minimizes the risk of complications, allowing patients to maintain their quality of life.
Principles of NanoKnife Treatment for Prostate Cancer
The NanoKnife procedure for prostate cancer is one of the options for curing early-stage cancer forever without surgery. The process underlying the procedure is called irreversible electroporation (IRE). Electroporation is the formation of nanopores in the cell membrane under the influence of low-energy direct current (LEDC), which leads to changes of the cell membrane permeability. This precise targeting makes NanoKnife surgery for prostate cancer a highly effective treatment option because it selectively destroys cancer cells without causing any damage to the surrounding nerves, blood vessels, or other vital tissues.
In medicine, only one device is used to carry out the irreversible electroporation procedure – NanoKnife (NanoBlade) manufactured by the American company AngioDynamics. IRE technology underlying the procedure was developed in the USA and approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2006. Already in 2008, NanoKnife got 510(k) clearance from the FDA for surgical soft tissue ablation. Soon after, prostate cancer was successfully treated for the first time with NanoKnife.
Effectiveness of NanoKnife Prostate Cancer Treatment
NanoKnife prostate surgery has already been tested for many tumors, including liver metastases from colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung tumors. The greatest success, however, has been achieved in the use of NanoKnife for prostate cancer. In Germany, the NanoKnife procedure is therefore already offered to patients along with conventional treatments for localized prostate cancer, such as surgery, external beam radiation therapy, or brachytherapy.
The main advantage of NanoKnife surgery for prostate cancer is the ability to destroy even hard-to-reach tumors, including those located near nerve fibers, vascular bundles, and pelvic organs. In 2010, the results of the treatment of 34 prostate cancer patients were published. 33 of them had no signs of relapse six months after the procedure. But the main thing is that the method is highly safe. The rate of complications was 15%, but all of them were mild and disappeared without any consequences. Some patients developed temporary urinary incontinence, painful urination, blood in the urine, and urinary tract infections. Not a single case of damage to the nerves and blood vessels located near the tumor was recorded. Potency was completely restored to preoperative levels in all patients. Good results have already been obtained in several studies, including the PRESERVE trial, which was conducted by AngioDynamics (creators of NanoKnife) in partnership with the Society of Urologic Oncology Clinical Trials Consortium.
Further studies have shown that the risk of serious complications when performing irreversible electroporation at stage 1-3 and at the advanced cancer stages is less than 1%. This demonstrates the exceptional safety and precision of the NanoKnife treatment for prostate cancer. By preserving the surrounding healthy tissue and nerve structures, NanoKnife prostate surgery minimizes the risk of long-term side effects and ensures a better quality of life for patients. Cancer treatment with the NanoKnife device is therefore highly effective.
Indications for the Use of NanoKnife
Initially, NanoKnife was used for newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Today, it is also used for tumor recurrence after radiation therapy, though more commonly the technique is used for early-stage tumors.
Below are indications for the use of the NanoKnife 3.0 system to treat prostate cancer:
- Localized prostate cancer. Ideal for patients whose cancer is confined to the prostate gland without spreading to surrounding tissues or distant organs.
- PSA blood levels up to 15 ng/ml. Patients with lower PSA levels generally respond better to NanoKnife treatment for prostate cancer, as it indicates a localized disease with a lower tumor burden.
- Gleason score no more than 7. This indicates moderate aggressiveness of the cancer. Patients with lower Gleason scores are more likely to achieve long-term cancer control with NanoKnife.
- No more than one tumor focus in the prostate gland. This ensures precise targeting and effective destruction of the cancerous cells.
- T1c-T2a cancer stages. Suitable for early-stage cancer where the tumor is small and confined to the prostate.
- Patient life expectancy is more than 10 years. This criterion ensures that patients benefit from the long-term cancer control offered by NanoKnife for prostate cancer.
The NanoKnife technology is offered in many clinics in the USA as an FDA-approved approach for prostate cancer. However, it is not considered standard of care in Europe. It is typically recommended when patients decline traditional treatments for prostate cancer, such as surgery, external beam radiation therapy, or brachytherapy due to potential side effects like impotence and urinary incontinence. However, patients are informed about the importance of regular follow-up care after the procedure. Close medical supervision is necessary to monitor PSA levels and detect any potential recurrence early.
How is the Procedure Performed?
- On the day before surgery, a patient undergoes a diagnostic examination to accurately assess the size, location, and stage of the prostate tumor. This detailed evaluation ensures precise planning for the NanoKnife procedure for prostate cancer.
- Immediately before the procedure, a urinary catheter is placed. It will be used for several days after surgery until bladder function is restored. This step helps prevent urinary retention and ensures patient comfort during recovery.
- Therapy is performed under general anesthesia. The use of general anesthesia enhances precision in probe placement, as any movement during the procedure could compromise the accuracy of the treatment.
- During the NanoKnife surgery for prostate cancer, thin probes, which look like needles, are carefully inserted into the prostate gland. The number of probes to be inserted depends on the size and location of the tumor. Typically, two to six probes are required to create a targeted electrical field. Precise positioning is ensured by a metal stencil in which the coordinate system is indicated. The accuracy of probe placement is further enhanced by real-time imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or CT scans, which guide the physician in achieving optimal targeting of cancerous cells.
- Once the probes are placed, the NanoBlade begins to work. The device creates many very short electrical pulses, which induce irreversible electroporation. These electrical pulses generate nanopores in the cell membranes of cancer cells, leading to cell death by disrupting cellular homeostasis. Unlike traditional thermal ablation techniques, there is no heating effect on the surrounding healthy tissues. Therefore, no burns or thermal injuries occur.
The procedure, which permanently cures prostate cancer in most patients, takes 40 to 60 minutes. The short duration and minimally invasive nature of NanoKnife surgery for prostate cancer allow for faster recovery times and a quicker return to normal daily activities.
After the Completion of Treatment
Following the procedure, patients may feel pain in the pelvic and leg muscles because they become tense during the medical procedure. The discomfort goes away after a few days and is typically managed with mild pain relievers prescribed by the healthcare provider. In rare cases, patients may experience mild hematuria (blood in the urine) or discomfort during urination. However, these symptoms are temporary and typically resolve without any medical intervention.
Patients are also encouraged to rest and avoid strenuous activities during the first few days after the NanoKnife treatment for prostate cancer. A person spends a maximum of one night in the hospital. The day after the procedure, the patient is examined and discharged. Moreover, some clinics perform the NanoKnife treatment in a single day with no need for hospitalization. In such cases, the patient stays in the hospital for only a few hours and then comes to the clinic for a diagnostic examination the next day.
A urinary catheter is used for 2 to 5 days to ensure proper bladder function during the initial healing phase. This precaution reduces the risk of urinary retention or infection. Most patients report minimal discomfort from the catheter, and it is removed as soon as normal urination is restored. After 2 weeks, most of the side effects resulting from the treatment disappear, and the person returns to his normal life, feeling completely healthy. Many patients resume work and daily activities within one to two weeks, depending on their overall health and job demands.
Treatment Outcomes
As a result of treating prostate cancer using the NanoKnife procedure, most patients will be cured of the cancer forever. Clinical studies have shown that NanoKnife prostate surgery achieves a high rate of complete tumor destruction, with long-term cancer control in the majority of patients. The relapse rate is less than 20%, which is significantly lower compared to traditional treatments such as radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy. If a relapse is detected, doctors can provide repeated treatment. In particular, a repeat procedure with the NanoKnife device can be performed, offering a safe and effective retreatment option.
Although the patient is not given a 100% guarantee of treatment success, no other method can provide it either. When performing surgery or radiation therapy, the risk of cancer recurrence ranges from 10% to 30%, depending on the stage of the cancer. However, with NanoKnife prostate surgery, the precision of the irreversible electroporation technology reduces the likelihood of leaving behind residual cancerous cells, contributing to its high success rate.
Where Can You Undergo NanoKnife Cancer Treatment?
You can undergo NanoKnife® surgery in Germany at any stage of the disease, including stages one to three as well as the advanced stages of the cancer. Germany is known for its cutting-edge medical technology and highly skilled specialists, making it one of the leading countries for NanoKnife treatment for prostate cancer. The first medical facility in the country to use this procedure for prostate cancer was the University Hospital Heidelberg. They have been treating prostate cancer using NanoKnife technology for several years now, with excellent success rates and minimal complications. To date, other hospitals in Germany have also adopted this technology for the minimally invasive destruction of malignant prostate tumors.
You can find a list of hospitals that actively use this procedure on the Booking Health website. The website will also be helpful in getting advice on the treatment of diseases abroad, assistance in selecting the most suitable hospital, and travel organization services. The website contains current prices for all medical procedures, including robotic surgery, cryoablation, external beam or intensity-modulated radiation therapy, etc. If you make an appointment for your treatment at a clinic through Booking Health service, NanoKnife treatment costs will be lower for you due to the absence of additional fees for foreigners.
Comparative Statistics
| Response Rates | Duration of Therapy | Side Effects | Cost of Treatment in Germany | Cost of Treatment in USA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NanoKnife Treatment | 70-85% (stages I and II); 40-55% (stage III); 25-35% (stage IV) | one-time procedure | Mild (brief discomfort, minimal tissue damage) | €35,300 - €38,900 | $70,000 - $100,000 |
| Radical Prostatectomy | Varies depending on cancer stage, individual patient factors, and overall health status | 2-4 hours (surgery) | Urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction | €15,700 - €28,500 | Varies widely, but can reach up to $135,000, depending on the surgical method, hospital, and individual case factors |
| Radiation Therapy (External Beam) | 40-60% (stages I and II); 20-30% (stage III); less than 15% (stage IV) | up to months | Fatigue, skin irritation | €28,000 - €42,000 | $40,000 - $80,000 |
| Brachytherapy | Depends on cancer stage, tumor characteristics, and individual patient factors | from 30 minutes to a few hours | Urinary symptoms, erectile issues | €10,000 - €18,000 | Varies widely, typically ranging from $17,000 to over $50,000 depending on the type of treatment, facility, and whether it is combined with other therapies |
Advantages of Treatment with Booking Health
Booking Health offers numerous advantages for patients seeking NanoKnife prostate surgery abroad:
- Cost transparency. The platform provides detailed information on the cost of NanoKnife treatment for prostate cancer across different hospitals, allowing patients to compare prices and choose the most suitable option within their budget.
- Cost-saving treatment search. By avoiding additional fees for international patients and accessing exclusive treatment packages, patients can save up to 30% on total treatment costs.
- Visa support and organizational management (travel, tickets, accommodation).
- Translational services.
- Personalized approach and guaranteed follow-up by personal manager after the completion of treatment.
If you or a loved one is considering NanoKnife prostate surgery, don't wait, take action today. Visit the Booking Health website to explore your options, compare costs, and book your treatment at one of the world's leading hospitals. Contact Booking Health for a personalized consultation and find the best solution for your prostate cancer treatment.
Your Path to Treatment Success: Stories from Booking Health Patients
Frequently asked questions of our patients
Send request for treatmentNanoKnife for prostate cancer is a minimally invasive treatment that uses irreversible electroporation to destroy cancer cells. It uses thin probes to deliver high-voltage electrical pulses directly into the prostate gland. These pulses create tiny openings in the cancer cell membranes, causing the cells to die while preserving the surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and healthy tissues.
The NanoKnife treatment for prostate cancer works by delivering electrical pulses that create tiny pores in the membranes of cancer cells. This process, known as irreversible electroporation, disrupts the cell's internal balance leading to its destruction.
Ideal candidates for NanoKnife therapy are men with localized prostate cancer (T1c-T2a stages), a Gleason score of 7 or lower, and PSA levels up to 15 ng/ml.
NanoKnife for prostate cancer offers several benefits over traditional treatments:
- Minimally invasive with no surgical incisions or scars
- Reduced risk of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction
- Shorter recovery time and faster return to normal activities
- Precise targeting of cancer cells while preserving surrounding tissues
The NanoKnife treatment for prostate cancer is generally safe with a low risk of complications. Short-term side effects may include mild pain, temporary urinary issues, or slight swelling. Serious complications are rare, with a less than 1% risk of long-term issues. The incidence of impotence is below 10%, and persistent urinary incontinence is almost zero.
Choose treatment abroad and you will for sure get the best results!
Authors:
The article was edited by medical experts, board certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova and Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Our editorial policy, which details our commitment to accuracy and transparency, is available here. Click this link to review our policies.
Sources:
The World Journal of Men’s Health
Read:
VTP TOOKAD®: prostate cancer treatment with a minimal risk of complications
Immunotherapy for prostate cancer in Germany
