Who may be considered
- Selected localized, clinically significant prostate cancer
- Disease that can be encompassed with an adequate treatment margin
- Men accepting ongoing PSA, MRI and biopsy surveillance
Non-thermal focal ablation
NanoKnife® / IRE
Irreversible electroporation uses precisely delivered electrical pulses to create permanent pores in targeted cells, leading to cell death without relying primarily on heat or freezing.
A different ablation mechanism.
Electrical-field treatment
Image-guided probe placement
General anesthesia and muscle relaxation
Published NanoKnife research
PRESERVE trialUniversity of Colorado investigator in the pivotal 121-patient multicenter study
The final study reported a 71% negative in-field biopsy rate at 12 months—84% using the prespecified Delphi consensus definition—and preservation of erections sufficient for penetration in 84% of men who had good baseline sexual function.
At a glance
How it works
Several needle electrodes are positioned around the planned target. The system delivers short, high-voltage pulses between electrodes, producing irreversible disruption of cell membranes within the planned field.
Because IRE is described as non-thermal, it may offer advantages near selected structures; however, probe geometry, treatment margins, tumor location and operator experience remain critical.
Energy
Electrical pulses
Approach
Focal ablation
Monitoring
Imaging and treatment planning
Procedure videos
The NanoKnife procedure
AngioDynamics’ procedural animation shows electrode placement, treatment planning and delivery of the electrical field. Vendor-produced content is provided for education.
Watch Dr. Barqawi’s first CU PRESERVE procedure on LinkedIn ↗Potential benefits
- Non-thermal primary mechanism
- Targeted treatment with configurable margins
- May limit treatment of uninvolved prostate tissue
Risks and limits
- Urinary symptoms, infection, retention, bleeding or stricture
- Erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction; rare injury to adjacent organs
- Residual or recurrent cancer and less mature long-term comparative evidence
Evidence & regulation
Promising, but selection matters.
Prospective studies support IRE for selected localized prostate cancer. Long-term oncologic comparisons with prostatectomy and radiation remain limited. Patients should discuss alternatives and the planned surveillance protocol.
Evaluate the cancer, not only the technology.
Appropriate use depends on cancer grade, volume, location, imaging, biopsy mapping, anatomy and treatment goals.
Contact the clinicGeneral education only. NanoKnife is a trademark of AngioDynamics. Vendor video inclusion does not replace independent assessment of benefits, risks and alternatives.