A groundbreaking procedure known as the ‘Nanoknife’ is offering hope to thousands of men battling hard-to-reach prostate tumors. Described as a “game-changer” by surgeons, this hour-long operation utilizes electrical currents for tumor destruction, presenting potential for a cure.
The ‘Nanoknife’ operation employs irreversible electroporation, delivering electrical pulses to the tumor in a less invasive manner than traditional treatments. This approach delicately opens the tumor cell membrane, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding organs and tissues.
With over 50,000 prostate cancer diagnoses annually, the NHS has introduced Nanoknife therapy as an alternative treatment. Traditional methods like radiotherapy or prostate removal surgery often result in complications, whereas Nanoknife therapy carries a lower risk of side effects and is more efficient.
UCLH surgeons conducted the initial six Nanoknife operations on the NHS, highlighting the procedure’s simplicity and quickness. Professor Mark Emberton, a consultant urologist, believes Nanoknife has the potential to become a standard treatment for prostate cancer, offering simplicity and easy teachability.
Nanoknife’s day surgery approach reduces the burden on the NHS during high-demand periods, eliminating the need for overnight hospital stays and optimizing operating theaters.
Neil Gershon, an NHS Nanoknife recipient, commended the procedure for its lower risk of collateral damage, quick completion in a day, and a smooth recovery with minimal discomfort.
Natalia Norori, Prostate Cancer UK’s knowledge manager, anticipates that Nanoknife therapy could significantly enhance the quality of life for men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. Preliminary studies suggest that Nanoknife and similar focal therapies hold promise for curing prostate cancer while minimizing side effects.
The Nanoknife, developed by AngioDynamics, utilizes electrodes and quick electrical pulses guided by MRI scanning to precisely target cancerous cells while preserving healthy surrounding cells.
While initial procedures at UCLH highlight the potential, larger clinical trials are essential to determine Nanoknife’s effectiveness compared to conventional treatments. The ‘Nanoknife’ procedure emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a transformative and less invasive path for treating prostate cancer, with the potential to reshape the landscape of cancer therapies.
By Impact Lab