The NanoKnife® System has received FDA clearance and TGA clearance for the surgical ablation of soft tissue.
Whilst most prostate cancers occupy large areas of the prostate, there are some that occupy less than half and often less than a quarter of the prostate gland. These more focal prostate cancers probably constitute about 20% of all prostate cancers. With high quality 3T multiparametric MRI combined with template 3D transperineal biopsies and sometimes combined with PSMA PET scanning, it is now much more possible to identify this select group of patients. The advantage of focal treatments of the prostate with energy sources such as the NanoKnife allow eradication of the cancer with minimal side effects.
Whole-gland therapies such as surgery, radiotherapy and brachytherapy have a long and established track record in the treatment of multifocal and high grade prostate cancer. However, their use in more focal cancers may be regarded as overtreatment based on recent data from a large randomised trial ( PROTECT trial ). Furthermore, radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy have a significant side effect profile including urinary incontinence, impotence and rectal damage which are largely avoided by focal NanoKnife therapy.
After a full workup to ensure that our patients are suitable for the program they then undergo a day surgery procedure which takes between 40 and 60 minutes. Depending on the extent of the cancer this may simply ablate the lesion, a quarter of the prostate or a half of the prostate. No prostate cancer cells are resistant to this treatment. Large areas can be treated with minimal side effects.
After the treatment patients stay in the day surgery unit for two to four hours and they are discharged home with a Foley catheter in place. Postoperatively pain is minimal and patients are discharged with tablets for mild pain, moderate pain, bladder spasms and relaxation of the prostate and antibiotics as required.
On day 2 a limited multiparametric MRI is performed. The Foley catheter is left in for two to five days depending on the extent of the treatment.
All patients have been meticulously followed up (100% follow up) with high-quality MRIs and biopsies, in addition to being offered validated quality of life questionnaires.
Our current outcomes for focal irreversible electroporation in the primary setting (not after radiotherapy) is:
Three-monthly PSAs.
Quality of life questionnaires are offered from our research team.
Multiparametric MRI at six months.
Transperineal biopsy at 12 months.
Possible PSMA PET scanning if these studies are indeterminate.
Ongoing Active Surveillence
| FOCAL IRE | NERVE-SPARING ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGERY |
|---|---|
| Minimally invasive | Keyhole surgery |
| Day surgery procedure. | One to two days in hospital |
| Two to five day Foley catheter. | Six day Foley catheter |
| Minimal recovery | Three to six week recovery |
| Mild discomfort. | Mild to moderate pain. |
| <1% Major Complications | < 1% major complications. |
| 0% incontinence | 1-2% ongoing incontinence. |
| < 10% impotence rate | 10-30% impotence (recovery period required). |
| Suitable for unifocal tumours | Suitable for multifocal tumours. |
| <20% recurrence rate. | PSA recurrence between 10 and 30% depending on extent of tumour. |
| Can be repeated. | Cannot be repeated |
| Needs active ongoing surveillance |
If you would like further information about NanoKnife® IRE focal therapy for prostate cancer, or to enquire about an appointment or second opinion with Professor Phillip Stricker, please use the contact form on his website.
Professor Stricker and his team at St Vincent's Clinic, Sydney, welcome enquiries from patients, referring physicians, and medical colleagues both within Australia and internationally.
Contact Professor Stricker