NanoKnife treatment option for prostate cancer is this a safe alternative?
Localised prostate cancer can be addressed by mainstream treatment like
2. radiotherapy
4. Focal treatment (HIFU / Nanoknife)
Nanoknife cannot be considered a standard treatment as more extensive data/research is needed to cement it as an alternative standard option. So far, this treatment is to be considered experimental.
What has research said about NanoKnife as an alternative approach?
An Australian study enrolled 123 prostate cancer patients over 5 years, treated with Nanoknife, and followed up for 6 years showed a 97% success. However, 15% recurred within 5 years and 3% needed complete gland treatment within 3 years. The majority had good urinary continence, with only 1% needing treatment. One-fourth of the patients suffered from erectile issues. In essence, the side effects were limited, and patients preserved an overall sound quality of life.
What investigations are needed before exploring NanoKnife treatment?
One needs to establish that you are fit and that your prostate cancer (based on your MRI scan and prostate biopsy results), is suitable to be managed with Nanoknife.
Are robotic prostatectomy and NanoKnife similar?
Robotic prostatectomy is a completely different approach as this is major surgery. It involves the radical removal of the prostate under general anaesthetic through the utilisation of a robot.
NanoKnife IRE is focal therapy, a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anaesthetic that takes up to an hour to be completed. This is a day case procedure with men typically leaving the hospital in 2 hours.
A catheter is introduced and removed in a week. During this period, strenuous activities are not recommended, and you can be sexually active once the catheter is removed.
Due to general anaesthetic, driving is contraindicated for the first 24 hours, and it is always recommended to contact your insurance regarding the treatment received. As per DVLA guidelines, you need to be able to press the emergency break without thinking to be safe to drive. If you feel uncomfortable, then there is no harm in delaying being behind the wheel. Safe driving is a must.
Within 48 hours, most men return to their working life.
How does NanoKnife remove prostate cancer?
After NanoKnife, there is IRE written. IRE stands for Irreversible Electroporation.
Fast electrical pulses, passing through electrodes placed around the prostate cancer guided by MRI scans, damage the cells’ membrane. Hence damaged prostate cancer cannot survive and die. One can imagine it like an astronaut in space, and his helmet is damaged, he cannot stay in space.
The pulses are rapid and short-lasting so they do not generate any heat; this leads to preservation of the surrounding healthy prostate cells with minimal side effects.
If after NanoKnife treatment, theprostate cancer comes back, can I have further treatment?
Around 25% of the patients require additional treatment due to cancer recurrence.
NanoKnife does not exclude you from exploring further treatment with focal therapy, radiotherapy or robotic surgery. The surgical procedure can be more challenging as the planes may be inflamed and stuck.
Does health insurance cover NanoKnife IRE?
Nearly all the major healthcare insurers in the UK cover NanoKnife IRE treatment.
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