Innovation. NanoKnife – A minimally invasive therapy targets prostate tumors with electrical pulses

NanoKnife System offers men with intermediate-risk cases of prostate cancer a minimally invasive option before doctors turn to radiation or other traditional cancer treatments that can damage nearby nerves.

The system advances prostate cancer treatment, offering a minimally invasive option that preserves healthy tissue and enhances patient outcomes.

It uses Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) technology to precisely target and destroy cancerous cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. The system received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for prostate tissue ablation.

Irreversible Electroporation, which uses electrical pulses to disrupt cancer cell membranes, is one of several emerging non-thermal techniques gaining traction. Unlike heat-based methods such as radiofrequency or microwave ablation, IRE can spare nearby nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues—making it especially valuable for treating cancers in sensitive areas like the prostate, liver, and pancreas.

In parallel, advances in imaging and robotics are improving the precision of these procedures. Real-time MRI and ultrasound fusion imaging allow physicians to visualize tumors with greater accuracy, while robotic-assisted delivery systems enhance control during ablation. These technologies reduce recovery time, lower complication risks, and improve patients’ quality of life.
MB Bureau