A Function-Preserving Therapy That Uses Targeted Focal Electrical Energy to Treat Prostate Cancer Tissue Without the Need to Remove the Prostate.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in Australia and New Zealand.i,ii For some individuals with localised prostate tumours, focal therapy may be an appropriate treatment approach. The NanoKnife procedure is a non-thermal, minimally invasive technique that uses electrical pulses to treat cancer cells through a process known as irreversible electroporation (IRE). During the procedure, NanoKnife delivers high-voltage, low-energy electrical pulses through specialised fine electrodes placed around the tumour. These pulses create tiny openings in the cancer cells, leading to cell death while aiming to preserve surrounding healthy tissue.iii,iv
NanoKnife is a type of focal therapy that targets only the cancerous area within the prostate, rather than the entire gland. This focused approach is designed to limit disruption to nearby structures and may help preserve sexual function and urinary continence.
Key Benefits of the NanoKnife Procedure
Quick and Minimally
Invasive
A short procedure usually completed in about an hour with a relatively quick recovery times.v
Personalised Care That Aims to Support Quality of Life
Designed to treat localised cancer while aiming to preserve surrounding structures, including those involved in urinary and sexual function.vi,vii
Flexible Treatment
Pathway
The procedure may be repeated if needed and does not interfere with future treatment options.viii
What to Expect Before, During and After the NanoKnife Procedure
Speak with your doctor to determine if NanoKnife treatment is right for you.
Before the Procedure
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The NanoKnife procedure is usually performed in a hospital setting, often as a day procedure. In some cases, a short overnight stay may be recommended by your medical team.
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You will be placed under general anaesthesia during the procedure.
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A urinary catheter will be inserted while the procedure is being carried out.
During the Procedure
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Thin, specialised electrodes are carefully inserted into the prostate around the targeted area.
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Controlled electrical pulses are delivered between the electrodes, using irreversible electroporation (IRE) to treat the prostate cancer cells.
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The procedure itself generally takes around one hour, although additional time is needed for preparation, anaesthesia, and recovery.
After the Procedure
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A urinary catheter will typically remain in place for several days following the procedure. Your doctor will advise on the expected duration based on your individual recovery.
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Some symptoms may occur after treatment, but these are usually temporary. Speak with your doctor about what to expect and when these symptoms are likely to resolve.
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Ongoing follow-up appointments will be arranged to monitor your recovery and assess the treatment outcome.
Frequently Asked Question
Treatment Centres
i Cancer Australia (https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-australia-statistics#new-cases), July 2025
ii Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ (https://prostate.org.nz/prostate-cancer), August 2025
iii Golberg A, Yarmush ML. Nonthermal irreversible electroporation: fundamentals, applications, and challenges. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 2013;60(3):707-714. doi:10.1109/TBME.2013.2238672
iv Scheltema MJ, Geboers B, Blazevski A, et al. Median 5-year outcomes of primary focal irreversible electroporation for localised prostate cancer. BJU Int. 2023;131 Suppl 4:6-13. doi:10.1111/bju.15946
v Data on file – Pivotal Study of the NanoKnife System for the Ablation of Prostate Tissue (PRESERVE)
vi van den Bos, W et al. “Histopathological Outcomes after Irreversible Electroporation for Prostate Cancer: Results of an Ablate and Resect Study.” The Journal of Urology vol. 196,2 (2016): 552-9. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2016.02.2977
vii Blazevski A, Scheltema MJ, Yuen B, et al. Oncological and quality-of-life outcomes following focal irreversible electroporation as primary treatment for localised prostate cancer: A biopsy-monitored prospective cohort. European Urology Oncology. 2020;3(3):283-290. doi:10.1016/j.euo.2019.04.008
viii Van Riel LAMJG, Geboers B, Kabaktepe E, et al. Outcomes of salvage radical prostatectomy after initial irreversible electroporation treatment for recurrent prostate cancer. BJU Int. 2022;130(5):611-618. doi:10.1111/bju.15759