A: Several factors may influence the decision to choose NanoKnife over radiotherapy (external beam or brachytherapy) or radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate gland) for prostate cancer treatment: Minimally Invasive Approach: NanoKnife offers a minimally invasive treatment option for prostate cancer, which may be appealing to some patients who wish to avoid the potential risks and complications associated with major surgery (prostatectomy) or radiation therapy. By selectively targeting cancerous tissue while sparing surrounding healthy structures such as nerves and blood vessels Nanoknife can preserve quality of life relative to other treatment options. The procedure typically involves no hospital stay, quicker recovery times, and reduced risk of certain side effects such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction compared to surgery. Repeatable Treatment Option: NanoKnife treatment can be repeated if necessary, providing flexibility in managing recurrent or residual prostate cancer following initial treatment. Alternative to Radiation Therapy: For patients who are not candidates for or prefer to avoid radiation therapy due to factors such as the potential for life altering side effects, prior radiation exposure or intolerance to radiation, NanoKnife may offer an alternative treatment option with comparable oncologic outcomes and potentially fewer side effects. Maintenance of Treatment Options: With radiotherapy, if treatment fails, surgery is often not possible or carries considerably higher risks of complications. With Nanoknife therapy, in cases of recurrence or residual disease, all treatment options remain open including radiotherapy and radical prostatectomy. Because Nanoknife targets cancer through electroporation and not heat, the scarring associated with ‘heat-based’ treatments such as HIFU does not preclude other treatment options. Ultimately, the choice between NanoKnife, radiation, or surgery for prostate cancer treatment should be based on a thorough evaluation of the patient’s specific circumstances, including cancer stage, grade, risk factors, and treatment preferences, in collaboration with their healthcare team. Each treatment option has its own benefits, risks, and considerations, and the decision should be guided by the principles of shared decision-making and personalized care., Dr. Amit Patel and Dr. Ranko Miocinovic discuss various procedural tips for performing successful NanoKnife surgery for prostate cancer. We’ve provided the highlight reel in this article, and you can listen to the full podcast below., This detailed imaging helps the healthcare team plan the procedure and determine the optimal placement of the NanoKnife electrodes to target the cancerous tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy structures..