Nanoknife – A new minimally invasive procedure to treat prostate cancer in Western Australia

What is Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) / NanoKnife?

• Irreversible Electroporation, or IRE, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat prostate cancer.
• It involves delivering high-voltage electrical pulses to the cancerous tissue using fine needles placed through the skin.
• These pulses create tiny holes in the cell membranes, leading to the destruction of cancer cells while preserving surrounding structures such as blood vessels and nerves.
• IRE is often referred to as NanoKnife technology and is a form of focal therapy, targeting only the cancer-affected areas of the prostate.

Benefits of Nanoknife procedure

• No surgery
• Day procedure
• Minimal side effects
• Kills cancer cells
• Preserves other structures around the prostate

The Nanoknife procedure

We are the lead practitioner of the Nanoknife procedure in Western Australia, conducted by Dr Tom Shannon.

The procedure is done under a general anaesthetic and takes approximately 45minutes to perform. Four to six electrodes are placed through the skin behind the scrotum (the perineum) into the prostate under ultrasound guidance. A pulsed high energy electricity current is then passed sequentially between each of the electrodes enabling the area of prostate mapped out to be destroyed. The extent of the treatment depends on the results of the MRI and biopsies but will always incorporate at least a 1 cm safety margin around the cancer.

IRE is a day case procedure that just treats prostate cancer with minimal side effects. High voltage electricity is passed through needles inserted through the skin, damaging the cancer, but preserving other structures. IRE kills the cancer, but not all patients are suitable for this procedure. Long term results are excellent for early disease and is low risk. Surgery and other treatments are still possible if needed later.

Contact us now to make further enquiries or register your interest using the form below.

We treat patients not only in Western Australia but from all states in Australia and welcome overseas patients from Singapore, Mauritius and Indonesia.

Australian patients may qualify for government travel and accomodation subsidies for the procedure to be conducted by Dr Tom Shannon in Perth, WA.

If you think you are a candidate for NanoKnife after recent diagnosis or would like to discuss your options please contact the prostate Clinic on +61 8 9389 7696 to book an appointment. Alternatively complete the following form to register your interest and we will reply to you by email to follow up and provide more information.

Register your interest here