Memorial Healthcare System Introduces Innovative Prostate Cancer Focal Therapy Initiative with Groundbreaking Program Launch

as well as guidance.

Minimally Invasive Prostate Treatment: A New Era with NanoKnife® Surgery

A new option is emerging in the treatment of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), offering men a less invasive choice to customary methods. NanoKnife® surgery, formally known as Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) of the prostate, is gaining prominence as a focal therapy option. The procedure uses short, high-energy electrical pulses to target the problematic tissue with precision, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

What is NanoKnife® Surgery?

NanoKnife® surgery, IRE, utilizes electrical pulses to disrupt the membranes of cancer cells or enlarged prostate tissue. This cause the cells to break down and eventually be absorbed by the body. Unlike manny other prostate therapies, NanoKnife® dose not use heat or radiation. Its targeted approach aims to preserve crucial functions, such as urinary control and erectile function. The minimally invasive nature generally results in quicker recovery times compared to traditional procedures.

How Does NanoKnife® Differ from Other Treatments?

Traditional prostate treatments, such as radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy, often carry important side effects. These can include urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and rectal issues. NanoKnife® aims to minimize these risks by selectively targeting the problematic area. The precision of NanoKnife means it can sometimes be used for men who are not good candidates for more aggressive, widespread treatments. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and often involves a relatively short hospital stay.

Treatment	Completeness	Side Effects	Recovery Time	Invasiveness
Radical prostatectomy	Full Removal of Prostate	Urinary Incontinence, Erectile Dysfunction	6-12 Weeks	Highly Invasive
Radiation Therapy	Whole Gland or Focal Area	Fatigue, Urinary Issues, Bowel Issues	4-8 Weeks	Moderately Invasive
nanoknife® (IRE)	Focal Area	Minimal	1-3 Weeks	Minimally invasive

Did You Know? NanoKnife® is FDA approved for the ablation of the prostate.
Pro Tip: Discuss all treatment options with a qualified urologist to determine the best approach for your individual situation.

Is NanoKnife® Right for You?

Not every man is a suitable candidate for NanoKnife® surgery. It’s most commonly considered for men who: have localized prostate cancer, have had prior treatment that has failed, or desire a less invasive option. Candidates undergo a thorough evaluation, including imaging scans and biopsies, to determine eligibility. A discussion with a urologist specializing in NanoKnife® is crucial to assess potential benefits and risks.

Long-Term Outlook

While NanoKnife® is a relatively new technique, early studies have demonstrated promising results in terms of efficacy and minimizing side effects. Ongoing research continues to refine the technique and expand its applications. The technology is evolving, with improvements in imaging guidance enhancing precision and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions about NanoKnife® Surgery

• What is NanoKnife®? NanoKnife® (IRE) is a minimally invasive prostate treatment using electrical pulses.
• How does NanoKnife® work? It disrupts cell membranes,causing targeted tissue to break down.
• What is the recovery like? Recovery is typically faster than traditional prostate surgeries.
• Who is a good candidate for NanoKnife®? Men with localized prostate cancer or BPH could be good candidates.
• Are there side effects? Side effects are generally minimal compared to other treatments.

Are you considering new prostate cancer options? Do you have concerns about side effects from more invasive treatments?

What are the key differences between focal therapy and traditional prostate cancer treatments like radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy?

Understanding Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Memorial Healthcare System (MHS) is at the forefront of revolutionizing prostate cancer treatment with the launch of its new focal therapy initiative. This program offers a targeted approach to managing localized prostate cancer, differing substantially from traditional treatments like radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy. Focal therapy, also known as zone-targeted therapy, aims to destroy only the cancerous portion of the prostate, preserving healthy tissue and minimizing side effects. this is notably appealing for men diagnosed with intermediate-risk prostate cancer or those seeking alternatives to more aggressive treatments.

What is Prostate Cancer Focal Therapy?

Unlike whole-gland treatments, focal therapy focuses specifically on the tumor(s) within the prostate. Several techniques fall under the umbrella of focal therapy, including:

* HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound): Uses focused sound waves to heat and destroy cancer cells.

* Cryotherapy: Employs extreme cold to freeze and eliminate cancerous tissue.

* Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Involves a light-sensitive drug and laser to target and destroy cancer cells.

* Irreversible Electroporation (IRE): Uses electrical pulses to disrupt cancer cell membranes.

* Laser Ablation: Utilizes laser energy to destroy cancerous tissue.

MHS’s program incorporates a multidisciplinary approach to determine the most appropriate focal therapy technique for each patient, based on factors like tumor location, size, and Gleason score. Prostate mapping using advanced imaging techniques like MRI is crucial for precise targeting.

The Memorial healthcare System Program: A Comprehensive Approach

The MHS initiative isn’t simply about offering a new treatment; it’s about providing a complete, patient-centered experience. the program includes:

1. Detailed Diagnostic Evaluation: Comprehensive assessment including PSA levels, digital rectal exam (DRE), MRI, and prostate biopsy.
2. Multidisciplinary Tumor Board Review: A team of urologists,radiologists,and oncologists collaborate to determine candidacy for focal therapy and the optimal treatment plan.
3. Personalized Treatment Planning: Tailored approach based on individual patient characteristics and tumor specifics.
4. Post-Treatment Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments, PSA testing, and imaging to assess treatment response and monitor for recurrence.
5. Supportive Care: Access to resources for managing potential side effects and improving quality of life.

Benefits of Focal Therapy at MHS

Choosing focal therapy at Memorial Healthcare System offers several potential advantages:

* Reduced Side Effects: Compared to radical prostatectomy, focal therapy significantly lowers the risk of erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and bowel problems.

* Faster recovery: Recovery time is generally shorter,allowing patients to return to their normal activities more quickly.

* Preservation of Quality of Life: By preserving healthy prostate tissue, focal therapy aims to maintain sexual function and continence.

* Outpatient Procedure: Many focal therapy techniques can be performed on an outpatient basis, minimizing hospital stays.

* Targeted Treatment: Precisely targets cancer, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Patient Selection & Candidacy

Not all men with prostate cancer are suitable candidates for focal therapy.Ideal candidates typically have:

* Localized prostate Cancer: Cancer confined to the prostate gland, without evidence of spread.

* Intermediate-Risk Disease: Gleason score 6-7 and PSA levels within a specific range.

* Limited Number of Tumors: Typically, one or two tumors identified on MRI.

* good Overall Health: Patients shoudl be in reasonably good health to tolerate the procedure and recovery.

A thorough evaluation by the MHS team is essential to determine if focal therapy is the right option. Prostate cancer staging is a critical component of this assessment.

Advanced Imaging & Diagnostic Tools

MHS utilizes cutting-edge imaging technology to accurately diagnose and stage prostate cancer, including:

* Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI): Provides detailed images of the prostate, helping to identify the location, size, and aggressiveness of tumors.

* PSMA PET/CT Scan: A more sensitive imaging technique that can detect even small amounts of cancer, particularly in cases of recurrence.

* targeted Biopsy: Guided by MRI findings, this allows for precise sampling of suspicious areas.

Real-World Impact & Case Examples (De-identified)

While patient confidentiality is paramount, MHS has observed promising outcomes with