NanoKnife Ablation, also known as Irreversible Electroporation (IRE), is a non-thermal ablation technique that uses ultra-short electrical pulses to permanently destroy cancer cells by creating nanoscale openings in their membranes, leading to apoptosis (programmed cell death).

The U.S. and European authorities issued approval for NanoKnife in December 2012, followed by China’s FDA in June 2015. The technology is particularly effective for treating tumors in solid organs such as the pancreas, liver, lungs, kidneys, and prostate. Its precision allows it to target tumors close to vital structures like bile ducts and blood vessels without damaging them.

Fuda Cancer Hospital was the first hospital in Asia to use NanoKnife technology and currently holds the record for the most number of cases treated successfully.

Benefits of NanoKnife Treatment

• Rapid ablation: Tumors up to 3 cm in diameter can be treated quickly — within minutes — using ultra-short high-voltage pulses.
• Preservation of vital structures: Unlike thermal ablation, NanoKnife spares blood vessels, bile ducts, and nerves, preventing complications and maintaining organ function.
• No heat island effect: NanoKnife uses electrical energy, not thermal, so surrounding tissues are not overheated, ensuring complete ablation even near large vessels.
• Cell-level precision: IRE triggers natural cell death (apoptosis), minimizing inflammation and promoting tissue healing.
• Imaging-guided accuracy: CT, MRI, and ultrasound imaging allow real-time monitoring and ensure precise targeting of tumors with millimeter-level accuracy.

Applications of NanoKnife Ablation

• Pancreatic cancer
• Liver cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Breast tumors (breast-conserving therapy)
• Tumors near bile ducts, hepatic portal vein, or pancreatic duct

In contrast to traditional thermal ablation methods, NanoKnife causes minimal damage to essential organs, avoids complications like paralysis or impotence, and ensures safer treatment outcomes even for tumors located near critical structures.