University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences introduces new focal therapy to treat prostate cancer
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has become the first medical provider in the state to utilize NanoKnife technology for treating prostate cancer. The focal therapy targets localized prostate cancer, using irreversible electroporation (IRE) to deliver short, high-voltage electrical pulses that isolate and destroy cancerous cells without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue. Using minimally invasive focal therapy significantly reduces the risk of common side effects associated with traditional treatments like radiation and surgery.
The first procedure using NanoKnife technology at UAMS was performed by A. Murat Aydin, M.D., a urologic oncologist who has extensive training in this technique. In March, a patient Aydin treated returned home the same day and reported positive outcomes during a follow-up visit 10 days later.
“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and there is a very wide disease spectrum in terms of stage and survival," Aydin noted. “Overtreatment of low-risk and intermediate-risk localized prostate cancer by surgery or radiation is a major issue, and this leads to increased frequency of quality-of-life issues, such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, without any survival benefit.”
“This technology allows us to treat small tumors with minimal risks of side effects and is a real game changer,” said Tim Langford, M.D., a urologist and chair of the UAMS Department of Urology. “We’re proud to offer the latest advancement in focal therapy to patients from across Arkansas.”