Focal Therapy Irreversible Electroporation (IRE or Nanoknife)

Blood in my pee seemed to finally stop by week 9. It could have been a week earlier if I hadn't been lugging suitcases. Anything particularly heavy can cause a strain and a light flush of blood in the first 12 weeks.

I still do daily pelvic floor exercises. I can't stress how important this is and has helped with controlling the sense of urgency to pee. This has greatly improved and I'd say, back to normal now.

Erections are almost back to normal. This was a big worry for me initially, but my consultant said this would improve and it has considerably. I'd say I'm at 95% and some days 100%. At week 6 I was retrograde ejaculation but this also massively improved and I am more than happy.

Peeing at full strength again at 12 weeks post op. This took longer to return to normal than I would have imagined.

I definitely underestimated my recovery post surgery. It was a lot slower than I expected. I didn't drive for almost 3 weeks due to it being too uncomfortable. Best purchase was a Benazcap Donut Cushion to sit on - it was a game changer. I used it for 8 weeks.

If there is anything else I can help answer, please don't hesitate to ask or private message me.

Best

Seb

Hi Ross & all

I'm also low/intermediate Gleason 3+4 diagnosed last month and have decided against AS. Seen a surgeon and this week seen an oncologist. She spoke well of focal therapies although they happen not to provide them at The Royal Marsden, she did however say that reoccurrence can be about 30% because unlike RARP or RT by its nature it doesn't treat the whole gland.

Were you or others on this feed told the same or have any other info??

Many thanks

Adam

Hi Seb,

Well that is such a result. I have just been to give a blood sample, so I will hear the 6 weeks progress next week one day. Fingers crossed it goes down, although the Urologist did say it could go either way at 6 weeks, once again, due to inflammation from the surgery. We will see.

You must be so pleased. 

BTW, which hospital did your treatment? 

Cheers

Ross

I just received my first post-op PSA test, with an amazing result of "0.4". So, fantastic result from this revolutionary treatment option. 

Ross

Hi

Following on from the postings by Ross,  I thought it may be helpful to others for me to share my Nanoknife experiences. I am currently 72 and was 70 when first diagnosed in 2023. Back in late 2023 my GP suggested I had a PSA test as part of a routine examination, I had no symptoms.  Two days after the consultation, I was advised that my PSA  was 6.2 and I was referred Kent & Canterbury Hospital Urology Department, where I had an MRI scan and a biopsy. It was confirmed that  8 out of 20 biopsies contained cancer cells and my Gleason score was 3+4.

I had a briefing with a McMillan Nurse who outlined my options and at this stage. After considering the options,  I decided I did not want a radical prostatectomy, due to the well publicised side effects associated with incontinence and ED. I then saw my Urology Consultant who said I was suitable for the PART study and that if I was happy he would put my name forward. He also mentioned Nanoknife as a new procedure which attracted my interest. I was accepted on the PART study but unfortunately, I was randomised to another therapy “Brachytherapy”. I followed this course of treatment with Oncology but eventually I was advised that this treatment was not suitable for me and my only option was to be referred back to Urology,  for a prostatectomy, which was my least favoured option.

My Urology consultant advised me that he felt I could still go back into the PART study and have Nanoknife as part of a trial treatment starting at Canterbury in January 2025. I was once again accepted back on the trial with a planned date for the procedure early in January 2025. Disappointingly, my pre-op assessment identified a urinary infection and at the very last minute my procedure was cancelled on the day. A new date was arranged for the 12th February and this time everything went to plan and I was discharged in the late afternoon with a catheter and anti biotics.

After around 24hrs I felt pretty good with some soreness and swelling. I personally found the catheter uncomfortable. The catheter was removed on the 18th February and I had an MRI scan on the 19th. So far I feel pretty good, I get tired easily, so taking things one step at a time. Urine flows seems ok but can become urgent at times, so using a pad just in case of accidents. It is planned for my consultant to ring me next week with the MRI results and hopefully some good news. I will update once I have some news.

Everyone I have engaged with in the NHS at Kent & Canterbury Hospital during my cancer pathway have been absolutely brilliant and their support has been much appreciated.

Jim