Bergen County, NJ – February 1, 2024 – Men facing prostate cancer now have a new, highly targeted treatment option thanks to a breakthrough at Valley Health System. The hospital has become the first in Bergen County to utilize the NanoKnife® System for prostate cancer treatment, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional methods.
A Precision Strike Against Cancer
The NanoKnife® System offers a focused approach to prostate cancer, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
- The NanoKnife® System uses irreversible electroporation (IRE) to destroy cancer cells.
- It’s a minimally invasive procedure, potentially reducing post-operative complications.
- Valley Health System is the first hospital in Bergen County to offer this technology.
- The treatment is particularly beneficial for cancers confined to small areas of the prostate.
For men diagnosed with prostate cancer, the standard treatment has often involved removing the entire prostate gland. But what if the cancer is localized? “Prostate cancer is the only cancer that is currently treated by removing the entire organ, which may not be necessary if the cancer is detected early,” explained Dr. Nick W. Liu, Medical Director of Urology at Valley Health System. This groundbreaking treatment represents a major step forward in offering men less invasive options for prostate cancer management.
How NanoKnife® Works
The NanoKnife® System employs a technique called irreversible electroporation (IRE). This minimally invasive form of focal therapy delivers electrical pulses to the cancerous tissue, disrupting the cells and leading to their destruction, all while sparing the healthy prostate tissue nearby. Unlike traditional treatments that address the entire gland, NanoKnife® allows for a precise, targeted approach.
“I am incredibly proud of our entire team, whose skill, dedication, and teamwork have made this milestone possible,” said Dr. Liu. “This achievement reflects Valley’s ongoing commitment to bringing leading-edge, patient-centered cancer care to our community.”
Minimizing Side Effects
Traditional prostate cancer treatments can sometimes lead to unwanted side effects, such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Because the NanoKnife® System preserves healthy prostate tissue, it has the potential to significantly limit these postoperative complications. This is a major benefit for men seeking to maintain their quality of life during and after treatment.
Dr. David T. Ahlborn, a Valley urologist specializing in urologic oncology and robotic surgery, emphasized the hospital’s commitment to comprehensive care. “With a focus on state-of-the-art, compassionate urologic medical and surgical care and the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with urologic cancers, we provide the latest advances in diagnostics, treatment, continuing care, and disease surveillance.”
Valley’s board-certified urologists offer a full spectrum of services for both men and women dealing with urinary system diseases and disorders, as well as men’s reproductive health concerns. They also prioritize proactive screenings and wellness initiatives to detect urologic cancers early, when treatment is most effective.
For more information on Valley’s urologic oncology program or to schedule an appointment, please visit ValleyHealth.com/UrologicOncology or call 201-634-5567.
