A variety of
therapies
for prostate cancer
Electroporation is a technique used in prostate cancer treatment that applies short electrical pulses to affect cell membranes, with the aim of targeting cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy prostate tissue.
This approach is designed to help preserve structures critical to quality of life, including urinary control and erectile function.
Information about IRE Treatments
What Is the Electroporation Process?
Source: Qzhou3, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Electroporation, also known as electropermeabilization, involves applying short, high-voltage electrical pulses to cells to create openings (pores) in the cell membrane.
These pores allow molecules such as proteins or DNA to pass through the membrane. At higher intensities, these electrical pulses can influence cell viability by permanently disrupting the cell membrane, leading to cell death.
This leads to two distinct forms of electroporation:
- Irreversible electroporation – permanent disruption of the cell membrane leading to cell death
- Reversible electroporation – temporary opening of the cell membrane to increase permeability
Types of Electroporation Used in Prostate Cancer
Irreversible Electroporation (IRE / NanoKnife)
Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) is a non-thermal treatment that targets prostate tumours by permanently disrupting their cell membranes.
IRE is performed using the NanoKnife system, which delivers controlled electrical pulses through thin electrodes placed directly into prostate tissue under general anesthesia.
These pulses create permanent nanopores in cancer cell membranes, leading to targeted cell death without the use of thermal energy. Because it does not rely on heat or radiation, this approach helps preserve nearby structures such as nerves and blood vessels.
Explore IRE treatment in detail →
Reversible Electroporation and Electrochemotherapy (ECT)
Reversible electroporation temporarily opens the cell membrane, allowing substances such as chemotherapy drugs to enter cancer cells.
Once the electrical field is removed, the pores close again, helping to retain therapeutic agents inside the cells.
When combined with chemotherapy, this technique is known as electrochemotherapy (ECT) and is used to enhance local drug delivery within the treatment area.
Learn how electrochemotherapy works →
Combination Treatments (IRECT)
IRECT combines irreversible electroporation with electrochemotherapy to treat more complex or advanced prostate cancer cases.
The approach creates two treatment zones within the prostate. In the central area, irreversible electroporation directly destroys tumour cells. In the surrounding area, reversible electroporation increases cell permeability, allowing a low dose of chemotherapy to enter cancer cells and eliminate them over time.
IRECT may be particularly relevant in recurrent prostate cancer, especially in patients who have previously undergone treatments such as radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy.
Clinical Applications of Electroporation in Prostate Cancer
Electroporation-based treatments are used in several clinical scenarios. The most appropriate approach depends on the stage, extent, and characteristics of the tumour, as well as individual patient goals.
Learn more in our Prostate Cancer Guide →
Localized Prostate Cancer
Focal therapies such as IRE can be used to target tumours within the prostate while aiming to preserve surrounding tissue. These approaches may be considered as an alternative to active surveillance or other treatment options depending on disease characteristics and patient goals.
Recurrent Prostate Cancer
Electroporation techniques may be considered after prior treatments such as surgery, radiation, or other focal therapies, particularly when conventional salvage options carry increased risks or limitations.
Advanced and Complex Cases
In advanced or complex cases, such as larger or irregular tumours or those located near critical structures, electroporation-based approaches may be considered as part of an individualized treatment plan.
The VITUS Private Clinic
Pioneer in the Development and Clinical Application of Electroporation Techniques
At VITUS Privatklinik, electroporation-based therapies form a central part of the treatment approach for prostate cancer.
The clinic has extensive experience in the clinical application of Irreversible Electroporation (IRE), developed through years of practical use and refinement of treatment techniques.
Through collaboration with Prof. Boris Rubinsky of the University of California, Berkeley, one of the inventors of medical IRE, the clinic has contributed to the clinical development and application of electroporation technologies.
Treatment planning is based on detailed imaging, biopsy findings, and patient-specific factors, with electrode placement adapted to the individual tumour structure.
Advantages of Electroporation-Based Treatments
Electroporation-based approaches offer several potential advantages for prostate cancer patients:
- Non-thermal approach that avoids the use of heat
- High level of precision in targeting tumour tissue
- Potential to help preserve urinary control and erectile function
- Ability to combine with other treatment approaches as part of a broader strategy
The NanoKnife System
The NanoKnife system delivers short, controlled electrical pulses through precisely placed electrodes within the prostate, enabling the application of irreversible electroporation (IRE).
The effectiveness of this approach depends on accurate imaging, planning, and electrode placement, allowing the treatment area to be matched closely to the shape and location of the tumour.
Because the system does not rely on heat or radiation, surrounding structures such as nerves and blood vessels can be preserved while tumour cells are targeted directly.