The liver & biliary conference is an annual event that brings together liver specialists, surgeons, gastroenterologists, and other healthcare professionals to discuss emerging treatment options and best practices in the field.

This year, one of the major topics of discussion was advancements in nanoknife treatment for liver tumors and biliary obstruction.

What is Nanoknife Treatment?

Nanoknife treatment, also known as irreversible electroporation (IRE), is a minimally invasive procedure that uses electrical currents to destroy cancerous cells.

This treatment is particularly effective for tumors that are difficult to reach surgically or for patients who are not good candidates for surgery.

Nanoknife treatment involves inserting needle probes into the tumor or obstruction site. High-voltage electrical currents are then passed between the probes, creating tiny holes in the cell membranes of the targeted cells.

The cell membranes become destabilized, and the cells ultimately die off. Because nanoknife treatment does not involve heat or cold, it is less likely to damage surrounding healthy tissue than other types of treatment.

Advantages of Nanoknife Treatment

One of the major advantages of nanoknife treatment is that it can be performed as an outpatient procedure. Patients typically experience minimal discomfort and are able to return to their normal activities within a few days.

Additionally, nanoknife treatment has been shown to be effective for tumors that are resistant to radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Nanoknife treatment can also be performed on patients whose tumors are located in difficult-to-reach areas of the liver or bile ducts.

This includes tumors that are located near major blood vessels or other critical structures that would be challenging to work around surgically.

Recent Advancements in Nanoknife Treatment

While nanoknife treatment has been in use for several years, recent advancements have improved its effectiveness and expanded its use to a wider range of patients. One such advancement is the use of image guidance during the procedure.

This allows doctors to precisely locate the probes and monitor the electrical currents in real-time, making the procedure safer and more effective.

Another recent advancement is the development of newer, thinner needle probes. These probes are able to access smaller blood vessels and bile ducts, allowing doctors to treat tumors that were previously considered untreatable.

Outcomes of Nanoknife Treatment

The outcomes of nanoknife treatment have been promising. Studies have shown that the treatment can lead to a significant reduction in tumor size and can improve patient survival rates.

In one study, patients who underwent nanoknife treatment for liver tumors had a two-year survival rate of 62%, compared to a rate of 32% for patients who did not receive the treatment.

Additionally, nanoknife treatment has been shown to be effective for treating biliary obstruction. One study found that 90% of patients who underwent the procedure for biliary obstruction experienced lasting relief of their symptoms.

Conclusion

The advancements in nanoknife treatment provide hope for patients with liver tumors or biliary obstruction.

With its minimally invasive nature and high success rates, nanoknife treatment is a promising option for patients who are not good candidates for surgery or radiation therapy. As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely that nanoknife treatment will become an even more widely used and effective tool in the fight against liver cancer and biliary obstruction.