Dr. Sioufi — Leader of NanoKnife® in Canada

Prostate cancer treatment continues to evolve rapidly, and Sioufi Urology is at the forefront of this medical transformation in Quebec. Dr. Sioufi and his multidisciplinary team at the Montreal Institute of Specialized Surgery have just reached a symbolic and clinically significant milestone: the implementation of their reference NanoKnife® treatment, a tumour ablation system based on irreversible electroporation (IRE).

This achievement, highlighted in a renowned international publication in the cardiovascular and surgical fields, demonstrates a deep commitment to medical innovation and access to cutting-edge care for Quebec patients. It places the clinic among the few centers in Canada to offer this groundbreaking technology.

What is the NanoKnife® (IRE)?

The NanoKnife® is a non-thermal tissue ablation system that uses irreversible electroporation (IRE) to destroy cancer cells. Unlike conventional treatments such as open surgery, radiation therapy, or cryotherapy, IRE targets prostate tumours with surgical precision while preserving surrounding anatomical structures, including:

• The neurovascular bundles (responsible for erectile function)

• The external urinary sphincter (continence)

• The rectum and adjacent tissues

The procedure involves delivering short, high-intensity electrical pulses directly into the tumour via thin electrodes positioned under image guidance. These pulses create permanent nanopores in the cell membranes, inducing cell death without heat or freezing. This approach is particularly well-suited to cancers located near critical structures that other methods cannot spare.

Why is this clinical milestone important?

In interventional medicine, accumulated experience is directly correlated with safety and clinical outcomes. Each additional procedure refines electrode placement, optimizes energy parameters, and manages potential complications.

Reaching the threshold for NanoKnife® reference procedures at Sioufi Urology represents much more than a statistic: it demonstrates a successful learning curve, a well-established surgical protocol, and a fully operational clinical program. It also sends a strong signal to patients throughout Quebec: IRE reference centers now exist in Montreal and Châteauguay.

Availability in Quebec: Sioufi Urology, Pioneer Clinic

Access to NanoKnife® remains extremely limited in Canada. Sioufi Urology, with its two clinics in Westmount (Montreal) and Châteauguay, is one of the few specialized private centers to offer this technology outside of major university hospitals.

Dr. Sioufi and his team collaborate with a network of specialists to ensure comprehensive care, from initial assessment to treatment planning and post-procedure follow-up. This integrated care model is essential for patients whose prostate cancer requires a personalized approach and optimal preservation of their quality of life.

NanoKnife® vs other prostate cancer treatments

There are several options for treating localized prostate cancer, but they are not all equal depending on the patient's profile. Here's how NanoKnife® stands out:

Radical prostatectomy (complete surgical removal of the prostate gland) remains the standard treatment for many cases, but it carries significant risks of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. External beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy are effective, but can affect surrounding tissues and require multiple sessions. Cryotherapy and HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) are less invasive alternatives, but may lack precision in areas near sensitive structures.

The NanoKnife® (IRE), on the other hand, is particularly indicated for prostate tumours located near neurovascular bundles or the urethra, where precision is critical. For some patients, it is the only option that allows for tumour treatment while preserving urinary and sexual function.

International recognition and impact in Quebec

The news was published in a leading international journal dedicated to surgical advancements, alongside recognition of the 5th Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in China—a center that has performed over 400 IRE procedures over the past decade. Being mentioned in this same publication is a testament to the clinical stature of the Sioufi Urology team on the international stage.

For Quebec patients, this means they no longer need to travel abroad to access cutting-edge, globally recognized treatment. Expertise is now available locally, in French, in a private, patient-centred clinical setting.

For whom is the NanoKnife® suitable?

NanoKnife® treatment is not indicated for all patients with prostate cancer. It is generally recommended for:

• Localized prostate cancers of intermediate risk

• Patients wishing to preserve erectile function and urinary continence

• Tumours located near sensitive anatomical structures

• Some cases of local recurrence after radiotherapy (under evaluation)

A comprehensive individual evaluation — including multiparametric MRI, targeted biopsies and a multidisciplinary discussion — is necessary to determine if the NanoKnife® is the best option for each patient.

Urology Consultation in Sioufi

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and wishes to explore all available treatment options, the Sioufi Urology team is available for a specialized consultation at its clinics in Westmount and Châteauguay.

Book an appointment online or contact the clinic directly to determine if NanoKnife® treatment is right for you. Fast, personalized care that meets international standards is guaranteed.

Make an appointment at the Sioufi Urology Clinic

Consult Dr. Sioufi to determine if Rezūm therapy is right for you. Our clinics in Montreal and Châteauguay welcome you without delay, without a referral, in a confidential and professional setting.

📍 Montreal (Westmount) | Châteauguay | sioufiurologie.com/contact us