Doctors at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital successfully treated a 44-year-old man with recurrent pancreatic cancer using Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) NanoKnife technology. The minimally invasive procedure offered an alternative treatment option after doctors determined that repeat surgery was unsafe because the tumour was located close to two major blood vessels supplying vital abdominal organs.
Patient Receives Treatment After Pancreatic Cancer Recurrence
Sourav Dutta, a Mumbai resident, underwent Whipple surgery for pancreatic cancer at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital approximately two-and-a-half years ago. However, during routine follow-up, imaging scans revealed that the cancer had returned near two major blood vessels supplying several vital abdominal organs. Although the scans showed no evidence of distant spread, the tumour’s location made repeat surgery highly challenging and potentially unsafe. Consequently, doctors recommended chemotherapy to manage the recurrence.
NanoKnife Technology Offers an Alternative Treatment Option
Despite undergoing chemotherapy, the tumour remained closely associated with the critical blood vessels. Meanwhile, Dutta’s health continued to deteriorate, prompting him to seek further medical advice from Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan, Vice Chairman – HPB & GI Surgery and Lead – Growth & Strategy, Oncology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital. Following a detailed evaluation, the medical team considered him suitable for treatment using IRE NanoKnife technology, which can target tumours located close to critical anatomical structures.
How IRE NanoKnife Technology Works
Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan said, “IRE NanoKnife is an advanced, minimally invasive, non-thermal technology that uses precisely delivered electrical pulses to create microscopic pores in cancer cells, leading to their destruction. Unlike conventional thermal ablation techniques that use heat or cold and may risk damage to surrounding structures, IRE works without significant thermal injury, making it particularly useful for tumours located close to critical blood vessels and other vital structures. It offers a targeted approach to tumour treatment while helping preserve the surrounding anatomy.” Unlike conventional thermal ablation techniques, which rely on heat or cold to destroy cancerous tissue, IRE uses electrical pulses to disrupt cancer cells without significant thermal injury. Therefore, doctors can consider this approach for selected tumours located near major blood vessels and other delicate structures, where conventional treatment methods may pose additional risks.
Patient Recovers and Is Discharged Within Two Days
The medical team performed the entire procedure without open surgery. Following the treatment, Dutta recovered well and was discharged from the hospital within two days. As per the press release, the case highlights the role of advanced, minimally invasive technologies in expanding treatment options for selected patients with complex or recurrent cancers, particularly when conventional surgery presents significant challenges.
Multidisciplinary Expertise Supports Complex Cancer Care
Dr. Aniruddha Kulkarni, Principal Director – Interventional Radiology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, said, “Recurrent pancreatic cancer can be particularly challenging to manage, as the disease may return in a location involving critical structures and after the patient has already undergone major treatment. These cases require careful evaluation because the treatment options can become more limited with recurrence. Alongside appropriate medical and surgical management, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular follow-up and timely imaging are important in helping patients stay engaged with their long-term cancer care.”
The introduction of IRE NanoKnife technology further strengthens Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital’s multidisciplinary cancer-care programme. By bringing together specialists in Interventional Radiology, HPB and GI Surgery, and Oncology, the hospital aims to support the evaluation and management of complex cancer cases through coordinated, individualised treatment planning.