When TIME magazine released its annual list of the Best Inventions of 2025, one of the featured breakthroughs was a technology already in use at Urology Innovations Canada in Toronto — the NanoKnife System for prostate cancer.
NanoKnife uses precisely controlled electrical pulses — a process called irreversible electroporation (IRE) — to destroy cancer cells while leaving surrounding tissue, nerves, and structures intact.
Unlike surgery or radiation, it’s a minimally invasive, function-preserving treatment that targets only the cancer, helping men maintain urinary control and sexual function.
TIME recognized NanoKnife for its precision and its potential to transform how prostate cancer is treated. At Urology Innovations Canada, we’ve been using this technology for more than a year to offer men a proven, less invasive option for localized prostate cancer — often performed as an outpatient procedure with minimal downtime.
Dr. Jack Barkin, Medical Director and Founder at UIC, was the first physician in North America to perform HIFU and continues to lead innovation in focal therapy. His team’s early adoption of NanoKnife reflects UIC’s ongoing commitment to bringing world-class, evidence-based treatments to Canadian patients.
“TIME’s recognition reinforces what we see every day — that focal therapy can effectively treat cancer while preserving quality of life,” says Dr. Barkin.
If you’ve been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer or are exploring alternatives to surgery or radiation, ask if you may be a candidate for NanoKnife.
Learn more: NanoKnife / IRE Treatment →
Book a consultation: Contact Us →