How Much Does NanoKnife Treatment Cost in Canada? (2025 Update)
Confused about NanoKnife pricing? You’re not alone.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer, you may be looking into focal therapy options that promise cancer control with fewer life-altering side effects. One of the most talked-about choices? NanoKnife (IRE). But once men start researching, many run into the same question: Why is it so hard to find a straight answer on cost?
Let’s clear that up right now.
Key Facts at a Glance
Typical Canadian cost: $23,000 (in province) - $25,000 (out of province) CAD
OHIP coverage: Not covered – NanoKnife is a private-pay procedure
Facility/OR fee: Included in your total quote
Recovery time: Most men return to normal activity within 7–10 days
Transparent pricing: what’s included
We keep costs clear and predictable. Your fee for NanoKnife treatment in Toronto or other Canadian private clinics typically covers:
Surgeon’s professional fee: Expertise, planning, and procedure.
Anesthesia team fee: Assessment and intraoperative care.
Facility & operating room fee: Nursing support, equipment, and recovery.
NanoKnife system charges: Device use and required single-use disposables.
If additional imaging, pathology, or observation is needed, we’ll discuss it with you in advance.
Why It Isn’t Covered by OHIP
Even though NanoKnife is approved by Health Canada and widely used in the U.S. and Europe, it’s still considered non-insured in Ontario. Why? Because it’s not part of the standard of care in public cancer treatment guidelines, yet.
That means:
It’s not performed in public hospitals
The government doesn’t reimburse the costs
It’s only available at select private facilities, often with expert surgeons like Dr. Alaina Garbens, who specialize in focal therapies
Financing Options & CRA Tax Credit
Many patients don’t realize they don’t have to pay the full amount upfront. Here’s how others manage the cost:
CRA Medical Expense Tax Credit: You can claim your NanoKnife treatment on your annual tax return. Depending on your income, you may receive 15–25% back.
Hidden or Variable Costs to Consider
While most of your core expenses are bundled into the base price, some patients may encounter additional or optional costs, such as:
Travel or hotel costs if you're coming to Toronto from another province
Additional PSA bloodwork not covered by OHIP (usually low cost)
Upgraded MRI protocols, such as multiparametric imaging at specialized centres
Second-opinion pathology or radiology reviews for complex cases
You’ll receive a full, personalized cost estimate before booking anything.
Is NanoKnife Worth the Cost?
Let’s talk about quality of life, because cancer treatment isn’t just about survival. It’s about what life looks like afterward.
Compared to radical prostatectomy, NanoKnife typically offers:
Outcome
Radical Prostatectomy
NanoKnife (IRE)
Erectile dysfunction
(RP) 60–80% of patients
(NK) 15–35% of patients
Urinary incontinence
(RP) 10–20% of patients
(NK) <5% of patients
Ejaculation changes
(RP) Common (dry orgasm)
(NK) Less common
Hospital stay
(RP) 1–2 nights
(NK) Same-day discharge
Return to normal activity
(RP) 4–6 weeks
(NK) 7–10 days
For men with localized, MRI-visible tumours and favourable biopsy results, NanoKnife offers a compelling balance: comparable cancer control with lower risk of life-changing side effects compared to prostatectomy.
What to Do Next
If you're weighing your treatment options and want clarity on NanoKnife cost in Toronto, you’re not alone, and you don’t need to navigate this alone either.
Dr. Alaina Garbens is a trusted female urologist offering private-pay focal therapy for men across Toronto, Vaughan, and all of Canada. She’ll help you understand your diagnosis, imaging, and candidacy, and provide a no-pressure quote if NanoKnife is right for you.
Request a NanoKnife consult with Dr. Garbens and get the facts you need to decide confidently. Email admin@mapleurology.ca
