Medicare Expands Coverage for AngioDynamics' NanoKnife IRE System
Event summary
- Medicare coverage for AngioDynamics' NanoKnife IRE system begins July 5, 2026, for prostate and liver cancer treatments.
- Palmetto GBA issued final Local Coverage Determination (LCD L40205) for two clinical indications.
- Category I CPT codes for IRE procedures were activated January 1, 2026, by the American Medical Association.
- Coverage applies to favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer and metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver.
- NanoKnife uses irreversible electroporation, a non-thermal ablation technology.
The big picture
Medicare's coverage decision for NanoKnife IRE marks a significant step in legitimizing non-thermal ablation technologies for cancer treatment. The alignment with clinical practice guidelines from major specialty societies suggests growing acceptance of IRE as a viable option for specific patient populations. This could accelerate adoption in both prostate and liver cancer treatments, particularly for cases where thermal ablation is not suitable.
What we're watching
- Payer Adoption
- The pace at which private payers adopt the coverage framework following Medicare's lead.
- Clinical Evidence
- Whether ongoing clinical trials and real-world evidence will further solidify IRE's position in treatment guidelines.
- Geographic Expansion
- How quickly AngioDynamics can expand access beyond Palmetto GBA's jurisdictions (J and M).
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