San Jose Man Makes Cross-Continental Journey for IRE Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

Life was good for 64 year-old Jerry Gates, a San Jose plant rental company owner. He had two grown children, Tyler 32 and Jessica, 29, who adored him, a wife with whom in August this year he celebrated his 40th year of marriage, and a thriving business that allowed them to live a very comfortable lifestyle in the self-proclaimed capital of Silicon Valley. A non-smoker, non-drinker, Jerry could not recall experiencing any health trouble except for an occasional awareness of tinnitus in his ear. He was 5' 11" and 225 lbs.

That bubble quickly burst on March 15, when, following a month-long bout with H-pylori, a bacteriological infection, an inability to keep his food down, and a drastic weight loss that brought him to 168 pounds, Jerry underwent a PET scan followed by a biopsy. The surgeon reviewing the case explained the full extent of the biopsy results – inoperable stage IV pancreatic cancer. He then told Jerry to "get his affairs in order because he did not have long to live."

“That was the worst day of my life,” said Tyler.

The Gates family refused to accept the prognosis without a fight. Tyler and his sister jumped on the internet and started researching some of the latest technology and treatments for Pancreatic Cancer; they took a trip with their father to UCSF to see a top oncologist who suggested an aggressive course of chemotherapy. Then they contacted Dr. Kevin Watkins at Stony Brook University Medical Center, Chief of Upper Gastrointestinal and General Oncologic Surgery.

Dr. Watkins' name is prominently associated with the latest treatments for pancreatic cancer. He is the first surgeon in the world to use NanoKnife® technology to treat cancer of the pancreas, and Mr. Gates joined a mounting number of patients from around the country and around the world who are seeking hope and help from Dr. Watkins. Using irreversible electroportation (IRE), the NanoKnife® disrupts the cell membrane and kills cancer cells by using controlled electrical pulses to open microscopic pores in the cells of the targeted area. The body then rids itself of the dead cells permanently, without damaging the surrounding support structure which allows a lattice for new cell in growth.

"It's a remarkable technique because it opens doors for us to offer treatment to patients who previously had no options," said Dr. Watkins. "There is nothing like it – to see the relief in the face of a patient and their family when we tell them, 'we might be able to help you'," said Dr. Watkins.

He cautions, however, that this breakthrough technology is not indicated for all cases.

"It is not a viable option if the cancer has metastasized, or spread elsewhere in the body."

For those who are NanoKnife candidates, the procedure can result in a major improvement in quality of life and extended time beyond the anticipated few months associated with the advanced level of disease.