Nation's Pioneering Medical Center Introduces Ultrasound Wave Treatment for Liver Cancer
Histotripsy, a groundbreaking non-invasive procedure, is making waves in the medical community as a potential game-changer for liver cancer treatment. Developed by HistoSonics, this innovative technology uses high-intensity focused ultrasound waves to destroy cancerous liver tissue while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
Benefits of Histotripsy for Liver Cancer
The minimally invasive nature of Histotripsy is one of its key advantages. As the procedure does not require any incisions or needle insertions, it significantly reduces the risk of pain and infection. The short procedure time (approximately 2-3 hours) and minimal hospitalization mean that patients can often go home the same or next day, leading to a quick recovery time. Compared to traditional surgical methods, Histotripsy also has fewer side effects and complications.
Precise targeting of tumors is another significant benefit. Real-time ultrasound imaging is used to monitor treatment effects, ensuring that only the cancerous tissue is destroyed. This precision is crucial for preserving healthy liver tissue, which is vital for maintaining liver function.
Histotripsy may also activate immune responses against cancer, potentially improving outcomes beyond local tumor destruction. In clinical trials, the procedure has shown an efficacy of up to 95.5% in tumor destruction. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Histotripsy for treating liver cancer in October 2023.
Potential Candidates for Histotripsy
Histotripsy is suitable for patients with primary liver cancer or metastatic liver tumors. It is particularly beneficial for stage 1 to 3 liver cancer patients, especially those with smaller tumors (usually under 4 cm). The procedure is also ideal for patients who are not suitable for surgery or have inoperable tumors due to their location or health status.
For patients seeking alternatives to traditional treatments such as surgical resection, transplantation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, Histotripsy can be an attractive option, especially when these treatments come with higher risks. The procedure is also eligible for secondary liver tumor patients, such as those with metastasis from colon, neuroendocrine, or pancreatic tumors, with no spread to other organs or lymph nodes.
First Use in the U.S.
The University of Rochester Medical Center became the first institution in the United States to use Histotripsy for cancerous liver tumors. The first patient treated with Histotripsy in the nation was treated on Dec. 18 by the University of Rochester Medical Center's liver care team. Since then, two more patients have been treated on Dec. 20.
This non-invasive procedure offers a promising new treatment for liver cancer that is precise, associated with fewer complications, and offers a quick recovery time. It is suitable mainly for early to mid-stage liver cancer patients with smaller tumors, including both primary and metastatic cases, and especially for those who cannot undergo surgery. This technology also holds potential immunological benefits that may synergize with other cancer therapies.
Histotripsy, as a groundbreaking health-and-wellness treatment for medical-conditions like liver cancer, not only offers a quick recovery time due to its short procedure duration but also reducing the risk of pain and infection because of its minimally invasive nature. This innovative therapy-and-treatment, with its potential to activate immune responses against cancer and achieve up to 95.5% efficacy in clinical trials, could be an attractive alternative for patients seeking options beyond traditional treatments like surgery or immunotherapy.
