Histotripsy is a new and cutting-edge procedure to treat cancer in the liver. The treatment uses ultrasound waves – no incisions or needles – to precisely target and destroy tumor cells.
Because the treatment is relatively new, UVA Health is one of a few places in the country (and first in the state of Virginia) with the proper training and equipment for histotripsy. At UVA, the treatment is performed after a careful multispecialty review to ensure we are providing the right treatment at the right time for patients.
What is Histotripsy?
Histotripsy uses focused ultrasound to target cancerous tissue. The ultrasound waves create resonant bubbles within the tumor in order to make the cancer cells rupture.
The procedure is performed with general anesthesia to ensure accurate targeting and patient comfort. An interventional radiologist uses ultrasound imaging to guide the treatment, which usually takes 2 to 3 hours. Once the procedure is over and the general anesthesia wears off, patients recover for discharge the next morning or even the same day.
Histotripsy is precise and has a good safety record to date. It expands the treatment options for many patients who otherwise may not have an additional locoregional therapy.
A “bubble cloud” caused by histotripsy.
Advantages of Histotripsy for Patient Care
One major benefit of histotripsy for patients is that it is a non-invasive procedure – requiring no incisions. As a result, histotripsy may be a good option for patients who are ineligible for surgical options due to other health conditions.
The treatment also involves less time recovering in the hospital. Once the anesthesia has worn off, patients can go home shortly after the procedure, sometimes even the same day.
Histotripsy has no radiation or dose limit, and it is approved for use in all liver tumors. As a result, a number of different patients can benefit from this technology and over time also receive multiple sessions of the procedure in a short time span if needed. Histotripsy can still be an option for patients who are receiving other treatments like chemotherapy or on other medications such as anticoagulants without interruption.
Contact
UVA Health is one of a few places in the country (and first in the state of Virginia) with the proper training and equipment for histotripsy. If you are a patient looking to make an appointment at UVA Health and find out if histotripsy might be right for you, please visit this website.
