Histotripsy: A New Ultrasound-Based Approach to Treating Liver Tumors

Could ultrasound waves help destroy liver tumors without traditional surgery?

In an interview with Mustafa Behan for Amsety, Dr. Tarek Hassanein explains histotripsy, an innovative approach to treating liver tumors. Dr. Hassanein is director of the Southern California Liver Centers and medical director of the Southern California Abdominal Cancer Center Group.

This article summarizes what he shared. It also adds details from the Liver Therapies Patient Guide.

What is histotripsy?

Histotripsy is a technique that uses focused ultrasound waves to break down targeted tissue. Dr. Hassanein explains the name this way: "histo" refers to tissue, and "tripsy" refers to breakdown.

The ultrasound energy is focused on a tumor within the liver. A process called cavitation then breaks the targeted tissue down into a liquid-like material. According to Dr. Hassanein, this process can destroy cancer cells within the treated area.

The Liver Therapies Patient Guide describes the same idea. Focused sound waves create microscopic bubbles in the targeted tissue. The bubbles mechanically break down tumor cells. The treatment does not use incisions, needles, radiation, or heat.

How does histotripsy work?

Ultrasound lets clinicians examine the liver, find tumors, and check the structures around them. With histotripsy, ultrasound energy is then focused on the targeted tumor, where it breaks the tissue down.

Dr. Hassanein describes how this can turn the targeted tumor tissue into liquid within minutes. That makes histotripsy a distinctive way to treat liver tumors.

Unlike heat-based treatments such as radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation, histotripsy works mechanically. The patient guide notes that this helps preserve nearby healthy liver tissue.

Who can benefit from histotripsy?

According to Dr. Hassanein, histotripsy was developed for liver tumors of different types. He notes that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the technique for liver tumors.

Whether histotripsy suits you depends on your own circumstances. The Liver Therapies Patient Guide says a provider may recommend it if:

• You have liver tumors that are not suitable for surgical removal.
• You need a non-invasive treatment option.
• You are not a candidate for thermal ablation.
• You need treatment focused on the tumor while preserving the surrounding liver.

Talk with a specialist to understand your diagnosis and your treatment options. You can find a liver specialist through LiverDirectory.

What histotripsy treatment involves

The patient guide describes the usual steps:

• Preparation: Imaging studies find and map the tumor.
• Procedure: A device called the Edison System sends focused ultrasound pulses through the skin to the tumor. No incision or needle is needed.
• Care team: Trained specialists perform the treatment with imaging guidance. Sedation or anesthesia may be used, depending on your plan and needs.
• Recovery: Most people have a relatively short recovery. Your provider will tell you when you can return to normal activities.
• Sessions: Treatment may take one or more sessions.
• Follow-up: Imaging and clinical checks track how the tumor responds and watch for recurrence.

Benefits and common side effects

The patient guide lists these benefits:

• Non-invasive: No incisions or needles.
• Tissue preservation: Less damage to surrounding liver tissue.
• No radiation: It uses ultrasound energy.
• Outpatient potential: Recovery may be shorter.

Common side effects include abdominal discomfort, fatigue, mild pain near the treatment area, mild swelling or inflammation in the treated area, and a temporary rise in liver enzymes. Ask your care team what to expect in your case.

Advancing liver cancer treatment

Histotripsy is an emerging approach to treating liver tumors. It uses focused ultrasound energy to destroy targeted tissue instead of relying on conventional methods.

As research and clinical experience grow, understanding new options can help you have more informed conversations with your healthcare team. To learn more, read our Histotripsy treatment page or our overview of liver cancer.

Watch the full interview with Dr. Tarek Hassanein on LiverDirectory to hear more about histotripsy and its role in liver tumor treatment.

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. A qualified specialist should assess whether a treatment suits you.*