An Exciting New Treatment for Cancer in the Liver
What Is Histotripsy?
Histotripsy is an FDA-approved and non-invasive treatment for primary liver cancer and other types of cancers that have spread to the liver. As a relatively new procedure, it stands at the forefront of innovation in cancer treatment by creating promising outcomes for patients while minimizing potential risks.
The treatment uses an innovative device to precisely target and dissolve cancerous tissue using ultrasound waves. The ultrasound waves form microbubbles within the tumor, creating a force within the body as bubbles form and collapse. This force liquifies the tumor, killing the cancer cells. The treatment stimulates the patients’ immune system response, prompting immune cells to awaken and boost cell recovery. In this process, histotripsy can safely and effectively destroy cancer in the liver.
Histotripsy also has ultrasound imaging capabilities, which can be used to watch the patient's treatment as it happens. Doctors can watch ultrasound waves at work to see how tissues respond to therapy and adjust for better patient results.
MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper was the first in New Jersey and the Philadelphia region, to offer this breakthrough treatment option.
MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper was the first in New Jersey and the Philadelphia region, to offer this breakthrough treatment option.
Histotripsy also has ultrasound imaging capabilities, which can be used to watch the patient's treatment as it happens. Doctors can watch ultrasound waves at work to see how tissues respond to therapy and adjust for better patient results.
Benefits of Histotripsy
Histotripsy offers many benefits for patients. As an additional treatment option to radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, histotripsy allows patients to avoid the physical toll and side effects often associated with these methods. Patients can also experience shorter recovery times and less discomfort.
In addition, histotripsy’s non-invasive approach means patients unable to tolerate more aggressive treatments have an effective alternative treatment option. After histotripsy treatment, most patients typically have no remaining viable tumor.
Histotripsy can precisely treat cancerous tissue, but it may not be suitable if tumors are near critical body structures. For this reason, histotripsy is less suitable as a treatment option for other forms of cancer such as breast, colorectal, pancreatic, lung, and others.
As a relatively new procedure, histotripsy enhances cancer care by offering a unique treatment approach. Histotripsy is especially well suited for patients who encounter difficulty with more aggressive therapies. Each patient’s condition is unique, and MD Anderson at Cooper’s care team is dedicated to carefully evaluating individual factors — such as tumor location, size, and overall health — to determine if histotripsy is an option for you.
By tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s needs, MD Anderson at Cooper provides high quality care and effective treatment approaches while focusing on the patient’s overall well-being.
Who Is a Candidate for Histotripsy?
- Patients with primary liver cancer.
- Patients with other cancers that have spread to the liver.
- Patients who have not had surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy.
- Patients whose disease has spread despite previous treatment.
- Patients who are not candidates for other treatment options.
What to Expect Before and After the Procedure
- The histotripsy procedure is performed in an operating room (OR) at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, NJ.
- The patient will be placed under general anesthetic because the body must be kept still to reduce the possibility of damage to other parts of the body.
- Your surgeon will target the cancerous cells using ultrasound waves. Once the target area is confirmed, your surgeon will use ultrasound waves to eliminate the cancerous cells.
- The entire treatment may take up to 2 hours, and anywhere between 10 to 90 minutes after anesthesia has been administered depending on the tumor’s location and size.
- Most patients only stay overnight for observation and there is no special inpatient care needed.
- Most patients can return to their normal activities almost immediately. In the event of mild discomfort at the treatment site, your doctor may describe over-the-counter medication to ease the pain.
Why Choose MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper for Histotripsy Treatment
- Experts in Innovation: Histotripsy at MD Anderson at Cooper is led by Dr. Young Ki Hong, Head of the Division of Surgical Oncology, an award-winning, highly experienced hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon. Dr. Hong is one of many physicians at MD Anderson at Cooper who bring advanced technologies and unique skills to our patients.
- Regional Leadership: MD Anderson at Cooper is the only location in the region to have this technology available to its patients. Histotripsy is possible at MD Anderson at Cooper because of the expertise of our surgeons and care teams.
- Comprehensive Cancer Care: MD Anderson at Cooper is the region’s leading cancer center. Our surgeons are specialists in advanced cancer treatment, providing comprehensive care to our patients, always.
Schedule an Appointment
To see if histotripsy could benefit you, request an appointment with a liver cancer expert at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper by calling 855.MDA.COOPER (855.632.2667) or using our online appointment request form.