What is histotripsy?

Histotripsy uses high-pitched ultrasound waves to target tumorous tissue in the liver. These powerful sound waves are synchronized to create many tiny bubbles within the targeted tumorous tissue. Almost instantaneously, these bubbles pop breaking apart the targeted tissue. 

The energy from the collapsing bubbles that causes the tissue in the targeted area to break apart does not alter surrounding healthy tissue. The immune system then works to discard the broken-up waste tissue.

Benefits of Histotripsy for Cancer Treatment

• Since the procedure doesn’t involve an incision, there is less discomfort following the procedure.
• The procedure poses fewer risks than those associated with traditional surgeries such as infection, scarring, pain and bleeding.
• Because the ultrasound waves target only the tumorous tissue, they leave surrounding healthy tissue unharmed, which means a shorter recovery period for patients.

Success Rate of Histotripsy

Histotripsy has shown a high success rate in clinical trials, particularly for treating liver tumors. Recent studies have reported a success rate of around 85-95%.

Who is a candidate for histotripsy treatment?

Candidates for histotripsy are typically patients for whom traditional surgical methods, chemotherapy or radiation pose unacceptably increased risks or have been ineffective.

Patients with liver tumors that meet the following may be candidates:

• The tumor is less than 4 centimeters in size
• Have three or fewer tumors
• The tumor is in a favorable location for treatment

Talk to your doctor about receiving a thorough evaluation to see whether you might be a candidate for histotripsy.

What happens during a histotripsy procedure?

Preparation for histotripsy includes an ultrasound examination of the liver to make sure that the procedure will be effective for you. Before the procedure begins, you will be placed under general anesthesia so that you are asleep during the procedure. Next, the target area is identified using ultrasound. This ensures that the ultrasound waves are accurately directed to the tumorous tissue, minimizing the impact on surrounding healthy tissue.

Once the target area is confirmed, your doctor will focus high-intensity ultrasound waves on the tumorous tissue.

How long does the procedure take?

After anesthesia induction, histotripsy treatment ranges from 10 to 90 minutes depending on tumor location and size. Most histotripsy treatments take a total of about one-and-a-half to two hours and are performed as outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home the same day. In some cases, you may have to spend 24-48 hours in the hospital recovering.

Recovery After Histotripsy

To help your body effectively expel the damaged cancerous tissue, rest and hydration are important. You can likely return to daily routines, including work and physical activities, immediately. If you experience any soreness in the target area, speak to your doctor about over-the-counter pain medication. Your doctor will continue to monitor your progress and recovery after the procedure.

Histotripsy Side Effects

Common temporary side effects can include:

• Mild to moderate discomfort at the treatment site
• In rare cases, there might be unintended disruption of nearby tissues if the targeted tumor is on the outside surface of the liver

It is important to discuss your individual case with your doctor and review any possible side effects together.

Is histotripsy covered by insurance?

Insurance may cover histotripsy, depending on your specific procedure and your insurance provider.