Researchers have developed a non-invasive ultrasound treatment known as “histotripsy” to target and destroy liver tumors.
HistoSonics, a company founded in 2009, has been working on this technology. Histotripsy uses high-energy ultrasound waves to create microbubbles within the tumor, leading to the tumor’s breakdown and the subsequent destruction of tumor cells, cleared by the immune system.
Clinical trials have shown that the HistoSonic device, Edison, can effectively destroy liver cancer tumors. This approach offers a non-surgical alternative to treat liver cancer without the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
Histotripsy not only targets tumors but also stimulates immune responses that help further deteriorate tumors. Researchers aim to combine histotripsy with immunotherapy or drug delivery, potentially expanding its application to treat tumors throughout the body.