Leading Edge Cancer Treatment May Seem Too Good To Be True, But It Isn’t

A groundbreaking treatment for liver tumors, once thought to be the stuff of science fiction, is now a reality and poised to transform the lives of cancer patients within Memorial Healthcare System in 2025.

Non-Invasive Treatment for Liver Tumors

Introducing the "Edison Histotripsy System" from HistoSonics, a cutting-edge, FDA-approved device that utilizes high-intensity sound waves to obliterate tumors. This non-invasive and highly targeted ultrasound technology generates a “bubble cloud” (imagine an underwater tornado) that mechanically disrupts cancer cells and liquefies tumors for the body to eliminate. By confining these bubbles within the tumor, healthy tissues, blood vessels, and bile ducts are preserved, allowing physicians to monitor the destruction of cancer cells in real-time.

This innovative approach enables us to treat primary liver tumors, as well as cancer that has metastasized to the liver from other parts of the body, including tumors in patients with cirrhosis. Since the Edison system is non-invasive, patients can undergo treatment without the need for needles, radiation, or surgery. Remarkably, patients with multiple tumors have reported a domino effect, where treating one tumor triggers the body to eliminate other tumor cells.

Significant Benefits, Minimal Risk for Patients With Liver Tumor

Histotripsy complements traditional chemotherapy, which remains the standard treatment for gastrointestinal cancers. Patients utilizing the new technology don’t need to discontinue chemotherapy or blood thinners, which can pose risks for some individuals. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, not due to pain, but to ensure patient stillness.

During the treatment, surgical oncologists use a robotic arm to sequentially destroy the tumor(s). With no incisions involved, there is minimal risk of infection and no concerns about scarring, allowing patients to return home the same day. Clinical trials have shown an impressive 85-95% overall success rate.

A Better Option for Liver Tumor Treatment

Historically, liver tumors have been targeted using needles that either burn, freeze, or electrify the cells. While these methods can be effective, their efficacy may be compromised by suboptimal needle placement, which can lead to additional complications. Further, the treated diseased tissue remains in the body, raising concerns about the presence of viable cancer cells.

In contrast, the Edison system offers a treatment option with less pain, faster recovery, and reduced risk of complications. It’s uncommon to find an aggressive treatment approach that doesn’t elevate risk. At Memorial Hospital West, where our system will be located, and Memorial Cancer Institute, we’re enthusiastic about the transformative potential of histotripsy.

While our current focus is on liver tumors, we’re confident in its future effectiveness for cancers affecting the breast, brain, thyroid, prostate, and kidney. Liver transplant surgeons are already utilizing this technology to downstage disease prior to surgery.

For more information about histotripsy and our forthcoming approach at Memorial, or if you are a physician interested in making a patient referral, please contact Memorial’s Division of Surgical Oncology at 954-844-9520.