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Histotripsy Treatment for Liver Cancer

Our liver cancer specialists at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University expertly use histotripsy, a noninvasive, radiation- and heat-free therapy that employs focused ultrasound to treat both primary and metastatic liver tumors.

Targeted Cancer Therapy Histotripsy Treatment for Liver Cancer

Histotripsy is a noninvasive, FDA-approved treatment for liver tumors. It uses focused ultrasound to break down targeted tumor tissue, and it offers a new non-thermal treatment option for patients.

The good news is this treatment option fits right into your current plan and is gentle on your body — it doesn’t involve surgery, heat or freezing, and it doesn’t use harmful chemicals. The goal is to treat the tumor tissue without damaging healthy tissue. It is performed under anesthesia and has a proven safety record with minimal side effects.

Who is eligible for Histotripsy?

Any patient with liver tumors is a potential candidate for histotripsy. This includes tumors that have formed within the liver or those that have spread to the liver from other organs. However, patients must be evaluated by a liver specialist to determine if you would benefit from this treatment option.

What happens during a Histotripsy procedure?

Liver tumors are liquefied by delivering high amplitude, pulsed sound energy into the body, without incisions or needles. The sound waves cause “bubble clouds” formed by gases naturally present in targeted tissue. These bubble clouds will form and collapse in microseconds, creating mechanical forces strong enough to destroy tissue at cellular and sub-cellular levels while protecting the important structures of the liver, like the blood vessels and bile ducts.

Our experts can continuously monitor the treatment effect in real-time. Each treatment is tailored to the tumor, and multiple treatments can be performed if needed.

What to expect

  • Consultation and evaluation
    You’ll first meet with your care team to review your medical history, imaging scans and overall treatment plan. This helps determine if histotripsy is a good option for you and allows time to answer your questions.
  • Day of the procedure
    The treatment is performed using focused sound waves from outside the body — there are no incisions. You’ll lie comfortably while the team uses imaging to guide the treatment to the exact area being targeted.
  • General anesthesia
    Most patients receive general anesthesia, so they are comfortable and do not feel pain during the procedure. Your care team will explain what type of anesthesia is best for you.
  • Recovery
    Because there are no cuts or surgery, recovery is typically quicker than with traditional procedures. Many patients go home the same day or shortly after, and your team will give you specific instructions about returning to normal activities.

Location

Histotripsy treatment is currently offered at Winship at Emory Johns Creek Hospital, ​6325 Hospital Pkwy, Johns Creek, GA 30097.

Personalized Liver Cancer Care

Each liver cancer case is unique. At Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, we provide personalized treatment tailored to your needs. From diagnosis through treatment and beyond, our expert team is here for you.