Histotripsy treatment

Allina Health Cancer Institute is proud to be the first in the Twin Cities to offer histotripsy, a revolutionary, noninvasive cancer treatment that targets and destroys liver tumors using ultrasound. This novel treatment will help those with liver cancer, especially if they are not a candidate for open surgery, or if chemotherapy or radiation therapy has not worked.

Histotripsy is a pioneering medical procedure that allows our cancer experts to dissolve tumors without using toxic chemicals, heat or scalpels. It is one more tool we can add to our cancer treatment toolbox.  

The meaning of the word can be broken down into two parts: “histo,” meaning “soft tissue,” and “tripsy,” meaning “breaking down.”  Doctors use imaging to precisely target liver tumors in real time, then harness the power of pulsed ultrasound waves to break them down. Once the material is liquified, it passes through your system like any other waste.  

Currently, histotripsy is only FDA-approved for the use of liver tumors, but research for other conditions is underway.

Using the Edison Histotripsy System, made by locally based HistoSonics, your physician maps the location of your tumor(s), dials in the coordinates, and starts a process of sending directed, pulsed ultrasound waves to the tumor.  

These sound waves create what are called “bubble clouds” that form from naturally occurring gases in the tissue. These bubble clouds form and collapse in microseconds, creating rapid pressure changes within the tissue. This mechanical force is strong enough to erode and liquify the tissue at both the cellular and subcellular levels.  

The process is fast, reliable and precise — and remarkably, does not change the tissues surrounding the tumor, unlike radiation, heat or even surgical tools such as needles or scalpels.  

Where some liver tumors would have previously been inoperable, they may now qualify for histotripsy. Surgeries that previously would have taken hours to perform will now be completed in minutes in an outpatient setting. That’s all done without compromising safety, efficacy or recovery.

Histotripsy offers a look into the future of cancer care, one with fewer side effects or complications and faster recovery times.  

• Leading technology: Approved by the FDA in 2023, the Edison System is the only FDA-approved machine that is currently available for use for this vanguard treatment.
• Noninvasive: Histotripsy doesn’t use needles, scalpels, stitches, lasers or laparoscopic surgery techniques. It is a naturally occurring, purely mechanical process called cavitation, and it is controllable and predictable. Because it doesn’t require incisions, the risk of bleeding, infection and other complications is greatly reduced.
• Nontoxic: No chemo, no radiation, no side effects from medication — though it can be used in concert with other cancer treatments. It is simply a safe application of ultrasound waves.
• Ultra targeted: Physicians can see your tumors in real time, then adjust the treatment to size and shape of the tumor itself. The incredibly precise treatment dials down to less than 1 millimeter in diameter. Physicians may also treat multiple tumors in one session.
• Quick procedure: Patients receive general anesthesia to help control movement and breathing during the procedure. Histotripsy takes anywhere from 10 to 90 minutes, depending on the case and number of tumors, converting surgery time from hours to minutes. The total time for the procedure is three to four hours for prep, anesthesia and recovery time. Histotripsy is usually performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day.
• Fast recovery: Most patients return to their lives after a nap or a day of rest. Soreness or pain is minimal.
• Improved quality of life: This revolutionary treatment is expanding options for extending and improving quality of life when other options may no longer work or be available.

Early trials and studies show histotripsy is an effective treatment for liver tumors.

According to the HOPE4LIVER clinical trial, sponsored by HistoSonics, the success rate – success defined as total ablation of the targeted tissue – was 95.5 percent, just 36 hours after histotripsy treatment.

The overall survival rate at one year was 73.3 percent for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (or HCC, the most common form of liver cancer) and 48.6 percent for patients with metastatic cancer.

In a separate study of 230 cases, histotripsy was widely well tolerated, with few overall complications and rare serious complications.

These results indicate that the procedure is both effective and safe. They also indicate that one year after treatment, liver tumor control is consistent with other therapies for similar disease stages.

This treatment is currently limited to those diagnosed with liver cancer, and best suited for those who have had ineffective chemotherapy, radiation or surgery, or if these treatments pose an increased risk. However, histotripsy can be used with chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments.

If your oncologist thinks you may be a good candidate for this procedure, they can provide a referral for a consultation.

For coverage details, please contact your health insurance company.

Call to book a consultation to see if histotripsy is right for you: 612-863-0271.

If you become a candidate for histotripsy, there will be some standard prep prior to your procedure, including pre-operative clearance exams or consultations and fasting or diet changes. Your physician will provide detailed information so you’re fully prepared.

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day. Plan on about a half day for prep, the procedure itself — which can last anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes per tumor – and recovery. You will receive general anesthesia, so you will be fully asleep, and the treatment is generally well tolerated with very little soreness or lingering pain. Many people return to their lives after a nap or day off.