Understanding Histotripsy

Histotripsy is an emerging, non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound waves to break down tumours without surgery. Unlike chemotherapy or radiation, it relies on sound waves to destroy targeted tissues without heat, cutting, or anaesthesia. This technique is in its early days and is used clinically predominantly in the USA- particularly for liver tumours. There are no long-term data showing efficacy and histotripsy is not yet available in New Zealand.

How Does It Work?

Histotripsy uses focused ultrasound pulses to create cavitation—a process where tiny gas bubbles form and collapse rapidly inside the tumour. This mechanical force disrupts tumour cells without damaging surrounding healthy tissues. The body then naturally clears the debris left behind.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. High-Intensity Ultrasound Waves target the tumour precisely.
2. Bubbles Form Within the Tumour, triggered by the sound waves.
3. Bubble Collapse Breaks Apart Cancer Cells, destroying them.
4. The Body Clears the Debris, similar to how it removes dead cells.

Potential Benefits

Histotripsy has shown promise in early studies, especially for liver cancer and other soft-tissue tumours. Some advantages include:
✔ Non-Invasive: No incisions or radiation exposure
✔ Precise Targeting: Minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue
✔ Short Recovery Time: Patients can resume activities quickly
✔ Fewer Side Effects: Avoids complications such as radiation-induced harm

Histotripsy and the Immune System

Recent research suggests histotripsy may help the immune system fight cancer. When tumour cells break apart, their proteins—called tumour antigens—are released into the bloodstream. This may help the immune system recognise cancer cells more effectively, potentially boosting its ability to fight the disease.

Some researchers believe histotripsy could even complement immunotherapy—a type of treatment that helps the immune system attack cancer. However, studies are still underway to confirm how strong this effect is and whether it leads to long-term immunity against cancer recurrence.

Limitations and Considerations

While histotripsy is an exciting development, there are important factors to consider:

• No Long-Term Data Yet: Because histotripsy is still being studied, scientists do not yet know how effective it is in preventing cancer from returning.
• Not Available in New Zealand: At present, histotripsy is not an approved treatment option in New Zealand.
• Not Suitable for All Tumours: Some tumours may not respond as well to histotripsy, and more research is needed to define its best applications.

The Future of Histotripsy

Scientists are continuing to study histotripsy’s effectiveness and safety. While it is not yet a standard cancer treatment, future advancements may make it more widely available for patients looking for non-invasive options. It’s likely that histotripsy will becomes one amongst many options to help people with cancer.

Final Thoughts

Histotripsy offers an exciting potential alternative for tumour treatment, but it is still in development. If you are seeking non-invasive therapies or treatment for liver cancer, it is best to discuss your options with a healthcare provider to find a treatment that suits your individual needs.