Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert, Arizona, has begun offering histotripsy, a new non-invasive treatment for liver cancer. The technology uses focused ultrasound waves to target and destroy cancerous tissue in the liver without incisions, needles, or radiation.
“Histotripsy treatment means no incisions, no needles, and no radiation,” said Dr. Michael Choti, division chief of surgical oncology at Banner MD Anderson. “We are thrilled to help these cancer patients recover more quickly and experience less pain than they would if they had to undergo surgery, thanks to this novel treatment.”
Banner MD Anderson is the second facility in Arizona to offer histotripsy. The Food and Drug Administration approved the technology in 2023 for treating liver tumors.
The procedure involves a robotic platform that sends sound waves through the skin directly into the tumor. These waves create cavitation bubbles within the tumor that rapidly burst and break down the cancer cells.
“Another advantage is that unlike other liver directed therapies, histotripsy does not use heat or radiation, destroying the cancer without injuring normal tissues. It can safely be delivered to liver tumors near major bile ducts, intestines, or other vital structures,” said Dr. Choti.
The treatment can address all types of liver cancers as well as metastases from other areas. Depending on factors such as tumor size and number, procedures may last from 10 to 90 minutes. Most patients return home the same day.
“For many patients, this treatment means avoiding surgery and hospital stays. Most importantly, it means patients are returning to their lives more quickly,” said Darren McCollem, chief executive officer of Banner Gateway Medical Center and Banner MD Anderson. “This is the kind of compassionate and innovative progress we strive for every day.”
Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center operates through a partnership between Banner Health and MD Anderson Cancer Center. The center provides disease-specific expertise in various aspects of cancer care along with access to clinical trials and advanced diagnostic technologies. More information about its services can be found at www.BannerMDAnderson.com.
