Huntington Cancer Center Introduces Breakthrough Noninvasive Treatment for Liver Tumors

Huntington is the only hospital in the San Gabriel Valley offering innovative sound wave procedure, renewing hope for liver cancer patients

Huntington Cancer Center, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Cancer, announced the launch of an innovative, non-invasive treatment for patients with liver tumors, called histotripsy. Using advanced ultrasound imaging to deliver precise, personalized treatment in a single outpatient procedure, focused sound waves create tiny bubble clouds that break apart and destroy tumor tissue (both cancerous and benign) while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.

According to the American Cancer Society, liver cancer develops when cells in the liver grow uncontrollably and form tumors, disrupting the liver's ability to perform essential functions such as processing nutrients, producing clotting factors, and removing toxins from the body. Liver cancers are considered primary, such as hepatocellular cancer (HCC), and secondary, or metastatic from other sites of cancer. In the United States, metastatic liver cancer is much more common than HCC and most often come from colorectal cancer. Histotripsy treats these tumors and other less common liver cancers.

"At Huntington Cancer Center, we are committed to bringing the most advanced and promising options to our cancer patients," said Howard Kaufman, MD, regional medical director of Huntington Cancer Center, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. "This innovative treatment, histotripsy, is an exciting new option for patients with liver tumors - and we are proud to offer it at Huntington Cancer Center. As a truly non-invasive therapy, it offers new hope to those who cannot have surgery or who are looking for another treatment."

Histotripsy, which is also available at Cedars-Sinai, has been studied by physicians and researchers for more than two decades and has shown promising results in clinical trials in the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on surgery or radiation, histotripsy uses sound waves to tear apart the tumor and burst the tumor cells, helping reduce damage to surrounding healthy tissue, resulting in a faster recovery.

Benefits of histotripsy include:

• A completely non-invasive approach with no incisions or needles.
• Precise targeting of liver tumors while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.
• No use of ionizing radiation.
• Potential for outpatient treatment and a quicker return to normal activities.
• An additional option for patients who cannot have surgery or other therapies.

"We are excited to offer this groundbreaking technology to our patients with liver tumors," said Ioannis Konstantinidis, MD, surgical oncologist. "Histotripsy expands our ability to provide personalized treatment plans and may help patients who previously had limited options. Adding this technology further strengthens Huntington's cancer program and commitment to innovation."

The introduction of histotripsy is the latest example of Huntington's commitment to leading-edge cancer care. Jane Haderlein, senior vice president, philanthropy and public relations, shares: "The investment in histotripsy is thanks to the Panda Charitable Family Foundation. Their generous gift made this life-changing procedure, and renewed hope for Huntington cancer patients, possible."

For more information about Huntington Cancer Center and liver cancer treatment options, visit: huntingtonhealth.org/livercancer

Image credit: Histonics