Histotripsy for Liver Cancer

Henry Ford Health is among the first centers in Michigan offering histotripsy for liver cancer. This nonsurgical treatment uses focused sound waves to destroy tumors. It offers remarkable precision while sparing nearby healthy tissue.

What is histotripsy?

Histotripsy is a nonsurgical treatment that destroys liver tumors using focused sound waves. The sound waves break the tumor into tiny pieces and your body naturally absorbs them.

This treatment is a type of ablation that can be especially useful for:

• Primary liver cancer, cancer that starts in the liver
• Metastatic liver cancer, cancer that spreads to the liver from another organ
• Hard-to-reach tumors
• People who cannot have liver cancer surgery
• Tumors that return, even after treatments like cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation

Why choose Henry Ford for histotripsy for liver cancer?

Our highly regarded liver interventional radiologists perform histotripsy. These doctors specialize in using real-time imaging to guide minimally invasive treatments inside the body. They are part of a large team of liver cancer experts who ensure you receive expert care.

The Henry Ford difference:

• Innovation: For more than 20 years, our specialists have studied and refined new ablation techniques. This background gives our team the insight to safely bring forward new options. It’s the same foundation that now guides how we deliver histotripsy.
• Expert liver disease care before treatment: Many people with liver cancer also have cirrhosis, hepatitis or other chronic liver conditions. Hepatologists check how well your liver is working and get ahead of issues that could complicate a histotripsy procedure. They also coordinate with interventional radiologists to ensure your procedure is as safe as possible.
• Renowned liver transplant program: Histotripsy’s ability to destroy liver tumors helps some patients become eligible for a liver transplant. Henry Ford is home to one of the most experienced transplant teams in Michigan. Our program is also nationally respected for helping more people receive transplants and move forward with healthier lives.

How histotripsy for liver cancer works

Histotripsy uses focused sound waves to break apart tumors without surgery. Doctors guide the treatment with real-time imaging for safe, precise treatment.

Here’s how it works:

• Finding the tumor: We use ultrasound CT and or MRI to pinpoint the tumor.
• Delivering treatment: Focused sound waves reach the tumor from outside the body, with no cuts or needles.
• Breaking down the tumor: The sound waves break the tumor into tiny pieces.
• Clearing it away: Your body gradually eliminates what’s left of the tumor, just like it does with other damaged cells.
• Recovering quickly: Most people go home the same day.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about histotripsy for liver cancer