MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper Becomes One of Only 20 Health Systems Worldwide to Offer Noninvasive Histotripsy for Treating Liver Cancer

(CAMDEN, NJ) - On Friday, August 30, surgical oncologists at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper used histotripsy, an innovative noninvasive technology that uses sound waves to destroy cancerous liver tumors, to treat a patient. This makes MD Anderson at Cooper one of only 20 cancer centers worldwide, and the first in New Jersey and the Philadelphia region, to offer this treatment.

"This technology is very different from current standard treatments like surgery, offering many potential benefits. We're excited to provide this option to our patients," said Young Ki Hong, MD, MPH, FACS, FSSO, division head of surgical oncology and director of cellular therapy at MD Anderson at Cooper. "Histotripsy doesn't require incisions, has minimal side effects, and involves a short recovery time. Studies show it has a 95% success rate in destroying tumors without harming surrounding tissues."

"MD Anderson at Cooper continues to seek out innovative, advanced treatments for patients in our region," said Generosa Grana, MD, FACP, director of MD Anderson at Cooper. "This groundbreaking treatment for liver cancer - a first for our region - is a testament to our team's expertise and dedication to our mission."

How Histotripsy Works
The histotripsy technology sends focused ultrasound pulses to precisely target and destroy liver tumors without the need for incisions. The sound waves create controlled cavitation, a process that forms micro-bubbles that break down tumor cells as the bubbles expand, collapse, and vibrate. The now-harmless remnants of the destroyed tumor are absorbed by the lymphatic system, potentially helping the immune system recognize tumor antigens. An international study led to FDA approval of this technology in late 2023.

Significant Advantages
Dr. Hong highlighted several key advantages of histotripsy. Unlike traditional methods like surgery, radiation, or ablation, histotripsy doesn't involve incisions, radiation, needles, or other invasive procedures. It is highly precise, destroying only tumor tissue while sparing nearby structures such as blood vessels and bile ducts.

"Because histotripsy is noninvasive, it can be an option for frail patients who can't undergo surgery or other invasive liver treatments. Many patients can go home the same day or after an overnight observation, unlike liver surgery, which requires a lengthy recovery period," Dr. Hong said.

Histotripsy may also trigger an immune response, potentially enhancing the body's ability to fight tumors elsewhere-a phenomenon known as the abscopal effect. The treated tumor remnants may act like a vaccine, helping the immune system target and shrink other tumors, and possibly working in conjunction with chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

"By only destroying tumor cells, histotripsy allows for the regeneration of healthy liver tissue, which is crucial for treating liver tumors," Dr. Hong added. "Preserving liver tissue enables us to treat again if cancer returns."

About MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper

MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is a leading cancer center in the region. Through our partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center - a world-renowned cancer center - our patients have access to advanced cancer treatments. Our multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach to cancer care combines the expertise of our highly skilled cancer specialists with innovative diagnostic and treatment technologies and groundbreaking clinical trials.

MD Anderson at Cooper takes a disease-site-specific approach to cancer care. Experts from every area of cancer medicine work together to provide each patient with outstanding care from diagnosis to treatment, recovery, and beyond. Patients also have access to our full range of supportive care services throughout their cancer journey. Learn more at MDAndersonCooper.org.

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