HCA Healthcare UK’s The Wellington Hospital has become the first private hospital in Europe to offer Histotripsy, a non-invasive treatment for certain liver cancers.
Histotripsy uses highly focused ultrasound waves to target and break down cancer tissue. The procedure creates microscopic ‘bubble clouds’ that form and collapse in microseconds, destroying tumour cells. Evidence also suggests the ultrasound waves may stimulate the body’s immune system to attack remaining cancer tissue in some cases.
The treatment is intended for patients with certain types of inoperable liver tumours that have not responded to other therapies. It has been used in patients with primary liver cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, as well as metastatic liver cancer such as colorectal, breast and neuroendocrine metastases.
Because the treatment is highly targeted, surrounding healthy tissue, including vascular and biliary structures, is largely preserved. HCA Healthcare UK said this can result in minimal recovery time and few reported side effects, and allows patients to continue other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy without interruption.
Eligibility for Histotripsy is determined through an oncology evaluation assessing the type, stage and grade of cancer, along with previous treatments. A multidisciplinary team reviews each case before a specialist Histotripsy team plans and delivers the treatment. Depending on tumour size, a single treatment may be sufficient, although the procedure can be repeated if required.
The treatment programme at The Wellington Hospital is led by Brian Davidson, consultant HPB surgeon, and delivered by a team including liver surgeons and radiologists.
Davidson said: ‘Histotripsy is a new precision treatment option for liver cancers that may otherwise be inoperable or untreatable. What’s most exciting as a clinician is how precisely we can target the tumours with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue, without the side effects of other cancer therapies. This represents a significant breakthrough in our ability to treat certain liver cancers and can be life-changing for patients who may have exhausted other treatment options.’
The Wellington Hospital CEO Eric Reichle said: ‘We’re proud to be the first independent hospital in Europe to offer Histotripsy treatment. Across HCA UK we are committed to providing the latest and most effective treatments, improving the lives of people affected by cancer. This investment further reinforces that commitment and provides new hope for patients facing the most challenging diagnoses.’
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