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A groundbreaking cancer treatment called histotripsy is offering new hope to patients battling aggressive cancers.
Developed by researchers at the University of Michigan, the therapy uses high-intensity sound waves and in some cases, degassed water, to destroy cancer cells non-invasively. Recently FDA-approved for treating liver tumors, histotripsy is being hailed as a safer, less invasive alternative to traditional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Histotripsy works by focusing ultrasound waves on targeted tissues, producing rapid pressure changes that generate bubble clouds within the tumor. These bubbles collapse and mechanically destroy the cancer cells while leaving surrounding healthy tissue intact.
The procedure avoids the use of ionizing radiation or heat, minimizing damage to nearby organs and reducing recovery time.
"Histotripsy is a technology that uses ultrasound waves that go to a very small point. It's about the size of a grain of rice. And it just ruptures the cells and kills them instantly," Dr. Kevin Burns, Providence Mission Hospital Chief of Interventional radiology, told ABC7.
Chris Donaldson, a 48-year-old from Alabama, was one of the first patients to undergo histotripsy treatment. Diagnosed with ocular melanoma in 2022, his cancer had metastasized to his liver, ABC7 noted. He received the treatment at Providence Mission Hospital.
In Donaldson’s case, doctors utilized degassed water—water with dissolved gases removed—to enhance precision by preventing unwanted bubble formation. Donaldson called the procedure “life-changing,” marveling at its non-invasive approach.
"It's innovative. I think it should be used widespread for other types of cancers," Donaldson told the outlet in December.
Since its FDA approval, histotripsy has been explored in clinical trials for other difficult-to-treat cancers, such as those in the pancreas and kidneys.
While still in its early stages of adoption, this new cancer treatment represents a significant advancement in cancer care.
"Truly saved my life. Truly gave me a chance to meet my grandchildren. If I could inspire anyone to just not give up and have that glimmer of hope," Donaldson added, noting he remains cancer-free months after the treatment.
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