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LVHN introduces new noninvasive treatment for liver cancer
Stacy Wescoe//March 13, 2025//
Lehigh Valley Health Network‘s Topper Cancer Institute has become the first in Pennsylvania to use histotripsy to treat cancerous liver tumors.
The health network said the first procedure is being conducted this week.
LVHN explained that histotripsy is a noninvasive, nonionizing and nonthermal procedure.
Using computed tomography and ultrasound guidance, hyper-focused sound waves are delivered through the body to the liver lesion.
The sound waves mechanically destroy the tumor while sparing normal tissue.
The technology is aimed at allowing physicians to treat liver cancer without surgery, pain, incisions or radiation.
“Using focused ultrasound waves, this method breaks down the cancerous tissue without harming adjacent healthy tissues,” said hematologist oncologist Maged Khalil, MD. “It can be applied to various types of tumors, including those in the liver, kidney and other organs.”
Histotripsy is an outpatient, single-session treatment with minimal interference to the patient’s life. A wand outside the body is used to conduct it. As a result, recovery is faster and easier than traditional methods.
Histotripsy typically results in fewer side effects and complications than more invasive treatments, improving the overall patient experience, according to LVHN.
The health network said FDA approval for treatment of renal, pancreatic and prostate cancer is expected in the not-too-distant future.
It expects that as histotripsy technology advances, indications for treatment will also increase.
