Researchers have discovered new ways to treat cancer using ultrasound therapy, offering patients a surgery-free alternative to traditional treatments. The innovative approach, known as histotripsy, uses high-frequency sound waves to break up and destroy cancerous tissue.
In the early 2000s, Zhen Xu, a biomedical engineer, was trying to find a way to destroy diseased tissue without invasive surgery. Her serendipitous discovery led to the development of histotripsy, which has been approved for liver tumour treatment in the US and UK. The therapy involves channeling ultrasound waves into a small area of the tumour, creating microbubbles that break apart the tissue.
While histotripsy shows promise, researchers are still studying its long-term effects and addressing concerns about potential side effects and cancer recurrence. However, the technology has been shown to be fast, non-toxic, and non-invasive, allowing patients to recover quickly with minimal discomfort.
Other ultrasound approaches, such as high-intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), also hold promise for cancer treatment. HIFU can generate heat that “cooks” cancer tissue, while combining it with other treatments like immunotherapy may enhance its effectiveness.
As researchers continue to explore the potential of ultrasound in cancer treatment, they hope to create a new era in oncology, replacing or improving traditional therapies. While ultrasound is not a “magic cure” for cancer, Xu’s discovery and others aim to alleviate patient suffering by offering alternative, less invasive options.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20251007-how-ultrasound-is-ushering-a-new-era-of-surgery-free-cancer-treatment