Sarasota Memorial adds noninvasive ultrasound treatment for liver tumors

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Sarasota Memorial’s Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute is adding a new noninvasive treatment for certain liver tumors, hospital officials announced Wednesday.

The Edison Histotripsy System uses focused ultrasound waves to target and destroy liver tumors without surgical cuts or incisions, according to Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.

Hospital officials said the technology may help some patients whose tumors cannot be surgically removed or who are not good candidates for surgery.

The system is being installed this week at Sarasota Memorial’s cancer institute.

Histotripsy involves placing an ultrasound machine over the abdomen and directing high-intensity sound waves toward liver tumors. Those sound waves create tiny bubbles that mechanically break down tumor tissue, which the body clears over time, according to the hospital.

The Food and Drug Administration cleared HistoSonics’ treatment for primary and metastatic liver tumors in late 2023, according to Sarasota Memorial. The hospital said it is among about 100 regional hospitals and cancer centers adopting the technology during its early rollout.

“We’re always looking for new and better ways to care for our patients, and this is one of them,” said Kenneth Meredith, gastrointestinal surgical oncologist with SMH First Physicians Group, chief of surgical oncology at Sarasota Memorial and medical director of the gastrointestinal cancer specialty program at SMH’s Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute. “While surgery is typically the first and most effective course of treatment for liver cancer, this technology is a safe, viable option for patients whose tumors cannot be surgically removed, or who may not be good candidates for surgery.”

Unlike surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, Sarasota Memorial said histotripsy’s focused ultrasound causes minimal to no side effects and does not harm healthy tissue or nearby blood vessels.

The procedure takes up to an hour per tumor and is typically performed under general anesthesia. Patients usually go home the same day or the next day, according to the hospital.

Sarasota Memorial said clinical studies show the Edison system is 95% effective at destroying tumors, in most cases during a single treatment session. The hospital also said studies currently show 90% of targeted liver tumors have not returned one year after treatment.

The FDA clearance specifically covers treatment of liver tumors. Sarasota Memorial said the technology also has been used to manage biliary and vascular obstructions, provide palliative or pain care relief and serve as bridge therapy for patients awaiting liver transplants.

Clinical trials are also testing whether the technology can treat tumors in other organs and other conditions, according to the release.

The hospital did not say when the first local patient procedure is expected.