The newest method of histotripsy destroys the tumor without a knife and burns

Scientists presented the Histotripsy method as a revolutionary method of tumor treatment, and it is almost from the genre of fantasy. Instead of knives, rays or strong radiation, ultrasound is used, but concentrated in such a way that thousands of microbubbles are formed inside the tumor. These bubbles rapidly expand and burst, literally breaking the tumor tissue into tiny particles. The results of the research were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine. The method is completely non-invasive. no cuts, burns or radiation exposure required. The doctor sees everything on the screen in real time and precisely directs the "beam" to the tumor area, locally controlling the destruction to avoid damaging healthy organs. The first clinical trials have already given reliable results. Histotripsy has shown efficacy in liver tumors; patients had fewer complications compared to traditional surgery and were able to return home the same day after surgery. Interestingly, the effect is not just local. When the tumor breaks down, its parts and "alarm" molecules enter the blood and can "wake up" the immune system. Thus, the body begins to recognize and fight cancer cells on its own. In a number of experiments, immune responses to distant metastases have even been observed, which opens up the prospect of combined approaches: Histotripsy plus immunotherapy. The method is also being studied for other applications, such as treating benign tumors, heart valve problems, and even neurosurgery, due to its accuracy and cost-effectiveness. Another important advantage is that Histotripsy is suitable for patients for whom surgery or radiation therapy is contraindicated, allowing treatment with reduced risk and soft recovery. This technology may become part of the standard arsenal of oncology in the coming years.