Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center is using new technology to treat cancer in the liver — a non-invasive treatment called histotripsy, which uses focused ultrasound waves to locate and destroy the cancerous tissues.

“Histotripsy treatment means no incisions, no needles and no radiation,” Dr. Michael Choti, the division chief of surgical oncology at Banner MD Anderson, said in a release. “We are thrilled to help these cancer patients recover more quickly and experience less pain than they would if they had to undergo surgery, thanks to this novel treatment.”

Banner MD Anderson is just the second in the state to introduce this tool to its patients. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2023 to treat liver tumors.

Histotripsy uses a robotic platform to deliver the sound waves through the skin and tissue, targeting the liver tumor directly. The sound waves create tiny bubbles, called cavitation inside the tumor. These bubbles grow and quickly burst, disintegrating the tumor.

“Another advantage is that unlike other liver directed therapies, histotripsy does not use heat or radiation, destroying the cancer without injuring normal tissues," Choti said. "It can safely be delivered to liver tumors near major bile ducts, intestines, or other vital structures."

Histotripsy can treat all types of liver cancer, both those that started in the liver or cancerous metastases that have spread to the liver from other sites. The procedure can take as little as 10 minutes, or up to 90 minutes, depending on the tumor size, location and number of tumors being treated. Most patients go home the same day.

"For many patients, this treatment means avoiding surgery and hospital stays," said Darren McCollem, chief executive officer of Banner Gateway Medical Center and Banner MD Anderson. "Most importantly, it means patients are returning to their lives more quickly. This is the kind of compassionate and innovative progress we strive for every day."

Those who wish to see if they are a candidate for the procedure can call 480-601-5847.