Patients in the UK's National Health Service (NHS) will be the first in Europe to benefit from a revolutionary new treatment for liver cancer that doesn't require any surgery. This advancement comes as part of the government's Plan for Change, which aims to reduce administrative complexity and accelerate innovation, strengthening Britain's position as a global hub for medical technology.
The new treatment, called histotripsy, was developed by the US company HistoSonics. It uses ultrasound technology to precisely destroy tumors without the need for a scalpel or radiation, and with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Its key benefits include a faster recovery, reduced risk of complications, shorter hospital stays, and potentially improved survival rates.
The treatment is delivered in a single, short 30-minute session, with minimal or no pain, and can be performed in day care without the need for an overnight stay. The technology is now being explored for other hard-to-reach tumors, such as kidney and pancreatic tumors, raising hopes for a wider range of patients.
This new treatment is available through the UK government's Access to Innovative Devices Programme, a funded initiative that aims to accelerate the availability of pioneering healthcare innovations in the UK market, giving patients the opportunity to benefit from them years earlier than expected.
The treatment is scheduled to begin this summer at Cambridge University's Addenbrooke's Hospital. The device was made possible and installed thanks to a generous donation from the Li Ka Shing Foundation, which has supported cancer research at the university for years.
Roland Sinker, Chief Executive of Cambridge University Hospitals, expressed his optimism, saying:
Histotripsy is an exciting technology that will make a real difference to patients' lives. Thanks to this non-invasive and precise treatment, we can treat more cases as outpatients, freeing up surgeons' time for more complex cases.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the government's continued commitment to reducing red tape and speeding up regulatory processes, saying:
We are working to ensure that revolutionary treatments reach the frontlines more quickly, changing the game for public health
This move is part of broader efforts to establish the UK as a global powerhouse in health technology and achieve comprehensive national renewal over the next decade by facilitating innovation and stimulating investment.
Sources:
https://uofmhealthwest.org/news/um-health-west-introduces-histotripsy-cutting-edge-ultrasonic-cancer-treatment/
https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/gamechanging-new-cancer-treatment-delivers-hope-for-uk-patients/58901/
https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/new-fda-approved-technology-uses-ultrasound-technology-to-treat-liver-tumors