Patients at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) will soon have access to a new non-invasive treatment for liver tumors. The hospital is set to introduce histotripsy, a technology that uses focused ultrasound waves to break down cancerous and benign tumors in the liver. JSUMC will be one of only three hospitals in New Jersey, and the only one in Monmouth and Ocean counties, to offer this treatment starting in February.
Histotripsy works by directing ultrasound waves at targeted tumors, liquefying them so the body can naturally absorb the tissue. Unlike traditional ablation methods that require needles to burn or freeze tumors, histotripsy does not involve any incisions or thermal injury, which reduces side effects.
“This is one of the most fascinating technologies I’ve seen in my career,” said Gregory Tiesi, MD, FACS, FSSO, chief of surgical oncology at JSUMC. “Histotripsy uses a specialized device to focus ultrasound waves precisely on the targeted tumor, liquefying the tissue without damaging surrounding healthy structures. This precision allows us to preserve vital structures, without the risk of spreading cancer cells, and can be used in patients who might not otherwise have options like surgery.”
Dr. Tiesi also explained that histotripsy can treat both primary liver cancers and cancers that have spread from other parts of the body. He noted its potential as an alternative for patients who want to avoid chemotherapy or surgery: “We feel it is imperative to diligently seek genuine innovative therapies to add to our treatment arsenal such that our patients can continue to fight and live longer with preserved quality of life,” he said. “Histotripsy can be a viable option for patients across all stages. Even some benign liver tumors that can turn into cancers over time or even spontaneously rupture, are eligible. For many, histotripsy can also be an ideal alternative to those that hope to avoid standard therapies, such as chemotherapy or surgery.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved histotripsy for use in late 2023. It may serve as a first-line therapy or work alongside other treatments like surgery or radiation. The outpatient procedure typically lasts just over an hour; most patients go home on the same day.
All cancer cases at JSUMC are reviewed by a multidisciplinary team including oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, nurses and social workers who determine individualized care plans for each patient.
“Providing the most advanced cancer care to our communities is vital for a number of reasons,” said Vito Buccellato, MPA, LNHA, president and chief hospital executive at JSUMC. “The addition of histotripsy reinforces our dedication to offering cutting-edge cancer treatments, and most importantly, keeps our residents close to home for their care.”
Harpreet Pall, M.D., MBA, CPE, vice president and chief medical officer at JSUMC added: “Hackensack Meridian Health and Jersey Shore University Medical Center continue to invest in innovative technologies that improve patient outcomes.” Dr. Pall mentioned other recent investments such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for prostate cancer; trans-arterial micro-perfusion (TAMP) for pancreatic cancer; and pressurized intraperitoneal aerosolized chemotherapy (PIPAC) for peritoneal cancer: “Bringing histotripsy to our academic medical center reflects our continued aim of providing the highest quality cancer care throughout the network.”
Currently approved only for liver tumors at JSUMC, research continues into whether histotripsy could help treat other types of tumors in organs like the pancreas or kidney.
For more information about oncology services across Hackensack Meridian Health—including those offered by John Theurer Cancer Center—patients can visit hackensackmeridianhealth.org/cancer or call 833-CANCER-MD.
