This non-invasive method, called histotripsy, aims to break down cancerous tumors of the liver. This is ultrasound therapy.
“In most clinical situations, treatments cannot directly target the entire cancerous tumor. This is due to the size, location or stage of the tumor,” explain the authors of the study, published in the Michigan News this Monday.
But by emitting targeted ultrasonic waves, these waves will mechanically destroy, “and with millimeter precision”, the diseased tissues.
The Michigan team developing this technique conducted a series of laboratory tests on rats. Conclusion: the rodent tumor was three-quarters destroyed.
Block the spread of cancer
In addition, this technique boosted the immune system of the rats, allowing it to then attack the remaining diseased tissue. Finally, the ultrasound method prevented any spread of metastases in 80% of cases.
“Even if we don’t target the entire tumor, we can make it regress and reduce the risk of future metastases,” rejoices Zhen Xu, professor of medical engineering and co-author of the study.
However, further research is needed before validating the effectiveness of ultrasound cancer treatment.
This technique is currently in the test phase in Europe and the United States, in patients with liver cancer. However, these tests had been carried out on a very small scale. Also, the Michigan team hopes that their study will motivate further research on this process, in order to lead to a safe and effective clinical treatment for patients with liver cancer.