Smarter care.

At Advanced Cancer Care in Atlanta, we believe innovation should meet compassion. As cancer therapies evolve, our commitment is to bring patients the most advanced, least invasive options available — and that’s why we’re proud to feature histotripsy as part of our liver cancer care portfolio.

What Is Histotripsy?

Histotripsy is a novel, non-thermal, non-invasive ultrasound technology for destroying tumors in the liver. Rather than relying on heat or radiation, histotripsy delivers focused acoustic pulses that generate microscopic bubbles inside the tumor. These bubbles collapse, mechanically disrupting the cancerous tissue, which is then gradually cleared by the body.

Some key features include:

No incisions, no needles, no implants Precision targeting with real-time imaging guidance Sparing of vessels and bile ducts, thanks to its non-thermal nature Reduced risk of heat-sink effect (i.e. loss of effectiveness near large vessels) 

In October 2023, histotripsy received FDA clearance for the non-invasive destruction of liver tumors, opening new doors for patients and providers. 

Why Advanced Cancer Care Atlanta Is Leading in Histotripsy

While histotripsy is still relatively new, implementing it demands deep multidisciplinary collaboration, infrastructure, and vision. At Advanced Cancer Care, we are assembling that expertise:

Multidisciplinary team approach We combine surgical oncology, interventional radiology, liver disease, radiation oncology, and medical oncology in tumor board reviews. This ensures that each patient’s liver tumor is evaluated holistically and assigned the therapy most likely to succeed. State-of-the-art imaging & navigation Precise imaging is essential in histotripsy to locate targets, control the ablation zone, and adjust in real time. We are investing in advanced ultrasound and image fusion systems to make each treatment safer and more effective. Patient selection & optimization Histotripsy is not appropriate for all tumors or patients. We carefully assess tumor size, location, liver function, and prior therapies. In borderline cases, we may combine it with other modalities (e.g. systemic therapy, local ablation, or radiation) as part of a comprehensive plan. Clinical trial & innovation mindset We are actively engaging in ongoing studies and registry efforts to track long-term outcomes, safety, and immune responses. Our goal is not simply offering the “latest gadget,” but contributing to evidence that defines the standard of care. Patient-centric care & support We pride ourselves on guiding patients through every step — from pre-procedure counseling and anesthesia planning to recovery, imaging follow-up, and survivorship care.

The Promise of Histotripsy in Liver Cancer

Histotripsy brings several potential upsides over conventional therapies:

Offers options when other treatments fall short In cases where tumor location, cirrhosis, or anatomy make surgery or thermal ablation risky or impossible, histotripsy may open a new pathway.  Reduced collateral damage Because histotripsy is mechanical rather than thermal, nearby vessels, bile ducts, and sensitive structures have greater protection. Fewer procedure-related complications & faster recovery Patients may have less pain, shorter hospital stays (or outpatient treatment), and a lower risk of heat-related injury. Immunologic potential Early data suggest histotripsy may expose tumor antigens in a form conducive to immune activation, possibly stimulating systemic anti-tumor effects (a kind of “in-body vaccine” effect). High local control in early results Emerging trials report ~90% tumor control at 12 months in select patients. 

What to Expect: Patient Journey & Experience

Here’s a typical pathway for a patient considering histotripsy at Advanced Cancer Care:

Phase

What Happens

What Patients Should Expect

Referral & evaluation

Multidisciplinary review of imaging, labs, liver function, and tumor biology

A team meeting discusses whether histotripsy is suitable

Preprocedural planning

Simulation, imaging alignment, anesthesia plan

Guidance on fasting, labs, and preparation

Treatment session

Under anesthesia, focusing pulses via ultrasound; real-time monitoring

Procedure time might vary (often 30–90 minutes)

Recovery & observation

Short recovery, often outpatient or short stay

Mild discomfort or transient changes possible

Follow-up imaging & labs

MRI/CT at intervals to assess tumor response

Continued monitoring to detect recurrence

Challenges & Considerations

While histotripsy is exciting, it is not a panacea. Some challenges and caveats include:

Limited long-term survival data We are still gathering multi-year outcomes, recurrence patterns, and comparative trials vs standard therapies.  Access & availability As of now, relatively few centers offer histotripsy. Even in Georgia, the Northeast Georgia Health System (NGMC) is noted as the first in the state and among only a few in the U.S. to offer it.  Patient selection is critical Not all tumor sizes, multiplicities, or anatomies are suitable. Some tumors near bowel, lung, or ribs may present acoustic window challenges. Cost, reimbursement, and trial support Because it’s newer, insurance coverage and reimbursement pathways may lag. Enrollment in clinical studies or registries may be required.

Why This Matters for Atlanta & the Southeast

Atlanta is a hub for medical innovation and high-caliber cancer centers. At the same time, many patients in Georgia and surrounding states must travel far to receive pioneering treatments.

By adopting histotripsy at Advanced Cancer Care, we aim to:

Keep more patients close to home for world-class therapy Create a regional center of excellence in liver-directed non-invasive oncology Foster collaboration with Emory/Winship (Georgia’s flagship cancer center)  Contribute data and experience to the evolving standard for liver tumor ablation

Call to Action: What You Can Do Next

Talk to your cancer team about whether histotripsy might be an option in your case Reach out to our tumor board for a second-opinion or eligibility review Stay informed by following trial updates, peer-reviewed results, and institutional outcomes Advocate for availability in our region — as more success is documented, wider access can follow

At Advanced Cancer Care, we see histotripsy not as a flashy headline, but as a real step toward gentler, smarter cancer care. If you or a loved one are exploring liver cancer therapy options, we’re here to guide you through what’s proven—and what’s next.