This Non-invasive Cancer Therapy was approved in 2023. Why Haven't we Heard More About it?

Table of Contents:

• New Cancer Therapies: Sound Waves Now FDA-Approved for Liver
• Understanding Current Cancer Treatments
• The Search for Gentler Cancer Therapies
• Spotlight on Histotripsy: Sound Waves Fighting Cancer
  • How Does Histotripsy Actually Work?
• Advantages of Histotripsy Over Traditional Methods
• Beyond Tumor Destruction: Engaging the Immune System
• Dr. Hulda Clark's Concepts and Frequency-Based Ideas
• Considering Your Options for Cancer Therapies
• Conclusion

New Cancer Therapies: Sound Waves Now FDA-Approved for Liver

Hearing the word "cancer" can feel like the world stops. Suddenly, you face many questions. You want answers about cancer therapies. You want to know what treatment options exist. This is a journey many people understand. Finding information about cancer therapies is a big first step. You are not alone in this search for healing and hope.

Your body is amazing and fights hard every day. When cancer appears, we look for ways to help our bodies fight this formidable opponent. You'll learn about different paths to cancer treatment here, some well-known and others representing new frontiers in medical science.

Understanding Current Cancer Treatments

For a long time, doctors have utilized a few main cancer therapies to combat various cancer types. You might know about cancer surgery, often referred to simply as surgery. This cancer treatment involves a surgeon who removes tumors or cancerous tissue, a process where the surgeon removes cancer directly. It can be very effective, especially if the cancer is found early and before cancer cells grow and spread extensively.

Then there's chemotherapy, a type of therapy chemotherapy. This cancer treatment uses strong cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. These cancer drug formulations often travel through your whole body, affecting cancer cells that may have spread. While it aims to kill cancer cells, it can also affect healthy cells.

Radiation therapy is another common choice, sometimes written as radiation therapy radiation therapy. It uses high doses of high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors. The National Cancer Institute provides extensive information on how radiation therapy is planned and delivered for different cancer types. Many treatment decisions involve considering the cancer stage and type.

Other established treatment options include hormone therapy, particularly for cancers like breast cancer and prostate cancer. Hormone therapy works by blocking or removing hormones that help specific cancer cells grow. For some blood cancers, a bone marrow transplant, also known as a stem cell transplant or cell transplant, can be a life-saving procedure, replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. This type of transplant stem cell procedure is complex but can offer a chance for a cure.

These cancer treatments have saved many lives, and many people are here today because of them. But, these powerful methods can also be tough on the body. Side effects are common and can significantly impact a patient's daily life.

The Search for Gentler Cancer Therapies

Because traditional treatments can be harsh, scientists and cancer specialists are always looking for better ways. Many people hope for cancer therapies with fewer side effects. They want treatments that are tough on cancer, able to kill cancer cells effectively, but gentler on the patient, improving cancer care overall. This is a big focus in medical research today, with organizations like the Mayo Clinic and the National Cancer Institute leading many studies.

This search has led to some amazing new ideas and innovative treatment approach strategies. One idea is to develop targeted therapy, which focuses on specific molecules involved in how cancer cells grow and survive. This approach can lead to treatments that are easier to handle and protect healthy cells. It means people can keep more of their strength and quality of life during cancer treatment.

The development of new cancer drugs continues, aiming for greater efficacy and reduced toxicity. Research into the fundamental ways cancer cells grow provides new targets for these drugs. The ultimate goal for many is to find a cure cancer, or at least to manage it as a chronic condition with a good quality of life.

Spotlight on Histotripsy: Sound Waves Fighting Cancer

Imagine using sound to fight cancer. It sounds like science fiction, but it's real. A new technique called histotripsy is showing great promise. Scientists and doctors at the University of Michigan pioneered this method. It's a big step forward for certain cancer therapies, particularly for liver cancer at this stage.

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave its approval. Histotripsy can now be used for liver treatment in humans. This is huge news. It offers a new, noninvasive choice for people with liver tumors. This technique uses focused sound waves to break down cancerous tissue. Think of it like using sound to carefully dismantle the tumor, piece by piece, without major surgery.

HistoSonics is the company behind this technology. It was co-founded by engineers and doctors from the University of Michigan back in 2009. They developed a special machine called the Edison platform. This platform delivers the histotripsy cancer treatment. Hospitals can now start using this system. It's an exciting time for patients and doctors looking for new liver cancer options. This innovation may also pave the way for treating other cancer types in the future, potentially including rectal cancer or lung cancer, though research is ongoing.

How Does Histotripsy Actually Work?

So, how do sound waves destroy a tumor and kill cancer cells? Histotripsy uses targeted ultrasound waves. These waves are much stronger than the ones used for imaging, like seeing a baby in the womb. The machine focuses these powerful waves very precisely on the tumor, aiming to shrink tumors or eliminate them.

When these sound waves hit the tumor, they create tiny bubbles. These are called microbubbles. These microbubbles form and collapse very quickly. This rapid formation and collapsing creates strong forces. These forces physically break apart the tumor cells. The tumor essentially liquefies. Then, the body's own immune system comes in to clean up the leftover debris. It's a remarkable process that exemplifies a novel treatment approach.

A human clinical trial began in 2021. This trial took place at the U-M Rogel Cancer Center and other sites. It treated patients with primary and metastatic liver tumors. The results were very positive. Histotriopsy showed it could effectively and safely destroy tumors. This was a key step for FDA approval for this specific cancer treatment.

Dr. Mishal Mendiratta-Lala is a professor of radiology at Michigan Medicine. She was the main investigator for the clinical trial at U-M. She said, "Histotripsy is an exciting new technology... may give a noninvasive treatment option for patients with liver cancer." She hopes it can work together with other therapies, potentially including therapy immunotherapy or targeted therapy, for even better results. This statement was part of a news release from the University of Michigan, a respected cancer institute.

Advantages of Histotripsy Over Traditional Methods

Why is histotripsy gaining so much attention? It offers some clear benefits compared to older cancer therapies. One of the biggest is that it is noninvasive. This means no cuts, no traditional cancer surgery where a surgeon removes cancer. This alone can make a huge difference for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Another major advantage is its precision. The Edison machine can very accurately target the tumor. The sound waves focus their energy only on the cancerous tissue. This helps spare healthy tissue nearby, a critical factor in minimizing side effects. This is very different from some forms of radiation therapy, which can affect healthy cells in the path of the rays, even with modern techniques designed to reduce such exposure.

Doctors can also watch the treatment happen in real time. The histotripsy system uses standard diagnostic ultrasound imaging. This is the same kind used for pregnancy checks. It lets doctors see the tumor and the microbubble cloud. They can monitor exactly how the tissue is reacting during the procedure. This gives them great control over the cancer treatment process.

Think about recovery. Recovering from major surgery, such as when a surgeon removes a large tumor, can take weeks or months. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can leave you feeling unwell for a long time. Because histotripsy is noninvasive and targeted, recovery times are expected to be much shorter. People might feel less discomfort during and after treatment. This could mean getting back to daily life sooner and with a better quality of life.

Also, there are fewer worries about drug interactions compared to systemic cancer drugs. Chemotherapy involves powerful drugs that constitute a significant cancer drug regimen. These can sometimes interfere with other medications a person might be taking. Histotripsy doesn't rely on drugs in the same way, which simplifies things for many patients and their care provider team. This targeted therapy approach focuses physical energy rather than chemicals to kill cancer cells.

Beyond Tumor Destruction: Engaging the Immune System

The story of histotripsy gets even more interesting. It doesn't just destroy tumors directly. Early research suggests it might also help your immune system fight cancer. This is a really exciting area of study, potentially synergizing with therapy immunotherapy. Two preclinical studies in rodents have shown some amazing results in how the body responds after this type of cancer treatment.

In one study, scientists used histotripsy to destroy only part of a liver tumor. They destroyed between 50% and 75% of the tumor. Amazingly, in over 80% of the animals, the rats' own immune systems cleared away the rest of the tumor. There was no sign of the cancer coming back or spreading. This suggests histotriopsy could act as a powerful stimulant for the immune system to target and kill cancer cells throughout the body.

How does this happen? A second study offered some clues. It seems histotripsy breaks down the cancer cell's outer wall in a special way. Cancer cells often have a sort of disguise, molecular signals that help them evade detection by the immune system. This cloak hides them. Histotripsy effectively rips off this cloak, exposing the cancer cell.

When the cell wall is broken by histotripsy, it reveals proteins called antigens. Antigens are like little flags that tell the immune system, "Hey, this is a threat." Standard surgery removes cancer, and with it, these antigens are also removed from the site. Some forms of chemotherapy and radiation therapy often destroy them or alter them in ways that are less immunogenic. But histotripsy exposes them. The immune system can then learn to identify these antigens. It can use them to target other cancer cells, even those that have metastasized.

Zhen Xu is a U-M professor of biomedical engineering. She is one of the inventors of histotripsy and a co-founder of HistoSonics. She stated, "We want to leverage histotripsy's immuno stimulation effects and hopefully combine them with immunotherapy or drug delivery." She believes this could turn histotripsy from just a local cancer treatment into one that fights cancer all over the body, enhancing current cancer treatments. She even feels it could one day contribute to a cure cancer strategy for certain cancer types. That's a powerful vision for these types of cancer therapies.

Dr. Hulda Clark's Concepts and Frequency-Based Ideas

The idea of using frequencies or waves for health isn't entirely new, and exploration continues in various forms. Some of you might have heard of Dr. Hulda Clark. She researched using non-invasive frequency waves. Her work focused on targeting pathogens like parasites, bacteria, and viruses. She believed these pathogens contributed to many health problems, cancer including.

Dr. Clark developed devices that produced specific frequencies. The aim was to disrupt or destroy these tiny invaders without harming the body. While the specific theories and applications are different from histotripsy, there's a shared core idea. Both histotripsy and Dr. Clark's concepts explore using energy waves. They aim to affect biological tissues or organisms in a targeted, non-invasive way. This is part of a broader interest in gentler, more natural-feeling approaches to well-being and illness.

It's important to note that histotripsy has gone through rigorous testing, including multiple clinical trials. It has achieved FDA approval for a specific use in liver cancer treatment. This means it met high standards for safety and effectiveness in clinical trials for this cancer type. This scientific validation is a critical part of modern medicine and distinguishes it from concepts that have not undergone such scrutiny. Many alternative cancer therapies are still being explored; some offer comfort and support, while others require more research to prove their specific medical benefits as a cancer treatment.

Considering Your Options for Cancer Therapies

Facing a cancer diagnosis brings many choices and necessitates important treatment decisions. Understanding your treatment options is so important. New cancer therapies like histotripsy offer fresh hope. They show that science is constantly moving forward. Researchers, including those at the National Cancer Institute and cancer specialists worldwide, are dedicated to finding cancer treatments that are more effective and easier on the body. This is great news for everyone looking to treat cancer.

When thinking about cancer therapies, it is always best to talk with your healthcare team and your care provider. They know your specific situation, including your cancer type and cancer stage. They can explain the pros and cons of different cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, therapy chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and newer options. They can help you make treatment decisions that are right for you and formulate a comprehensive treatment plan.

Do not be afraid to ask questions. Lots of them. It is your health. You deserve to understand everything about your cancer care. Knowing your cancer terms and what they mean for your diagnosis and treatment approach is empowering.

You might also want to look into clinical trials. These trials test new cancer treatments and new cancer drugs. They are how breakthroughs like histotripsy happen. Participating in a clinical trial can give access to cutting-edge care. It also helps future patients. Your doctor or cancer specialists can tell you if any clinical trials might be a good fit for your specific cancer, be it breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, rectal cancer, or another cancer type.

Taking an active role in your health journey can be very empowering. Learning about new cancer therapies and understanding how different treatments aim to kill cancer or shrink tumors is part of this. It gives you knowledge. And knowledge often reduces fear. It helps you have better talks with your doctors. It helps you feel more in control during a challenging time. Many people find that seeking out information from reliable sources, such as the cancer institute in their area or reputable online platforms, helps them manage their health concerns more actively.

Remember to also care for your whole self. This means eating well, getting rest, and finding support. Cancer treatment is not just about the body; it affects your mind and spirit too. Palliative care, which focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, can be an important part of cancer care at any cancer stage and for any cancer type. Connecting with others who understand can make a big difference. Support groups, friends, and family can be a great comfort. Exploring additional options such as stem cell transplants (or transplant stem cell procedures like marrow transplant from bone marrow) might be discussed by your cancer specialists depending on your diagnosis.

The progress in cancer therapies is encouraging. Scientists are finding new ways to target cancer cells and understand how cancer cells grow. They are learning more about how the immune system can help. Photodynamic therapy (sometimes referred to as therapy photodynamic therapy, photodynamic therapy photodynamic therapy, or therapy photodynamic) is another area where light and special drugs are used to kill cancer cells, often for skin cancer or certain other localized cancers. Histotripsy is a wonderful example of this progress. It shows that innovation can lead to kinder, smarter cancer treatments. This technology will initially be for liver cancer. But researchers are already thinking about how it might help with other types of cancer in the future. Cancer screening remains vital for early detection, which often leads to more successful treatment outcomes across various cancer types.

Conclusion

The path through cancer is personal and different for everyone. But advances in cancer therapies offer growing hope. New methods like histotripsy are changing how we can fight this illness. They promise cancer treatments that are not only effective in how they kill cancer cells but also gentler on the patient. This means a better quality of life during and after cancer treatment. Exploring all available cancer therapies with your medical team, understanding your treatment plan, and making informed treatment decisions are vital. Knowledge and proactive choices can make a real difference on your journey to health and potentially towards a cure cancer outcome.

 

 

 

Sources

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Lynch, Jim. (2023). Tumor-destroying sound waves receive FDA approval for liver treatment in humans. University of Michigan: Michigan News

Xu Z, Hall TL, Vlaisavljevich E, Lee FT Jr. Histotripsy: the first noninvasive, non-ionizing, non-thermal ablation technique based on ultrasound. Int J Hyperthermia. 2021;38(1):561-575. doi: 10.1080/02656736.2021.1905189. PMID: 33827375; PMCID: PMC9404673.