SHAWNEE MISSION, Kan. — AdventHealth Cancer Institute Shawnee Mission has performed its first histotripsy procedure, bringing a new, noninvasive treatment option for treating liver tumors in patients who meet certain criteria.
Benjamin Johnston, MD, FACS, hepatobiliary surgical oncologist at AdventHealth Cancer Institute Shawnee Mission, performed the first procedure on a patient on Oct. 2.
“This patient had well controlled disease apart from a tumor that was growing along large major blood vessels and bile ducts in the liver,” said Dr. Johnston. “There are many treatment options for cancers in the liver, but there were major drawbacks to all of them for this specific patient. Histotripsy gave us a safe and reliable way to treat the cancer with very low risk, no incisions, and minimal side effects. Histotripsy treatment preserved liver tissue and blood vessels so that all future treatment options are available if cancer ever comes back anywhere in the liver.”
Histotripsy uses focused ultrasound waves to destroy targeted liver tumors by disrupting and destroying the physical structure of the liver cancer cells. The treatment works from outside the body and does not use incisions, needles, heat or radiation. Doctors use ultrasound images to see the tumor through the skin and guide treatment.
“Because histotripsy does not use heat, we can treat tumors that are close to important blood vessels and bile ducts in the liver, with early data showing a very high rate of complete treatment after one session” said Dr. Johnston.
Not every patient with a liver tumor is a candidate. Dr. Johnston does not use Histotripsy to replace other standard of care treatment options when appropriate. Patients first have an outpatient ultrasound screening at AdventHealth to see if histotripsy can safely reach and treat the tumor. All cases are reviewed by a focused multidisciplinary oncology tumor board. Doctors look at the number, size and location of tumors along with other factors.
Patients receive general anesthesia and are asleep during histotripsy. The care team uses ultrasound to locate the tumor and guide sound waves to the treatment area. Most procedures take about one to three hours, depending on the number, size and location of the tumors.
“The launch of our Histotripsy Program brings another treatment option to patients in the Kansas City community,” said Erin Reed, executive director of oncology services at AdventHealth Cancer Institute Shawnee Mission. “It took many teams working together to bring this technology to our patients.”
The first procedure also comes during Liver Cancer Awareness Month, recognized each October. According to the America Cancer Society, more than 42,000 people in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer by the end of 2026.
“This first procedure shows what is possible when our teams come together around the needs of a patient,” Reed said. “We look forward to helping more patients access advanced cancer care close to home.”
To learn more about histotripsy and whether it may be an option for you, talk with your doctor, call AdventHealth Cancer Institute Shawnee Mission at 913-632-9100 or visit CancerCareKC.com.
About AdventHealth in Kansas City
AdventHealth in Kansas City is a connected care network of more than 4,000 team members who help people feel whole – body, mind and spirit. Our care footprint in the Kansas City region includes AdventHealth Shawnee Mission in Merriam, KS; AdventHealth Lenexa City Center; AdventHealth Prairie Star; AdventHealth College Boulevard; AdventHealth South Overland Park; AdventHealth Centra Care and AdventHealth Medical Group. Nationally at AdventHealth, more than 100,000 team members provide whole-person care for millions of people annually through more than 2,000 care sites that include hospitals, physician practices, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, hospice centers, the AdventHealth app and more. Our wholistic approach to improving the health and prosperity of our communities is inspired by our mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ. Visit AdventHealthKC.com for more information.