1. What is non-invasive Histotripsy technology?
Histotripsy is an innovative and non-invasive treatment for liver cancer. The technology utilises high-intensity focused ultrasound to targeted liver cancer tissues. The microbubbles created within the tumour would rapidly expand and collapse, generating shock waves that disrupt and liquefy the tumour. The treatment process is guided in real-time by advanced ultrasound imaging technology to ensure precise targeting of the tumour while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
2. What are the advantages of Histotripsy?
Histotripsy is a non-invasive treatment that does not involve radiation, thermal energy, or incision. It significantly reduces side effects, and patients experience minimal pain and are left with no scars after the treatment.
In addition, the precise treatment minimises damages to the surrounding tissues. Patients typically recover faster after the treatment, helping them return to their daily routines more quickly.
3. Who is suitable for Histotripsy treatment?
Non-invasive Histotripsy is suitable for patients with primary or metastatic liver cancer. It may also be considered for patients who are not suitable for surgery, or those experienced failure in other liver cancer treatments. To undergo histotripsy, patients must meet specific medical criteria. Before treatment, it is recommended that patients consult HKSH's doctors for an assessment to determine whether they are suitable for Histotripsy. For enquiries or appointments, please contact the HKSH Cancer Centre Service Hotline at (852) 5213 6365.
4. Which Histotripsy model is used at HKSH?
HKSH is now using the latest Histotripsy 2.0 system. This technology was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for liver cancer treatment in 2023, and was first introduced in Asia through Hong Kong.
5. What are the arrangements for patients before the treatment at HKSH Cancer Center?
Patient is required to undergo the "Pre-treatment Assessment" provided by HKSH, including a doctor's consultation, an ultrasound examination, and, if necessary, a physical examination based on the ultrasound results. If the assessment confirms that histotripsy is suitable for the patient, the treatment will then be arranged.
6. What items are included in the Pre-treatment Assessment Package?
The "Pre-treatment Assessment Package" includes a professional assessment conducted by dedicated specialists from the Histotripsy medical team of HKSH. Patient preliminarily deemed suitable for Histotripsy treatment will undergo an ultrasound examination and physical examinations, including blood test, electrocardiogram, and chest X-ray.
7. Can I choose the doctor for my appointment?
The service is managed by dedicated doctors from HKSH's Histotripsy medical team. Please contact HKSH Cancer Center Service Hotline at (852) 5213 6365 to arrange an appointment.
8. What is the process of Histotripsy treatment?
The treatment is performed under general anesthesia. A small water tank integrated into the Histotripsy device will be placed on the patient's abdominal cavity during treatment. The high-intensity ultrasonic waves emitted through the water tank target the tumour inside the body, disrupting and liquefying the tumour cells.
9. When will the patient be discharged after treatment?
Histotripsy treatment is non-invasive and leaves no wounds, resulting in minimal pain and a faster recovery. After the treatment, doctor will monitor the patient's condition, and most patients can typically be discharged the following day.
10. What reactions might patients experience after treatment?
Histotripsy is a non-invasive treatment and no radiation or thermal energy is involved. As such, the patients usually would not feel uncomfortable. As the immune system will be activated to clear the fragmented tissue after the treatment, patients may experience mild flu-like symptoms. These can be managed with adequate rest, hydration, and sufficient nutrition intake. Some patients may also experience minimal pain.
11. What happens if patient is deemed unsuitable for histotripsy after consultation?
HKSH Cancer Centre, equipped with state-of-art diagnostic and treatment equipment, can provide a wide range of treatment options, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, to patients. Our experienced medical team will offer professional advice and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to patients' needs.
12. What items are included in the "Liver Cancer Histotripsy Package"?
HKSH is using the latest Histotripsy 2.0 system. Our "Liver cancer Histotripsy Package" includes treatment charges, in-house doctor fees, anaesthesia fees, equipment and instrument charges, nursing care charges, basic medication fee, consumables and materials charges, and general ward room charges (2 days 1 night). Patient can also choose semi-private single room or private room with additional fee. Please contact us for details.
13. How much does Histotripsy treatment cost? Are there any special offers for Hong Kong residents?
HKSH provides Histotripsy treatment in package price HK$310,000; and offers HK$260,000 package price for Hong Kong residents.
14. If I am a patient residing outside of Hong Kong, can I come to HKSH for the Histotripsy treatment?
Aligned with our value of "Quality in Service, Excellence in Care", HKSH provides tailored patient services to overseas patients who seek physician consultations, second medical opinions, specialised surgical procedures, and a full range of comprehensive oncology treatments. The International Patient Services at HKSH is here to ensure personalised, seamless, and streamlined services for patients seeking treatment in HKSH. Each visiting patient is assigned a dedicated member of our medical concierge team, who offers personal assistance from the initial phone call to the post-treatment records delivery. We hope, by supporting every aspect of the patient journey, to enable our patients to focus on treatment and recovery. For more details, please
click here to learn more. For making appointments, please contact the HKSH Cancer Center Service Hotline at (852) 5213 6365.