Cambridge’s Addenbrooke’s Hospital is set to pioneer incisionless ultrasound surgery for NHS cancer patients in the UK and Europe. This groundbreaking treatment utilizes a cutting-edge ‘histotripsy machine’ donated by philanthropist Sir Ka-shing Li, a staunch supporter of cancer research at the University of Cambridge.
The Edison Histotripsy System harnesses pulsed sound waves to generate ‘bubble clouds’ within targeted tissues, obliterating cells without the use of ionizing radiation or thermal methods. This non-invasive procedure offers swift recovery, minimal discomfort, and the potential for shorter treatment durations, potentially enhancing cancer survival rates and impeding disease progression.
Dr. Teik Choon See, a Consultant Interventional Radiologist at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, will demonstrate the system, with notable guests attending the unveiling. The machine, crafted by HistoSonics, is anticipated to be fully operational at CUH, initially focusing on liver tumors before expanding to treat malignancies in other organs.
While a histotripsy clinical trial involving 23 European patients concluded in 2022, over 1,500 individuals globally have benefited from this technology, predominantly in the US post its FDA approval in late 2023. Cambridge’s adoption of the histotripsy machine marks a milestone, integrating it into standard patient care pathways.
Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, lauded Sir Ka-shing Li’s enduring contributions to cancer research, underscoring the profound impact of cutting-edge technologies like histotripsy in advancing cancer treatment. The novel approach aligns with the vision to establish the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital as a frontrunner in cancer care.
Roland Sinker, CUH’s Chief Executive, expressed enthusiasm for the transformative potential of histotripsy, emphasizing its capacity to expand outpatient care, expedite recovery, and optimize hospital resource allocation. The imminent installation of this state-of-the-art device signifies a significant leap forward in cancer treatment methodologies.
Patients like Fiona, a cancer survivor and Co-Chair of the Patient Advisory Group for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, welcomed the advent of non-invasive treatment options, particularly for cases where conventional surgery is unfeasible. The histotripsy machine heralds a paradigm shift in cancer management, offering hope to individuals facing challenging diagnoses.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting’s authorization for early access to the histotripsy device via the UK’s Innovative Devices Access Pathway underscores the government’s commitment to expediting innovative healthcare solutions. By circumventing bureaucratic hurdles, patients can benefit from cutting-edge treatments ahead of schedule, revolutionizing healthcare delivery.
Notably, a recent donation in honor of Sir Ka-shing Li bolstered cancer research efforts, reinforcing the mission of the Li Ka Shing Early Cancer Institute. The infusion of advanced technologies like histotripsy into the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital framework signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of cancer care, promising a brighter future for patients across the UK and beyond.
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