HCA Healthcare UK introduces pioneering Histotripsy treatment for liver cancer patients in first for European private healthcare providers

HCA Healthcare UK’s The Wellington Hospital has become the first private hospital in Europe to provide Histotripsy treatment, a breakthrough treatment for liver cancer.

Histotripsy is a non-invasive procedure that provides a new treatment option for patients with certain types of inoperable liver tumours, that have not responded to other therapies. Using highly focused ultrasound waves, Histotripsy precisely targets cancer tissue, creating tiny “bubble clouds” that rapidly form and collapse in microseconds, breaking down cancer cells. Evidence also suggests that in some cases, using ultrasound waves can trigger the body’s own immune system to target any remaining cancer tissue.

The highly targeted nature of the treatment preserves surrounding healthy tissue including critical vascular and biliary structures, resulting in minimal recovery time and very few reported side effects. Patients can also continue other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, without interruption. 

This advanced technology represents a significant leap forward in non-invasive cancer care, marking HCA UK's continued leadership in bringing cutting-edge treatments to patients in the UK at the earliest opportunity. 

Depending on each patient’s individual diagnosis Histotripsy can be used as a potentially curative or life-extending treatment option and may serve as a cancer control treatment pathway for liver transplant-eligible patients. 

Histotripsy has been used in adult patients with primary liver cancer (including hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma), metastatic liver cancer (including colorectal, breast or neuroendocrine metastases). Eligibility for treatment is based on an oncology evaluation to determine the type, stage, grade and prior treatment for the cancer. Depending on the size of the cancer a single treatment may be sufficient, but Histotripsy can be carried out more than once if needed. A multidisciplinary team will discuss the treatment options, including Histotripsy, and if considered suitable, a specialist Histotripsy team will complete treatment planning and arrange the treatment.

The treatment, led by Professor Brian Davidson, Consultant HPB Surgeon at The Wellington Hospital, will be delivered by a team of highly experienced specialists, including liver surgeons and radiologists. 

Professor Davidson said: "Histotripsy is a new precision treatment option for liver cancers that may otherwise be inoperable or untreatable. What’s most exciting as a clinician is how precisely we can target the tumours with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue, without the side effects of other cancer therapies. This represents a significant breakthrough in our ability to treat certain liver cancers and is game-changing for patients who may have exhausted other treatment options.”

Eric Reichle, Chief Executive Officer at The Wellington Hospital, said: “We’re proud to be the first independent hospital in Europe to offer Histotripsy treatment. Across HCA UK we are committed to providing the latest and most effective treatments, improving the lives of people affected by cancer. This investment further reinforces that commitment and provides new hope for patients facing the most challenging diagnoses. This is made possible by our specialist liver team who have been focused on ensuring we can make this treatment available to patients at the earliest opportunity.”