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Histotripsy – A Revolutionary Non-Invasive Treatment for Liver Cancer in San Diego

The Southern California Abdominal Cancer Group (SCACG), under the esteemed leadership of Dr. Tarek Hassanein, a world-renowned expert in gastroenterology and liver diseases, is proud to introduce histotripsy to San Diego. This innovative, non-invasive procedure utilizes high-intensity ultrasound waves to precisely target and destroy cancerous liver tissues, offering a promising alternative to traditional treatments and aiming to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

How Histotripsy Works

Histotripsy employs focused ultrasound waves to generate microbubbles within the tumor. These microbubbles rapidly expand and collapse, mechanically disrupting cancer cells without harming the surrounding healthy tissue. This precise targeting minimizes collateral damage and reduces potential side effects.

Advantages of Histotripsy

  • Non-Invasive Approach: Histotripsy does not require incisions, needles, or radiation, significantly lowering the risk of infection and other complications.
  • Reduced Recovery Time: Patients typically experience shorter recovery periods compared to traditional surgical methods, allowing for a quicker return to daily activities.
  • Enhanced Precision: The technology enables clinicians to accurately target tumors, preserving healthy liver tissue and maintaining overall liver function.

SCACG's Commitment to Advanced Liver Cancer Treatment

As the first clinic to bring histotripsy to San Diego, SCACG is dedicated to providing cutting-edge treatments for liver cancer. Dr. Tarek Hassanein, a board-certified specialist in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and transplant hepatology, leads our team. With extensive experience in treating viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and in caring for patients before and after liver transplantation, Dr. Hassanein has been instrumental in establishing major liver transplant programs and is a Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine.

Patient Eligibility

Histotripsy is suitable for patients with primary or metastatic liver cancer, especially those for whom traditional surgical methods pose increased risks or have been ineffective. Consultation with our specialized healthcare providers at SCACG is essential to determine the appropriateness of histotripsy for individual cases.

Future Histotripsy Prospects

Ongoing research and clinical trials continue to explore the efficacy of histotripsy, with the aim of expanding its application to other types of cancer. The potential for combining histotripsy with systemic therapies is also under investigation to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

For more information on histotripsy and its role in liver cancer treatment, please call us today or request a consultation online.

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