Revolutionary procedure brings new hope to liver cancer patients at Providence, Providence Swedish

January 26, 2024

Providence News Team

Providence, Providence Swedish hospitals first on the West Coast to offer new treatment for liver cancer

Patients with liver cancer have a new treatment option, thanks to a revolutionary procedure being offered at Providence Swedish First Hill in Seattle. The treatment, called histotripsy, will also be available beginning in February at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, California, making these two hospitals the first on the West Coast to offer this treatment.

Histotripsy is a non-invasive procedure (meaning no incisions) that uses focused sonic beams created by ultrasound waves to target cancer cells. The process creates tiny bubble clouds that expand and collapse rapidly, dissolving the tumor and destroying its cells. The patient’s lymphatic system cleans up any remaining debris.

“We are excited to be able to offer this new technology to patients, providing new hope for those who may not have had success with other treatments or for those who cannot undergo surgery,” says Hoda Asmar, M.D., MBA, chief clinical officer for Providence.

Studies have shown that histotripsy is a safe and effective addition to currently available treatments for cancer and liver tumors, which include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. Clinical trials show histotripsy has a 95.5% success rate.

Patients interested in this procedure can call Swedish Surgical Specialists at 206-386-6700, or Providence Mission Hospital, OC Surgeons, at 949-364-1007.

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