Has anyone out there tried Histotripsy for tumors in the liver?
Has anyone out there tried Histotripsy for tumors in the liver? What were the results, where was it done, and most importantly did your insurance pay for it, or did you have to come out of pocket for the procedure?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Liver Cancer Support Group.
Histotripsy news
We looked into for my wife, but our medical team is not comfortable trying it as there is little history on its success being just approved by FDA in November 2023.
It is also approved for 4 tumors or less. My wife has around 10-12 so we didn’t consider it for that reason also. There are some trials going on with it for more than 4 tumors currently. TBD
Hello @ssf
I see that you are interested in learning more about Histotripsy.
On Connect, there is a discussion group about this treatment. Here is a link to that discussion,
--Histotripsy
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/histotripsy/?commentsorder=newest#chv4-comment-stream-header
In this discussion, you will meet @retiredinkazoo who has discussed this with his medical team at University of Michigan.
The first Thursday of each month, there is a NETs support group that meets online via Zoom. It originates from Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. I would encourage you to look for the meeting notice and join. There is a time for members to discuss their treatment and ask questions. This might be a good way to get some more information. Here is a link with information about registering for the meeting on Thursday, September 5.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/neuroendocrine-cancer-support-group-meeting-16/
What does your oncologist say about trying this treatment?
Thank you both for the feedback, wouldn't you know it I have 5 tumors. Yes, my local Net specialist here in Dallas has recommended I look into it. While it's a new treatment he suggested I speak with another Net specialist in Denver as this Dr is now performing Histotripsy. I am scheduled for an MRI and ultrasound in Denver the third week of September and based on those findings I will find out if I am a good candidate.
@ssf
I'm glad to hear that you will having another consult for this procedure. Will you be seeing Dr. Liu?
I look forward to hearing from you again. Will you post with any questions and especially after your appointment? I'd be interested in hearing if you are a candidate for Histotripsy.
Yes, I will be meeting with Dr. Liu and will update you when I know more.
Highly recommend Dr.Lui in at Rocky Mountain Cancer as he o ly works on NET.
In mid May of 2024 I had 5 tumors worked on (historical) and so far, some have reduced and others stabilized. They are hoping for the 'abscopal effect' and we will know more in Mid. Sep/24 when I have my 2nd CT Scan. I was intubated and anesthetized for 7 hrs., but it was non-invasive, so, I am quite pleased as there was essentially no pain after. It was done at the Swedish Hospital in Seattle. I paid out of pocket - $250,000. (CAD).
As you likely already know, histotripsy is a recently FDA-approved ultrasound device to treat liver tumors. The non-invasive technology uses brief high-intensity ultrasound pulses that disrupt and kill the targeted tumor cells.
There are a couple of discussions related to histotripsy here:
- Has anyone out there tried Histotripsy for tumors in the liver? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/histotripsy-1/
- Anyone heard about Histotripsy for liver NETs?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/histotripsy/
Dennis, do you have liver cancer? Are you a candidate for histotripsy?