Considering Histotripsy

Posted by ap47 @ap47, Jun 24 10:25pm

I have Stage IV cancer in the transverse colon, liver, and slightly in the lungs. Today finished 10/12 infusion cycles. CEA has gone from 280 in February to 8 in today's blood test. Tumors are much reduced. The main concern is the liver. I had several consultations at Barnes and decided that their proposed treatment was too demanding for this 80 year old. I am considering histotripsy.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Liver Cancer Support Group.

neadkins | @neadkins | Jun 25 5:45am

Here is link to one of the few offerings https://www.nghs.com/cancer/histotripsy

ap47 | @ap47 | Jun 25 7:06am

In reply to @neadkins "Here is link to one of the few offerings https://www.nghs.com/cancer/histotripsy" + (show)

@neadkins

ap47 | @ap47 | Jun 25 7:23am

I have read numerous similar presentations. What l would prefer are comments from histotripsy patients.

After researching histotripsy more thoroughly at my behest, having been skeptical of a lack of meaningful long term efficacy (over two years), my oncologist pulled a 180 yesterday. A consultation at Rush is in the works.

Turkey, Volunteer Mentor | @tomrennie | Jun 25 4:20pm

In reply to @ap47 "I have read numerous similar presentations. What l would prefer are comments from histotripsy patients. After..." + (show)

@ap47 Hi and welcome to Mayo Connect. Here is a link for a discussion from a member that experienced Histotripsy:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/histotripsy-3/
Did you find it helpful? Do you have any additional questions?

ap47 | @ap47 | Aug 6 4:54pm

I met with Dr. Tasse, Rush Medical Center, Chicago, this morning for a histotripsy evaluation. He is impressive and very personable. I am scheduled for the histotripsy procedure on 31 August 2026.

Turkey, Volunteer Mentor | @tomrennie | Aug 7 7:57am

In reply to @ap47 "I met with Dr. Tasse, Rush Medical Center, Chicago, this morning for a histotripsy evaluation. He..." + (show)

@ap47 How are you feeling about getting the procedure? Do you have to do anything special to prepare for it?

ap47 | @ap47 | Aug 7 8:28am

In reply to @tomrennie "@ap47 How are you feeling about getting the procedure? Do you have to do anything special..." + (show)

@tomrennie

I am upbeat. While not a cure, it should extend life and its quality. I will probably remain on chemo, though it will at a reduced dose with the liver under greater control. An added bonus is that histotripsy triggers the immune systen that will target lingering cancer.

The only prep mentioned to date is no Avaston (2 weeks) and Eliquis (2 days) prior to the procedure. I suspect that there will be more scans, bloodwork, and a possible liver biopsy.

A major review at 6 months will assess the success, and feasibility and need of a second histotripsy. (Only three tumors are treated at a time.)

Turkey, Volunteer Mentor | @tomrennie | Aug 9 8:20am

In reply to @ap47 "@tomrennie I am upbeat. While not a cure, it should extend life and its quality. I..." + (show)

@ap47 Upbeat is good. Extending life and its quality is also quite good. Histotripsy is an exciting option that wasn't available until a few years ago. It is great that you are able to take advantage of the opportunity. How many tumors do you have? I didn't realize that only three tumors can be treated at a time.