Ultrasound: A New Era in Non-Invasive Cancer Treatment

Innovative ultrasound techniques are transforming cancer treatment, offering non-invasive alternatives to traditional surgery. Two prominent methods have emerged: histotripsy and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU).

Histotripsy, developed by Professor Zhen Xu, uses rapid pulses of ultrasound to create microbubbles that mechanically break down tumor tissue. This method has shown promising results in treating liver cancer and is being explored for other types of tumors.

HIFU, on the other hand, employs focused ultrasound waves to generate heat, effectively 'cooking' cancer cells. It has been particularly successful in treating prostate cancer, with outcomes comparable to surgery but with faster recovery times.

Researchers are also investigating how ultrasound can enhance other cancer treatments. For instance, combining ultrasound with microbubbles may improve drug delivery to tumors and boost the effectiveness of radiation therapy. These advancements could lead to more targeted treatments with fewer side effects for cancer patients.