Histotripsy is a non-invasive technique for treating liver tumors, allowing patients to potentially be discharged on the same day.
By utilizing high-intensity ultrasound waves to precisely destroy liver cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues such as blood vessels and bile ducts, this technique generates microbubbles within the tumor, which rapidly expand and collapse, creating shockwaves that disintegrate and liquefy the targeted tumor cells.
In October 2023, histotripsy received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in treating liver cancer.
1. Fewer Side Effects and Complications
Histotripsy typically causes only mild pain and is associated with fewer side effects and complications. Unlike surgical resection, which carries risks such as bleeding or organ damage, histotripsy requires no incisions, radiation, needles, or invasive procedures. The technology eliminates tumors without relying on heat, as is necessary in traditional ablation methods.
2. Usually Requires Only One Treatment
Unlike conventional therapies that involve lengthy treatment, hospitalization, and recovery periods (see table below), histotripsy generally requires only a single session. Patients can often be discharged on the same day and resume normal life quickly.
Approximately one month after treatment, patients undergo a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the tumor’s status.
The histotripsy procedure takes just 10 to 15 minutes and requires no incisions. Patients are placed under general anesthesia and lie on a waterbed. The system identifies the tumor’s location, and a robotic arm precisely directs an ultrasound emitter to deliver high-intensity ultrasound waves focused on the target tumor.
Histotripsy is suitable for patients with stage 1 to 3 liver cancer, including both primary and metastatic cases.
Current mainstream treatments for liver cancer include surgical resection, liver transplantation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Compared to these traditional methods, histotripsy offers superior efficacy, eliminates the need for prolonged hospitalization or multiple sessions, and has fewer side effects. Its non-invasive nature and efficiency make it a high-quality treatment option, particularly for patients with early- to mid-stage liver cancer and smaller tumors.
Table: Comparison of Major Liver Cancer Treatment Methods
| Treatment Method | Recovery Time | Effectiveness | Cost# |
| Histotripsy | Fastest; Same-day discharge and return to normal life | 95.5% success rate; no 5-year survival or recurrence data available yet | Starting at HK$308,000 |
| Surgical Resection | Typically 1–3 weeks in hospital; recurrence monitoring required within first year | 5-year survival rate: 50%; 5-year recurrence rate: 70% | HK$110,600–HK$471,700* |
| Targeted Therapy | Frequency and duration depend on condition; side effects may persist short- or long-term | Median overall survival: 13.6 months; tumor shrinkage in 40.6% of patients | Take Lenvatinib as an example, it costs HK$30,000/month (HK$360,000/year) |
| Radiofrequency Ablation | Percutaneous: same-day discharge; laparoscopic/open surgery: several days in hospital | Complete tumor ablation: 90–95%; 5-year survival rate: 55% | HK$37,800–HK$48,850*; CUHK: HK$52,100–HK$145,200 |
| Immunotherapy | Effects visible in 1–2 months; typically 2 years of medication to prevent recurrence | ~20% response rate | Without participating in a study, the cost is approximately HK$30,000–HK$40,000/month; HK$200,000–HK$300,000 for 6 months |
| Liver Transplantation | At least 2–3 days in ICU, then weeks in general ward; long-term immunosuppressants required | 1-year survival rate: 92.4%; 5-year survival rate: 85.3% | HK$110,600–HK$471,700* |
By the end of 2024, the Li Ka Shing Foundation had donated histotripsy equipment to the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) medical faculties, making Hong Kong the first region in Asia to adopt this technology.
Among private hospitals, Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong (GHK) announced in early March 2025 that it would become the first private hospital in Asia to introduce histotripsy treatment, with plans to begin offering it to liver cancer patients by the end of March 2025.
Bowtie is committed to unlocking access to private healthcare services for Hong Kong residents, providing more opportunities to benefit from cutting-edge medical technologies.
In collaboration with Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, Bowtie has included histotripsy in Bowtie VHIS-GHK Wellness Package, offering reimbursement for related treatment costs^.
Author
The Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited is an authorized life insurance company and Hong Kong’s very first virtual insurer approved. Through the use of modern technology and medical expertise, Bowtie offers an agent-free, commission-free and more convenient online platform for customers to quote, apply and claim for Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) anytime anywhere. Bowtie is ranked first in the direct channel sales throughout 2021.
Stay up to date at
www.bowtie.com.hk The content of this article is provided by Bowtie Team and serves for reference only. It does not represent Bowtie's position. Bowtie assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage incurred by any person as a result of using, misusing, or relying on any information or content herein. Any content related to Bowtie products in this article is for reference and educational purposes only. Customers should refer to the detailed terms and conditions on the relevant product web pages.
