New ultrasound hopes to cut cancer treatment times in Cambridge
The ultrasound treatment can be delivered in a single short session
NHS patients at Addenbrooke’s Hospital will become the first in the UK and Europe to have access to a liver cancer treatment described as "cutting-edge and non-invasive".
The hospital will start using a histotopsy system, an ultrasound treatment that can be delivered in a single short session – potentially taking no longer than 30 minutes – with limited or no pain, a quick recovery, and can be performed as a day case.
The Edison Histotripsy System, is expected to be fully installed at Cambridge University Hospitals later this year.
Fiona, who has lived with cancer for over two decades, is Co-Chair of the Patient Advisory Group for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, and has been involved in planning and designing the new hospital, said: “This is seriously good news. A new, non-invasive option to treat these cancers is very welcome indeed. For patients for whom ordinary surgery is no longer an option, this could make all the difference.”
Roland Sinker, Chief Executive of CUH said histotripsy will make a huge difference to patients: "By offering this non-invasive, more targeted treatment we can care for more people as outpatients and free up time for surgeons to treat more complex cases.
"The faster recovery times mean patients will be able to return to their normal lives more quickly, which will also reduce pressure on hospital beds, helping us ensure that patients are able to receive the right treatment at the right time. We are delighted to be receiving this new state of the art machine.”