Hong Kong Establishes itself as Asian Pioneer in Non-Invasive Tumor Treatment with Groundbreaking Histotripsy Technology

Hong Kong Establishes itself as Asian Pioneer in Non-Invasive Tumor Treatment with Groundbreaking Histotripsy Technology

HONG KONG – Hong Kong has solidified its position as Asia's leading center for innovative non-invasive cancer treatment, becoming the first region in Asia to deploy revolutionary Histotripsy technology for clinical use. Through generous support from the Li Ka Shing Foundation, both the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong are pioneering this transformative approach to cancer care, marking a significant milestone in the region's medical leadership.

 

A Paradigm Shift in Cancer Treatment

Histotripsy represents a fundamental breakthrough in oncology, using high-intensity ultrasound waves to precisely destroy cancer cells without surgery, incisions, or radiation. The technology works by creating microscopic bubbles within tumors that rapidly expand and collapse, generating shock waves that liquefy targeted cancer cells while leaving surrounding healthy tissue unharmed.

"Killing cancer with bubbles is such a transformative technology," stated Mr Li Ka-shing, Chairman of the Li Ka Shing Foundation. "Painless, non-invasive, effective and affordable treatments can be provided to liver cancer patients in Hong Kong immediately."

The procedure offers unprecedented advantages over traditional treatments:

  • No incisions or surgical trauma – completely non-invasive

  • Painless and scarless – no risk of infection or complications

  • Rapid treatment time – procedures completed in 10-15 minutes

  • Quick recovery – outpatient procedures with minimal downtime

  • Precision targeting – destroys tumors without damaging healthy tissue

 

Hong Kong's Strategic Medical Leadership

Since FDA approval in October 2023, nearly 400 patients have been successfully treated in US medical institutions. Hong Kong's rapid adoption positions it as only the third region globally, after the United States and United Arab Emirates, to offer this advanced treatment option.

The Li Ka Shing Foundation has donated two state-of-the-art Histotripsy systems to Hong Kong's leading medical institutions, with HKUMed receiving the first system in August 2024 and CUHK receiving Asia's first next-generation Histotripsy 2.0 system in November 2024. The Foundation is sponsoring 30 patients across both institutions to receive this novel treatment during initial clinical trials.

"We are very honoured to be the first institution in Asia to offer this treatment option to local patients, affirming Hong Kong's leading position in the quick adoption of cutting-edge medical technology," said Professor Chak-sing Lau, Dean of Medicine at HKU.

 

Building Research Infrastructure for the Future

Hong Kong's medical institutions are not simply adopting the technology, they are establishing comprehensive research programs to advance its applications and train the next generation of specialists.

HKU has established:

  • The first Liver Cancer Research Division of its kind in Hong Kong within its Centre for Cancer Medicine

  • The first histotripsy training and research hub outside the United States

  • A multidisciplinary team to expand applications to additional cancer types

CUHK is pursuing:

  • Clinical trials for 30 liver cancer patients beginning early 2025

  • Research into breast cancer applications, where the technology shows particular promise

  • Multi-disciplinary collaboration across oncology, surgery, and interventional radiology departments

"CU Medicine has long been a pioneer in the research, development and introduction of state-of-the-art medical technology and devices," stated Professor Philip Chiu Wai-yan, Dean of CU Medicine. "We aspire to provide patients with innovative clinical solutions through multi-disciplinary collaboration."

 

Addressing Critical Healthcare Needs

Liver cancer remains the fifth most common cancer in Hong Kong, with approximately 1,800 new cases and over 1,500 deaths annually. Over 80% of cases are diagnosed at late stages when treatment options are limited.

Initial clinical results have been highly promising. Treatment at both institutions has demonstrated excellent post-operative recovery, with no local recurrence of target tumors and no major complications, confirming both the safety and efficacy of the technology.

"Since the first Histotripsy system arrived in Hong Kong, treatment for 30 patients with liver cancer has been successfully arranged in 90 days," Mr Li noted. "This game-changing technology is a gift of hope, health and life."

 

Expanding Beyond Liver Cancer

Hong Kong's research teams are already exploring applications beyond liver cancer. Histotripsy shows tremendous potential for breast cancer treatment, the second most common cancer in Hong Kong and the leading cancer affecting women.

"Histotripsy therapy relies on ultrasound to localise cancer, which is particularly favourable to Asian and Chinese women who have a higher breast density than Caucasian women," explained Professor Winnie Chu Chiu-wing from CUHK's Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology. "With further technical development, Histotripsy can potentially be a promising emerging focal therapy option for breast cancer patients."

Recent studies have also revealed that histotripsy treatments may stimulate immune responses that cause regression of untreated tumor regions, opening possibilities for combining the technology with immunotherapy to enhance overall therapeutic outcomes.

 

A Vision for Regional Healthcare Leadership

Hong Kong's rapid adoption and research development in histotripsy technology positions the region as a medical innovation hub serving not only local patients but potentially the wider Asian region.

"Cost-effective and efficient medical technologies can significantly improve healthcare quality and develop a healthcare economy that serves Hong Kong, mainland China and Southeast Asia," stated Mr Li Ka-shing.

With next-generation Histotripsy 2.0 systems equipped for continuous hardware and software upgrades, Hong Kong's medical institutions are positioned at the forefront of this evolving technology, ensuring patients will continue to benefit from the latest advances in non-invasive cancer treatment.

 

Hong Kong continues to demonstrate its commitment to medical excellence and innovation, ensuring patients have access to the world's most advanced treatment options while positioning the region as a leader in next-generation healthcare solutions.

Back to blog