Li Ka Shing Foundation Brings Groundbreaking Non-Invasive Cancer Treatment to Hong Kong
Hong Kong has made medical history as the first region in Asia to deploy cutting-edge histotripsy technology for liver cancer treatment, following a landmark donation from the Li Ka Shing Foundation to the University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Medicine (HKUMED).
The first two patients with liver cancer successfully completed surgery using the pioneering histotripsy device at Queen Mary Hospital on Thursday, with treatment durations of just nine and 13 minutes respectively. This milestone makes Hong Kong the third region globally to offer this revolutionary treatment.
A Game-Changing Technology
The histotripsy device, named "Edison," represents a paradigm shift in cancer treatment. Unlike traditional invasive procedures, this FDA-approved technology uses high-intensity, focused ultrasound to destroy cancer cells through the formation of microbubbles within tumors. These bubbles rapidly expand and contract, producing mechanical shock waves that precisely target and liquefy cancer cells without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.
"The technology kills cancer tissue 100 percent. The high precision minimizes patients' adverse effects. The whole procedure only takes five minutes," said Professor Albert Chan Chi-yan, Clinical Professor at HKU's School of Clinical Medicine. "Compared to existing treatments, the procedure involves no incisions or radiation, and offers a painless, non-invasive, scarless, bloodless and highly efficient surgery with no risk of infection or metastasis."
Unprecedented Support from Li Ka Shing Foundation
The 96-year-old philanthropist Li Ka-shing made a surprise virtual appearance at the donation ceremony held at Queen Mary Hospital on August 27, waving to attendees and describing the technology as "incredible." The Foundation has committed more than US$6 million to support the donation of equipment, patient treatment, and specialized training for six doctors and radiologists at US manufacturer HistoSonics.
According to organizers, Li commented that treating cancer using Edison's microbubble technology is fascinating, expressing hope that this transformative innovation can reduce the burden on medical budgets while bringing hope and economic prospects to Hong Kong.
Clinical Research Program Launches
HKUMED has initiated a comprehensive clinical research program to treat 20 liver cancer patients free of charge over the next two years. The Li Ka Shing Foundation will sponsor ten patients at Queen Mary Hospital, while the university will fund another ten patients. Each histotripsy treatment typically costs approximately US$8,000 (HK$62,400).
The treatment is suitable for patients with primary or metastatic liver cancer who have single or multiple tumors with diameters less than five centimeters, maintain good liver function, and can tolerate general anesthesia. Patients with mild to moderate liver scarring and those awaiting liver transplantation may also benefit from the therapy.
Expanding Access Across Hong Kong
The Li Ka Shing Foundation has donated a second histotripsy system to the Chinese University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Medicine, expected to arrive by year-end. This will enable an additional ten patients to receive treatment at CUHK in Sha Tin, further expanding access to this life-saving technology.
Addressing a Critical Health Challenge
Liver cancer ranks as the fifth most common cancer in Hong Kong, with 1,700 to 1,800 new cases diagnosed annually. Traditional treatments are often invasive and typically limited to no more than two sessions. In contrast, histotripsy treatment is non-invasive, allows for multiple treatments if needed, and offers a remarkably quick recovery time of just one to two days.
Clinical data from nearly 400 US patients who have received histotripsy treatment shows excellent post-operative recovery, with no local recurrence of targeted tumors or major complications, confirming the treatment's safety and effectiveness.