Histotripsy Cancer Program
Expanding Non-Invasive Ultrasound Ablation for Advanced Cancer Care
Cancer Program Overview
The Histotripsy Cancer Program at the University of Michigan leads fundamental, preclinical, and clinical research to advance non-invasive acoustic ablation. By utilizing focused ultrasound to mechanically breakdown targeted tumor tissue without heat, toxicity, or incisions, we aim to expand histotripsy treatments across a wide range of cancer types.
The Edison® Histotripsy System (HistoSonics) has achieved FDA clearance and CE mark approval for the non-invasive treatment of primary and metastatic liver tumors. As of 2026, over 5,000 liver tumor patients globally have been treated using histotripsy, with clinical trials actively expanding into renal, pancreatic, and other indications.
Key Clinical Benefits of Histotripsy
Non-Invasive & Non-Thermal:
Precise mechanical ablation with no thermal damage to surrounding structures.
Real-Time Guidance:
Ultrasound-guided targeting for enhanced precision and immediate feedback.
Rapid Recovery & Tissue Selectivity:
Minimal pain, quick patient recovery, and preservation of major critical structures (e.g., blood vessels, bile ducts).
Systemic Immunostimulation:
Stimulates potent local and systemic anti-tumor immune responses.
Research Objectives at Histotripsy Center
Expanding Histotripsy to New Cancer Indications +
Histotripsy is a versatile platform technology with potential applications far beyond liver and kidney tumors. We are actively investigating new applications using animal models and excised human tumor tissue, with capabilities to launch early-phase clinical trials.
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New Tumor Targets
Thyroid, pancreas, breast, prostate, brain, and skin, and sarcoma.
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New Equipment
New specialized equipment is being developed to enable treatment of more organs.
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Collaboration
We actively invite researchers with preclinical tumor models and clinicians with novel tumor treatment proposals to partner with us.
Leveraging Immunostimulation & Combination Therapies
Unlike thermal ablation or radiation, histotripsy liberates immunogenically intact tumor antigens alongside pro-inflammatory signals. This mechanism primes cytotoxic CD8+ T cells to attack both local and distant tumor sites (abscopal effect).
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Current Focus:
Combining histotripsy with immunotherapy agents with immunotherapy drugs to convert focal ablation into a systemic cancer therapy.
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Current Study:
Primary & metastatic liver tumor, pancreatic tumors in preclinical models with interest in starting clinical trials and expanding indications.
Advancing Technology & Treatment Monitoring
To maximize treatment safety, efficacy, and consistency, we develop next-generation hardware and software for histotripsy platforms to improve clinical outcomes.
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Aberration Correction
Engineering feedback-based techniques to maintain precise focusing and recover pressure loss due to acoustic aberration through heterogeneous tissue paths or partial bone blockages.
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Treatment Monitoring using Transmit-Receive Histotripsy Arrays
Utilizing specialized ultrasound arrays that simultaneously deliver treatment and monitor microbubble cavitation in real time to optimize dose delivery.
Want to conduct histotripsy research?
The Histotripsy Center provides specialized histotripsy equipment, workstation, and trained personnel to help you start histotripsy experiments, free of charge.
Research Opportunities & Facilities
On-Site Research
Access specialized equipment, facilities, and personnel to run experiments on your preclinical models free of charge.
Apply for On-Site ResearchOff-Site Research System
Request the shipment of our custom travel histotripsy mouse system with technical personnel support directly to your laboratory site.
Apply for Off-Site ResearchUM Internal Seed Grants
Funding available for University of Michigan investigators launching new histotripsy cancer projects.
Apply for Seed Grant
Are You a Potential Patient?
Histotripsy is currently FDA approved for non-invasive treatment of primary and metastatic tumors in the liver. There are ongoing clinical trials on renal tumors and pancreatic tumors. If you are interested in receiving histotripsy treatment, you can find the hospitals providing histotripsy treatment near you.
Are You a Clinician?
Histotripsy is already available to add as a service to your practice.
Would you like to learn more about offering Histotripsy to your medical clinic?
