Addenbrooke's Hospital Becomes First in Europe to Deliver Histotripsy Cancer Treatment Outside Clinical Trials
Key Insights
Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge has become the first European facility to deliver histotripsy, a non-invasive liver cancer treatment using sound waves to break down tumours.
The pioneering treatment was fast-tracked by the UK government and offers patients a safer alternative to traditional therapies like chemotherapy or radiation with minimal pain and quick recovery.
Roger Jackson, an 80-year-old patient from Bedford, became one of the first NHS patients to receive the 30-minute procedure and was discharged the following day.
Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge has achieved a significant milestone in cancer treatment, becoming the first facility in Europe to deliver histotripsy procedures to patients outside of clinical trials. The pioneering non-invasive liver cancer treatment uses sound waves to break down tumours, offering patients a safer and faster alternative to traditional methods like chemotherapy or radiation.
Roger Jackson, 80, from Bedford, was among the first patients to receive the groundbreaking treatment after the hospital was fast-tracked by the UK government to carry out the procedures before full regulatory approval. The technology represents a major advancement in precision cancer care, targeting tumours while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
Revolutionary Sound Wave Technology
The histotripsy system, developed by US firm HistoSonics (search), was installed at Addenbrooke's through a donation from the Li Ka Shing Foundation. The treatment takes as little as 30 minutes with minimal or no pain and enables quick recovery times for patients.
"Histotripsy represents a major and exciting step forward in cancer treatment," said Dr Teik Choon See, consultant interventional radiologist at Addenbrooke's. "It allows us to target tumours more precisely while sparing surrounding healthy tissue, offering patients a safer and faster alternative to traditional therapies."
Immune System Activation Potential
Beyond the immediate tumour destruction, the technology shows promising secondary effects. "What is even more promising is in some reported cases, after the sound waves break apart the tumour, the patient's immune response may become activated and clear up some remaining cancerous tissues, showing real hope for patients," Dr See explained.
Patient Experience and Recovery
Mr Jackson, who became the first NHS patient to receive the treatment, was discharged the following day, demonstrating the procedure's minimal invasiveness. "It is impressive to think that sound waves can treat cancer, without the need for patients like me to go through intensive surgery, at what already is a stressful time," he said. "I'm hugely grateful to the team at Addenbrooke's for their specialist care and expertise."
Healthcare System Impact
The treatment is initially being offered to selected patients with tumours from primary and secondary liver cancers. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting described the development as marking "the beginning of a new generation in cancer treatment," stating that "we are lighting the fuse beneath the technological revolution, transforming care for NHS patients."
Hospital Chief Executive Roland Sinker highlighted the broader healthcare benefits, noting that the innovation could reduce hospital stays, improve wait times, and free up surgeons for other procedures. The early access granted by the government before full regulatory approval demonstrates the technology's potential to transform cancer care delivery across the NHS.