Osaka Public University launches Japan's first clinical trial of ultrasound bubble therapy for liver cancer

Osaka Public University has begun Japan's first clinical study using focused ultrasound to create micro‑bubbles that fracture liver cancer cells, a non‑invasive technique known as histotripsy. The method, already approved in the United States, concentrates ultrasound on tumors smaller than 3 cm, producing shock waves that shatter the cancer without needles or heat. The initial trial involved two patients with either primary liver cancer or liver‑metastatic tumors, and researchers plan to enroll more cases to evaluate safety and effectiveness.

Professor Takeshi Ishizawa, who learned of the technique at a U.S. conference, said it could become "a new treatment option" for patients, especially the elderly who cannot tolerate surgery. Kunihiko Kunikuni, director of the National Health Crisis Management Institute, added that "if this method becomes practical in Japan, it will be good news for many patients."