Allina Health Cancer Institute offers noninvasive ultrasound to treat some liver tumors

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Nov. 10, 2025) — An Allina Health Cancer Institute care team at Abbott Northwestern Hospital has successfully performed the first histotripsy procedure in the Twin Cities, marking a major milestone in noninvasive cancer treatment. The breakthrough therapy uses focused ultrasound waves to liquefy and destroy liver tumors.

The procedure was conducted using the Edison Histotripsy System, developed by HistoSonics, a medical technology company headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota. This FDA-approved technology allows physicians to precisely target liver tumors, using pulsed ultrasound to create microbubbles that mechanically break down tumor tissue at the cellular level.  

“Allina Health Cancer Institute is proud to lead the way in bringing this innovative technology to the Twin Cities, expanding options for patients and improving quality of life through expert, compassionate care. This is a transformative moment for cancer care in our region,” said Badrinath Konety, MD, president, Allina Health Cancer Institute. “At Allina Health Cancer Institute we strive to deliver patient-focused care, and histotripsy is a safe, noninvasive option in our cancer care toolbox.”  

Thomas Gebhard, MD, interventional radiologist with Allina Health Cancer Institute performed the procedure last week at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. To deliver the treatment, a specialized ultrasound transducer connected to a mobile robotic arm was positioned over the patient’s abdomen. After the physician delineated the desired treatment location with real time ultrasound, the histotripsy system precisely delivered pulsed sound waves to destroy the tumor. 

“We’re excited to offer this innovative new technology as a treatment option for our patients. Its unique mechanism of action allows us to destroy malignant tissue without damaging critical adjacent structures. It will allow us to treat patients who are not candidates for surgery or other targeted liver tumor therapies. It is completely noninvasive, which we hope will lead to shorter recovery times and an improved patient experience,” said Dr. Gebhard.  

Most histotripsy treatments take between 10 and 90 minutes, depending on tumor size and number, and patients typically return home the same day with minimal discomfort.

Histotripsy is currently FDA-approved for tumors in the liver. A HOPE4LIVER clinical trial showed a 90% local tumor control rate observed across all treated tumors. Clinical trials have been completed for treatment of kidney tumors, and it is now awaiting FDA approval for treatment of kidney tumors. 

This treatment is currently limited to those diagnosed with primary liver tumors or metastatic disease in the liver. It is best suited for those who are not good candidates for surgery or other invasive liver directed tumor therapies. Histotripsy can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments. 

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Allina Health Cancer Institute or call 612-863-0271.