High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Therapy for Liver Tumors | Uniclinic Frankfurt, Germany

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a treatment method that uses high-frequency vibrations above the human hearing threshold to kill tumor cells. Unlike diagnostic ultrasound, HIFU generates significantly higher energies by concentrating ultrasonic waves using special transducers that focus the rays onto an area measuring a few millimeters. HIFU is approved for medical use in humans and has already been proven effective and safe in many studies. However, further studies are necessary to show the full range of uses. In the current treatment of liver tumors, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are considered standard procedures. If the tumor needs to be reduced in size before surgery or surgical tumor removal is not possible, gentle, minimally invasive procedures called local ablative procedures can be used. HIFU therapy is an innovative, non-invasive form of treatment that can be used as an alternative or as a supplement to the treatment of HCCs and liver metastases. HIFU treatment is associated with a relatively low incidence of side effects, in contrast to surgical methods or other local ablative procedures. This is because no incision is necessary for the HIFU treatment, and no instruments have to be inserted into the body. According to current knowledge, the surrounding tissue is protected better with HIFU than with surgery. HIFU treatment is also suitable for tumor size reduction with palliative intent, especially in locally advanced tumors that can only be operated on at great risk. Compared to chemotherapy, HIFU treatment has the advantage of being carried out in a single session. In addition, HIFU can be repeated as often as desired if there is residual disease or recurrent tumor disease. Overall, HIFU is expected to provide at least equivalent tumor ablation with an expanded range of indications and a lower rate of side effects. The feasibility of HIFU treatment must be determined on an individual basis. However, general indications may include:Confirmed inoperable HCC / confirmed inoperable liver metastasis(s);Tumor can be visualized using ultrasound;Tumor size up to about 5 cm, possibly in combination with a previously performed transarterial embolization;Several (max. 4) tumor nodules, total size max. 10 cm;The primary tumor should be treated (surgery, chemotherapy);Expected survival time of more than three months;Good general condition of the patient;The patient must be capable of anesthesia. Before the HIFU treatment, you will be admitted to the hospital for 3-4 days. The therapy will be performed under general anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain and can lie still. An appointment with the anesthesiology department will be made to discuss the anesthesia and premedication. If needed, analog sedation can be used instead of general anesthesia. The treatment takes 1-3 hours, depending on the tumor's size and location. Anesthesiologists monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing during the procedure. After the treatment, you will be monitored for 48 hours, and an ultrasound examination will be performed to check its success. If you experience any pain, please inform us so we can take immediate action. You can eat a normal meal after the treatment, and the infusion will be left overnight for safety reasons. You may be able to go home after 48 hours of monitoring, depending on your condition. Follow-up care is necessary to assess the therapy's success and rule out late complications. You will be informed of the dates for necessary check-ups before you are discharged.