A non-invasive cancer treatment that uses focused ultrasound to destroy liver tumours without surgery, radiation or chemotherapy has been introduced at SEHA Tawam Hospital in Abu Dhabi — marking the UAE’s first deployment of the technology.
Histotripsy, developed by US medical device company Histosonics, works by directing precisely focused ultrasound energy at tumour tissue, dismantling it while leaving surrounding healthy cells intact. The approach is especially suited for lesions in areas of the liver that carry elevated surgical risk, and produces minimal side effects with a faster recovery window than conventional interventions.
Twenty-one patients — both from within the UAE and abroad — have already undergone the procedure at Tawam Hospital, according to SEHA, a PureHealth subsidiary operating with the support of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
Among them was a 69-year-old patient with three large liver lesions, who was assessed and treated by Dr Philip and a multidisciplinary team. Post-procedure CT scans confirmed complete destruction of all three tumours, and the patient was discharged in good health — without having undergone surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.
Dr Khalid Saeed Balaraj, Chair of the Oncology Centre at SEHA Tawam Hospital, said: “We are proud to offer histotripsy technology to our patients. It represents a significant step forward in non-invasive cancer care and expands the treatment options available to patients with complex liver tumours.”
Saeed Jaber Mohd Al Kuwaiti, Group Chief Executive Officer at SEHA, said: “The introduction of histotripsy at SEHA Tawam Hospital marks a major milestone in our mission to deliver world-class, patient-centred care in the UAE. By offering this advanced treatment locally, we are reinforcing our commitment to setting new benchmarks in oncology care for the region.”
Patients with liver tumour diagnoses who want to explore histotripsy as a treatment option can reach the Oncology Centre at SEHA Tawam Hospital through the hotline 80050.
