[Kathy Kopp]

I don’t have specific experience with these options. There may be something on this website as they have an active research group:

The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation

cholangiocarcinoma.org

Homepage

CCF provides comprehensive information and resources on cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, research, and support for patients and caregivers.

[Unknown Member]

Histotripsy and Immunotherapy in Cancer Treatment 1. What is Histotripsy?

Histotripsy is a non-invasive, ultrasound-based therapy that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to mechanically destroy tumors without surgery, radiation, or heat. Instead of thermal ablation, it breaks down cancer cells using acoustic cavitation—creating microbubbles that disrupt the tumor.

2. How Does Histotripsy Relate to Immunotherapy?

Recent research suggests histotripsy can enhance the body’s immune response, making it a potential partner for immunotherapy:

• Releases Tumor Antigens – The destruction of tumor cells by histotripsy releases cancer antigens, which can help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
• Reduces Immunosuppressive Factors – Tumors often suppress immune responses, but histotripsy may help disrupt these protective environments.
• Synergy with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors – By exposing tumor fragments to the immune system, histotripsy may boost the effects of drugs like PD-1 inhibitors (Keytruda, Opdivo), which help immune cells attack cancer.

3. Recent Studies & Advancements

• University of Michigan Research (2022-2024):
  • Found that histotripsy destroys primary tumors and prevents metastasis in liver cancer models.
  • Suggested that histotripsy triggers an anti-tumor immune response, making it a potential combination therapy with immunotherapy.
• Ongoing Clinical Trials:
  • Histotripsy is being tested for liver, kidney, and pancreatic cancers in human trials.
  • Some trials are investigating its combination with checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy.

4. Potential Benefits Over Traditional Treatments

✅ Non-invasive, no incisions
✅ Lower risk of complications compared to surgery and radiation
✅ Targets tumors precisely while sparing healthy tissue
✅ May reduce metastasis and recurrence when combined with immunotherapy

Future of Histotripsy & Immunotherapy

• Researchers are exploring whether histotripsy can “prime” tumors for immunotherapy, making resistant cancers more treatable.
• If successful, this could lead to a new standard of care for solid tumors, especially in cases where surgery is not an option.