Gleneagles pioneers as first private hospital to offer histotripsy treatment

Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong (Gleneagles) announced on Friday its pioneering role as the first private hospital in Asia to offer histotripsy treatment for liver cancer. This non-invasive technology utilizes high-intensity ultrasound waves to destroy tumors, representing a significant advancement in cancer care.

The service is scheduled to start by the end of March. Histotripsy was first introduced in Hong Kong last August through a donation from the Li Ka Shing Foundation to the LKS Faculty of Medicine at The University of Hong Kong, initially on a clinical trial basis in the public sector.

The positive outcomes from these trials have facilitated the expansion of this technology into the private healthcare sector. 

Gleneagles is equipped with the first HistoSonics system in the region, enhancing access to this effective treatment. 

Additionally, Hong Kong residents deemed clinically suitable can receive a special discount of over 15 percent on the treatment package, due to the support from the Li Ka Shing Foundation.

Kenneth Tsang, Chief Executive Officer of Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong and Regional Chief Executive Officer of IHH Healthcare North Asia, expressed his enthusiasm about offering this innovative treatment. 

He highlighted the hospital's commitment to excellent clinical outcomes and personalized care through cutting-edge technologies.

He added that as a university teaching hospital, Gleneagles also plays a crucial role in facilitating research and clinical adoption of advanced medical innovations. The hospital is actively exploring the broader application of histotripsy to other types of cancers, aiming to provide new treatment options and hope to patients both locally and regionally.

Histotripsy offers a promising alternative to traditional treatments, especially for patients unsuitable for surgery. It involves minimal pain, fewer side effects, and allows for a quicker recovery, typically enabling patients to be discharged the next day.

For patients outside Hong Kong, a second opinion service is available through the hospital’s International Patient Services. More information about the histotripsy service can be found on the Gleneagles Hospital website.