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Histotripsy x Pancreatic Cancer
Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong
Summary
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the deadliest malignancies, with 5-year survival around 12% despite advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Existing ablative therapies (RFA, microwave, irreversible electroporation) are limited by thermal injury risk, proximity to vessels/ducts. Novel local therapies that can be integrated with systemic regimens are urgently needed. Histotripsy is a non-thermal focused ultrasound modality that uses controlled cavitation to mechanically liquefy tissue without thermal coagulation or ionizing radiation, with precision under real-time ultrasound guidance. Preclinical and early translational work in pancreatic models shows that histotripsy can safely ablate pancreatic tissue while sparing major vessels and ducts in large-animal models, and can alter the tumour microenvironment (TME) with increased release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), enhanced dendritic cell and macrophage activation, and increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration in murine pancreatic tumours. This proposal aims to evaluate the safety, local tumour control, and immunologic effects of histotripsy in pancreatic cancer especially PDAC, positioning it as a platform to enhance responsiveness to contemporary systemic therapies. The HistoSonics Histotripsy System is now registered in the Medical Device Administration Control System from Department of Health in Hong Kong (HKMD no: 252842).
Official title: Histotripsy for Pancreatic Cancer: a Novel Strategy for an Unmet Need
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
20
Start Date
2026-03-31
Completion Date
2028-01-25
Last Updated
2026-10-14
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Histotripsy
Histotripsy is a promising non-invasive technique that uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to disrupt tissue without damaging surrounding structures. It works by using high-intensity ultrasound waves to create microscopic bubbles within the tumour tissue. These bubbles rapidly expand and collapse, generating shock waves that disrupt the tissue. The technique is highly precise and can be targeted to specific areas of the liver, allowing for selective destruction of tumour cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Other Name:
Locations (1)
The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong