Medical City Dallas first in North Texas to offer histotripsy for liver tumors

Dallas, Texas — A Dallas resident is the first in North Texas to benefit from a groundbreaking nonsurgical treatment for liver tumors as Medical City Dallas becomes the first and only hospital in North Texas to perform a new nonsurgical cancer treatment for eligible patients.

Histotripsy is a noninvasive procedure that uses focused ultrasound energy to destroy targeted liver tumor tissue without surgical incisions, needles, radiation, or heat. The technology uses image guidance and high intensity sound energy to help physicians target treatment.

“Medical City Dallas has built a comprehensive system of care for advanced liver disease treatment and transplantation, combining specialized expertise and advanced technology in one of the region’s leading transplant programs,” says Jay deVenny, CEO of Medical City Dallas. “Offering histotripsy builds on that foundation, expanding treatment options and helping more patients with liver tumors access advanced care close to home.”

The technology provides Medical City Dallas physicians an additional option for eligible patients with primary or metastatic liver tumors, including some tumors that may be difficult to treat with traditional approaches. Because histotripsy is noninvasive, the procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting for eligible patients.

For Dallas resident Isidoro (Isi) Diaz, 69, years of ongoing liver issues led to routine monitoring with MRI scans. One scan revealed three spots on his liver, including one that had become cancerous. While initially preparing for a more extensive procedure, Diaz was offered histotripsy as a noninvasive treatment option, which he underwent at Medical City Dallas on July 15.

“I was amazed by how easy the whole experience was," Diaz says. "I expected to be in pain afterward, but I didn't even need pain medication, and by the next day I felt great. I've been telling everyone about it because it was so much easier than I ever imagined.”

Diaz continues follow-up care with his care team at Medical City Dallas and is being evaluated for a future liver transplant. He says histotripsy has given him valuable time and another treatment option as he continues his care plan.

Histotripsy was approved in 2023 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat liver tumors, including tumors that cannot be safely removed through surgery.

Learn more about liver tumor treatment options at Medical City Dallas