Liver cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the liver grow uncontrollably and form a tumor mass. The liver plays a vital role in the body, including supporting metabolism, processing nutrients from food, and filtering toxins from the bloodstream.
The most common type of liver cancer is Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). This condition often develops in patients who already have chronic liver disease, such as Liver Cirrhosis.
One of the major challenges in treating liver cancer is that symptoms are often not noticeable in the early stages. Many patients only discover the tumor when it has already grown large or when the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. As a result, treatment options become more limited and require more complex therapeutic approaches.
With advancements in medical technology, a non-surgical treatment method called High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is now available. This technology is offered at RS Mandaya Royal Puri and performed by experienced specialists such as Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI and Hendra Koncoro, Sp.PD-KGEH.
Contents
What Is HIFU for Liver Cancer?
HIFU is a therapeutic technology that uses high-energy ultrasound waves to destroy tumor tissue inside the body. Unlike conventional surgery, this method does not require incisions because the ultrasound energy is delivered from outside the body and focused directly on the tumor area.
When the ultrasound energy is concentrated at a specific point, the temperature within the tumor tissue can rise to more than 60°C. This heat permanently damages the cancer cells so they can no longer grow or survive.
This process of destroying tumor tissue using heat is known as thermal ablation. With this technology, doctors can target tumors very precisely, helping protect the healthy liver tissue surrounding the tumor.
This approach is particularly important for patients who already have impaired liver function, such as those with cirrhosis, because preserving the remaining healthy liver tissue is crucial.
Who Can Undergo HIFU Therapy?
Each liver cancer patient has a different medical condition, so treatment decisions must be based on a thorough medical evaluation by a doctor. In general, HIFU may be considered in several situations:
1. Patients with primary liver cancer (HCC)
HIFU is often used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma because it can destroy tumors directly without requiring major surgery.
2. Patients with liver cirrhosis
In some patients with severe liver cirrhosis, including those experiencing Ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen) or Pleural Effusion (fluid accumulation in the chest cavity), HIFU may still be considered as a treatment option.
3. Tumors visible on ultrasound imaging
HIFU procedures are typically guided by imaging technology such as Ultrasound Imaging. Therefore, tumors that can be clearly visualized during imaging are generally more suitable for this treatment.
4. Tumors located in difficult areas
Some liver tumors are located in challenging anatomical positions, such as near the diaphragm, ribs, stomach, intestines, gallbladder, major blood vessels, or bile ducts. With careful planning and specialized techniques, HIFU can still be performed safely in these situations.
Stages of the HIFU Procedure to Destroy Tumors
In general, HIFU therapy involves several key steps:
1. The procedure is performed without surgery
The HIFU device is placed on the patient’s skin surface, and ultrasound waves are directed toward the tumor inside the body.
2. Energy is focused on the tumor
Sound waves with a specific frequency are concentrated at a small focal point within the cancer tissue.
3. Tumor tissue temperature increases
As the energy accumulates at that point, the temperature of the tumor tissue rises to more than 60°C.
4. Cancer cells are destroyed by heat
The heat causes permanent damage to cancer cells, preventing them from surviving.
5. Healthy tissue is preserved
Because the energy is focused on a specific point, the surrounding healthy liver tissue remains largely unaffected.
Research Results on the Effectiveness of HIFU for Liver Cancer
Several studies have shown promising results regarding the use of HIFU for liver cancer patients, including those with cirrhosis.
-
Low risk of complications
In a study involving 55 patients with large liver tumors (with an average size of around 8 cm) and cirrhosis, the HIFU procedure did not show significant complications during or after treatment.
-
High tumor destruction rate
Follow-up evaluations showed that approximately 69.2% of patients experienced complete tumor ablation after undergoing HIFU therapy.
-
Patient survival rates
The study also reported survival rates of about 61.5% after 12 months and 35.3% after 18 months following treatment.
-
Can be combined with other treatments
In some cases, HIFU may also be combined with other therapies such as Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE). This combination has been reported to provide better survival outcomes compared to TACE alone in patients with advanced liver cancer.
HIFU Specialists for Liver Cancer at Mandaya Royal Puri
Liver cancer treatment using HIFU technology at RS Mandaya Royal Puri is supported by experienced medical specialists.
1. dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI
Dr. Sugianto Santoso is a radiology specialist with a subspecialty in interventional radiology, experienced in various minimally invasive procedures for tumor treatment.
In his clinical practice, he uses multiple medical imaging technologies such as Ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI, and fluoroscopy to ensure highly precise procedures. In addition to HIFU therapy, he also performs procedures such as Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), Microwave Ablation, and TACE.
He completed his medical degree at Universitas Kristen Maranatha and his radiology specialization at Universitas Indonesia.
Practice schedule at RS Mandaya Royal Puri:
- Tuesday: 16.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Thursday: 16.00 – 20.00 WIB
2. dr. Hendra Koncoro, Sp.PD-KGEH
Dr. Hendra Koncoro is an internal medicine specialist with a subspecialty in gastroenterology and hepatology, focusing on digestive and liver diseases.
He treats various conditions including liver cancer, fatty liver disease, gallstones, liver nodules, liver cirrhosis, and bile duct cancer.
Dr. Hendra completed his medical education at Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, then pursued a Master of Biomedical Science and internal medicine specialization at Udayana University. He later obtained his consultant degree in gastroenterology and hepatology from Universitas Indonesia.
In his practice, Dr. Hendra provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for internal medicine conditions, particularly those related to the digestive system and liver. Available evaluations include liver function tests, kidney function tests, lipid profile, urine analysis, as well as imaging examinations such as CT Scan and MRI to support accurate diagnosis.
Practice schedule at RS Mandaya Royal Puri:
- Wednesday: 10.30 – 12.30 WIB
- Saturday: 10.30 – 12.30 WIB
With advancements in technology such as HIFU, liver cancer patients now have access to more modern and minimally invasive treatment options. This technology enables tumor destruction without major surgery, while preserving healthy liver tissue so that the organ can continue functioning optimally.
To make your visit easier, you can use WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter mobile application available on Google Play and the App Store to check queue numbers and obtain further information.
