Liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a condition that requires precise and evidence-based treatment. In the medical field, any new technology or therapeutic method cannot be widely adopted without undergoing rigorous evaluation. This is where clinical studies play a crucial role. Clinical trials are conducted to assess the effectiveness, safety, and long-term impact of a therapy before it is recommended as a treatment option for patients.
One technology that has undergone extensive research is HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound), a non-surgical therapy that uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to destroy tumor tissue. Based on clinical study results, the use of HIFU in liver cancer patients demonstrated a tumor destruction success rate of 69.2%, with no severe complications reported during the procedure. Furthermore, research data also indicate favorable survival rates, positioning HIFU as one of the promising therapies for liver cancer management.
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HIFU Therapy for Liver Cancer: What Do Clinical Data Say?
Based on a study titled Extracorporeal High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation in the Treatment of Patients with Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma, HIFU therapy showed encouraging results in patients with large HCC tumors accompanied by liver cirrhosis. This research provided insights into both the safety and effectiveness of HIFU in patients with complex medical conditions.
1. No Severe Side Effects Found
In the study, 55 patients with large liver tumors (average diameter approximately 8.14 cm) and cirrhosis underwent HIFU procedures. Monitoring results showed no severe complications during or after the procedure. This indicates that HIFU is relatively safe, even for patients with impaired liver function.
2. Majority of Patients Achieved Complete Tumor Destruction
Among 26 patients who underwent follow-up evaluation, approximately 69.2% achieved complete ablation, meaning total tumor destruction. This suggests that in the majority of patients, cancerous tissue was effectively eliminated through the HIFU procedure.
3. Favorable Survival Rates
The study also reported survival rates of 61.5% at 12 months and 35.3% at 18 months post-therapy. These findings demonstrate that HIFU not only helps control tumor growth but also has the potential to extend life expectancy in liver cancer patients with cirrhosis.
4. Combination of HIFU and TACE Provides More Optimal Results
In another study conducted by the same research team, the effectiveness of combining HIFU with TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization) was compared to chemoembolization alone in 50 patients with advanced-stage liver cancer. The results showed that patients who received combination therapy had significantly better survival rates compared to those who underwent TACE alone.
Overall, these findings indicate that HIFU, whether used as a standalone therapy or combined with other treatment methods, holds strong potential as a treatment option for liver cancer, including in patients with cirrhosis.
HIFU Specialist for Liver Cancer Therapy – dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI
dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI is a radiology specialist with a subspecialty in interventional radiology who has extensive experience in managing various diseases through minimally invasive procedures, including liver cancer. In his practice, he utilizes advanced medical imaging technologies such as ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and fluoroscopy as guidance to ensure every procedure is performed with precision, accuracy, and patient safety as the top priority.
As an interventional radiologist, dr. Sugianto is experienced in performing various liver cancer treatments, including TACE for liver nodules and tumors, as well as ablation procedures such as Radiofrequency (RF) Ablation and Microwave Ablation. These methods aim to destroy tumor tissue without major surgery, resulting in lower complication risks and generally faster recovery times. In addition, he applies HIFU technology as a modern therapy that enables more precise tumor destruction with a minimally invasive approach.
For his educational background, dr. Sugianto completed his medical degree at Maranatha Christian University and pursued his Radiology Specialist training at the University of Indonesia. With a strong academic foundation and extensive clinical experience, he is committed to providing the latest minimally invasive therapeutic solutions to support both life expectancy and quality of life for liver cancer patients.
dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI is available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (WIB)
- Thursday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (WIB)
To make your visit easier, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment service, or download the Care Dokter application via Google Play and the App Store to simplify your visit, check queue numbers, and access other complete information.
