Li Ka-shing Backs Histotripsy Kidney Cancer Trials, Making Hong Kong Asia First
SingTao · 4 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
The Li Ka-shing Foundation announced on Wednesday that tycoon Li Ka-shing will donate 30 clinical trial spots for Histotripsy (組織碎化技術) kidney cancer treatment to three Hong Kong hospitals, making the city the first in Asia to conduct such trials. The non-invasive technology, which uses focused ultrasound to liquefy tissue, has already treated over 400 patients in Hong Kong over the past two years across liver and pancreatic cancer applications. Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong Medical Centre will participate in the kidney cancer trial programme.
Key Points
- The 30 clinical trial spots will be allocated to Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, and CUHK Medical Centre, with Hong Kong becoming Asia's first city for Histotripsy kidney cancer clinical trials
- Since 2024, the Foundation has donated three Histotripsy devices to the University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, CUHK Faculty of Medicine, and Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital
- Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong has completed 20 successful pancreatic cancer Histotripsy cases since March 31, while CUHK Medical Centre has completed 6 cases since June 3
- A "Love Can Help" programme launched in May offers Histotripsy treatment to eligible liver cancer patients for HK$50,000, with 20 cases already successfully completed
- Dr. Zhen Xu (徐蓁), the University of Michigan professor who invented Histotripsy, received the 2026 Golden Goose Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science on September 29
Why It Matters
Hong Kong's position as Asia's first city for Histotripsy kidney cancer clinical trials signals a significant advancement in non-invasive cancer treatment options for the region. The technology offers a radiation-free, incision-free alternative that could particularly benefit patients with deep-seated or hard-to-reach tumours, potentially reducing recovery times and complications compared to traditional surgery .
Hong Kong's position as Asia's first city for Histotripsy kidney cancer clinical trials signals a significant advancement in non-invasive cancer treatment options for the region. The technology offers a radiation-free, incision-free alternative that could particularly benefit patients with deep-seated or hard-to-reach tumours, potentially reducing recovery times and complications compared to traditional surgery .