For patient referrals: call 480-256-6444Can ultrasound liquefy tumors? In this episode of Beyond the Rounds, we explore histotripsy — a novel, non-thermal ultrasound therapy that can destroy tumors without surgery, heat, or radiation. Dr. Nolan Fisher sits down with surgical oncologist Dr. Michael Choti, Chief of Surgery at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, to discuss how this emerging technology may change the way liver tumors are treated.Using focused ultrasound energy to create microscopic cavitation bubbles, histotripsy mechanically breaks down tumor tissue while sparing critical structures like blood vessels and bile ducts. The result: precise tumor destruction in locations that may be difficult or impossible to treat with traditional surgery or thermal ablation.This episode explores how histotripsy works, where it fits in today’s treatment landscape, and why clinicians should remain both excited and cautious as the technology evolves.This episode is designed for physicians, advanced practice providers, and clinicians who want a practical understanding of emerging technologies in surgical oncology and liver tumor management.What We Cover• What histotripsy is and how cavitation-based ultrasound destroys tumors• Why histotripsy differs from thermal ablation techniques• The “heat sink effect” and why tumors near blood vessels are difficult to treat• How histotripsy may expand treatment options for liver tumors• Using histotripsy as a bridge to liver transplant• The potential immune effects of tumor liquefaction (abscopal effect)• When histotripsy is appropriate — and when it’s not• Current FDA approvals and ongoing research• Why careful patient selection and multidisciplinary evaluation matterKey Topics for CliniciansLiver tumorsColorectal liver metastasesHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)Liver transplant bridging therapyImage-guided tumor ablationHistotripsy technologySurgical oncology innovationMultidisciplinary cancer careAbout Our GuestDr. Michael Choti is Chief of Surgery at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center and a nationally recognized surgical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary cancers. His career has focused on liver tumors, colorectal cancer metastases, and advancing surgical and minimally invasive treatments for complex cancers. He previously served as Chair of the Department of Surgery at UT Southwestern and trained at Yale, the University of Pennsylvania, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.How to Refer a PatientIf you believe a patient may benefit from evaluation at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center:Banner Health providers: Use Cerner’s Ambulatory Referral Management (ARM) tool.Community providers:Fax referrals to 480-256-4607or call 480-256-6444 to schedule a patient for evaluation.DisclaimerThis podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is designed for a clinical audience. Any patient scenarios discussed are modified and de-identified to protect privacy. No protected health information (PHI) is disclosed. The information presented should not replace independent medical judgment or individualized patient care decisions.Subscribe to Beyond the Rounds for physician-focused conversations on clinical innovation, specialty collaboration, and evolving standards of care.