Ultrasound is ushering a new era of surgery-free cancer treatment

Summary

Erica Bass/ Rogel Cancer Center/ Michigan MedicineThe histotripsy transducer head produces a tiny cloud of bubbles that can break apart tissue (Credit: Erica Bass/ Rogel Cancer Center/ Michigan Medicine)That said, trials on ultrasound and immunotherapy are still in relatively early stages, Price cautions. That means far more research is required to know if, when or how this combined approach could change patient care.But ultrasound approaches already in use are ushering in a new era in oncology – one that aims to replace, or at least improve, effective-yet-devastating therapies like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. "Cancer is awful," Xu says. "What's making it even worse is cancer treatment." Ultrasound isn't a "magic cure" for cancer, Xu says. Like any medical treatment, it has downsides and shortcomings. But just as she was able to spare her lab mates from annoying noise decades ago, Xu hopes her discovery – and those of other scientists – will help patients avoid unnecessary suffering for years to come. -- For trusted insights into better health and wellbeing rooted in science, sign up to the Health Fix newsletter, while The Essential List delivers a handpicked selection of features and insights.For more science, technology, environment and health stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.