UAE hospital becomes first in the country to offer non-invasive tumor treatment

A major healthcare milestone was reached in Abu Dhabi this week. SEHA Tawam Hospital became the first healthcare provider in the UAE to offer histotripsy technology for treating liver tumors.

This treatment option gives patients an alternative to surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The hospital has already successfully treated 21 patients from the UAE and other countries using this technology.

How does it work?

Histotripsy uses precisely focused ultrasound energy to destroy tumors from outside the body. The technology targets cancer cells with exceptional accuracy while leaving healthy tissue untouched.

The process works by sending focused sound waves to the tumor site. These waves create tiny bubbles that collapse rapidly, destroying the tumor tissue without damaging surrounding areas.

Patients experience several benefits compared to traditional treatments:

• No surgical incisions required
• Minimal side effects
• Reduced treatment risks
• Faster recovery times

Why does it matter?

The technology is particularly valuable for tumors in difficult locations within the liver. Some liver tumors sit in areas where conventional surgery carries higher risks for patients.

Dr Khalid Saeed Balaraj, Chair of the Oncology Centre at SEHA Tawam Hospital, says the technology "expands the treatment options available to patients with complex liver tumors."

The introduction of histotripsy also strengthens Abu Dhabi's position as a regional leader in cancer care. Patients no longer need to travel abroad for this advanced treatment option.

The context

US medical device company Histosonics developed the histotripsy technology. SEHA, a subsidiary of PureHealth, brought the treatment to the UAE with support from the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi.

Saeed Jaber Mohd Al Kuwaiti, Group Chief Executive Officer at SEHA, describes the introduction as "a major milestone in our mission to deliver world-class, patient-centered care in the UAE."

The successful treatment of 21 patients demonstrates the technology's effectiveness in a real-world healthcare setting. This early success suggests histotripsy could become a standard treatment option for eligible liver cancer patients in the region.