高強度聚焦超音波未來的應用

組織粉碎術(histotripsy)利用短周期高強度超音波的機械波來液化目標組織，使細胞內的空氣造成內生性的開洞，將目標區域轉化為無細胞碎片，在1至2個月內這些無細胞碎片會被人體吸收，僅留下一個小的疤痕，組織粉碎術具有非侵襲性，沒有輻射暴露，沒有熱效應的特色。組織粉碎術有組織選擇性能治療目標，而不傷害到血管，適合應用在肝細胞癌局部治療，並且不受熱沉效應的限制，也可以通過即時超音波成像進行引導。組織粉碎術除了可以治療腫瘤之外，也可以促進腫瘤微環境中的免疫反應，若能搭配免疫治療有機會加強治療效果。

Histotripsy utilizes short-cycle high-intensity ultrasound mechanical waves to liquefy target tissues, causing endogenous cavitation within the cells and transforming the target area into acellular debris. This acellular debris is absorbed by the body within 1 to 2 months, leaving only a small scar. Histotripsy is characterized by its non-invasive nature, absence of radiation exposure, and lack of thermal effects. It has the ability to selectively target tissues without damaging blood vessels, making it suitable for local treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, it is not limited by heat sink effects and can be guided through real-time ultrasound imaging. In addition to treating tumors, histotripsy can also promote immune responses within the tumor microenvironment, potentially enhancing treatment efficacy when combined with immunotherapy.