Biomedical engineer Zhen Xu co-founded HistoSonics, which developed a groundbreaking non-invasive treatment for liver tumors that uses precisely targeted high-intensity soundwaves to break up tumors, without harming other tissues. Because the treatment is so focused, Xu says, it “allows the clinician to treat high risk locations, for example, a surgically inoperable location, like a tumor sandwiched between vessels,” adding that “most patients feel no to minimal pain and have very fast recovery.” Having received the FDA greenlight in 2023, in June the company got approval for NHS patients in the U.K., and is seeking approval in Europe as well. It’s also testing the technique on kidney and pancreatic tumors, and hopes to expand to breast, prostate, thyroid, and other cancers, and even different ailments like stroke or epilepsy. In August, a consortium of private and public investors acquired a majority stake in the company, valuing it at $2.25 billion, an investment that will help it grow to global markets and treat more types of cancers.
