The Li Ka Shing Foundation (LKSF) and Temasek Trust have jointly committed SGD 9 million (about USD 6.7 million) to support the acquisition of advanced medical systems and the advancement of a clinical trial for innovative histotripsy cancer therapy in Singapore. This funding will enable the National University Health System (NUHS) to acquire two state-of-the-art histotripsy systems, making Singapore the first country in Southeast Asia to offer this cutting-edge, non-invasive cancer treatment technology.
Histotripsy is an emerging therapeutic ultrasound technique that uses focused sound waves to mechanically destroy targeted tumor tissues without incisions, radiation, or heat. The technology, developed by US-based HistoSonics, is already approved for clinical use in the United States (US) and Europe. Its adoption in Singapore marks a significant step forward in the region’s cancer treatment capabilities, offering new hope to patients with liver and kidney tumors who may not be suitable for conventional surgery or ablation.
The clinical trial, to be conducted by NUHS, will focus on evaluating the safety and efficacy of histotripsy for treating liver and kidney cancers. The goal is to provide alternative treatment options for patients with inoperable tumors and to generate data that could support broader adoption of the technology in Asia. The trial is expected to begin in mid-2025 and will involve close collaboration with HistoSonics and other international partners.
This initiative highlights Singapore’s commitment to advancing medical innovation and strengthening its position as a regional hub for cutting-edge healthcare solutions. The partnership between the LKSF, Temasek Trust, and NUHS brings world-class technology to local patients and paves the way for future advancements in non-invasive cancer therapies across Asial.
(Source: TN Global)
