Taiwan is making significant progress in cancer treatment! Unlike the expensive and radiation-based heavy-ion or proton therapy, the U.S. approved a revolutionary new technology, the "Fragmentation Knife," last year for treating liver cancer. This groundbreaking method is bloodless, incision-free, and radiation-free, entering a new era of "non-invasive cancer treatment." This year, the Taiwan Academy of Tumor Ablation will introduce this cutting-edge technology and conduct clinical trials at National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) for ovarian cancer, retroperitoneal cancer, hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers, and malignant sarcomas, marking the first application of this technology in an Asian country.
Known as “Focused Ultrasound Tissue Fragmentation Ablation,” or the “Fragmentation Knife,” this innovative technology does not require punctures or surgery, offering painless, scar-free, and bloodless minimally invasive treatment. The Taiwan Academy of Tumor Ablation will spearhead the introduction of this technology and apply for clinical trials targeting hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers, under the leadership of Dr. Kai-Wen Huang, Director of the Centre of Mini-invasive Interventional Oncology at NTUH.
Dr. Huang explained that current cancer tumor ablation treatments in Taiwan primarily rely on high-temperature destruction, low-temperature freezing, or electrical perforation to eliminate tumors. However, these methods pose risks of energy spillover and potential damage to nearby critical structures, particularly for tumors located near blood vessels, the gastrointestinal tract, or vital organs. Retroperitoneal cancers, such as pancreatic tumors, are also extremely challenging to surgically remove due to their deep location, with significant risks and prolonged recovery periods, especially for elderly patients. Therefore, minimally invasive or even non-invasive treatments hold tremendous importance.
Dr. Huang pointed out that while heavy-ion and proton therapies are available, their exorbitant costs—upwards of NT$1 million—make them less accessible. Additionally, due to the radiation toxicity, treatments must be divided into multiple sessions, and recurrence post-surgery complicates repeat treatments. In contrast, the “Fragmentation Knife” uses ultrasound to shatter tumors in a single session, with a more affordable cost of around NT$500,000. It is entirely non-invasive, allowing patients to return home the day after treatment.
Since its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in October 2023, numerous liver cancer patients have undergone this treatment. Clinical data shows excellent post-treatment recovery, with the "Fragmentation Knife" offering superior precision and safety compared to traditional ablation or radiotherapy.
Dr. Huang also revealed that a generous domestic entrepreneur has donated over NT$100 million to procure this equipment, which will be provided free of charge for clinical trials. This year, the initial clinical trials will target challenging cancers, including hepatobiliary cancers, pancreatic cancer, malignant sarcomas, and ovarian cancer, with 20 patients enrolled for each type. Moreover, Taiwan will lead globally by initiating the first research project combining the “Fragmentation Knife” with immunotherapy, aiming to deliver these benefits to patients across Taiwan as soon as possible.
Resource: 亞洲首例 台大引進碎化刀治肝癌
