SEHA Tawam Hospital debuts histotripsy for non-invasive liver cancer treatment

UAE — SEHA, a subsidiary of PureHealth, has made history as the first healthcare provider in the UAE to offer histotripsy, a pioneering non-invasive treatment for liver tumours.

Supported by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, SEHA introduced the technology at Tawam Hospital, signaling a major leap forward in the country’s oncology capabilities.

Histotripsy uses precisely focused ultrasound energy to destroy tumours from outside the body, eliminating the need for surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.

US medical device company Histosonics developed the technology, which allows clinicians to target tumours with exceptional accuracy while leaving surrounding healthy tissue intact.

As a result, patients experience minimal side effects, a reduced risk of complications, and a significantly faster recovery compared to conventional treatment methods.

The technology proves particularly effective for tumours located in hard-to-reach areas of the liver, where traditional surgical approaches often carry a higher risk.

By offering a precise, non-invasive alternative, histotripsy opens new possibilities for patients who may have previously had limited options.

Milestone for UAE oncology care

Since introducing histotripsy at Tawam Hospital, SEHA has successfully treated 21 patients from the UAE and abroad.

This early track record reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a regional leader in advanced cancer care.

Saeed Jaber Mohd Al Kuwaiti, Group Chief Executive Officer at SEHA, described the development as a defining moment for the organisation.

“The introduction of histotripsy at SEHA Tawam Hospital marks a major milestone in our mission to deliver world-class, patient-centred care in the UAE,” he said.

“By offering this advanced treatment locally, we are reinforcing our commitment to setting new benchmarks in oncology care for the region.”

Expanding options for complex cases

Dr. Khalid Saeed Balaraj, Chair of the Oncology Centre at SEHA Tawam Hospital, emphasized the clinical significance of the advancement.

He noted that the technology represents a meaningful step forward in non-invasive cancer care, directly expanding the range of treatment options available to patients dealing with complex liver tumours.

Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s medical landscape

The move aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to attract and implement world-leading medical technologies that improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for overseas treatment.

With the backing of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, SEHA continues to position the emirate as a destination for cutting-edge care across the region.

By bringing histotripsy to the UAE for the first time, Tawam Hospital is not only expanding access to advanced oncology solutions but also raising the standard of what patients in the region can expect from their healthcare system.