From Lab to $2.25 Billion: Ultrasound Zaps Cancer Without a Knife

A 25-year research journey by biomedical engineer Zhen Xu has reached a major milestone, using focused ultrasound energy to destroy cancer cells without surgery, with a commercial valuation of up to $2.25 billion.

The method employs highly concentrated ultrasound energy to obliterate malignant tumors, sparing patients invasive surgeries and minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The technology has undergone numerous clinical trials and is hailed as one of the most promising new directions in oncology.

Zhen Xu says the initial concept originated in her laboratory at the University of Michigan (U.S.) and was gradually refined over the years. The system has since been commercialized by startup HistoSonics, offering treatment opportunities to thousands of patients worldwide.

Medical experts note that if widely adopted, this approach could fundamentally change how cancer is treated, especially for patients who cannot undergo traditional surgery.