Cancer Patient's Hope: Histotripsy Treatment

0:00It's April 28th, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Kansas News today, your AI-powered local news. Ryan Myers, a 49-year-old guy from Kansas City, got hit with stage 4 pancreatic cancer last year. Tumor, on the tail of his pancreas, spots on his liver, no surgery option because of those liver mitts. He started chemo, but dug into alternatives, landing on this new treatment called histotripsy to zap the liver spots and maybe open the door for surgery. His battles kicked in hard. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City denied coverage four times, calling it experimental since his not fully FDA approved for his case. They stick to chemo for stage 4 patients, figuring survival odds are low, leaving the family fighting solo. Community came through big time. Friends set up a go-fund me aiming for $50,000 already at $42,000 with a Vince planned. Vanderbilt wouldn't take cash, so they swish to Dr. Kevin Burns in Orange County, California. On a few docs offering it, histotripsy uses focused ultrasound waves to bus tumors without

1:05cutting. Studies show 90% tumor control at one year, low complications, treating pain even if not curing. Burns says it's revolutionary, helping folks with no options, and trials are iron, kidneys, pancreas, prostates, even fibroids. Ryan's holding steady on chemo, feeling strong like he doesn't even have cancer. He's pushing for that histotripsy shot, betting on hope over the odds.