Inova Schar Cancer performs first histotripsy procedure in Northern Virginia, expands treatment options for liver tumors

FAIRFAX, VA – Inova Schar Cancer is proud to be the first health system in Northern Virginia and the DC metro area to offer histotripsy, a cutting-edge, FDA-cleared, noninvasive procedure for treating liver tumors.

Peter Learn, MD, Mather Chair, Surgical Oncology, Inova Schar Cancer, and Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology for the Inova Surgery Service Line, performed the region’s first successful case, opening new options for patients who aren’t candidates for surgery, radiation, or thermal ablation.

Histotripsy uses focused ultrasound waves to destroy targeted tissue without incisions, offering a noninvasive treatment that can complement or provide an alternative to traditional therapies. Patients benefit from reduced recovery times, fewer complications, and precise targeting of tumors while sparing important structures.

“Histotripsy represents a new frontier in liver cancer treatment,” said Dr. Learn. “We are excited to offer this option to patients who might not have been a candidate for other treatments, helping them receive a precise, effective, and noninvasive therapy as part of a comprehensive cancer care plan.”

This milestone was made possible through philanthropic support from The Randolph D. Rouse Foundation.

Inova is actively exploring additional applications for histotripsy and remains committed to expanding access to advanced, innovative therapies that improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Learn more about advanced cancer treatment at Inova Schar Cancer: Inova.org/Cancer

About Inova

We are Inova, Northern Virginia and the Washington, DC, metropolitan area’s leading nonprofit healthcare provider. With expertise and compassion, we partner with our patients to help them stay healthy. We treat illness, heal injury and look at a patient’s whole health to help them flourish. Through our expansive network of hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, emergency and urgent care centers, and outpatient services, Inova provides care for more than 1 million unique patients every year. Total patient visits exceed 4 million annually, demonstrating our ability to deliver the best clinical care and ensuring a seamless experience for all who rely on us for their healthcare needs.

Consistently ranked and recognized as a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and patient experience, Inova’s world-class care is made possible by the strength and breadth of our network, our 26,000 team members, our technology, and our innovation. In 2025, Inova was named the Health System of the Year by Press Ganey, a national leader in healthcare experience, recognizing our excellence in patient care, team member engagement and commitment to continuous improvement. 

Inova is home to Northern Virginia’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and provides high-quality healthcare to each person in every community we are privileged to serve – regardless of ability to pay – every day of their life. More information about Inova can be found at Inova.org.