September 4, 2025 – Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation has awarded Lee Health Foundation a conditional challenge grant of $380,000 to support the purchase of The Edison robotic system for Lee Health Cancer Institute. The Edison, developed by Histosonics, is a robotic system that uses high-amplitude, short wavelength ultrasound pulses converging precisely at the same point and space to destroy cancer cells. It is FDA-approved for treating liver tumors, but ongoing research and clinical trials are investigating its potential applications for other conditions, such as kidney tumors and pancreatic cancer.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) is currently the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Around 50% of patients with colorectal cancer develop liver metastases. Local control by surgical resection prolongs overall survival, but only 10%–20% of patients are eligible for surgical resection because of the number and/or size of lesions or inadequate liver reserve. The Edison will allow Lee Health Cancer Institute oncologists to perform surgical procedures with greater precision, zero incisions, and faster recovery times.
“Histotripsy offers our patients a novel local therapy for liver tumors which may revolutionize the way we think of and manage liver cancers,” said Dr. Mark Bloomston, surgical oncologist at Lee Health Cancer Institute. “Since it is completely non-invasive, we can potentially treat high-risk patients and high-risk malignancies that we never would have been able to treat before or never would have considered treating, and they do not need to miss a day of chemotherapy. The launch of The Edison is accompanied by a clinical trial (“BOOMBOX”) that will allow us to track results of treated liver tumors and learn new techniques and uses of this novel therapy. Further endeavors hold promise for kidney and pancreas tumors in the near future.”
The challenge grant will only be awarded if the community fully meets the goal—dollar for dollar. This grant is an opportunity to continue transforming cancer care in our region, ensuring that Southwest Florida patients have access to the most advanced liver cancer care available.
For more information or to donate, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/Edison.
About Lee Health Foundation
Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic support on behalf of community-focused nonprofit Lee Health to establish, expand, and enhance lifesaving and preventive programs in Southwest Florida. Contributions to the Foundation benefit all five Lee Health hospitals, including Golisano Children’s Hospital and the future Lee Health Fort Myers campus, as well as key service areas such as Lee Health Cancer Institute, Lee Health Coconut Point, Lee Health Heart Institute, Community Health Clinics, Lee Health Musculoskeletal Institute, Golisano Children’s Health Center in Naples and the Pediatric Specialty Clinic in Port Charlotte. In the past year, the Foundation provided more than $27 million in funding to enhance patient care throughout the region. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call 239-343-6950 for more information about the role of Lee Health philanthropy in Southwest Florida.
