Fractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy for 22 patients with liver metastatses

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of fractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy in treating patients with liver metastases. Methods From January 1997 to January 2007, 22 patients with liver metastases of total 33 lesions were treated with fractionated stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). All patients were confirmed as unresectable and resistant to chemotherapy. The most common primaries were breast cancer in 12 patients and colorectal cancer in 5. Fifteen patients had metastases in the liver alone and 7 had concurrent metastases in other sites. Eighteen patients received one course of SBRT, and 4 patients got two courses. The median total dose was 40 (range, 30 - 60) Gy in 3 (range, 2 -6) fractions. Results All patients were followed up. The median follow up was 13.9 months (range, 5.0 -36. 4 months). The median size of the irradiated lesions was 2. 0 cm (range 1.0 -4. 3 cm) and the target volume was 3. 68 cm~3 (range 0. 45 - 77. 29 cm~3). The 1- and 2-year local control rate, overall survival rate and progression-free survival rate were 100% and 90%, 73% and 49%, 94% and 28%, respectively. No grade 3/4 SBRT related toxicities occurred. Conclusions SBRT, with high local control and tolerable complications, is an effective and safe treatment for liver metastases. Key words: Neoplasm metastasis, hver; Stereotactic radiotherapy; Prognosis