Stereotactic body radiation therapy for liver metastases: Clinical outcomes and literature review

Abstract

Background and aim

The role of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in the management of liver metastasis is increasing, using ablative doses with the goal of local control and ultimately improving survival. The aim of this study is to evaluate our initial results regarding local control, overall survival and toxicity in patients with liver metastases treated with this technique, due to the lack of evidence reported in Latin America.

Materials/methods

We performed a retrospective chart review from November 2012 to June 2018 of 24 patients with 32 liver metastases. Kaplan–Meier curves were constructed for local control and overall survival. Clinical and prognostic factors were further analyzed by independent analysis. Median follow-up period was 22 months (range, 1–65 months).

Results

Median age was 62 years (range, 40–84 years). Colorectal carcinoma was the most common primary cancer. Overall 1-year and 2-years local control rates were 82% (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 70–98%) and 76.2% (95% CI, 45–90%), respectively. Median overall survival rate was 35 months (95%, CI 20.5–48 months). Overall 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 85.83% (95% CI, 64–99%) and 68% (95% CI, 45–84%), respectively. No acute or late grade 3 or 4 toxicity was observed during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

SBRT achieves excellent local control and overall survival rates with low toxicity in patients with liver metastases. Based on our literature review, our results are consistent with larger reports. Further randomized trials are required to compare with other local therapies.