Abstract
Purpose: To explore the role of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in the management of primary or metastatic liver cancer.
Materials and Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed database was conducted to identify indications and patient selection criteria, technique and dose prescription, oncologic outcomes and side effects of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for liver cancer.
Results: The role for radiotherapy in the management of liver cancer is increasing, thanks to recent developments and technological advances in diagnosis, surgery, conformal radiotherapy, and new chemotherapy regimens. SBRT delivers a conformal high dose of radiation to the target lesion and a minimal dose to surrounding critical tissues. Integrated, multidisciplinary management significantly improves overall survival and quality of life.
Conclusion: Stereotactic body radiation therapy is a non-invasive, effective and welltolerated treatment modality for patients with liver cancer.
Keywords: Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), cancer, Image-guided Radiotherapy (IGRT), hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cancer, hepatitis C (HCV).
Graphical Abstract