Stereotactic body radiation therapy and radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of liver metastases: How and when?

Alberto Cacciola; Silvana Parisi; Consuelo Tamburella; Sara Lillo; Gianluca Ferini; Laura Molino; Giuseppe Iatì; Antonio Pontoriero; Antonio Bottari; Silvio Mazziotti; Giuseppe Cicero; Fabio Minutoli; Alfredo Blandino; Stefano Pergolizzi

doi:10.1016/j.rpor.2020.02.010

Stereotactic body radiation therapy and radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of liver metastases: How and when?

Rep Pract Oncol Radiother. 2020 May-Jun;25(3):299-306. doi: 10.1016/j.rpor.2020.02.010. Epub 2020 Feb 21.

Affiliations

¹ Radiation Oncology Unit - Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
² Radiology Unit - Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
³ Nuclear Medicine Unit - Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.

Abstract

Limited liver metastases represent a clinical challenge. Surgical approach is the most frequently reported treatment option, however, some patients are not eligible for surgical interventions. Relatively recent technologic advances have permitted the safe use of ablative techniques employed in the cure of hepatic metastases. Among these, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) have emerged as valid treatments in a significant proportion of patients with intrahepatic oligometastatic disease. This review offers an up-to-date of current available literature on this issue focusing on the use and outcomes of RFA and SBRT, according to the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcomes) criteria.

Keywords: Intrahepatic metastases; Local control; Oligometastases.; RFA; SBRT.

Publication types

Review