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Radiation Therapy for Colorectal Liver Metastases

  • Radiation Therapy and Radiation Therapy Innovations in Colorectal Cancer (JY Wo, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Colorectal Cancer Reports

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of the present study is to review the management of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) with radiation therapy (RT).

Recent Findings

Conventional RT is a local-regional modality that may provide symptomatic palliation, local control, and potential for prolongation of survival. Studies of RT to the liver contributed to understanding of the volume effect of liver toxicity and the potential for dose escalation to limited volumes. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) delivers highly conformal ablative doses, providing high rates of local control without associated increases in toxicity. Radioembolization can provide local control for chemorefractory patients, but its added value in the first-line setting with modern systemic therapy remains an area of active investigation.

Summary

SBRT and radioembolization play key roles in the modern management of patients with CLM who are not eligible for surgery. Patients with limited burden of intrahepatic disease may be ideally suited for SBRT, while those with higher number (≥3) of CLM may be more appropriate for transarterial radioembolization.

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Author notes

  1. Yushen Qian and Kiran A. Kumar contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 875 Blake Wilbur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305-5847, USA

    Yushen Qian, Kiran A. Kumar, Sara A. Dudley, Albert C. Koong & Daniel T. Chang

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  1. Yushen Qian
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  2. Kiran A. Kumar
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Correspondence to Daniel T. Chang.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Radiation Therapy and Radiation Therapy Innovations in Colorectal Cancer

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Qian, Y., Kumar, K.A., Dudley, S.A. et al. Radiation Therapy for Colorectal Liver Metastases. Curr Colorectal Cancer Rep 13, 240–249 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11888-017-0368-3

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