[Stereotactic irradiation of liver metastases].

Purpose: A number of minimal-invasive methods have been developed for the treatment of non-resectable liver metastases. A focused high dose can be delivered to a liver tumor with sparing of surrounding normal liver tissue using non-invasive stereotactic techniques.

Methods: Sixty-six metastases were treated stereotactically in 43 patients during a phase 2 trial.

Results: There were no major side effects observed. The actuarial local control was 82% after 18 months. The median actuarial survival was 24 months. However, there was a significantly improved survival in patients without additional extrahepatic tumor manifestation at the time of treatment compared to those, who were treated in palliative intention (87% vs. 24% after 18 months, p = 0.001 (log-rank).

Conclusion: Stereotactic single dose irradiation is a non-invasive and safe treatment option for patients with inoperable liver metastases. Phase III studies will further evaluate this new approach.