Hepatic tumours and radiotherapy

Cancer Radiother. 2022 Feb-Apr;26(1-2):266-271. doi: 10.1016/j.canrad.2021.08.013. Epub 2021 Dec 23.

Abstract

We present the update of the recommendations of the French society of oncological radiotherapy on hepatic tumours. Recent technological progress led to develop the concept of focused liver radiation therapy. We must distinguish primary and secondary tumours, as the indications are restricted and must be discussed as an alternative to surgical or medical treatments. The tumour volume, its liver location close to the organs at risk determine the irradiation technique (repositioning method, total dose delivered, dose fractionation regimens). Tumour (and liver) breathing related motions should be taken into account. Strict dosimetric criteria must be observed with particular attention to the dose-volume histograms of non-tumoral liver as well as of the hollow organs, particularly in case of hypofractionated high dose radiotherapy "under stereotaxic conditions". Stereotactic body radiotherapy is being evaluated and is often preferred to radiofrequency for primary or secondary tumours (usually less than 5cm). An adaptation can be proposed, with a conformal fractionated irradiation protocol with or without intensity modulation, for hepatocellular carcinomas larger than 5cm.

Keywords: Carcinome hépatocellulaire; Foie; French society for radiation oncology; Guidelines; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Liver; Liver metastasis; Métastases hépatiques; Radiation therapy; Radiothérapie; Radiothérapie en conditions stéréotaxiques; Recommandations; Société française de radiothérapie oncologique; Stereotactic radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / radiotherapy*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / secondary
  • France
  • Humans
  • Liver / radiation effects
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Organ Motion
  • Organs at Risk
  • Patient Positioning / methods
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Radiosurgery / methods
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Radiotherapy, Conformal / methods
  • Radiotherapy, Image-Guided
  • Respiration
  • Tumor Burden