Advancements in Radiation Therapy
Traditional radiation therapy had limitations in treating liver cancers due to the organ's sensitivity and the risk of damaging surrounding healthy tissues. However, technological advancements have led to more precise and effective radiation techniques:
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): SBRT delivers high doses of radiation with pinpoint accuracy over fewer sessions. This method has shown promising results in treating small to medium-sized liver tumors, achieving local control rates between 70% to 95% at two years.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): IMRT allows for the modulation of radiation beams, conforming to the tumor's shape and minimizing exposure to adjacent healthy tissues. This precision reduces side effects and enhances treatment efficacy.
Proton Beam Therapy: An advanced form of radiation that uses protons instead of X-rays, proton beam therapy offers precise dose distribution with minimal exit radiation, making it suitable for tumors located near critical structures.
Applications of Radiation Therapy in Hepatobiliary Cancers
Radiation therapy serves multiple roles in managing hepatobiliary malignancies:
- Definitive Treatment: For patients with unresectable tumors or those unfit for surgery, radiation therapy can be the primary treatment, aiming to control tumor growth and prolong survival.
Bridging to Surgery or Transplantation: In cases where tumors are initially inoperable, radiation can shrink tumors, making surgical resection or liver transplantation feasible.
Palliative Care: For advanced-stage cancers causing symptoms like pain or bile duct obstruction, radiation therapy can alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.