Efficacy
Bydder et al. conducted a prospective trial of short fractionation radiation therapy for the palliation of liver metastases.r A total of 28 patients were enrolled to the study between May 1998 and December 2000. The median survival was 10 weeks after treatment (range 12 days-46.5 weeks). At 2, 6 and 10 weeks, 93%, 57% and 43% of patients were still alive, respectively. At 2 weeks, 53-66% of symptoms had improved from baseline.
© Australasian Radiology 2003r
Liebel et al. conducted a randomised prospective trial comparing the use of misonidazole sensitisers in radiation therapy.r A total of 187 patients were randomised between May 1980 and July 1983. The median survival was 4.2 months (17 weeks) with no difference between the two treatment groups. Of the patients treated with radiation therapy, there was an improvement in: pain relief (75% [median onset of 1.7 weeks and median duration of 13 weeks]), distension (30%), night sweats (60%), nausea and vomiting (50-60%), KPS (30%) and LFTs (10%).
Soliman et al. conducted a prospective phase II trial of palliative radiation therapy for patients with HCC or liver metastases causing pain, abdominal discomfort, nausea, or fatigue.r In this trial, 41 patients were enrolled (21 with hepatocellular carcinoma and 20 with liver metastases) and received a single 8 Gy fraction to the liver. The study reported that 48% of patients had symptom improvement at 1 month after treatment and there was also an improvement in quality of life. The investigators are now proceeding with a phase III randomised controlled trial comparing palliative radiation therapy to best supportive care.r