Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) is transforming the treatment landscape for both primary liver cancers and liver metastases. Historically, liver cancers were often treated with surgery or systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, but not all patients are eligible for these treatments. For those who cannot undergo surgery due to health conditions or tumour location, SABR provides a highly effective, non-invasive alternative that can deliver precise radiation therapy with minimal damage to healthy liver tissue.
What is SABR for Liver Cancer?
SABR is a sophisticated form of radiation therapy that delivers high-dose radiation directly to tumours in the liver with sub-millimeter precision. Using advanced imaging technologies such as 3D and 4D CT scans, SABR ensures that radiation is focused solely on the tumour while avoiding damage to nearby healthy tissues and critical structures such as the liver’s blood vessels.
Unlike conventional radiation therapy, which may require many lower-dose sessions spread over several weeks, SABR is completed in just 1 to 5 sessions, depending on the size and location of the tumour. This makes it an attractive option for patients who want to minimise their time in treatment while still achieving effective cancer control.
What is SABR Used For in Liver Cancer?
SABR is used to treat both primary liver cancers (such as hepatocellular carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma) and liver metastases from other cancers such as colorectal, lung, or breast cancer. Here’s how it works in both settings:
- Primary Liver Cancer: Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer, often face challenges when it comes to surgery, especially if the tumour is located near vital structures or if the liver is already compromised (e.g., from cirrhosis). For these patients, SABR offers a non-surgical option that can control tumour growth, delay progression, and in many cases, even eliminate the tumour.
- Liver Metastases: For cancers that have spread to the liver from other parts of the body, SABR is an excellent choice for targeting oligometastatic disease, where the cancer has spread to only a few sites. By precisely targeting liver metastases, SABR can slow the progression of metastatic disease, delay the need for systemic treatments such as chemotherapy, and even provide long-term disease control for some patients.
Why is SABR Effective in Liver Cancer?
Several recent studies and clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of SABR in controlling liver tumours, with high rates of local control and minimal side effects. Evidence shows that SABR achieves local control rates of up to 90% or higher, similar to outcomes seen with surgery, but without the associated risks or recovery time.
Moreover, SABR is particularly beneficial for patients with poor liver function who may not tolerate surgery or systemic therapies well. Its precision helps to preserve healthy liver tissue, which is essential for maintaining overall liver function in patients with liver disease or prior damage from cancer treatments.
Benefits of SABR for Liver Cancer
SABR offers a range of important benefits for patients with liver cancer, making it a leading treatment option in both primary and metastatic settings:
- High Precision: Using advanced imaging and radiation delivery techniques, SABR is able to target tumours in the liver with sub-millimeter accuracy, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This is especially important in the liver, an organ with vital functions and limited regenerative capacity.
- Non-Invasive: SABR is a non-surgical treatment, meaning there are no incisions, no recovery time, and fewer complications compared to traditional surgery. This makes it a highly attractive option for patients who are not candidates for surgery or prefer to avoid invasive procedures.
- Shorter Treatment Duration: Traditional radiation therapy can take weeks of daily sessions, while SABR is typically completed in just 1 to 5 sessions. This shorter treatment course allows patients to get back to their daily lives more quickly.
- Minimal Side Effects: Because of its precision, SABR causes fewer side effects compared to conventional radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Patients often experience only mild fatigue or temporary discomfort during treatment, and they avoid the severe side effects associated with more aggressive therapies.
- Effective Cancer Control: SABR has demonstrated high local control rates in liver cancers, comparable to surgical resection. For patients with primary liver cancer or liver metastases, SABR offers a way to control or even eradicate tumours without the risks of surgery or long-term systemic therapies.
Looking to the Future
The increasing use of SABR in liver cancer treatment is supported by growing clinical evidence. For patients with primary liver cancers who cannot undergo surgery, or for those with metastatic cancer to the liver, SABR offers a highly effective, non-invasive treatment option. As research continues to highlight its effectiveness, SABR is becoming a cornerstone in the management of liver tumours.
How Pinpoint Radiotherapy Can Help
At Pinpoint Radiotherapy, we specialise in delivering advanced SABR for both primary liver cancers and liver metastases. Using the latest technology and a patient-centred approach, we offer precise and personalised treatment plans to achieve the best possible outcomes with minimal side effects.
If you or a loved one is exploring treatment options for liver cancer, contact Pinpoint Radiotherapy today to learn more about how SABR can be part of your care plan. Our expert team is here to provide compassionate care and guide you through every step of your cancer treatment journey.