Radiation Therapy Helps Treat Liver Tumors
Shaped-beam radiation therapy is a promising treatment for metastatic liver
tumors, the University of Rochester Medical Center said.
Researchers report an 88 percent success rate for controlling the lesions
with precision radiation -- the first evidence such tumors can be treated
with radiation. The scientists say the results doubled the average length
of survival.
"Radiation therapy has not been a recommended treatment for liver metastases
because of the poor results when whole-liver radiation was used," said
Dr. Alan Katz, lead researcher and an assistant professor of radiation
oncology.
"High-dose, precision radiation therapy is proving to be a promising therapy
for metastatic liver disease and provides an effective treatment option
for patients who previously didn't have any."
Initial treatment results were presented this week during the American
Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's annual meeting in Denver.
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