In a nutshell
This study investigated the effectiveness of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) colorectal cancer outcomes. Researchers suggested that SBRT improves survival in these patients.
Some background
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. The liver is the most common site of metastasis in these patients, which is associated with poorer outcomes. Still, in patients with limited liver or lung lesions, the removal of these tumors (with surgery or radiation) can improve their 5-year survival by up to 40%.
SBRT consists of radiation therapy given from many different positions around the body. The radiation is specific for tumor cells, so the tissue around the tumor receives a low dose. This lowers the risk of side effects.
Prior studies showed SBRT effectiveness against lung lesions. However, it is still not clear how SBRT affects the response of liver or lung metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer.
Methods & findings
This study included information about 388 patients with 500 metastasis (lung = 209; liver = 291), who received SBRT. The average follow-up period was 12.1 months.
The average survival time was 27.9 months in all patients. However, it was 25.4 months in patients with no improvements and 30.6 months for patients with improvements after SBRT. Patients with lung lesions saw significantly more benefits than those with liver lesions.
The bottom line
This study concluded that SBRT in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer improves their tumor response and survival.
The fine print
This study looked back at medical records. Information about prior treatments was missing. This might have influenced the results.
Published By :
BMC cancer
Date :
Feb 26, 2019
