Review and uses of stereotactic body radiation therapy for oligometastases

Oncologist. 2012;17(8):1100-7. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2012-0092. Epub 2012 Jun 20.

Abstract

In patients with proven distant metastases from solid tumors, it has been a notion that the condition is incurable, warranting palliative care only. The term "oligometastases" was coined to refer to isolated sites of metastasis, whereby the entire burden of disease can be recognized as a finite number of discrete lesions that can be potentially cured with local therapies. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a novel treatment modality in radiation oncology that delivers a very high dose of radiation to the tumor target with high precision using single or a small number of fractions. SBRT is the result of technological advances in patient and tumor immobilization, image guidance, and treatment planning and delivery. A number of studies, both retrospective and prospective, showed promising results in terms of local tumor control and, in a limited subset of patients, of survival. This article reviews the radiobiologic, technical, and clinical aspects of SBRT for various anatomical sites.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms* / radiotherapy
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms* / secondary
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Dose Fractionation, Radiation
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms* / radiotherapy
  • Liver Neoplasms* / secondary
  • Lung Neoplasms* / radiotherapy
  • Lung Neoplasms* / secondary
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Radiosurgery*
  • Spinal Neoplasms* / radiotherapy
  • Spinal Neoplasms* / secondary