Abstract

Advances in imaging for liver cancer radiation therapy

Author(s): Catherine Coolens and Laura A Dawson

Primary and metastatic liver cancers are a leading global cause of morbidity in an increasing number of patients. An important role is emerging for local hepatic therapies that can eradicate liver tumors with minimal morbidity, especially in patients not suitable for surgery or established ablative therapies. Radiation technology development has allowed for high doses of radiation to be precisely delivered to liver tumors while preserving liver function and sparing critical organs. Imaging of the liver for precise tumor localization, tumor motion assessment and guidance of radiation treatment is paramount in this process. In this article, an overview is provided describing how advances in liver imaging and their integration with the radiation therapy process have made it possible for high-dose radiation therapy to be delivered safely to liver cancer patients and become a viable treatment option.