Study Finds No Increase in Toxicity with Combined Radiation Treatments for Liver Cancer
Recent findings from a University of Cincinnati Cancer Center study suggest that liver cancer patients can safely receive external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) following targeted internal radiation therapy known as Y90. The study, led by Dr. Sarah Feldkamp and published in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology, reports no increase in toxicity when EBRT is administered after Y90.
EBRT delivers radiation via an external machine, while Y90 targets liver cancer through microspheres infused directly into the bloodstream. Upon assessing each tumor’s location and size, clinicians decide the most suitable radiation therapy. However, concerns have existed regarding the cumulative radiation impact on the liver when performing additional EBRT post-Y90.
The study reviewed 94 liver cancer patients treated with EBRT from 2016 to 2024, with 15 receiving sequential Y90 treatment. “EBRT can be administered post-Y90 without an increase in toxicity,” stated Dr. Feldkamp. She highlighted the findings contradict prevailing assumptions about liver radiation tolerance.
Dr. Jordan Kharofa, the study's senior author, emphasized the significance of the results, stating they provide reassurance for offering EBRT after Y90. The individualization of treatment ensures multiple management options for residual or recurrent liver disease. “[The study] will influence clinical decision-making regarding treatment sequence,” Kharofa noted.
Despite the study’s implications, Dr. Feldkamp acknowledged the small patient sample as a limitation, suggesting further research or collaborative studies could elucidate liver toxicity trends more effectively.
Dr. Kharofa praised the multidisciplinary effort involving residents, students, and faculty specialists in radiation oncology and radiology that facilitated the research. “Liver cancer treatment inherently encompasses a team approach, and this collaborative effort is a testament to our commitment to advancing patient care,” he added.
This investigation, leveraging local patient data, represents a step toward enhanced liver cancer management and reinforces the potential for tailored radiation therapy plans. The study’s outcomes highlight UC Cancer Center’s continued dedication to pioneering impactful research in oncology.