Robotic Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Oligometastatic Liver Metastases: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Evidence Quality Assessment.

INTRODUCTION

The role of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) as a locally effective therapeutic approach for liver oligometastases from tumors of various origin is well established. We investigated the role of robotic SBRT (rSBRT) treatment on oligometastatic patients with liver lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The PubMed and Scopus databases were accessed by two independent investigators concerning robotic rSBRT for liver metastases, up to 3 October 2023.

RESULTS

In total, 15 studies, including 646 patients with 847 lesions that underwent rSBRT, were included in our systematic review. Complete response (CR) after rSBRT was achieved in 40.5% (95% CI, 36.66-44.46%), partial response (PR) in 19.01% (95% CI, 16.07-22.33%), whereas stable disease (SD) was recorded in 14.38% (95% CI, 11.8-17.41%) and progressive disease (PD) in 13.22% (95% CI, 10.74-16.17%) of patients. Progression-free survival (PFS) rates at 12 and 24 months were estimated at 61.49% (95% CI, 57.01-65.78%) and 32.55% (95% CI, 28.47-36.92%), respectively, while the overall survival (OS) rates at 12 and 24 months were estimated at 58.59% (95% CI, 53.67-63.33%) and 44.19% (95% CI, 39.38-49.12%), respectively. Grade 1 toxicity was reported in 13.81% (95% CI, 11.01-17.18%), Grade 2 toxicity in 5.57% (95% CI, 3.82-8.01%), and Grade 3 toxicity in 2.27% (955 CI, 1.22-4.07%) of included patients.

CONCLUSIONS

rSBRT represents a promising method achieving local control with minimal toxicity in a significant proportion of patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of rSBRT in the management of metastatic liver lesions.