Whole Liver Radiotherapy- An Underutilized Weapon for Diffuse Liver Metastasis: A Case Report

Abstract

A 56-year-old female patient was presented with abdominal distension and decreased appetite. Diagnosis confirmed breast cancer, a mastectomy, and multiple lines of chemotherapy. Later on, the patient developed liver metastasis and received whole liver radiotherapy (WLRT) for diffuse liver metastasis. This phenomenon is still the most prevalent site of metastases, particularly in lung, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers owing to its rich, dual blood supply and its role as a filter in the portal circulation. Conventional treatment approaches are not effective in such patients due to diffuse liver involvement; thus, the use of low-dose WLRT is considered as a good alternative. In practice, palliative liver irradiation is a rare modality due to radiationinduced hepatitis. However, WLRT treatment aims at the palliation of symptoms and improving the patients’ quality of life rather than enhancing survival. Results of the present case report also showed that WLRT in patients with poor performance status would ultimately improve their palliative symptoms and overall quality of life with acceptable morbidity.

Keywords

• radiotherapy
• whole liver irradiation
• liver metastasis
• quality of life
• palliative care