Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Oligometastases

There are data in the literature to suggest the presence of an oligometastatic state, and local aggressive therapy of the oligometastases may improve outcomes including survival. Stereotactic body radiation therapy has emerged as one of the local therapy options for oligometastases in various body sites, most commonly in the lung and the liver. Retrospective studies and clinical trials have demonstrated promising results with the use of stereotactic body radiation therapy for oligometastases. However, most of the studies have relatively short follow-up intervals. Longer follow-up is necessary to better define the role of stereotactic body radiation therapy in the management of patients with oligometastases. Given the high propensity for distant progression, the combination of novel systemic therapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy is to be explored. [Discovery Medicine 10(52):247-254, September 2010]