What should you know about SBRT for liver metastases?

SBRT for liver metastases uses focused radiation to treat selected liver deposits while protecting as much healthy liver as possible. It may be considered when surgery is unsuitable, when a deposit is in a challenging location, or as part of a wider plan that may include medicines. The decision depends on the number and position of deposits, liver function, the original cancer and previous treatments.

Planning uses scans to map each deposit, the remaining liver and nearby organs such as the stomach and bowel. The team may account for breathing movement by using breath control, image guidance or a personalised positioning method. Several precise radiation beams converge on the target during each treatment visit. Treatment can be discussed alongside [Liver Resection](/treatments/surgical-oncology/liver-resection/) or [Tumour Ablation](/treatments/surgical-oncology/tumour-ablation/), depending on the anatomy and treatment goal.

Possible effects include tiredness, nausea, discomfort under the ribs or temporary changes in liver blood tests. Less commonly, the liver may not tolerate treatment well, particularly when much healthy liver has already been affected. Your team reviews liver function and other medicines before planning.

Bring reports of previous scans, operations, radiation and medicines. Tell the team about liver disease, jaundice, alcohol use, diabetes, blood-thinning medicines and any difficulty lying flat. Ask whether you need to change food or medicines on treatment days and arrange help if fatigue is troublesome. The original cancer may guide additional treatment; for example, [Chemotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/chemotherapy/) can be considered separately from local liver treatment. Follow-up appointments usually combine symptoms, examination, blood tests and scans.

Contact your care team quickly if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual bleeding, persistent vomiting, worsening abdominal pain, fever or rapidly increasing abdominal swelling. Seek emergency help for severe pain, confusion, fainting, vomiting blood or black stools. Do not wait for the next scan if these symptoms appear, because they can have causes that need prompt assessment.

Ask which liver deposits are being targeted, what the treatment goal is, how breathing will be managed, and how much healthy liver is available to protect. Ask how SBRT fits with surgery, ablation or systemic treatment, which blood tests are needed, and who to contact outside clinic hours.