Prof Laura Dawson speaks to ecancer about a phase III study of palliative radiotherapy for symptomatic hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastases.

The trial investigated if more patients with painful liver cancer have improved pain 1 month following radiation therapy, compared to best supportive care (BSC).

The study found that single fraction RT improves hepatic pain in the majority of patients with end-stage HCC or liver metastases, with a trend to improved survival.