Evaluation of liver functionality after liver stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) using blood tests and imaging examinations

Abstract Background Several studies have shown that liver function can be evaluated after hepatic stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) using galactosyl human serum albumin (GSA) liver scintigraphy and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB. However, there are no reports investigating the relationship (including Chile–Pugh classification) between imaging and blood tests. Therefore, we investigated the changes that occur in the liver between before and after SBRT by combining imaging (GSA, computed tomography (CT), and MRI) with and without EOB enhancement) with blood tests that assess total liver function (albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, ICG-R15). We decided to find a method that could assess liver reserve capacity locally and globally. Methods Of the 23 patients who underwent hepatic SBRT, 12 patients underwent GSA, MRI, and ICG-R15 testing before treatment, 1 month after treatment, and 3 months after treatment. All patients underwent imaging studies and blood tests at the beginning of treatment, 1 month after treatment, and 3 months after treatment ended. The evaluation items were as follows: 1) changes over time in Child–Pugh classification, ICG-R15, and ALBI values before and after SBRT; 2) changes over time in GSA count and ICG; and 3) selection of the optimal sequence for recognizing radiation hepatitis on MRI. Results The ICG values were 14.4 before RT, 17.1 after 1 month, and 17.6 after 3 months. ICG worsened after 1 month of treatment, but was similar after 3 months. ALBI values were − 2.61 before RT, − 2.67 after 1 month, and − 2.71 after 3 months. ALBl worsened slightly over time. Conclusion Regarding the ICG-R15, there was an average worsening of 2.8 after 1 month of treatment compared with before SBRT, but only of 0.5 between 1 month and 3 months after SBRT. Therefore, evaluation using ICG-R15 after SBRT after 1 month alone may be sufficient. Clinical trial registration: UMIN000035026