Treatments Targeting the Liver These treatments may be used in conjunction with systemic (full body, or through the bloodstream) treatments, so be sure to discuss them with your treatment team.
LOCALIZED TREATMENTS FOR INDIVIDUAL TUMORS IN THE LIVER AND OTHER ORGANS
Resection Surgical removal of the tumor. Resection is mainly used when a single tumor is present. It is often reserved for patients who are several years out from a primary eye tumor diagnosis and repeated imaging studies show only one tumor. Suitability also depends on overall health and liver function. Since liver resection can sometimes remove some healthy tissue along with the tumor, it is reserved for select cases. Ablation Ablation involves inserting small probes into tumors and heating (i.e., radio frequency ablation, microwave ablation) the tumors to kill them. This can be done through the skin or surgically. Like resection, this is typically not recommended if multiple tumors are present. Ablation can be used in other areas of the body beyond the liver, such as the lungs, kidneys and soft tissues.
Histotripsy Histotripsy is a high frequency ultrasound. It is a noninvasive way to treat liver tumors. The safety and efficacy of this treatment is still being determined in UM. Radiation Targeted radiation can be used to treat liver disease. This may include stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for the liver or stereotactic radiosurgery techniques such as Gamma Knife or CyberKnife for brain or spine lesions. Radiation can be used to treat other areas of the body including the lungs, bones and brain, and can be used to treat isolated metastases or to relieve symptoms caused by a specific lesion.
These treatments may be used in conjunction with other treatments.
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