Objective To study the efficacy and side effects of capecitabine combined with intensity-modulated radiation therapy （IMRT） against breast cancer that has metastasized to the liver. Methods A total of 52 patients with breast cancer that had metastasized to the liver were divided into 27 cases who were treated with capecitabine and radiation （capecitabine combined with radiotherapy group） and 25 cases who were treated with capecitabine only （capecitabine group）. IMRT was performed on liver metastatic lesions of the capecitabine combined with radiotherapy group，and the 95% dose curve was wrapped around the 99% planned target，with conventional fractionation，2 Gy per time，5 times per week for 4-6 weeks；concurrently，capecitabine therapy （1250 mg/m2） was given 2 times/day orally. After radiotherapy，the patients were treated with capecitabine 2510 mg/m2（2 times/day orally） for a 21-day cycle. The control group was given only capecitabine at 2510 mg/m2（2 times/day orally） for a 21-day cycle. Results Total efficacy rate was 74.1% in the capecitabine combined with radiotherapy group，and 44% in the capecitabine group（P＜0.05）. The tumor control probability （CR+PR+SD） was 92.6% in the capecitabine combined with radiotherapy group and 68% in the capecitabine group（P＜0.05）. The median duration of response in the capecitabine combined with radiotherapy group was 13.6 months，compared to 8.9 months in the capecitabine group（P<0.05）. The median survival time in the capecitabine combined with radiotherapy group was 17.4 months and 11.7 months in the capecitabine group. Respective 1-year survival rates were 85.2% and 56.0%（P<0.05）；2-year survival rates were 40.7% and 16.0%（P<0.05）. Adverse reactions were mainly neutropenia，gastrointestinal reactions，and liver injury，and reactions were grade I and II. Conclusions Capecitabine combined with intensity-modulated radiotherapy for liver metastasis of breast cancer can improve patient survival rate，and adverse reactions can be tolerated.

Breast neoplasms, Liver metastasis, Capecitabine, Intensity-modulated radiotherapy, Efficacy