Efficacy of Transarterial Chemolipiodolization with or without 3-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy for Huge HCC with Portal Tumor Thrombosis

doi:2007.13.3.378

Korean J Hepatol > Volume 13(3); 2007 > Article

The Korean Journal of Hepatology 2007;13(3): 378-386.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3350/kjhep.2007.13.3.378

Efficacy of Transarterial Chemolipiodolization with or without 3-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy for Huge HCC with Portal Tumor Thrombosis

Chan Ran You, M.D., Jeong Won Jang, M.D., Seok Hui Kang, M.D., Si Hyun Bae, M.D., Jong Young Choi, M.D., Seung Kew Yoon, M.D., Ihl Bhong Choi, M.D.1, Dong Hoon Lee, M.D.2, Ho Jong Chun, M.D.2, Byung Gil Choi, M.D.2

Department of Internal Medicine, Radiation Oncology1, Radiology2, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea

ABSTRACT

Background/Aims
The treatment efficacy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma is poor. This study examined the efficacy and toxicity of 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in combination with transarterial chemolipiodolization (TACL) for a huge hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT). Methods: From March 2001 to November 2004, 49 patients with advanced HCC with PVTT (size>8 cm, modified UICC stage IVa) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Twenty two patients underwent more than 2 cycles of TACL (adriamycin 50 mg/m2, cisplatin 60 mg/m2, 5-fluorouracil 200 mg/m2 every 4-6 weeks) without 3D-CRT, while 27 patients underwent consecutive TACL with 3D-CRT (40-45 Gy for 4-5 weeks) that was started one week after the 1st TACL. The response was assessed by a computed tomography (CT) and the serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level at 1-2 month intervals. Results: The objective response rates in the TACL group and TACL with 3D-CRT group were 18% and 48% at 3 months (P=0.051), and 10.5% and 42% at 6 months (P=0.024) respectively. The median survival time was 13 months and 13.5 months in TACL and TACL with 3D-CRT groups, respectively (P=0.502). The treatment response was better in the TACL with 3D-CRT group but there was no significant difference in survival between the two groups. Most toxicities in the two groups were mild, not exceeding grade 1 according to the WHO criteria. Conclusions: For patients with a huge HCC with PVTT, TACL with 3D-CRT achieved some meaningful clinical benefit. Prospective controlled trials will be needed to confirm the real benefit of TACL combined with 3D-CRT. (Korean J Hepatol 2007;13:378-386)

KeyWords: Carcinoma, hepatocellular; Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT); Radiotherapy, conformal; Transarterial chemolipiodolization (TACL); Treatment outcome