Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Patients with Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Authors:
  • HJHong Seok Jang
    Hong Seok Jang
  • KKKi Mun Kang
    Ki Mun Kang
  • SLSang Wook Lee
    Sang Wook Lee
  • YKYoung Nam Kang
    Young Nam Kang
  • GCGyu Young Chai
    Gyu Young Chai
  • ICIhl Bhong Choi
    Ihl Bhong Choi
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Abstract
Objective: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and treatment outcomes of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: We enrolled 20 patients who had been histologically diagnosed as HCC patients and treated by fractionated SRT. Tumor size was 2–6.5 cm (average: 3.8 cm). We prescribed 50 Gy in 5 or 10 fractions at the 85–90% isodose line of the planning target volume for 2 weeks. The follow-up period was 3–55 months (median: 23 months). Results: The overall response rate was 80%, with 4 patients showing complete response (20%), 14 patients showing partial response (60%) and 4 patients showing stable disease (20%). The 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 70.0 and 43.1%, respectively (median: 20 months). The 1-year and 2-year disease-free survival rates were 65.0 and 32.5%, respectively (median: 19 months). The fractionated SRT was well tolerated, because grade 3 or grade 4 toxicity was not observed. Conclusion: These results suggest that fractionated SRT is a relatively safe and effective method for treating small primary HCC. Thus, fractionated SRT may be suggested as a local treatment of choice for small HCC when the patients are inoperable or when the patients refuse operation.

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