Results of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and thalidomide for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Wei Chung Hsu, Sue Ching Chan, Lai Lei Ting, Na Na Chung, Po Ming Wang, K. S Kung Shih Ying, Jeng Shiann Shin, Che Jen Chao, Gau De Lin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and thalidomide in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Between 1999 and 2003, 121 patients (mean age, 54.4 ± 12.4 years; range, 20-81 years) with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma received three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and thalidomide. Radiation was delivered in 1.5 Gy fractions twice daily for 5 days a week, for a total dose of 45-75 Gy. Mean treatment volume was 429.52 ± 408.50 cm3 (range, 26.89-2284.82 cm3). Thalidomide was given concomitantly: 200 mg/day in 109 patients, 300 mg/ day in 8 patients and 400 mg/day in 4 patients. Treatment responses0, survival rates and factors affecting survival were analyzed. Results: Treatment responses were observed in 61% of the patients. Liver cirrhosis (P = 0.001) and tumor size (P = 0.001) significantly affected the tumor responses. Overall survival at 6, 12 and 24 months was 84.8, 60.0 and 44.6%, respectively. On univariate analysis, liver cirrhosis (P = 0.003), Karnofsky performance status (P = 0.007), tumor size (P < 0.001), portal vein tumor thrombosis (P < 0.001) and alpha-fetoprotein level (P = 0.003) were shown to significantly affect survival. On multivariate analysis, only thrombosis (P = 0.039) and alpha-fetoprotein level (P = 0.006) were shown to be factors affecting survival. Conclusions: Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy with thalidomide seems to be effective in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)93-99
Number of pages7
JournalJapanese Journal of Clinical Oncology
Volume36
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 1 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Conformal radiotherapy
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Thalidomide

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Results of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and thalidomide for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this