Radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness of radiotherapy with or without transarterial embolization (TAE) and/or percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who were ineligible for surgery. Patients and Methods: From October 1984 to November 1997, 62 patients underwent radiotherapy receiving 50 to 70 Gy in 25 to 35 treatments with or without transarterial embolization and/or percutaneous ethanol injection and were followed for a median period of 8.6 months (1.5 to 92 months). Results: Overall median survival rates were 9.5 months. Significant prognostic factors were the extent of pretreatment liver function impairment, radiation field size and the existence of tumor thrombosis. Six-month and I-pear local control rates were 67 and 54%, respectively. Seven of the 8 patients who suffered from hepatic failure had poor pretreatment liver functions. Conclusion: Radiotherapy with or without transarterial embolization and/or percutaneous ethanol injection appears effective in controlling hepatocellular carcinoma and prolonged survival. Individualized treatment strategics are presented depending on the tumor presentation and the degree of liver function impairment.