Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy in combination with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in combination with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in the treatment for locally advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: From March 2000 to March 2009 a total of 158 patients with unresectable HCC treated and followed at our hospital were divided into TACE group (N=80) and TACE combined with 3D-CRT group (N=78). The TACE group was treated 3-6 times. In the combination group, 2-3 TACE courses were administered and 3D-CRT was performed 2 weeks after the last TACE. Three months after the end of treatment, imaging and serum AFP were carried out to assess the treatment efficacy. RESULTS: The response rates of TACE and the combination groups were 53.7% (43/80) and 71.8% (58/78) (p<0.05). The 1, 2, and 3-year survival rates of patients in the TACE and combination groups were 58.75, 36.25, 16.25%, and 78.48, 55.12 and 25.64% (p<0.05), respectively. Treatment compliance was good, with at least 2 TACE administrations for each case and at least 52 Gy for radiotherapy. In the TACE and the combination group, there were 2 and 3 cases with grade III/IV toxicity, respectively, without treatment-related death. CONCLUSION: 3D-CRT in combination with TACE significantly improve the therapeutic outcome in patients with locally advanced unresectable HCC, without creating severe toxicity.