[Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy for malignant tumors (report of 1,024 cases)].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical effect of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) in the treatment of malignant tumors.


METHODS
Between May 1998 and Dec. 2001, 874 patients underwent 3D-CRT (median total dose of 50 Gy, ranging from 30 to 84 Gy in 3 to 41 fractions completed within 7 to 41 d) for malignant tumors. The clinical tumor volume (CTV) was totally encompassed within the exposure by 90 % of the prescribed irradiation dose. 6 MV X ray was used and CT image studies before and one year after 3D-CRT were performed to assess the therapeutic effect.


RESULTS
Complete remission of the tumor occurred in 38.1 % (390/1 024) of the cases, partial remission in 55.5 % (568/1 024) and no remission in 5.8 % (59/1 024), with 0.68 % (7/1 024) of the cases showing signs of tumor progression. CT image studies demonstrated obviously weakened enhancement of the tumor residual after treatment, and Doppler ultrasound revealed decreased blood supply of the tumors. The high alpha-fetoprotein levels in patients with hepatic cellular carcinoma (HCC) was significantly reduced (P=0.003). In terms of the adverse effect, 85 patients complained of inertia after radiotherapy, 90 of loss of appetite.


CONCLUSIONS
3D-CRT is an effective method of treatment in patients with malignant tumors.
Chen
Long-hua
LH
Departments of Radio-oncology, Nanfang Hospital, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
Guan
Jian
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000532:radiotherapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome