[Concurrent chemo-radiation therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis].
OBJECTIVE
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis has a poor prognosis. This study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic effects of concurrent chemo-radiation therapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis.


METHODS
A total of 54 patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (TNM stage IVa) were enrolled. Nineteen patients were treated with external beam radiotherapy (4,500 cGy/ 5 weeks) and intrahepatic arterial 5-FU infusion (500 mg on 1-5 day and 30-35 day, respectively) via implanted chemoport. The others were treated with intrahepatic arterial cisplatin infusion (80 mg/m(2)).


RESULTS
In patients treated with concurrent chemo-radiation therapy, response rates at 2nd and 6th months were 42.1% and 26.3%, respectively. In patients treated with intrahepatic arterial cisplatin therapy, response rates at 2nd and 6th months were 2.9% and 0%, respectively. The median survival time was 11.6 months in concurrent chemo-radiation therapy and 4.8 months in intrahepatic arterial cisplatin infusion therapy. Concurrent chemo-radiation therapy produced better response rates and longer survival time than those of intrahepatic arterial cisplatin infusion therapy (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Concurrent chemo-radiation therapy achieved favorable results in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis and can be considered as a treatment option for the management of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
Kim
Jin Suk
JS
Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. gihankhys@yonsei.yumc.ac.kr
Han
Kwang Hyub
KH
Lee
Do Yun
DY
Seong
Jin Sil
JS
Youn
Young Hoon
YH
Cheong
Jae Youn
JY
Ahn
Sang Hoon
SH
Chon
Chae Yoon
CY
Moon
Young Myoung
YM
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011169:Portal Vein; D011379:Prognosis; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000150:complications*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D002945:Cisplatin; D005472:Fluorouracil