Radiotherapy for lymph node metastases in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: retrospective study.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of external radiation therapy on lymph node metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).


METHODS
A total 28 patients with cytopathologically proven HCC were subjected to radiation therapy over a 5-year period, and treatment was continued in all cases. All patients underwent irradiation with a total dose ranging between 46 and 60 Gy in daily 2.0-Gy fractions, five times a week.


RESULTS
Among the metastatic lesions treated, 18 (64%) and five (18%) patients achieved partial responses and complete responses, respectively. The 1- and 2-year overall survival rates and the median survival time were 53% and 33%, respectively, and 13 months in patients given external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for a non-palliative, near-cure intent (n = 21).


CONCLUSIONS
Although lymph node metastasis from HCC is sensitive to EBRT, the intent of EBRT should be limited to palliation. For palliative purposes, it is useful in treatment with 50 Gy in 25 fractions for these patients.
Yamashita
Hideomi
H
Department of Radiology, University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. yamashitah-RAD@h.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Nakagawa
Keiichi
K
Shiraishi
Kenshiro
K
Tago
Masao
M
Igaki
Hiroshi
H
Nakamura
Naoki
N
Sasano
Nakashi
N
Siina
Shuichiro
S
Omata
Masao
M
Ohtomo
Kuni
K
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D015182:Lymphatic Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate