title: Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy for inoperable massive hepatocellular carcinoma in six dogs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the activity and tolerability of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) in dogs with massive hepatocellular carcinoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six dogs with massive hepatocellular carcinoma that were ineligible for surgical resection or with owners who declined surgical resection, and underwent 3D-CRT were retrospectively reviewed. 6 to 10 Gy per fraction was prescribed at isocentre of planning target volume to a total dose of 18 to 42 Gy with 1 to 2 fractions per week for a total of 3 to 7 fractions. Follow-up examinations included physical examination, contrast-enhanced CT scan and blood analysis (complete blood count, electrolytes and serum biochemical panel).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median follow-up time after 3D-CRT was 534 (range, 281 to 1057) days. An objective response was observed in five of six cases. Radiation-induced liver disease developed in one dog but was asymptomatic and reversible. Toxicity was not noted in any other dog.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  3D-CRT appears to be a viable treatment option for dogs with inoperable massive hepatocellular carcinoma.
authors: Department of Veterinary Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Mori
authors: Department of Veterinary Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.
authors: Y
authors: Y
authors: Ito
authors: Department of Veterinary Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Kawabe
authors: Department of Veterinary Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Iwasaki
authors: Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Sakai
authors: Department of Veterinary Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Murakami
authors: Department of Veterinary Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Maruo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / Q000662:veterinary; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis