Treatment planning study to determine potential benefit of intensity-modulated radiotherapy versus conformal radiotherapy for unresectable hepatic malignancies

Evaluation of Treatments with Radiotherapy Alone and Radiotherapy Plus Chemo-immunotherapy in Patients with Primary Liver Cancer based on Blood Biomarkers

PURPOSE

It is critical to assess primary liver cancer patients likely to benefit from radiotherapy (RT) or RT plus chemo-immunotherapy. Many potential peripheral biomarkers from blood samples have been proposed for clinical application. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate treatments with radiotherapy alone and radiotherapy plus chemo-immunotherapy in patients with unresectable primary liver cancer based on blood biomarkers.

METHODS

From January, 2017, to February, 2022, 63 unresectable primary liver cancer patients receiving radiotherapy alone (RT, n = 21) or radiotherapy plus chemo-immunotherapy (RT plus C/IT, n = 42) were included in this study. We compared the clinical outcomes and adverse effects of these two groups. Also, distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS), and progress- free survival (PFS) were retrospectively analyzed. Finally, univariable and multivariable Cox analyses were used to explore the prognostic role of blood biochemical biomarkers.

RESULTS

In this study, 1, 2, and 3 years of OS after RT treatment were 63.9%, 27.0%, and 13.5%, and after RT plus C/IT were 68.2%, 37.0%, and 24.7%, respectively (p = 0.617). Compared with baseline, white blood cells (WBC) and lymphocytes were significantly decreased after RT (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively) or RT plus C/IT therapy (p = 0.135 and p<0.001, respectively). In multivariable Cox regression analyses, higher lymphocyte counts before RT (pre-Lymphocyte) were associated with better OS and PFS (HR=0.439, p = 0.023; HR=0.539, p = 0.053; respectively), and higher lymphocyte counts before RT (pre- Platelets) were a poor prognostic factor associated with DMFS (HR=1.013, p = 0.040). Importantly, OS and PFS were significantly better for patients (pre-Lymphocyte ≥1.10 x 109/L) (p = 0.006; p = 0.066, respectively). The DMFS was significantly better for patients (pre-platelets < 233.5 ×109/L) (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our evaluation of blood biomarkers before and after radiotherapy or plus chem-immunotherapy for primary liver cancer revealed a potential marker for clinics to decide on precise treatment strategies.

Hepatic tumours and radiotherapy

We present the update of the recommendations of the French society of oncological radiotherapy on hepatic tumours. Recent technological progress led to develop the concept of focused liver radiation therapy. We must distinguish primary and secondary tumours, as the indications are restricted and must be discussed as an alternative to surgical or medical treatments. The tumour volume, its liver location close to the organs at risk determine the irradiation technique (repositioning method, total dose delivered, dose fractionation regimens). Tumour (and liver) breathing related motions should be taken into account. Strict dosimetric criteria must be observed with particular attention to the dose-volume histograms of non-tumoral liver as well as of the hollow organs, particularly in case of hypofractionated high dose radiotherapy "under stereotaxic conditions". Stereotactic body radiotherapy is being evaluated and is often preferred to radiofrequency for primary or secondary tumours (usually less than 5cm). An adaptation can be proposed, with a conformal fractionated irradiation protocol with or without intensity modulation, for hepatocellular carcinomas larger than 5cm.

Rethinking the Role of Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Data Driven Treatment Algorithm for Optimizing Outcomes

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide, with a majority of HCC patients not suitable for curative therapies. Approximately 70% of initially diagnosed patients cannot undergo surgical resection or transplantation due to locally advanced disease, poor liver function/underlying cirrhosis, or additional comorbidities. Local therapeutic options for patients with unresectable HCC, who are not suitable for thermal ablation, include transarterial embolization (bland, chemoembolization, radioembolization) and/or external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Regarding EBRT specifically, technological advancements provide a means for safe and effective radiotherapy delivery in a wide spectrum of HCC patients. In multiple prospective studies, EBRT delivery in a variety of different fractionation schemes or in combination with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) demonstrate improved outcomes, particularly with combination therapy. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification provides a framework for treatment selection; however, given the growing complexity of treatment strategies, this classification system tends to simplify decision-making. In this review, we discuss the current literature regarding unresectable HCC and propose a modified treatment algorithm that emphasizes the role of radiation therapy for Child-Pugh score A or B patients with ≤3 nodules measuring >3 cm, multinodular disease or portal venous thrombosis.

Efficacy and safety of external-beam radiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: An overview of current evidence according to the different target population

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. During the recent years, external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) has been safely and effectively employed for the management of HCC. We overviewed the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of EBRT for HCC according to the different target population. PubMed database was searched for identifying English-language full-text articles regarding EBRT for the treatment of HCC. Search items were "hepatocellular carcinoma AND radiation therapy". Until now, preliminary evidence has suggested the following role of EBRT for HCC. 1) EBRT, especially stereotactic body radiation therapy, is an emerging choice of therapy for small HCC. 2) EBRT combined with non-surgical treatment can achieve an excellent intrahepatic tumor control and a potential survival benefit for huge HCC. 3)Adjunctive EBRT may improve the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization for HCC with portal vein tumor thrombosis. 4) EBRT can relieve the pain and improve the quality of life for patients with extrahepatic metastases. 5) EBRT may be a bridge to liver transplantation by minimizing the tumor progression. 6) Adjunctive EBRT may reduce the tumor recurrence and improve the survival after resection. In summary, EBRT is a promising choice of treatment of HCC. However, more high-quality evidence is needed to further establish the status of EBRT for the management of HCC.

Stereotactic body proton therapy for liver tumors: Dosimetric advantages and their radiobiological and clinical implications

Background and Purpose

Photon Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) for primary and metastatic tumors of the liver is challenging for larger lesions. An in silico comparison of paired SBRT and Stereotactic Body Proton Therapy (SBPT) plans was performed to understand the potential advantages of SBPT as a function of tumor size and location.

Methods and materials

Theoretical tumor volumes with maximum diameter of 1–10 cm were contoured in the dome, right inferior, left medial, and central locations. SBRT and SBPT plans were generated to deliver 50 Gy in 5 fractions, max dose <135%. When organs-at-risk (OAR) constraints were exceeded, hypothetical plans (not clinically acceptable) were generated for comparison. Liver normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models were applied to evaluate differences between treatment modalities.

Results

SBRT and SBPT were able to meet target goals and OAR constraints for lesions up to 7 cm and 9 cm diameter, respectively. SBPT plans resulted in a higher integral gross target dose for all lesions up to 7 cm (mean dose 57.8 ± 2.3 Gy to 64.1 ± 2.2 Gy, p < 0.01). Simultaneously, SBPT spared dose to the uninvolved liver in all locations (from 11.5 ± 5.3 Gy to 8.6 ± 4.4 Gy, p < 0.01), resulting in lower NTCP particularly for larger targets in the dome and central locations. SBPT also spared duodenal dose across all sizes and positions (from 7.3 ± 1.1 Gy to 1.1 ± 0.3 Gy, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The main advantages of SBPT over SBRT is meeting plan goals and constrains for larger targets, particularly dome and central locations, and sparing dose to uninvolved liver. For such patients, SBPT may allow improvements in tumor control and treatment safety.

Radiomics based analysis to predict local control and survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy

Background

To appraise the ability of a radiomics based analysis to predict local response and overall survival for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

A set of 138 consecutive patients (112 males and 26 females, median age 66 years) presented with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A to C were retrospectively studied. For a subset of these patients (106) complete information about treatment outcome, namely local control, was available. Radiomic features were computed for the clinical target volume. A total of 35 features were extracted and analyzed. Univariate analysis was used to identify clinical and radiomics significant features. Multivariate models by Cox-regression hazards model were built for local control and survival outcome. Models were evaluated by area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. For the LC analysis, two models selecting two groups of uncorrelated features were analyzes while one single model was built for the OS analysis.

Results

The univariate analysis lead to the identification of 15 significant radiomics features but the analysis of cross correlation showed several cross related covariates. The un-correlated variables were used to build two separate models; both resulted into a single significant radiomic covariate: model-1: energy p < 0.05, AUC of ROC 0.6659, C.I.: 0.5585–0.7732; model-2: GLNUp < 0.05, AUC 0.6396, C.I.:0.5266–0.7526.

The univariate analysis for covariates significant with respect to local control resulted in 9 clinical and 13 radiomics features with multiple and complex cross-correlations. After elastic net regularization, the most significant covariates were compacity and BCLC stage, with only compacity significant to Cox model fitting (Cox model likelihood ratio test p < 0.0001, compacity p < 0.00001; AUC of the model is 0.8014 (C.I. = 0.7232–0.8797)).

Conclusion

A robust radiomic signature, made by one single feature was finally identified. A validation phases, based on independent set of patients is scheduled to be performed to confirm the results.

Technical advances in external radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Radiotherapy techniques have substantially improved in the last two decades. After the introduction of 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, radiotherapy has been increasingly used for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Currently, more advanced techniques, including intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR), and charged particle therapy, are used for the treatment of HCC. IMRT can escalate the tumor dose while sparing the normal tissue even though the tumor is large or located near critical organs. SABR can deliver a very high radiation dose to small HCCs in a few fractions, leading to high local control rates of 84%-100%. Various advanced imaging modalities are used for radiotherapy planning and delivery to improve the precision of radiotherapy. These advanced techniques enable the delivery of high dose radiotherapy for early to advanced HCCs without increasing the radiation-induced toxicities. However, as there have been no effective tools for the prediction of the response to radiotherapy or recurrences within or outside the radiation field, future studies should focus on selecting the patients who will benefit from radiotherapy.

[Hepatic tumors and radiotherapy]

Recent technological developments led to develop the concept of focused liver radiation therapy. We must distinguish primary and secondary tumors as the indications are restricted and must be discussed as an alternative to surgical or medical treatments. For hepatocellular carcinoma 5 to 10cm (or more), a conformational radiation with or without intensity modulation is performed. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is being evaluated and is increasingly proposed as an alternative to radiofrequency ablative treatment for primary or secondary tumors (typically less than 5cm). Tumor (and liver) movements induced by respiratory motions must be taken into account. Strict dosimetric criteria must be met with particular attention to the dose-volume histograms to liver and the hollow organs, including cases of SBRT.

Optimization of stereotactic body radiotherapy treatment planning using a multicriteria optimization algorithm

PURPOSE

To provide high-quality and efficient dosimetric planning for various types of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for tumor treatment using a multicriteria optimization (MCO) technique fine-tuned with direct machine parameter optimization (DMPO).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Eighteen patients with lung (n=11), liver (n=5) or adrenal cell cancer (n=2) were treated using SBRT in our clinic between December 2014 and June 2015. Plans were generated using the RayStation™ Treatment Planning System (TPS) with the VMAT technique. Optimal deliverable SBRT plans were first generated using an MCO algorithm to find a well-balanced tradeoff between tumor control and normal tissue sparing in an efficient treatment planning time. Then, the deliverable plan was post-processed using the MCO solution as the starting point for the DMPO algorithm to improve the dose gradient around the planning target volume (PTV) while maintaining the clinician's priorities. The dosimetric quality of the plans was evaluated using dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters, which account for target coverage and the sparing of healthy tissue, as well as the CI100 and CI50 conformity indexes.

RESULTS

Using a combination of the MCO and DMPO algorithms showed that the treatment plans were clinically optimal and conformed to all organ risk dose volume constraints reported in the literature, with a computation time of approximately one hour. The coverage of the PTV (D99% and D95%) and sparing of organs at risk (OAR) were similar between the MCO and MCO+DMPO plans, with no significant differences (p>0.05) for all the SBRT plans. The average CI100 and CI50 values using MCO+DMPO were significantly better than those with MCO alone (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The MCO technique allows for convergence on an optimal solution for SBRT within an efficient planning time. The combination of the MCO and DMPO techniques yields a better dose gradient, especially for lung tumors.

Efficacy and Safety of Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Following Transarterial Chemoembolization in Patients With Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy in combination with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been beneficial in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There have been few clinical reports on the use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in combination with TACE for these patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and toxicity of IMRT following TACE in unresectable HCC.The medical records of consecutive patients with unresectable HCC, who underwent IMRT following TACE from January 2009 to June 2014, were retrospectively reviewed in order to assess the overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), tumor response, and treatment-associated toxicity.A total of 64 lesions in 54 patients were included in the analysis. IMRT was delivered at a median dose of 50 Gy (range 44-70 Gy) at 1.8 to 2.0 Gy per fraction. The overall response rate was achieved in 64.8% of patients with complete response in 20.4% of patients at 3 months after completion of IMRT. The median OS was 20.2 months (95% CI = 8.6-31.9), and the actuarial 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were 84.6%, 49.7%, and 36.7%, respectively. The median PFS was 10.5 months (95% CI = 7.3-13.7) and the 1-, 2-, and 3-year PFS rates were 44.2%, 23.4%, and 14.6%, respectively. The responders had a significantly higher OS rate than the nonresponders (3-year OS 48.0% vs 14.4%, P = 0.001). During and the first month following IMRT, 10 (18.5%) patients developed grade 3 hematological toxicity, and 3 (5.6%) developed grade 3 hepatic toxicity. No patient experienced grade 4 or 5 toxicity. Radiation-induced liver disease was not observed.Our findings suggest that IMRT following TACE could be a favorable treatment option for both its safety profile and clinical benefit in patients with unresectable HCC.

Intensity modulated radiation therapy for recurrent ovarian cancer refractory to chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate local control, survival outcomes, and toxicity after intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for recurrent chemorefractory ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Between 2006 and 2014, 33 patients were treated with IMRT for recurrent ovarian cancer. Patients received a median of 3 chemotherapy regimens prior to IMRT (range, 1-12) with 11 (33%) undergoing concurrent therapy. Local control (LC), recurrence free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) were calculated via Kaplan-Meier method. Toxicity was assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.03. Impact of patient characteristics on outcomes was evaluated via Cox's proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

Median follow up was 23.7 months. Forty-nine sites were treated to a median dose of 5040cGy (range, 4500-7000). Nine (18%) of the 49 sites had in-field failures. Two year actuarial LC, RFS, and OS were 82%, 11%, and 63%, respectively. Seventeen patients had both a pre and post-treatment FDG-PET/CT; 6 (35%) had a complete metabolic response while 11 (65%) had a partial metabolic response. Acute ≥ grade 3 gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities occurred in 2 (6%) patients, late ≥ grade 3 GI toxicities occurred in 12 (36%), acute ≥ grade 3 hematological toxicities occurred in 5 (15%) and late ≥ grade 3 hematological toxicities occurred in 14 (42%).

CONCLUSIONS

IMRT for recurrent chemorefractory ovarian cancer is associated with excellent local control and limited radiation related toxicity. Future studies will be required to determine which subpopulation will benefit most from IMRT and whether alternative techniques such as stereotactic body radiotherapy may be feasible.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Liver Cancer: A Review of the Technology

Stereotactic body radiation therapy has been adopted in the treatment of liver cancer because of its highly conformal dose distribution when compared with other conventional approaches, and many studies have been published to report the positive clinical outcome associated with this technique. To achieve the precision needed to maintain or to improve the therapeutic ratio, various strategies are applied in different components in the stereotactic body radiation therapy process. Immobilization devices are used in minimizing geometric uncertainty induced by treatment positioning and internal organ motion. Along with a better definition of target by the integration of multimodality imaging, planning target volume margin to compensate for the uncertainty can be reduced to minimize inclusion of normal tissue in the treatment volume. In addition, sparing of normal tissue from irradiation is improved by the use of high precision treatment delivery technologies such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy or volumetric modulated arc therapy. Target localization before treatment delivery with image guidance enables reproduction of the patient's geometry for delivering the planned dose. The application of these advanced technologies contributes to the evolution of the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of liver cancer, making it an important radical or palliative treatment modality.

Feasibility and efficacy of helical tomotherapy in cirrhotic patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

This study is to evaluate the toxicity and outcomes of helical tomotherapy (HT) in patients treated for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

From March 2008 to September 2010, 38 patients with unresectable HCC were treated with HT. The median patient age was 67 years (range, 45–85). The median follow-up period was 17.2 months (range, 7–46). All patients had liver cirrhosis. Median radiation dose was 54 Gy (range, 46–71.8) delivered in 1.8 to 2.4-Gy fractions. The planning target volumes were 241.2 ± 153.1 cm³ (range, 45.8–722.4). Treatment responses were assessed in 3–6 months after HT.

Results

There was a complete response in 2 patients (5.2 %), partial response in 18 patients (47.4 %), stable disease in 13 patients (34.2 %), and progressive disease in 5 patients (13.2 %). The median overall survival was 12.6 months, and 1- and 2-year overall survival rates were 56.2 and 31.7 %, respectively. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG score, p = 0.008), Child-Pugh classification (p = 0.012), albumin (p = 0.046), and hemoglobin (p = 0.028) were significant parameters that predicted primary tumor response to radiotherapy in multivariate analysis. ECOG score (p = 0.012), Child-Pugh class (p = 0.026), and response to radiotherapy (p = 0.016) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival in multivariate analysis. Responders had better overall survival than non-responders (23.6 vs. 5.8 months, p < 0.001). The 1- and 2-year overall survival rates for responders were 68.3 and 57 %, respectively, while for non-responders, they were 0 %. The 1- and 2-year local control rates were 88.2 and 82.3 %, respectively. Five patients (13.2 %) had grade 3 or greater liver toxicity, and one patient (2.6 %) had a grade 3 gastric ulcer. No treatment-related liver failure or death was documented in this study.

Conclusions

Radiotherapy using HT seems to be a safe and effective treatment option for unresectable HCC patients. This study indicates that HT is a feasible treatment even in patients without good performance status and hepatic function reservation.

Dose escalated liver stereotactic body radiation therapy at the mean respiratory position

PURPOSE

The dosimetric impact of dose probability based planning target volume (PTV) margins for liver cancer patients receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) was compared with standard PTV based on the internal target volume (ITV). Plan robustness was evaluated by accumulating the treatment dose to ensure delivery of the intended plan.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Twenty patients planned on exhale CT for 27 to 50 Gy in 6 fractions using an ITV-based PTV and treated free-breathing were retrospectively evaluated. Isotoxic, dose escalated plans were created on midposition computed tomography (CT), representing the mean breathing position, using a dose probability PTV. The delivered doses were accumulated using biomechanical deformable registration of the daily cone beam CT based on liver targeting at the exhale or mean breathing position, for the exhale and midposition CT plans, respectively.

RESULTS

The dose probability PTVs were on average 38% smaller than the ITV-based PTV, enabling an average ± standard deviation increase in the planned dose to 95% of the PTV of 4.0 ± 2.8 Gy (9 ± 5%) on the midposition CT (P<.01). For both plans, the delivered minimum gross tumor volume (GTV) doses were greater than the planned nominal prescribed dose in all 20 patients and greater than the planned dose to 95% of the PTV in 18 (90%) patients. Nine patients (45%) had 1 or more GTVs with a delivered minimum dose more than 5 Gy higher with the midposition CT plan using dose probability PTV, compared with the delivered dose with the exhale CT plan using ITV-based PTV.

CONCLUSIONS

For isotoxic liver SBRT planned and delivered at the mean respiratory, reduced dose probability PTV enables a mean escalation of 4 Gy (9%) in 6 fractions over ITV-based PTV. This may potentially improve local control without increasing the risk of tumor underdosing.

Assessing the role of volumetric-modulated arc therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

The role of volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential clinical role of VMAT compared with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D CRT) for liver irradiation. Four-dimensional CT scans of 24patients with unresectable HCC were included and divided into two groups: (1) adjacent group (n = 11), with planning target volumes overlapping or within 1 cm adjacent to the alimentary tract; (2) nonadjacent group (n = 13), in which the normal liver itself was the dose-limiting structure. Target coverage, organs-at-risk (OARs) doses, delivery parameters, and treatment accuracy were evaluated. Superior target coverage, conformity, and homogeneity were achieved with VMAT compared with 3D CRT. In the adjacent group, VMAT provided superior sparing of serial functioning OARs including the stomach, small intestine, and spinal cord. In the nonadjacent group, VMAT provided inferior sparing of most OARs including the liver, stomach, and small intestine. For the whole group, the effective treatment time was 2.1 ± 0.3 min for 3D CRT and 3.1 ± 0.2 min for VMAT. For liver lesions adjacent to the alimentary tract, this study indicates that VMAT should be selected due to the plan quality, delivery efficiency, and superior sparing of stomach and small intestine. However, for liver lesions away from the alimentary tract, VMAT is not superior to 3D CRT for normal tissue protection.

Treatment outcomes of helical intensity-modulated radiotherapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

Background/Aims

This study reports treatment outcomes after helical intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients for whom transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was considered ineffective or unsuitable.

Methods

From January 2008 to December 2011, 22 unresectable HCC patients received helical IMRT. A daily dose of 1.8 to 4 Gy was delivered at five fractions per week to deliver a total dose of 30 to 60 Gy. The most-prescribed dose fractionation was a total dose of 50 to 57.5 Gy, with a daily dose of 2.3 to 2.5 Gy.

Results

In the entire group, the objective response rate of the primary tumor was 72.7%. In the eight patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT), the objective response rate of PVT was 50.0%. Median disease progression-free survival was 11.8 months, and the 1-year disease progression-free survival rate was 40.2%. The median overall survival was 14.4 months, and the 1- and 2-year overall survival rates were 86.4% and 69.1%, respectively. PVT and Child-Pugh classifications were significant prognostic factors for overall survival in multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

Helical IMRT in patients with unresectable HCC resulted in high treatment response and survival rates. This study suggests helical IMRT is a practical treatment option for HCC patients in whom TACE is unsuitable or ineffective.

Radiotherapy with volumetric modulated arc therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma patients ineligible for surgery or ablative treatments

PURPOSE

The aim of this article is to report the dosimetric and clinical findings in the treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT, RapidArc).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A total of 138 patients were investigated. Dose prescription ranged from 45-66 Gy. Most patients (88.4 %) presented AJCC stage III or IV and 83 % were N0-M0. All were classified as Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A-C. All patients were treated using 10 MV photons with single or multiple, coplanar or non-coplanar arcs, and cone-down technique in case of early response of tumors.

RESULTS

The patients' median age was 66 years (range 27-87 years), 83 % were treated with 60 Gy (12 % at 45 Gy, 6 % at 66 Gy), 62 % with cone-down, 98 % with multiple arcs. The mean initial planning target volume (PTV) was 777 ± 632 cm(3); the mean final PTV (after the cone-down) was 583 ± 548 cm(3). High target coverage was achieved. The final PTV was V98% > 98 %. Kidneys received on average 5 and 8 Gy (left and right), while the maximum dose to the spinal cord was 22 Gy; mean doses to esophagus and stomach were 23 Gy and 15 Gy, respectively. The average volume of healthy liver receiving more than 30 Gy was 294 ± 145 cm(3). Overall survival at 12 months was 45 %; median survival was 10.3 months (95 % confidence interval 7.2-13.3 months). Actuarial local control at 6 months was 95 % and 93.7 % at 12 months. The median follow-up was 9 months and a maximum of 28 months.

CONCLUSION

This study showed from the dosimetric point of view the feasibility and technical appropriateness of RapidArc for the treatment of HCC. Clinical results were positive and might suggest, with appropriate care, to consider RapidArc as an additional therapeutic opportunity for these patients.

Radiation treatment with volumetric modulated arc therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Early clinical outcome and toxicity profile from a retrospective analysis of 138 patients

Background

To report early outcome and toxicity for inoperable patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).

Methods

One hundred and thirty eight patients were retrospectively analysed. Dose prescription ranged from 45 to 66Gy with conventional fractionation regime. Based on AJCC staging, 88.4% presented stage III or IV. Two-thirds (69.6%) were Child-Pugh stage A, the remaining were stage B. According to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging, 72.5% of patients were classified as stage C.

Results

Median age was 66 years, median tumor volume was 516cm³ (28 to 3620cm³). The most patients (83%) were treated with 60Gy. Median follow-up time was 9 months. One-year overall survival rate was 45% (100% for AJCC stage I, 83% for stage II, 45% for stage III and 28% for stage IV), median survival was 10.3 months (95% C.I. 7.2-13.3). Local control was achieved in 94% (of 109 assessable patients), stable disease in 29%, partial response in 53%, complete response in 11%, and progression in 6%. Radiation-induced liver disease was observed in 34 patients (25%). Gastrointestinal grade 3 toxicity was modest with a total of 17 (12.3%) cases for all endpoints.

Conclusions

Clinical results could suggest to introduce VMAT as an appropriate technique for the patients with HCC.

RapidArc vs intensity-modulated radiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: a comparative planning study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to compare the dose-volumetric results of RapidArc (RA Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) with those of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

20 patients previously treated for hepatocellular carcinoma were the subjects of this planning study. 10 patients were treated for portal vein tumour thrombosis (Group A), and 10 patients for primary liver tumour (Group B). Prescription dose to the planning target volume was 54 Gy in 30 fractions, and the planning goal was to deliver more than 95% of prescribed dose to at least 95% of planning target volume.

RESULTS

In Group A, mean doses to liver were increased with RA vs IMRT (22.9 Gy vs 22.2 Gy, p=0.0275). However, V(30 Gy) of liver was lower in RA vs IMRT (31.1% vs 32.1%, p=0.0283). In Group B, in contrast, neither mean doses nor V(30 Gy) of liver significantly differed between the two plans. V(35 Gy) of duodenum and V(20 Gy) of kidney were decreased with RA in Groups A and B, respectively (p=0.0058 and 0.0124, respectively). Both maximal doses to spinal cord and monitor unit were significantly lower in the RA plan, regardless of the group.

CONCLUSION

The dose-volumetric results of RA vs IMRT were different according to the different target location within the liver. In general, RA tended to be more effective in the sparing of non-liver organs at risk such as duodenum, kidney, and/or spinal cord. Moreover, RA was more efficient in the treatment delivery than IMRT in terms of total monitor unit used.

Four-dimensional CT-based evaluation of volumetric modulated arc therapy for abdominal lymph node metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma

This study aimed to identify the potential benefits and limitations of a new volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning system in Monaco, compared with conventional intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT). Four-dimensional CT scans of 13 patients with abdominal lymph node metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma were selected. Internal target volume was defined as the combined volume of clinical target volumes (CTVs) in the multiple 4DCT phases. Dose prescription was set to 45 Gy for the planning target volume (PTV) in daily 3.0-Gy fractions. The PTV dose coverage, organs at risk (OAR) doses, delivery parameters and treatment accuracy were assessed. Compared with 3DCRT, both VMAT and IMRT provided a systematic improvement in PTV coverage and homogeneity. Planning objectives were not fulfilled for the right kidney, in which the 3DCRT plans exceeded the dose constraints in two patients. Equivalent target coverage and sparing of OARs were achieved with VMAT compared with IMRT. The number of MU/fraction was 462 ± 68 (3DCRT), 564 ± 105 (IMRT) and 601 ± 134 (VMAT), respectively. Effective treatment times were as follows: 1.8 ± 0.2 min (3DCRT), 6.1 ± 1.5 min (IMRT) and 4.8 ± 1.0 min (VMAT). This study suggests that the VMAT plans generated in Monaco improved delivery efficiency for equivalent dosimetric quality to IMRT, and were superior to 3DCRT in target coverage and sparing of most OARs. However, the superiority of VMAT over IMRT in delivery efficiency is limited.

Hypofractionated image-guided breath-hold SABR (stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy) of liver metastases--clinical results

Purpose

Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) is a non-invasive therapy option for inoperable liver oligometastases. Outcome and toxicity were retrospectively evaluated in a single-institution patient cohort who had undergone ultrasound-guided breath-hold SABR.

Patients and methods

19 patients with liver metastases of various primary tumors consecutively treated with SABR (image-guidance with stereotactic ultrasound in combination with computer-controlled breath-hold) were analysed regarding overall-survival (OS), progression-free-survival (PFS), progression pattern, local control (LC), acute and late toxicity.

Results

PTV (planning target volume)-size was 108 ± 109cm³ (median 67.4 cm³). BED2 (Biologically effective dose in 2 Gy fraction) was 83.3 ± 26.2 Gy (median 78 Gy). Median follow-up and median OS were 12 months. Actuarial 2-year-OS-rate was 31%. Median PFS was 4 months, actuarial 1-year-PFS-rate was 20%. Site of first progression was predominantly distant. Regression of irradiated lesions was observed in 84% (median time to detection of regression was 2 months). Actuarial 6-month-LC-rate was 92%, 1- and 2-years-LC-rate 57%, respectively. BED2 influenced LC. When a cut-off of BED2 = 78 Gy was used, the higher BED2 values resulted in improved local control with a statistical trend to significance (p = 0.0999). Larger PTV-sizes, inversely correlated with applied dose, resulted in lower local control, also with a trend to significance (p-value = 0.08) when a volume cut-off of 67 cm³ was used.

No local relapse was observed at PTV-sizes < 67 cm³ and BED2 > 78 Gy. No acute clinical toxicity > °2 was observed. Late toxicity was also ≤ °2 with the exception of one gastrointestinal bleeding-episode 1 year post-SABR. A statistically significant elevation in the acute phase was observed for alkaline-phosphatase; in the chronic phase for alkaline-phosphatase, bilirubine, cholinesterase and C-reactive protein.

Conclusions

A trend to statistically significant correlation of local progression was observed for BED2 and PTV-size. Dose-levels BED2 > 78 Gy cannot be reached in large lesions constituting a significant fraction of this series. Image-guided SABR (igSABR) is therefore an effective non-invasive treatment modality with low toxicity in patients with small inoperable liver metastases.

Accumulated dose in liver stereotactic body radiotherapy: positioning, breathing, and deformation effects

PURPOSE

To investigate the accumulated dose deviations to tumors and normal tissues in liver stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and investigate their geometric causes.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Thirty previously treated liver cancer patients were retrospectively evaluated. Stereotactic body radiotherapy was planned on the static exhale CT for 27-60 Gy in 6 fractions, and patients were treated in free-breathing with daily cone-beam CT guidance. Biomechanical model-based deformable image registration accumulated dose over both the planning four-dimensional (4D) CT (predicted breathing dose) and also over each fraction's respiratory-correlated cone-beam CT (accumulated treatment dose). The contribution of different geometric errors to changes between the accumulated and predicted breathing dose were quantified.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients (70%) had accumulated dose deviations relative to the planned static prescription dose >5%, ranging from -15% to 5% in tumors and -42% to 8% in normal tissues. Sixteen patients (53%) still had deviations relative to the 4D CT-predicted dose, which were similar in magnitude. Thirty-two tissues in these 16 patients had deviations >5% relative to the 4D CT-predicted dose, and residual setup errors (n = 17) were most often the largest cause of the deviations, followed by deformations (n = 8) and breathing variations (n = 7).

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients had accumulated dose deviations >5% relative to the static plan. Significant deviations relative to the predicted breathing dose still occurred in more than half the patients, commonly owing to residual setup errors. Accumulated SBRT dose may be warranted to pursue further dose escalation, adaptive SBRT, and aid in correlation with clinical outcomes.

High-Dose Radiotherapy with Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Aims and Background

We report the results of intensity-modulated radiotherapy for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who were not candidate for local ablative therapies, transarterial chemoembolization or hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.

Methods and Study Design

Between 2003 and 2008, 27 patients were treated with high-dose radiotherapy (median dose, 50.4 Gy). The equivalent sphere size of tumors was 11.4 ± 2.6 cm. Nineteen and 8 patients were Child-Pugh class A and B, respectively. Eighteen patients had thromboses in large veins. Six patients were treated with radiotherapy as the initial treatment modality, and 21 patients received other treatments before radiotherapy.

Results

The overall response rate was 44.4% (1 pathologic complete response and 11 partial responses). The primary failure pattern was intrahepatic disease progression. Until the last follow-up, the primary liver masses and vein thromboses did not progress in 63.6% and 60.0% of the patients, respectively. The median progression-free survival and overall survival after radiotherapy rate were 3 and 5 months, respectively. Based on univariate analyses, response, Child-Pugh classification, and vein thrombosis were significant factors for overall survival, and tumor response, tumor size, vein thrombosis, and multiplicity were significant factors for progression-free survival. Tumor response was the only significant prognostic factor for overall survival and progression-free survival based on multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

Radiotherapy with intensity-modulated radiotherapy achieved a good response rate in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, and patients who had a good response lived longer than patients who did not have a good response.

Dosimetric comparison of RapidArc with fixed gantry intensity-modulated radiotherapy treatment for multiple liver metastases radiotherapy

We wanted to compare the dosimetric difference and treatment efficiency of RapidArc and fixed gantry intensity-modulated radiotherapy treatment (IMRT) for multiple liver metastases. Computed tomography datasets of 10 patients were studied retrospectively. IMRT plans were generated using 5 fields and RapidArc using either 1 or 2 arcs. The dose distribution of planning target volume (PTV), organs at risk (OARs), and the normal tissue were compared. Monitor units and treatment time were scored to measure expected treatment efficiency. Both RapidArc and IMRT plans resulted in equivalent target coverage. There was no statistically significant difference for the maximum and the minimum dose of PTV. RapidArc plans achieved an improved conformity index compared with IMRT (RA1 = 1.68 ± 0.27, RA2 = 1.61 ± 0.25, IMRT = 1.80 ± 0.37). For OARs, all techniques respected planning objectives. RapidArc plans had a lower dose in V(40) of small bowel than IMRT, but were higher in mean dose of kidneys. Concerning the V(5), V(10), and V(15) of healthy tissue, RapidArc plans were higher than IMRT. However, the V(20), V(25), and V(30) of healthy tissue in RapidArc plans were lower than IMRT. Monitor units per fraction of RapidArc plans were about 40% or 46% of IMRT. Compared with IMRT plans, treatment time of RapidArc plans were reduced by 60% or 70%. All techniques respected planning objectives. RapidArc showed statistical improvements in conformity index and healthy tissue sparing with uncompromised target coverage. This, in combination with fewer monitor units and short delivery time, can lead to clinically significant advances for the treatment of multiple liver metastases.

Stereotactic radiation therapy and selective internal radiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Recent technological advances allow precise and safe radiation delivery in hepatocellular carcinoma. Stereotactic body radiotherapy is a conformal external beam radiation technique that uses a small number of relatively large fractions to deliver potent doses of radiation therapy to extracranial sites. It requires stringent breathing motion control and image guidance. Selective internal radiotherapy or radioembolization refers to the injection of radioisotopes, usually delivered to liver tumors via the hepatic artery. Clinical results for both treatments show that excellent local control is possible with acceptable toxicity. Most appropriate patient populations and when which type of radiation therapy should be best employed in the vast therapeutic armamentarium of hepatocellular carcinoma are still to be clarified.

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy as therapeutic strategies in extrahepatic biliary duct carcinoma

PURPOSE

this report aims to provide an overview on radiotherapy and chemotherapy in extrahepatic biliary duct carcinoma (BDC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

a PubMed research identified clinical trials in BDC through April 1, 2010 including randomised controlled trials, SEER analyses and retrospective trials. Additionally, publications on the technical progress of radiotherapy in or close to the liver were analysed.

RESULTS

most patients with cholangiocarcinoma present with unresectable disease (80-90%), and more than half of the resected patients relapse within 1 year. Adjuvant and palliative treatment options need to be chosen carefully since 50% of the patients are older than 70 years at diagnosis. Adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy after complete resection (R0) has not convincingly shown a prolongation of survival but radiotherapy did after R1 resection. However, data suggest that liver transplantation could offer long-term survival in selected patients when combined with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with marginally resectable disease. For patients with unresectable biliary tract carcinoma (BTC), palliative stenting was previously the treatment of choice. But recent SEER analyses show that radiotherapy prolongs survival, relieves symptoms and contributes to biliary decompression and should be regarded as the new standard. Novel technical advances in radiotherapy may allow for dose-escalation and could significantly improve outcome for patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

CONCLUSION

both the literature and recent technical progress corroborate the role of radiotherapy in BDC offering chances for novel clinical trials. Progress is less pronounced in chemotherapy.

Comparison of simple and complex liver intensity modulated radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) may allow improvement in plan quality for treatment of liver cancer, however increasing radiation modulation complexity can lead to increased uncertainties and requirements for quality assurance. This study assesses whether target coverage and normal tissue avoidance can be maintained in liver cancer intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans by systematically reducing the complexity of the delivered fluence.

METHODS

An optimal baseline six fraction individualized IMRT plan for 27 patients with 45 liver cancers was developed which provided a median minimum dose to 0.5 cc of the planning target volume (PTV) of 38.3 Gy (range, 25.9-59.5 Gy), in 6 fractions, while maintaining liver toxicity risk <5% and maximum luminal gastrointestinal structure doses of 30 Gy. The number of segments was systematically reduced until normal tissue constraints were exceeded while maintaining equivalent dose coverage to 95% of PTV (PTVD95). Radiotherapy doses were compared between the plans.

RESULTS

Reduction in the number of segments was achieved for all 27 plans from a median of 48 segments (range 34-52) to 19 segments (range 6-30), without exceeding normal tissue dose objectives and maintaining equivalent PTVD95 and similar PTV Equivalent Uniform Dose (EUD(-20)) IMRT plans with fewer segments had significantly less monitor units (mean, 1892 reduced to 1695, p = 0.012), but also reduced dose conformity (mean, RTOG Conformity Index 1.42 increased to 1.53 p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Tumour coverage and normal tissue objectives were maintained with simplified liver IMRT, at the expense of reduced conformity.

Effect of breathing motion on radiotherapy dose accumulation in the abdomen using deformable registration

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of breathing motion and dose accumulation on the planned radiotherapy dose to liver tumors and normal tissues using deformable image registration.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Twenty-one free-breathing stereotactic liver cancer radiotherapy patients, planned on static exhale computed tomography (CT) for 27-60 Gy in six fractions, were included. A biomechanical model-based deformable image registration algorithm retrospectively deformed each exhale CT to inhale CT. This deformation map was combined with exhale and inhale dose grids from the treatment planning system to accumulate dose over the breathing cycle. Accumulation was also investigated using a simple rigid liver-to-liver registration. Changes to tumor and normal tissue dose were quantified.

RESULTS

Relative to static plans, mean dose change (range) after deformable dose accumulation (as % of prescription dose) was -1 (-14 to 8) to minimum tumor, -4 (-15 to 0) to maximum bowel, -4 (-25 to 1) to maximum duodenum, 2 (-1 to 9) to maximum esophagus, -2 (-13 to 4) to maximum stomach, 0 (-3 to 4) to mean liver, and -1 (-5 to 1) and -2 (-7 to 1) to mean left and right kidneys. Compared to deformable registration, rigid modeling had changes up to 8% to minimum tumor and 7% to maximum normal tissues.

CONCLUSION

Deformable registration and dose accumulation revealed potentially significant dose changes to either a tumor or normal tissue in the majority of cases as a result of breathing motion. These changes may not be accurately accounted for with rigid motion.

Emerging role of radiotherapy in the management of liver metastases

Improvements with systemic therapy in controlling occult metastatic disease in patients with colorectal cancer and other solid malignancies have raised renewed interest in local therapies that can treat isolated or "oligo" sites of metastatic disease within the liver. Radiotherapy (RT) is a treatment option that can be offered to patients unsuitable for surgery or other ablative therapies. Technological advances in RT planning and delivery have made it possible to administer high doses conformally around focal liver metastases effectively. Methods to facilitate safe delivery of high-dose RT include conformal RT planning, stereotactic body RT, breathing motion management, and image-guided RT. The clinical experience in conformal RT and stereotactic body RT for liver metastases is emerging, with phase I and II trials demonstrating excellent local control and occasional long-term survivors. With appropriate patient selection and sparing of the uninvolved liver, serious toxicity can be avoided. Out-of-field recurrences are common, providing rationale for combining systemic or regional therapies with RT for these patients. Finally, randomized trials of RT for liver metastases are needed to better define the benefits of RT for these patients.

Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: an irradiation dose escalation study

PURPOSE

To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT)/intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients were assigned to two subgroups based on tumor diameter: Group 1 had tumors <10 cm; Group II had tumors ≥10 cm. Escalation was achieved by increments of 4.0 Gy for each cohort in both groups. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as a grade of ≥3 acute liver or gastrointestinal toxicity or any grade 5 acute toxicity in other organs at risk or radiation-induced liver disease. The dose escalation would be terminated when ≥2 of 8 patients in a cohort experienced DLT.

RESULTS

From April 2005 to May 2008, 40 patients were enrolled. In Group I, 11 patients had grade ≤2 acute treatment-related toxicities, and no patient experienced DLT; and in Group II, 10 patients had grade ≤2 acute toxicity, and 1 patient in the group receiving 52 Gy developed radiation-induced liver disease. MTD was 62 Gy for Group I and 52 Gy for Group II. In-field progression-free and local progression-free rates were 100% and 69% at 1 year, and 93% and 44% at 2 years, respectively. Distant metastasis rates were 6% at 1 year and 15% at 2 years. Overall survival rates for 1-year and 2-years were 72% and 62%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The irradiation dose was safely escalated in hepatocellular carcinoma patients by using 3DCRT/IMRT with an active breathing coordinator. MTD was 62 Gy and 52 Gy for patients with tumor diameters of <10 cm and ≥10 cm, respectively.

Critical appraisal of volumetric modulated arc therapy in stereotactic body radiation therapy for metastases to abdominal lymph nodes

PURPOSE

A planning study was performed comparing volumetric modulated arcs, RapidArc (RA), fixed beam IMRT (IM), and conformal radiotherapy (CRT) with multiple static fields or short conformal arcs in a series of patients treated with hypofractionated stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for solitary or oligo-metastases from different tumors to abdominal lymph nodes.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Fourteen patients were included in the study. Dose prescription was set to 45 Gy (mean dose to clinical target volume [CTV]) in six fractions of 7.5 Gy. Objectives for CTV and planning target volume (PTV) were as follows: Dose(min) >95%, Dose(max) <107%. For organs at risk the following objectives were used: Maximum dose to spine <18 Gy; V(15Gy) <35% for both kidneys, V(36Gy) <1% for duodenum, V(36Gy) <3% for stomach and small bowel, V(15Gy) <(total liver volume--700 cm(3)) for liver. Dose-volume histograms were evaluated to assess plan quality.

RESULTS

Planning objectives on CTV and PTV were achieved by all techniques. Use of RA improved PTV coverage (V(95%) = 90.2% +/- 5.2% for RA compared with 82.5% +/- 9.6% and 84.5% +/- 8.2% for CRT and IM, respectively). Most planning objectives for organs at risk were met by all techniques except for the duodenum, small bowel, and stomach, in which the CRT plans exceeded the dose/volume constraints in some patients. The MU/fraction values were as follows: 2186 +/- 211 for RA, 2583 +/- 699 for IM, and 1554 +/- 153 for CRT. Effective treatment time resulted as follows: 3.7 +/- 0.4 min for RA, 10.6 +/- 1.2 min for IM, and 6.3 +/- 0.5 min for CRT.

CONCLUSIONS

Delivery of SBRT by RA showed improvements in conformal avoidance with respect to standard conformal irradiation. Delivery parameters confirmed logistical advantages of RA, particularly compared with IM.