Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma patients for whom transcatheter arterial chemoembolization was ineffective or unsuitable

Microinvasion in hepatocellular carcinoma: predictive factor and application for definition of clinical target volume for radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

To investigate the correlation between microinvasion and various features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to clarify the microinvasion distance from visible HCC lesions to subclinical lesions, so as to provide clinical basis for the expandable boundary of clinical target volume (CTV) from gross tumor volume (GTV) in the radiotherapy of HCC.

METHODS

HCC patients underwent hepatectomy of liver cancer in our hospital between July 2019 and November 2021 were enrolled. Data on various features and tumor microinvasion distance were collected. The distribution characteristics of microinvasion distance were analyzed to investigate its potential correlation with various features. Tumor size compared between radiographic and pathologic samples was analyzed to clarify the application of pathologic microinvasion to identify subclinical lesions of radiographic imaging.

RESULTS

The average microinvasion distance was 0.6 mm, with 95% patients exhibiting microinvasion distance less than 3.0 mm, and the maximum microinvasion distance was 4.0 mm. A significant correlation was found between microinvasion and liver cirrhosis (P = 0.036), serum albumin level (P = 0.049). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HCC patients with cirrhosis had a significantly lower risk of microinvasion (OR = 0.09, 95%CI = 0.02 ~ 0.50, P = 0.006). Tumor size was overestimated by 1.6 mm (95%CI=-12.8 ~ 16.0 mm) on radiographic size compared to pathologic size, with a mean %Δsize of 2.96% (95%CI=-0.57%~6.50%). The %Δsize ranged from - 29.03% to 34.78%.

CONCLUSIONS

CTV expanding by 5.4 mm from radiographic GTV could include all pathologic microinvasive lesions in the radiotherapy of HCC. Liver cirrhosis was correlated with microinvasion and were independent predictive factor of microinvasion in HCC.

Proton beam radiotherapy versus transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: Results of a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

This study compares survival rates, recurrence patterns, toxicity, and treatment cost in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with either transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or proton beam radiotherapy (PBT).

METHODS

Subjects with untreated HCC meeting Milan or San Francisco transplant criteria were recruited. Subjects were randomized to receive PBT (n = 36) or TACE (n = 40). Proton therapy was administered in 15 fractions over 3 weeks to a total dose of 70.2 Gy. TACE was repeated until complete or maximal response. The primary outcome measure was overall survival (OS). Secondary end points were progression-free survival (PFS), local control (LC), toxicity, and cost.

RESULTS

Of the 76 randomized patients, 74 were assessed for outcome measures. The 2-year OS for PBT versus TACE was similar at 68%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.54-0.86, and 65%, 95% CI, 0.52-0.83 (p = .80), however, median PFS was improved for PBT versus TACE (not reached vs. 12 months, p = .002). LC was improved with PBT versus TACE (hazard ratio, 5.64; 95% CI, 1.78-17.9, p = .003). Days of posttreatment hospitalization were 24 for PBT and 166 for TACE (p < .001). Total mean cost per patient for treatment and posttreatment care revealed a 28% cost savings for PBT.

CONCLUSIONS

PBT and TACE yielded similar OS for treatment of HCC, but PFS and LC were improved with PBT compared to TACE. Patients treated with PBT required fewer courses of treatment, fewer posttreatment hospitalization days, and reduced cost of treatment compared to TACE. These data support the use of PBT as a viable treatment alternative to TACE for patients with HCC within transplant criteria.

Effects of stereotactic body radiotherapy for clinical outcomes of patients with liver metastasis and hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective study

This retrospective clinical study described the treatment efficacy and safety of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for patients of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver metastasis tumors. The therapeutic effect and prognosis of patients with liver cancer treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) at the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (Shanghai, China) between July 2011 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Overall survival (OS), local control (LC) rates and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test. Local progression was defined as tumor growth after SBRT on dynamic computed tomography follow-up. Treatment-related toxicities were assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4. A total of 36 patients with liver cancer were enrolled in the present study. The prescribed dosages (14 Gy in 3 fractions or 16 Gy in 3 fractions) were applied for SBRT treatments. The median follow-up time was 21.4 months. The median OS time was 20.4 [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.6-34.2] months, and the 2-year OS rates for the total population, HCC group and liver metastasis group were 47.5, 73.3 and 34.2%, respectively. The median PFS time was 17.3 (95% CI: 11.8-22.8) months and the 2-year PFS rates for the total population, HCC group and liver metastasis group were 36.3, 44.0 and 31.4%, respectively. The 2-year LC rates for the total population, HCC group and liver metastasis group were 83.4, 85.7 and 81.6%, respectively. The most common grade IV toxicity for the HCC group was liver function impairment (15.4%), followed by thrombocytopenia (7.7%). There were no grade III/IV radiation pneumonia or digestive discomfort. The present study aimed to explore a safe, effective and non-invasive treatment method for liver tumors. At the same time, the innovation of the present study is to find a safe and effective prescription dose of SBRT in the absence of consensus on guidelines.

2022 KLCA-NCC Korea practice guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer among men in South Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle and old age. The current practice guidelines will provide useful and sensible advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 49 experts in the fields of hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology from the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2018 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions. These guidelines provide useful information and direction for all clinicians, trainees, and researchers in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

2022 KLCA-NCC Korea Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer among men in South Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle and old age. The current practice guidelines will provide useful and sensible advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 49 experts in the fields of hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology from the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2018 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions. These guidelines provide useful information and direction for all clinicians, trainees, and researchers in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

2022 KLCA-NCC Korea practice guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer among men in South Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle and old age. The current practice guidelines will provide useful and sensible advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 49 experts in the fields of hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology from the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2018 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions. These guidelines provide useful information and direction for all clinicians, trainees, and researchers in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Palliation of Main Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis

Background

Hypofractionated radiotherapy delivered for portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) located in the main portal vein is rarely exploited. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hypofractionated radiotherapy as palliative treatment for PVTT in cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

From March 2016 to July 2020, 16 patients (mean age, 59.1 ± 6.3 years; 15 men) with hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis virus-related cirrhosis who underwent hypofractionated radiotherapy for PVTT (located in the main portal vein) in our institute were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Complete response of the PVTT was observed in 4 cases (25%) with partial response in 7 cases (43.75%) and stable disease in 5 cases (31.25%). Symptom relief was observed in all 7 patients suffering from ventosity. The median time to progression was 6 months (interquartile range, IQR: 6–12 months). Eight patients (50%) failed due to primary cancer progression, 7 patients failed due to extrahepatic metastasis, and only 1 patient failed due to PVTT progression. The median overall survival was 17.4 months (IQR: 8–25 months). Grade I/II anorexia/nausea was observed in 14 patients (87.5%) and Grade I/II leukopenia was observed in 14 patients (87.5%). No complications ≥ Grade III were observed.

Conclusions

Hypofractionated radiotherapy as palliative treatment appears effective and safe for PVTT located in the main portal vein in cirrhotic patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, yielding a high rate of tumor response. Further study is warranted.

Is hepatocellular carcinoma complicated with portal vein tumor thrombosis potentially curable by radiotherapy in the form of stereotactic body radiation therapy?

PURPOSE

The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is dismal. Despite best treatment and care, the patients with this malignancy only showed 2.7-4 months of overall survival. It is debatable whether liver transplantation helps PVTT sufferers. The effectiveness of radiation therapy in treating HCC patients with PVTT should not be undervalued. By limiting the high dosage region to a small planning target volume, stereotactic radiation delivery has shifted toward hypofractionation, limiting the radiation exposure to healthy organs and tissues. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has a local control rate of 75-100%, depending on the treatment. The major limitation in SBRT for hepatocellular carcinoma with PVTT is the paucity of prospective evidence for longer periods beyond the first two years after treatment. More prospective studies/randomized clinical trials with a longer follow-up, larger sample size, and adequate statistical power are the dire need of the present situation to ascertain the curative effect of SBRT as primary therapy for advanced HCC with PVTT.

CONCLUSION

SBRT can improve survival, particularly for patients receiving multidisciplinary treatment. This review sums up our most current understanding of how radiation therapy, notably SBRT, can be used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma when combined with PVTT. Recent research has led us to believe that irradiation in the form of SBRT may cure hepatocellular carcinoma complicated by PVTT.

Advanced radiotherapy technique in hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis: Feasibility and clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND

In Thailand, individuals with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who develop portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) have a restricted treatment option because to the extent of the disease, poor underlying liver function, and non-coverage of immuno/targeted therapy. Radiotherapy (RT) plays an increasingly important function in these patients. To investigate the feasibility, efficacy, and adverse event rates, we performed a retrospective analysis of patients with HCC with PVTT who underwent 3-dimensional conformal radiation (3DCRT), intensity-modulated radiation (IMRT), volumetric-modulated radiotherapy (VMAT), and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in a single-institution.

OBJECTIVES

To examine clinical results in terms of overall survival (OS), local control (LC), response of primary tumor and PVTT, hepatic and gastrointestinal adverse reaction, and prognosis variables for OS and LC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between July 2007 and August 2019, non-metastatic HCC with PVTT patients treated with RT were retrospectively reviewed and evaluated.

RESULTS

The analysis included data from 160 patients. The mean age of the patients was 60.8 years ((95% CI 58.2-62.0). The median diameter of the tumor was 7.7 cm (range: 1-24.5). 85 (54.5%) individuals had PVTT in the main or first branch. At 1.8-10 Gy per fraction, the mean biologically effective dose (BED) as α/β ratio of 10 was 49.6 (95% CI 46.7-52.5) Gy10. The median survival time was 8.3 (95% CI 6.1-10.3) months. Survival rates at one and two years were 39.6% and 17.1%, respectively. Estimated incidence of local failure using competing risk analysis were 24% and 60% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. The overall response rate was 74%, with an 18.5 percent complete response rate. In multivariate analysis, tumor size, overall response, and radiation dose were all significant prognostic variables for OS. Hepatic unfavorable events of grade 3 and 4 were for 14.1% of the total. There was no occurrences of grade 3-4 gastrointestinal toxicity, either acute or late. Additionally, there were no treatment-related mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced RT is regarded as a safe and effective therapeutic option for HCC with PVTT. Overall survival was clearly related to tumor size, radiation dose, and tumor/PVTT response. Individuals with BED 56 Gy10 had significantly better overall survival than patients with BED 56 Gy10. A prospective randomized trial is required to validate these outcomes in order to corroborate these findings.

Salvage External Beam Radiotherapy after Incomplete Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Background and objective: Although transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been the commonest local modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), incomplete repsonse occurs especially for tumors with a large size or difficult tumor accessment. The present meta-analysis assessed the efficacy and feasibility of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) as a salvage modality after incomplete TACE. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoints included the response ratem toxicity of grade 3, and local control. Results: Twelve studies involving 757 patients were included; the median of portal vein thrombosis rate was 25%, and the pooled median of tumor size was 5.8 cm. The median prescribed dose ranged from 37.3 to 150 Gy (pooled median: 54 Gy in *EQD2). The pooled one- and two-year OS rates were 72.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 60.2-81.9%) and 50.5% (95% CI: 35.6-65.4%), respectively; the pooled response and local control rates were 72.2% (95% CI: 65.4-78.1%) and 86.6 (95% CI: 80.1-91.2%) respectively. The pooled rates of grade ≥3 gastrointestinal toxicity, radiation-induced liver disease, hepatotoxicity, and hematotoxicity were 4.1%, 3.5%, 5.7%, and 4.9%, respectively. Local control was not correlated with intrahepatic (p = 0.6341) or extrahepatic recurrences (p = 0.8529) on meta-regression analyses. Conclusion: EBRT was feasible and efficient in regard to tumor response and control; after incomplete TACE. Out-field recurrence, despite favorable local control, necessitates the combination of EBRT with systemic treatments. *Equivalent dose in 2 Gy per fraction scheme.

Axitinib in combination with radiotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a phase I clinical trial

BACKGROUND

To investigate maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of axitinib, a selective vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1-3 inhibitor, in combination with radiotherapy (RT) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

This phase I study followed the rule of traditional 3 + 3 design. Major eligibility included: (1) patients with advanced HCC unsuitable for surgery, radiofrequency ablation or transarterial chemoembolization, or who failed after prior local-regional treatment; (2) failure on sorafenib or no grant for sorafenib from health insurance system. Eligible patients with advanced HCC received axitinib for total 8 weeks during and after RT. Three cohorts with axitinib dose escalation were planned: 1 mg twice daily (level I), 2 mg twice daily (level II) and 3 mg twice daily (level III). The prescribed doses of RT ranged from 37.5 to 67.5 Gy in 15 fractions to liver tumor(s) and were determined based on an upper limit of mean liver dose of 18 Gy (intended isotoxic RT for normal liver). The primary endpoint was MTD of axitinib in combination with RT. The secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), RT in-field response rate, acute and late toxicities, overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

Total nine eligible patients received axitinib dose levels of 1 mg twice daily (n = 3), 2 mg twice daily (n = 3) and 3 mg twice daily (n = 3). Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) did not occur in the 3 cohorts; the MTD was defined as 3 mg twice daily in this study. ORR was 66.7%, including 3 complete responses and 3 partial responses, at 3 months after treatment initiation. With a median follow-up of 16.6 months, median OS was not reached, 1-year OS was 66.7%, and median PFS was 7.4 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Axitinib in combination with RT for advanced HCC was well tolerated with an axitinib MTD of 3 mg twice daily in this study. The outcome analysis should be interpreted with caution due to the small total cohort. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT02814461), Registered June 27, 2016-Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02814461.

Clinical efficacy of external beam radiotherapy complementing incomplete transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) has been commonly applied as salvage or a combination locoregional modality after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). This study reports oncologic outcomes and feasibility after application of the two modalities in our center.

METHODS

Forty consecutive patients who underwent EBRT due to incomplete responses of TACE were evaluated. Fourteen patients (35.0%) received stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and the remaining patients received conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (RT). A majority of patients who underwent SBRT received doses of 27 to 48 Gy in 3-4 fractions [median EQD₂ (Equivalent dose in 2 Gy per fraction radiotherapy): 57.0 Gy]. Conventionally fractionated RT was performed with a median EQD₂ of 47.8 Gy.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 14.4 months (range: 2.6-83.0 months). A majority (77.5%) of patients were regarded as having Child-Pugh grade A. The median tumor size was 3.4 cm (range: 0.8-20.1 cm). Ten patients (25.0%) had thrombosis at a main portal branch. The 1- and 2-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 82.2% and 42.1% and 55.8% and 32.1%, respectively. The local control rates were 89.1% and 89.1% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. The albumin level was a significant factor affecting OS (p = .002), and the BCLC stage significantly affected PFS (p = .001). Intrahepatic, out-of-field recurrence was the main cause of disease progression (60.0%), and distant metastasis developed in 12 patients (30.0%) during follow-up. Non-classic radiation-induced liver disease was seen in five (12.5%) patients, and two (5%) patients experienced grade ≥3 hepatic toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

EBRT after incomplete TACE was feasible and yielded favorable oncologic outcomes. However, disease progression related to intrahepatic failure remained a hindrance.

2018 Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer globally and the fourth most common cancer in men in Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle-aged and elderly patients. These practice guidelines will provide useful and constructive advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 44 experts in hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology in the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2014 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions.

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.

2018 Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer globally and the fourth most common cancer in men in Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle-aged and elderly patients. These practice guidelines will provide useful and constructive advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 44 experts in hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology and radiation oncology in the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2014 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions.

Does Risk-Adapted Proton Beam Therapy Have a Role as a Complementary or Alternative Therapeutic Option for Hepatocellular Carcinoma?

To evaluate the role of risk-adapted proton beam therapy (PBT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, a total of 243 HCC patients receiving risk-adapted PBT with three dose-fractionation regimens (regimen A [n = 40], B [n = 60], and C [n = 143]) according to the proximity of their gastrointestinal organs (<1 cm, 1–1.9 cm, and ≥2 cm, respectively) were reviewed: The prescribed doses to planning target volume 1 (PTV1) were 50 gray equivalents (GyE) (EQD2 [equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions], 62.5 GyE₁₀), 60 GyE (EQD2, 80 GyE₁₀), and 66 GyE (EQD2, 91.3 GyE₁₀) in 10 fractions, respectively, and those of PTV2 were 30 GyE (EQD2, 32.5 GyE₁₀) in 10 fractions. In all patients, the five-year local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 87.5% and 48.1%, respectively, with grade ≥3 toxicity of 0.4%. In regimens A, B, and C, the five-year LRFS and OS rates were 54.6%, 94.7%, and 92.4% (p < 0.001), and 16.7%, 39.2%, and 67.9% (p < 0.001), respectively. The five-year OS rates of the patients with the Modified Union for International Cancer Control (mUICC) stages I, II, III, and IVA and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages A, B, and C were 69.2%, 65.4%, 43.8%, and 26.6% (p < 0.001), respectively, and 65.1%, 40%, and 32.2% (p < 0.001), respectively. PBT could achieve promising long-term tumor control and have a potential role as a complementary or alternative therapeutic option across all stages of HCC.

Radiotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

For patients with unresectable or medically inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma, there are many local and regional therapies available, including stereotactic body radiotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and transcatheter embolic approaches. This article will describe these treatment options and review the current comparative literature, suggesting that stereotactic body radiotherapy provides similar or better tumor control and a favorable side effect profile.

Combination of novel systemic agents and radiotherapy for solid tumors - part I: An AIRO (Italian association of radiotherapy and clinical oncology) overview focused on treatment efficacy

Over the past century, technologic advances have promoted the evolution of radiation therapy into a precise treatment modality allowing for the maximal administration of dose to tumors while sparing normal tissues. In parallel with this technological maturation, the rapid expansion in understanding the basic biology and heterogeneity of cancer has led to the development of several compounds that target specific pathways. Many of them are in advanced steps of clinical development for combination treatments with radiotherapy, and can be incorporated into radiation oncology practice for a personalized approach to maximize the therapeutic gain. This review describes the rationale for combining novel agents with radiation, and provides an overview of the current landscape focused on treatment efficacy.

Network meta-analysis of treatment regimens for inoperable advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein invasion

Purpose

We assessed the efficacy and safety of different modalities using the network meta-analysis for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein invasion. The interested modalities included stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), three-dimensional radiotherapy (3D-RT) combined with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) or TACE, TACE plus sorafenib, and use of SBRT, HAIC, sorafenib, and TACE alone.

Methods

PubMed and Cochrane Library electronic databases were systematically searched for eligible studies published up to June 2017. We used network meta-analysis to compare the disease control rate (DCR) and severe adverse events for the eight interested regimens included in this analysis. Study quality was assessed following the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations method.

Results

Fifteen studies published between 2010 and 2016 involving a total of 2,359 patients were enrolled in this network meta-analysis. With indirect comparison of DCR and overall safety, the pooled results showed that RT plus HAIC was the most effective regimen in treating advanced HCC with portal vein tumor thrombosis, followed by RT plus TACE. HAIC alone and sorafenib combined with HAIC appeared least effective intervention regimens. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events of grade 3 or 4 occurred less in the patients who received SBRT alone compared with other interested regimens.

Conclusion

3D-RT combined with HAIC or TACE showed more favorable treatment responses compared with other regimens in advanced HCC patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis.

External beam radiation therapy to hepatocellular carcinoma involving inferior vena cava and/or right atrium: A meta-analysis and systemic review

PURPOSE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) involving inferior vena cava (IVC) and/or right atrium (RA) is a very rare but serious disease. The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess efficacy and safety of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for HCC involving IVC and/or RA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Systematic search of Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library published was performed. Primary endpoints were 1-year overall survival (OS) rate and 2-year OS rates. Secondary endpoints were response rate, local control (LC) rate, and grade ≥3 toxicities. According to heterogeneity evaluated with Cochran Q test and I² statistics, meta-analysis was performed using either random or fixed model.

RESULTS

A total of 8 studies and 9 cohorts were included, encompassing 164 patients. Pooled 1- and 2-year OS rates were 53.6% (95% CI: 45.7-61.3%) and 36.9% (95% CI: 27.2-42.4%), respectively. Pooled response rate and LC rate were 59.2% (95% CI: 39.0-76.7%) and 83.8% (95% CI: 78.8-97.1%), respectively. Only one study reported 2 grade ≥3 toxicities, an esophageal rupture and a pulmonary embolism cases. The overall rate of possible grade ≥3 complications was 1.2% (2 of 164).

CONCLUSIONS

EBRT is a feasible and safe option to palliate HCC with IVC and/or RA invasion.

A phase II randomized trial of Observation versus stereotactic ablative RadiatIon for OLigometastatic prostate CancEr (ORIOLE)

Background

We describe a randomized, non-blinded Phase II interventional study to assess the safety and efficacy of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) for hormone-sensitive oligometastatic prostate adenocarcinoma, and to describe the biology of the oligometastatic state using immunologic, cellular, molecular, and functional imaging correlates. 54 men with oligometastatic prostate adenocarcinoma will be accrued. The primary clinical endpoint will be progression at 6 months from randomization with the hypothesis that SABR to all metastases will forestall progression by disrupting the metastatic process. Secondary clinical endpoints will include local control at 6 months post-SABR, toxicity and quality of life, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)-free survival (ADT-FS). Further fundamental analysis of the oligometastatic state with be achieved through correlation with investigational ¹⁸F–DCFPyL PET/CT imaging and measurement of circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, and circulating T-cell receptor repertoires, facilitating an unprecedented opportunity to characterize, in isolation, the effects of SABR on the dynamics of and immunologic response to oligometastatic disease.

Methods/design

Patients will be randomized 2:1 to SABR or observation with minimization to balance assignment by primary intervention, prior hormonal therapy, and PSA doubling time. Progression after 6 months will be compared using Fisher’s exact test. Hazard ratios and Kaplan-Meier estimates of progression free survival (PFS), ADT free survival (ADT-FS), time to locoregional progression (TTLP) and time to distant progression (TTDP) will be calculated based on an intention-to-treat. Local control will be assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 criteria. Withdrawal from the study prior to 6 months will be counted as progression. Adverse events will be summarized by type and grade. Quality of life pre- and post- SABR will be measured by Brief Pain Inventory.

Discussion

The ORIOLE trial is the first randomized, non-blinded Phase II interventional study in the North America evaluating the safety and efficacy of SABR in oligometastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Leading-edge laboratory and imaging correlates will provide unique insight into the effects of SABR on the oligometastatic state.

Trial registrations

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02680587.

URL of Registry: https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02680587

Date of Registration: 02/08/2016.

Date of First Participant Enrollment: 05/23/2016.

Prognostic value of tumor volume and radiation dose in moderate-sized hepatocellular carcinoma: A multicenter analysis in Korea (KROG 14-17)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of tumor volume and radiation dose for predicting treatment outcomes in moderate-sized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).A total of 72 patients with unresectable HCC ranging in size from 5 to 10 cm were treated with high-dose radiotherapy including hypofractionated radiotherapy (HRT) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), in 3 institutions from 2003 to 2013. The HRT doses ranged from 33 to 60 Gy in 3 to 10 fractions. The primary endpoint was local progression-free survival (PFS); the secondary endpoints were overall PFS, overall survival (OS), and treatment toxicity.The median follow-up period after radiotherapy was 12.8 months. The local PFS rates at 1 and 2 years were 57.0% and 39.0%, respectively, with a median of 13.6 months. The OS rates at 1 and 2 years were 70.1% and 45.2%, respectively, with a median of 21.1 months. A gross tumor volume (GTV) of 214 cm and a total dose of 105 Gy10 were identified as the optimal cutoff values of radiotherapeutic factors for local PFS. Patients with GTV ≤ 214 cm and total dose >105 Gy10 had significant higher 2-year local PFS and OS than patients with GTV >214 cm and total dose ≤ 105 Gy10 (P = .020 for local PFS, P = .009 for OS).The optimal cutoff values of GTV ≤ 214 cm and total dose >105 Gy10 may be useful for predicting survival outcomes when treating moderate-sized HCC with high-dose radiotherapy.

Effect of yttrium-90 radioembolization on outcomes in Asian patients with early to advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of yttrium-90 radioembolization on the outcome of Asian patients with early to advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Sixty-two patients were screened and 50 patients (80.6%) were eligible. Response was evaluated using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), and overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage was A in 40% of patients, B in 24%, and C in 36%; 66% of patients had hepatitis B virus infections. According to RECIST criteria, partial responses occurred in 40% of patients, and stable disease was achieved in 46%. Tumor response was significantly associated with BCLC stage (P = 0.003). The median overall time to progression was 5.8 months (range, 0.9-46.1 months). Follow-up treatments after radioembolization were carried out in 31 patients due to remnant HCC (n = 18) or HCC progression (n = 13). The median overall survival was 40.9 months (95% confidence interval, 10.2-71.6 months). Treatment was tolerable except for one lung toxicity and two hepatic toxicities.

CONCLUSION

Yttrium-90 radioembolization appears to be well tolerated and effective in Asian patients with BCLC stage A-C HCC. Follow-up treatments after radioembolization can be safely provided.

External beam radiotherapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, an international multicenter phase I trial, SAKK 77/07 and SASL 26

PURPOSE

To assess feasibility and safety of conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (cfRT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Patients with histologically confirmed stage cT1-4, cN0-1 HCC and Child-Pugh Score (CPS) A or B disease were included in a phase I multicenter trial. Metastatic HCC were allowed if ≥90% of total tumor volume was located within the liver. Patients were enrolled onto five dose-escalation levels (54-70Gy in 2Gy fractions) based on a modified 3 + 3 design, with cohorts of five patients instead of three patients in dose levels 4 and 5. Primary trial endpoint was dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), as specifically defined for 17 clinical and nine laboratory parameters as grade ≥3 or ≥4 toxicity (CTCAE vs. 3). The threshold to declare a dose level as maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was defined as a DLT rate of ≤16.7% in dose levels 1-3, and ≤10% in dose levels 4-5. Best objective response of target liver lesions and adverse events (AE's) were assessed as secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

The trial was terminated early in DL 3 due to low accrual. Nineteen patients were recruited. Fifteen patients were evaluable for the primary and 18 for the secondary endpoints. Maximum tolerated dose was not reached. One patient in dose level 1, and one patient in dose level 2 experienced DLT (lipase > 5xULN, and neutrophils <500/μL respectively). However, dose level 3 (62Gy) was completed, with no DLTs in 3 patients. Overall, 56% of patients had a partial response and 28% showed stable disease according to RECIST. No signs of radiation induced liver disease (RILD). Two patients in dose level 3 experienced lymphocytopenia grade 4, with no clinical impact.

CONCLUSION

Conventionally fractionated radiotherapy of 58Gy to even large HCC was safe for patients with CPS A and B. 62Gy was delivered to three patients without any sign of clinically relevant increased toxicity. The maximum tolerated dose could not be determined.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00777894 , registered October 21st, 2008.

Radiotherapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumour thrombosis in a hepatitis B endemic area

BACKGROUND & AIMS

This nationwide, multicenter study investigated treatment outcomes as well as the optimal radiotherapeutic strategy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein tumour thrombosis (PVTT).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 985 patients who received radiotherapy (RT) for PVTT. The median equivalent RT dose was 48.75 Gy. Combined treatment, defined as liver-directed treatments performed within a month of RT, was administered to 657 patients (66.7%). The PVTT and primary tumour were irradiated in 413 patients (41.9%), and PVTT only was targeted in 572 patients (58.1%).

RESULTS

The response rate of the PVTT was 51.8%, and RT responders had a significantly longer survival than non-responders (15.2 vs. 6.9 months). Equivalent RT dose and combined treatment predicted response of PVTT. The median overall survival (OS) was 10.2 months. Multivariate analysis revealed the equivalent RT dose ˃45 Gy and combined treatment as significant positive factors for OS. In the propensity score matching analysis, the combined treatment group had better OS than the no combined treatment group, whereas the OS of the PVTT + primary tumour group did not differ significantly from that of the PVTT only group.

CONCLUSION

The equivalent RT dose ˃45 Gy, given in combination with other treatments, provided better PVTT control and OS. The optimal RT volume is suggested for either PVTT + primary or PVTT only. Taken together, multimodal treatment with equivalent RT dose higher than 45 Gy is recommended for patients with HCC and PVTT.

Management of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis: Review and update at 2016

Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is a common phenomenon in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Compared to HCC without PVTT, HCC with PVTT is characterized by an aggressive disease course, worse hepatic function, a higher chance of complications related to portal hypertension and poorer tolerance to treatment. Conventionally, HCC with PVTT is grouped together with metastatic HCC during the planning of its management, and most patients are offered palliative treatment with sorafenib or other systemic agents. As a result, most data on the management of HCC with PVTT comes from subgroup analyses or retrospective series. In the past few years, there have been several updates on management of HCC with PVTT. First, it is evident that HCC with PVTT consists of heterogeneous subgroups with different prognoses. Different classifications have been proposed to stage the degree of portal vein invasion/thrombosis, suggesting that different treatment modalities may be individualized to patients with different risks. Second, more studies indicate that more aggressive treatment, including surgical resection or locoregional treatment, may benefit select HCC patients with PVTT. In this review, we aim to discuss the recent conceptual changes and summarize the data on the management of HCC with PVTT.

The response of thrombosis in the portal vein or hepatic vein in hepatocellular carcinoma to radiation therapy

Purpose

The purpose of current study is to evaluate the response of the patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) or hepatic vein thrombosis (HVT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT). In addition, survival of patients and potential prognostic factors of the survival was evaluated.

Materials and Methods

Forty-seven patients with PVT or HVT in HCC, referred to our department for radiotherapy, were retrospectively reviewed. For 3D-CRT plans, a gross tumor volume (GTV) was defined as a hypodense filling defect area in the portal vein (PV) or hepatic vein (HV). Survival of patients, and response to radiation therapy (RT) were analyzed. Potential prognostic factors for survival and response to RT were evaluated.

Results

The median survival time of 47 patients was 8 months, with 1-year survival rate of 15% and response rate of 40%. Changes in Child-Pugh score, response to RT, Eastern cooperative oncology group performance status (ECOG PS), hepatitis C antibody (HCVAb) positivity, and additional post RT treatment were statistically significant prognostic factors for survival in univariate analysis (p = 0.000, p = 0.018, p = 0.000, p = 0.013, and p = 0.047, respectively). Of these factors, changes in Child-Pugh score, and response to RT were significant for patients’ prognosis in multivariate analysis (p = 0.001 and p = 0.035, respectively).

Conclusion

RT could constitute a reasonable treatment option for patients with PVT or HVT in HCC with acceptable toxicity. Changes in Child-Pugh score, and response to RT were statistically significant factors of survival of patients.

Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumour thrombosis: evaluating effectiveness of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score compared with the Child-Pugh classification

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score compared with the Child-Pugh classification in patients who received three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D CRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumour thrombosis (PVTT) by analyzing toxicity and prognostic factors.

METHODS

56 consecutive patients who had locally advanced HCC with PVTT treated by 3D CRT between September 2007 and April 2013 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

The median survival time of all patients was 6.4 months. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified MELD score = 7.5 [area under the curve (AUC) 0.81] and Child-Pugh score = 6.5 (AUC 0.86) as the best cut-off values for predicting the incidence of complications over Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 2. There was no significant difference in the discrimination power between the MELD score and the Child-Pugh score on comparison of the two ROC curves (p = 0.17). On multivariate analysis, age, MELD score and radiotherapy dose were significant prognostic factors for overall survival (p = 0.021, 0.038 and 0.006, respectively). In contrast, the Child-Pugh classification, tumour response, PVTT response and the number of prior interventional radiologic treatments were not significant on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the best MELD score cut-off value is 7.5 and that the MELD score is a better prognostic factor than the Child-Pugh classification in 3D CRT for HCC with PVTT.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

The MELD score is useful for predicting the risk of severe toxicities and the prognosis of patients treated with 3D CRT for PVTT.

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.

Optimal Selection of Radiotherapy as Part of a Multimodal Approach for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

A multimodal approach to treatment is a basic oncologic principle with proven survival benefits for most cancer types. However, existing guidelines recommend single modalities for treating each stage of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nonetheless, multimodal approaches can be considered for HCC, depending on the characteristics of the disease in individual cases. Radiotherapy (RT), an effective local modality, is a critical element of most multimodal approaches. Improved RTtechnology and increased understanding of the tolerance of the liver to radiation have contributed to the popularity of RT for treating liver tumors in clinical practice. Consequently, numerous reports have described the effects of RT on liver cancer, despite a lack of stringent evidence for its benefits. RT can be delivered using various technologies and approaches, which may be the source of some confusion. For example, high-dose ablative RT can be curative on its own, or high-dose ablative or conventional RT can complement other treatments such as radiofrequency ablation and transarterial chemoembolization. Combinations of systemic agents and RT can also be applied. This review discusses the optimal selection of RT as part of a multimodal approach for HCC.

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.

Role of 3-D conformal radiotherapy for major portal vein tumor thrombosis combined with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM

To evaluate the response, survival and safety on 3-D conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) for major portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) combined with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 83 advanced HCC patients treated with HAIC who met the following criteria were enrolled: (i) PVTT of the main trunk or first branch of the portal vein; (ii) no extrahepatic metastasis; (iii) Child-Pugh score of 5-7; (iv) performance status of 0 or 1; and (v) no history of sorafenib treatment. The response, overall survival (OS), time to treatment failure (TTF), post-progression survival (PPS) and safety were compared between HAIC combined with 3D-CRT for PVTT (RT group, n = 41) and HAIC alone (non-RT group, n = 42).

RESULTS

The objective response of PVTT was significantly higher in the RT group (56.1%) than in the non-RT group (33.3%), while that of intrahepatic tumor and OS were not significantly different between groups. Median OS, TTF and PPS were significantly longer in the RT group than in the non-RT group (8.6 and 5.0 months, 5.0 and 2.7 months, and 5.3 and 1.5 months, respectively) among intrahepatic tumor non-responders to HAIC, whereas those were not significantly different between groups among intrahepatic tumor responders to HAIC. By multivariate analysis, the combination of 3D-CRT with HAIC was an independent contributing factor for OS (hazard ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.692-6.021; P < 0.001) among intrahepatic HCC non-responders to HAIC.

CONCLUSION

3D-CRT for PVTT combined with HAIC could provide survival benefit to non-responder to HAIC.

2014 KLCSG-NCC Korea Practice Guideline for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The guideline for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was first developed in 2003 and revised in 2009 by the Korean Liver Cancer Study Group and the National Cancer Center, Korea. Since then, many studies on HCC have been carried out in Korea and other countries. In particular, a substantial body of knowledge has been accumulated on diagnosis, staging, and treatment specific to Asian characteristics, especially Koreans, prompting the proposal of new strategies. Accordingly, the new guideline presented herein was developed on the basis of recent evidence and expert opinions. The primary targets of this guideline are patients with suspicious or newly diagnosed HCC. This guideline provides recommendations for the initial treatment of patients with newly diagnosed HCC.

2014 Korean Liver Cancer Study Group-National Cancer Center Korea practice guideline for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

The guideline for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was first developed in 2003 and revised in 2009 by the Korean Liver Cancer Study Group and the National Cancer Center, Korea. Since then, many studies on HCC have been carried out in Korea and other countries. In particular, a substantial body of knowledge has been accumulated on diagnosis, staging, and treatment specific to Asian characteristics, especially Koreans, prompting the proposal of new strategies. Accordingly, the new guideline presented herein was developed on the basis of recent evidence and expert opinions. The primary targets of this guideline are patients with suspicious or newly diagnosed HCC. This guideline provides recommendations for the initial treatment of patients with newly diagnosed HCC.

Image-guided therapies in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: A multidisciplinary perspective

A multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has led to improvements in screening, detection, and treatments. Interventional techniques include thermal ablation, transarterial chemoembolization, and radioembolization whilst stereotactic body radiation therapy also uses imaging to target the radiation. Both survival rates and cure rates have improved markedly since the introduction of these techniques. This review article describes the image guided techniques used for the treatment of HCC.

Advances in non-surgical management of primary liver cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. There have been great improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC in recent years, but the problems, including difficult diagnosis at early stage, quick progression, and poor prognosis remain unsolved. Surgical resection is the mainstay of the treatment for HCC. However, 70%-80% of HCC patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage when most are ineligible for potentially curative therapies such as surgical resection and liver transplantation. In recent years, non-surgical management for unrespectable HCC, such as percutaneous ethanol injection, percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, biotherapy, and hormonal therapy have been developed. These therapeutic options, either alone or in combination, have been shown to control tumor growth, prolong survival time, and improve quality of life to some extent. This review covers the current status and progress of non-surgical management for HCC.

Curative effect of stereotactic body radiotherapy on hepatic hilar carcinoma

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) on hepatic hilar tumors. Between October, 2006 and October, 2012, we analyzed 63 unresectable hepatic hilar tumors that were treated by SBRT at the Department of Radiation Oncology, 323 Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Xi'an, China. The patients received a total radiation dose of 45 Gy (range, 44-48 Gy) with a dose fractionation of 3-6 Gy/fx, administered for a total of 9-12 times, 2-5 times/week. At 1 and 3 months we evaluated therapeutic efficacy and 1- and 2-year survival rate. At 1 month, the patients exhibiting complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD) were 15 (23.8%), 34 (54.0%), 11 (17.5%) and 3 (4.7%), respectively. At 3 months, the number of cases with CR, PR, SD and PD was 22 (34.9%), 32 (50.8%), 3 (4.8%) and 6 (9.5%), respectively. The total effective rate, defined as CR + PR, was 85.7% (54/63). The number of patients with a tumor diameter of ≤5 cm in the CR, PR, SD and PD groups was 13 (72.2%), 4 (22.2%), 1 (5.6%) and 0 (0.0%), respectively. The number of patients with a tumor diameter of >5 cm in the CR, PR, SD and PD groups was 9 (20.0%), 28 (62.2%), 6 (13.3%) and 2 (4.5%), respectively. The 1-year survival rate of patients with a tumor diameter >5 cm was 71.4% (45/63) and the 2-year survival rate was 42.9% (27/63). In conclusion, SBRT appears to be a safe and effective treatment for hepatic hilar tumors.

Conventional fractionated helical tomotherapy for patients with small to medium hepatocellular carcinomas without portal vein tumor thrombosis

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of conventional fractionated helical tomotherapy in patients with small to medium hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) without portal vein tumor thrombosis.

Methods

Patients with up to four HCC lesions not treatable by surgery or percutaneous ablative therapies, <10 cm in the longest diameter, and no evidence of major vascular invasion were included. From January 2008 to January 2013, 20 patients with 33 tumors met the eligibility criteria and received definitive or salvage helical tomotherapy. The most commonly prescribed dose fractionation schedule was a total dose of 50 Gy with a daily dose of 2.5 Gy. Treatment response, survival, and radiation-induced toxicities were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The median follow-up period after radiotherapy for all patients was 24.9 (range 7.8–79.2) months. Objective responses (complete response or partial response) occurred in 30 of 33 lesions (90.9%). Eight (24.2%) lesions showed local recurrence and the actuarial local control rate at 2 years was 69.5%. Intrahepatic recurrence-free survival and overall survival rates at 2 years were 45.7% and 71.1%, respectively. Age, Child–Pugh class, tumor response, local recurrence status, and intrahepatic recurrence status were significantly associated with overall survival on univariate analysis. Among these parameters, only local recurrence status showed marginal statistical significance on multivariate analysis (P=0.068). The overall survival rate at 2 years was 50% for patients who experienced local recurrence, but 87.5% for those who did not. No patient experienced grade 2 or greater general or gastrointestinal toxicity. There were no cases of radiation-induced liver disease.

Conclusion

Conventional fractionated helical tomotherapy for patients with less than four small to medium HCCs without portal vein tumor thrombosis yielded favorable local control and overall survival without severe complications.

A prospective phase 2 multicenter study for the efficacy of radiation therapy following incomplete transarterial chemoembolization in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and toxicity of radiation therapy (RT) following incomplete transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The study was designed as a prospective phase 2 multicenter trial. Patients with unresectable HCC, who had viable tumor after TACE of no more than 3 courses, were eligible. Three-dimensional conformal RT (3D-CRT) was added for HCC treatment with incomplete uptake of iodized oil, and the interval from TACE to RT was 4 to 6 weeks. The primary endpoint of this study was the tumor response after RT following incomplete TACE in unresectable HCC. Secondary endpoints were patterns of failure, progression-free survival (PFS), time to tumor progression (TTP), overall survival (OS) rates at 2 years, and treatment-associated toxicity. Survival was calculated from the start of RT.

RESULTS

Between August 2008 and December 2010, 31 patients were enrolled. RT was delivered at a median dose of 54 Gy (range, 46-59.4 Gy) at 1.8 to 2 Gy per fraction. A best objective in-field response rate was achieved in 83.9% of patients, with complete response (CR) in 22.6% of patients and partial response in 61.3% of patients within 12 weeks post-RT. A best objective overall response rate was achieved in 64.5% of patients with CR in 19.4% of patients and PR in 45.1% of patients. The 2-year in-field PFS, PFS, TTP, and OS rates were 45.2%, 29.0%, 36.6%, and 61.3%, respectively. The Barcelona Clinic liver cancer stage was a significant independent prognostic factor for PFS (P=.023). Classic radiation-induced liver disease was not observed. There were no treatment-related deaths or hepatic failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Early 3D-CRT following incomplete TACE is a safe and practical treatment option for patients with unresectable HCC.

Multimodality Management for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage C Hepatocellular Carcinoma

This review summarizes the contents of a workshop on multimodality management for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) held on July 6, 2013, under the auspices of the 4th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting Scientific Advisory Committee. BCLC stage C HCC represents a varied disease spectrum and, therefore, further stratification of BCLC stage C should be explored. Although sorafenib is currently the standard treatment for BCLC stage C HCC, the survival benefits are modest and new treatment strategies are still needed. Based on the opinions of Asian experts, there are numerous alternative options aside from sorafenib for the treatment of BCLC stage C HCC, including surgical resection, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy, transarterial chemoembolization, and external radiotherapy. Moreover, there are several studies on the multimodality management of BCLC stage C HCC, mainly in the form of retrospective studies and a few phase I and II trials. Multimodality management with combinations of various locoregional therapies or locoregional therapies with systemic targeted therapy using sorafenib needs to be actively investigated. The Asia-Pacific clinical practice guidelines on multimodality management for BCLC stage C HCC need recommendations based on the level of evidence, the strength of the data, and the strength of recommendations of previously reported systems.

Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for portal vein tumor thrombosis alone in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose

We sought to evaluate the clinical outcomes of 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) for portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) alone in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data on 46 patients who received 3D-CRT for PVTT alone between June 2002 and December 2011. Response was evaluated following the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Prognostic factors and 1-year survival rates were compared between responders and non-responders.

Results

Thirty-seven patients (80.4%) had category B Child-Pugh scores. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score was 2 in 20 patients. Thirty patients (65.2%) had main or bilateral PVTT. The median irradiation dose was 50 Gy (range, 35 to 60 Gy) and the daily median dose was 2 Gy (range, 2.0 to 2.5 Gy). PVTT response was classified as complete response in 3 patients (6.5%), partial response in 12 (26.1%), stable disease in 19 (41.3%), and progressive disease in 12 (26.1%). There were 2 cases of grade 3 toxicities during or 3 months after radiotherapy. Twelve patients in the responder group (15 patients) received at least 50 Gy irradiation, but about 84% of patients in the non-responder group received less than 50 Gy. The 1-year survival rate was 66.8% in responders and 27.4% in non-responders constituting a statistically significant difference (p = 0.008).

Conclusion

Conformal radiotherapy for PVTT alone could be chosen as a palliative treatment modality in patients with unfavorable conditions (liver, patient, or tumor factors). However, more than 50 Gy of radiation may be required.

Phase 2 study of combined sorafenib and radiation therapy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

This phase 2 study evaluated the efficacy of radiation therapy (RT) with concurrent and sequential sorafenib therapy in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Forty patients with unresectable HCC unfit for transarterial chemoembolization were treated with RT with concurrent and sequential sorafenib. Sorafenib was administered from the commencement of RT at a dose of 400 mg twice daily and continued to clinical or radiologic progression, unacceptable adverse events, or death. All patients had underlying Child-Pugh A cirrhosis. The maximal tumor diameter ranged from 3.0 cm to 15.5 cm. Coexisting portal vein thrombosis was found in 24 patients and was irradiated simultaneously. The cumulative RT dose ranged from 40 Gy to 60 Gy (median, 50 Gy). Image studies were done 1 month after RT and then every 3 months thereafter.

RESULTS

Thirty-three (83%) completed the allocated RT. During RT, the incidence of hand-foot skin reactions ≥ grade 2 and diarrhea were 37.5% and 25%, respectively, and 35% of patients had hepatic toxicities grade ≥2. Twenty-two (55.0%) patients achieved complete or partial remission at the initial assessment, and 18 (45%) had stable or progressive disease. The 2-year overall survival and infield progression-free survival (IFPS) were 32% and 39%, respectively. A Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score ≥2 was associated with an inferior outcome in overall survival. Six patients (15%) developed treatment-related hepatic toxicity grade ≥3 during the sequential phase, and 3 of them were fatal.

CONCLUSIONS

When RT and sorafenib therapy were combined in patients with unresectable HCC, the initial complete or partial response rate was 55% with a 2-year IFPS of 39%. A CLIP score ≥2 was associated with an inferior outcome in overall survival. Hepatic toxicities are a major determinant of the safety; the combination should be used with caution and needs further investigation.

Simultaneous integrated boost-intensity modulated radiation therapy for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

The aim of this work was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of simultaneous integrated boost-intensity modulated radiation therapy (SIB-IMRT) in patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A total of 53 patients with inoperable HCC underwent SIB-IMRT using two dose-fractionation schemes, depending on the proximity of gastrointestinal structures. The 41 patients in the low dose-fractionation (LD) group, with internal target volume (ITV) < 1 cm from gastrointestinal structures, received total doses of 55 and 44 Gy in 22 fractions to planning target volume 1 (PTV1) and 2 (PTV2), respectively. The 12 patients in the high dose-fractionation (HD) group, with ITV ≥ 1 cm from gastrointestinal structures, received total doses of 66 and 55 Gy in 22 fractions to the PTV1 and PTV2, respectively.

RESULTS

Overall, treatment was well tolerated, with no grade > 3 toxicity. The LD group had larger sized tumors (median: 6 vs. 3.4 cm) and greater frequencies of vascular invasion (80.6 vs. 16.7 %) than patients in the HD group (p < 0.05 each). The median overall survival (OS) was 25.1 mKonzept ist machbar und sicheronths and the actuarial 2-year local progression-free survival (LPFS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and OS rates were 67.3, 14.7, and 54.7  %, respectively. The HD group tended to show better tumor response (100 vs. 62.2 %, p = 0.039) and 2-year LPFS (85.7 vs. 59  %, p = 0.119), RFS (38.1 vs. 7.3 %, p = 0.063), and OS (83.3 vs. 44.3 %, p = 0.037) rates than the LD group. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor response was significantly associated with OS.

CONCLUSION

SIB-IMRT is feasible and safe for patients with inoperable HCC.

Radiotherapeutic options for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis

Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is a common paraneoplastic condition in advanced primary hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatobiliary tract malignancies. Tumors with PVTT are frequently associated with adverse and aggressive features such as intrahepatic tumor dissemination, early treatment failure, or deterioration of hepatic function. Therefore, the treatment outcomes for PVTT in historical series are often dismal and discouraging. More recently, beneficial effects and excellent outcomes of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for treating this disease have been reported, and the use of EBRT is becoming more common because of the non-invasive nature of RT and rapid advances in RT technology. We hope to be able to cure this devastating condition in the near future with more advanced and efficacious disease management strategies. The current status and clinical trial results for EBRT as a promising treatment option for managing PVTT will be discussed here.

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.