[Concurrent chemo-radiation therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis].

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis has a poor prognosis. This study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic effects of concurrent chemo-radiation therapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis.

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

Concurrent chemo-radiation therapy achieved favorable results in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis and can be considered as a treatment option for the management of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.