Clinical Impact of Hypofractionated Carbon Ion Radiotherapy on Locally Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) involving a major branch of the portal or hepatic vein is in a locally advanced stage and remains difficult to cure. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of carbon ion radiotherapy (C-ion RT) in locally advanced HCC (LAHCC). Methods Consecutive 11 patients with LAHCC who received C-ion RT were analyzed. The C-ion RT doses of 52.8 Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE]) and 60.0 Gy (RBE) were delivered in four fractions for standard cases and the 60.0 Gy dose was delivered in 12 fractions for close-to-gastrointestinal-tract cases. Survival and local control probabilities were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results The median follow-up duration after C-ion RT was 36.4 months. The median age at the time of registration of C-ion RT was 76 years. The median tumor size was 53 mm. The number of treatment-naïve and recurrent HCC patients was 1 and 10, respectively. Direct invasion of the major branch of the portal vein, hepatic vein, or both the portal and hepatic veins was observed in three, five, and three patients, respectively. The 3-year overall survival, local control, and progression-free survival rates were 64%, 78%, and 18%, respectively. No patient developed radiation-induced liver diseases or grade 3 or higher toxicities of acute and late phases. Conclusions C-ion RT showed favorable clinical outcomes with a high rate of local control and minimal toxicities in LAHCC. Our findings suggest that C-ion RT is a promising multidisciplinary treatment option in LAHCC.