Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) in the treatment of malignant tumors.
Methods: Between May 1998 and Dec. 2001, 874 patients underwent 3D-CRT (median total dose of 50 Gy, ranging from 30 to 84 Gy in 3 to 41 fractions completed within 7 to 41 d) for malignant tumors. The clinical tumor volume (CTV) was totally encompassed within the exposure by 90 % of the prescribed irradiation dose. 6 MV X ray was used and CT image studies before and one year after 3D-CRT were performed to assess the therapeutic effect.
Results: Complete remission of the tumor occurred in 38.1 % (390/1 024) of the cases, partial remission in 55.5 % (568/1 024) and no remission in 5.8 % (59/1 024), with 0.68 % (7/1 024) of the cases showing signs of tumor progression. CT image studies demonstrated obviously weakened enhancement of the tumor residual after treatment, and Doppler ultrasound revealed decreased blood supply of the tumors. The high alpha-fetoprotein levels in patients with hepatic cellular carcinoma (HCC) was significantly reduced (P=0.003). In terms of the adverse effect, 85 patients complained of inertia after radiotherapy, 90 of loss of appetite.
Conclusion: 3D-CRT is an effective method of treatment in patients with malignant tumors.