Transarterial chemoembolization followed by moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: Long-term results of RTF3 regimen

Abstract

Purpose: In early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients merely fit for surgery, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) achieve low long-term disease control. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of its combination with moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy (hRT) using RTF3 regimen.

Material and methods: Between 2006 and 2016, 61 consecutive patients treated in our single expert center for a Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) A HCC by TACE followed by hRT 3Gy/fraction were retrospectively included.

Results: Sixty of the 61 included presented Child-Pugh A cirrhosis (A5, n=41, 67.2%; A6: n=19, 31.1%). Fourteen patients (22.9%) were already treated for a HCC, mainly by radiofrequency (n=12). All patient received a TACE followed by 3Gy per fraction hRT. Mean radiation dose was 54Gy (range: 48-60). After a median follow-up of 118 months, median time-to-progression, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was 21.3, 18.1, and 31.5 months, respectively. In univariate analysis, PFS was related to dose > 54Gy (HR: 2, P=0.036), and OS was correlated to Child-Pugh A6 or B7 (HR: 1.93, P=0.03) and overall hRT time (HR: 1.06, P=0.015). At progression, orthotopic liver transplantation was performed in 8 patients (13.1%). Severe symptomatic adverse events occurred in 12 patients (19.7%), mainly ascites (n=7).

Conclusion: In BCLC-A Child-Pugh A HCC patients ineligible to surgery or thermoablation, TACE-hRT is a safe and effective treatment. Prospective studies are needed to compare this association with radioembolization, TACE-stereotactic radiotherapy, and systemic treatments combinations.

Keywords: Carcinome hépatocellulaire; Chimioembolisation transartérielle; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Hypofractionated radiotherapy; Radiothérapie hypofractionnée; SBRT; Transarterial chemoembolization.