Radiotherapy for lymph node metastases in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: retrospective study

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of external radiation therapy on lymph node metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: A total 28 patients with cytopathologically proven HCC were subjected to radiation therapy over a 5-year period, and treatment was continued in all cases. All patients underwent irradiation with a total dose ranging between 46 and 60 Gy in daily 2.0-Gy fractions, five times a week.

Results: Among the metastatic lesions treated, 18 (64%) and five (18%) patients achieved partial responses and complete responses, respectively. The 1- and 2-year overall survival rates and the median survival time were 53% and 33%, respectively, and 13 months in patients given external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for a non-palliative, near-cure intent (n = 21).

Conclusions: Although lymph node metastasis from HCC is sensitive to EBRT, the intent of EBRT should be limited to palliation. For palliative purposes, it is useful in treatment with 50 Gy in 25 fractions for these patients.