Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy and Periodic Irradiation with the Deep Insipration Breath- Hold Technique for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
PITTAYAPOOM PATTARANUTAPORN,M.D.*, NANTAKAN IEUMWANANONTHACHAI,M.D. *, KALA Y A ONNOMDEE, B.Sc. **, RACHANEE SANTISIRI, B.Sc. ** YAOWALAK CHANSILPA,M.D.*, CHUMPOT KAKANAPORN, M.Sc. *, NIRAMON MUNGKUNG, B.Sc.**,
Affiliation : * Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol Univesity, Bangkok 10700, ** Department of Radiology, Sri siam Hospital, Bangkok 10230, Thailand.
Nine cases of primary hepatocellular carcinoma were treated with 3D-conformal radiation therapy using computerized planning system. This technique permits the precise delivery of a high dose of radiation to the target while sparing most of the normal liver tissue. In order to decrease the effect of organ movement related to respiration, periodical irradiation was combined with the deep inspiration breath-hold technique. The radiation dose was equivalent to conventional radiation with a total dose of 50-70 Gy with 2 Gy, 5 times a week. Irradiation was given in 1-10 fractions which encompassed the target with 90 per cent isodose line. The patients tolerated the treatment pro- cedure well without any complications inherent to the technique. The tumors were decreased in size, the pain symptom and abdominal discomfort were relieved for 3-20 months. This technique is an effective and safe treatment for palliation in hepatocellular carcinoma especially in locally advanced stages with large or multiple lesions. However, long term follow-up should be done to evaluate the late radiation effect and clinical outcome.
Keywords : Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Three-Dimentional Conformal Radiationa Therpy, Periodic Irradiation with Deep Inspiration Breath-Hold Technique
