Comparison of efficacy and toxicity of short-course carbon ion radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma depending on their proximity to the porta hepatis

Background and purpose To compare the efficacy and toxicity of short-course carbon ion radiotherapy (C-ion RT) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in terms of tumor location adjacent to the porta hepatis or not Materials and methods. The study consisted of 64 patients undergoing C-ion RT of 52 8 GyE in lout fractions between April 2000 and March 2003 Of these patients, 18 had HCC located within 2 cm of the main portal vein (porta hepatis group) and 46 patients had HCC far from the porta hepatis (non-porta hepatis group). We compared local control, survival, and adverse events between the two groups Results. The 5-year overall survival and local control rates were 22 2% and 87 8% in the porta hepatis group and 34 8% and 95 7% in the non-porta hepatis group, respectively There were no significant differences (P = 0252, P = 0 306, respectively). Further, there were no significant differences in toxicities Biliary stricture associated with C-ion RT did not occur Conclusions Excellent local control was obtained independent of tumor location The short-course C-ion RT of 52 8 GyE in four fractions appears to be an effective and safe treatment modality in the porta hepatis group just as in the non-porta hepatis group (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd All rights reserved Radiotherapy and Oncology 96 (2010) 231-235