Clinical and experimental evidence shows that hyperthermia is an effective method for treatment of cancer. We studied the effectiveness of radiation therapy combined with hyperthermia on advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).
Fifty-four cases of nonresectable HCC due to either locally advanced lesion or association with liver cirrhosis, treated with combined radiotherapy and hyperthermia between September 1985 and December 1990, at Department of Radiation Oncology,
Yonsei
University. College of Medicine, were analysed.
External radiotherapy of a total dose of 3,060 cGy/3.5wks was given. Hyperthermia was given twice a week with a total six treatment sessions using 8 MHz radiofrequency capacitive type heating device. In all cases hyperthermia was given within 30
minutes
after radiotherapy for 30-60 minutes.
Survival data, prognostic factors and complications related this treatment method were retrospectively analysed, the overall 1-year and 2-year survival rate was 42% and 20%. Median survival is 7 months.
The most significant prognostic factor in this treatment was shown in morphological types of the tumor. Single massive type showed the best treatment result.
Complications related this treatment were acceptable. In conclusion, radiotherapy combined with hyperthermia is a promising treatment method in the management of unresectable HCC.
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