The therapeutic effects of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for stage II primary liver cancer

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) in combination with transeatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for stage 11 primal. liver cancer. Methods: Eighty-one patients were retrospectively analyzed, including 36 received 3DCRT combined with TACE (Group A) and 45 received TACE alone (Group B). The short-term therapeutic effects and 1-, 2-, 3-year survival rates, average survival time of the dead patients, and side effects were compared between the two groups. Results: The follow-up rate was 100%. The numbers of patients finished 1-, 2- and 3-year follow-up were 55,19 and 6, respectively. The reponse rates were 72% in group A, and 60% in group B, which were not significant different (χ2=1.32, P>0.05). The 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates of the dead patients were 83%, 63% and 25% in group A and 75%, 37% and 8% in group B. The corresponding average survival time was 21 months and 16 months, respectively. The differences of 2- and 3- year survival rates were significant between group A and B. (χ2=4.87, P<0.05). The incidence and severity of side effects did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusions: In patients with stage II primary liver cancer, 3DCRT combined with TACE, being more effective than TACE alone, can prolong the long-term survival without increasing the toxicities. (authors)