Abstract:
Objective To investigate the efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy with gamma-knife (γ-SBRT) combined with targeted drug sorafenib and hyperthermia for the treatment of recurrent and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma.
Methods A total of 71 patients with recurrent and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma were admitted from August 2007 to December 2009. Among these patients, 39 were treated with γ-SBRT and hyperthermia (group 1); 19 were treated with γ-SBRT combined with sorafenib and hyperthermia (group 2).
Results The total efficacy rate after a three-month treatment was 83.1% (59/71). In group 1, the following results were obtained: one- and three-year local control rates of 41.0% (16/39) and 18% (7/39), respectively; one- and three-year overall survival (OS) rates of 41.2% and 17.9%, respectively; and one- and three-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates of 38.4% and 15.4%, respectively. In group 2, the following results were obtained: one- and three-year local rates of 56.3% (18/32) and 28.1% (9/32), respectively; one- and three-year OS rates of 62.5% and 28.1%, respectively; and one- and three-year PFS rates of 59.4% and 25.0%, respectively. Significant differences in OS and PFS were observed between the two groups.
Conclusion The combination of γ-SBRT with targeted drug sorafenib and hyperthermia can be used effectively to treat recurrent and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. Adverse reactions are mild, and patients can tolerate this treatment.